Sun, sand and surf aren’t the only attractions at area beaches as the weather warms and the crowds grow. Seasonal concert series are kicking off at various coastal music spots.
In Ocean City, the Cowboy Coast Coast Saloon’s annual Throwback Thursday concerts will begin June 9 with the return of national rock headliner Puddle of Mudd ($25). A club spokesperson said the proceedings shall commence with an opening set by Mick Blankenship at about 8 p.m.
Looking ahead a month, the saloon is also selling tickets for a Thursday, July 21, show featuring country singer Colt Ford ($20).
Elsewhere in OC, Seacrets will present its first concert of the season as reggae-rock group Ballyhoo makes its annual appearance Wednesday, June 15. As was the case last year, the touring quartet from Baltimore will play the outdoor beach stage ($10 or free with local ID). Opening act the Harbor Boys will kick things off at 7 p.m.
In Selbyville, the Freeman Arts Pavilion had a successful opening last weekend that included disco favorite KC & the Sunshine Band on Friday, June 3.
Next up is a triple bill of indie rock and alternative music at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 10. The lineup consists of Guster, the Wood Brothers and the David Wax Museum ($44, $54). Beatles fans may want to visit Freeman at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 11, to experience The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute ($29).
Both of this weekend’s outdoor shows will be general admission with “bring your own chair” seating.
Speaking of outdoor shows — remember to check out the social media pages of your favored venues before venturing out if the weather seems iffy.
Last weekend’s third annual Jellyfish Festival in Ocean City drew a great crowd to the Inlet on Saturday, June 4, for headliner Jimmy Charles. However, the Sunday, June 5, portion had to be canceled outright due to estimated 20- to 30-mph winds that created a sand storm that morning.
In Berlin, the Ocean Downs Casino will host a free event Friday, June 10, in conjunction with Ocean City’s annual Air Show. A 6 p.m. party will allow patrons to mingle with military jet pilots, and watch the American Legion Color Guard perform.
At 7:45 p.m., tribute act Tramps Like Us will rock the house as it recreates the look and sound of Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band.
Back in coastal Sussex County, Dewey Beach’s Bottle & Cork nightclub has a free concert with an interesting twist set for 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 10. Mars Junction will perform cover songs by Nirvana, the Strokes, U2, the Killers and Blink-182, which isn’t a stretch for a Friday night in Dewey.
What is unique is that Mars Junction travels and performs internationally, as it is fronted by 39-year-old twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who are cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. Also upcoming at the Cork is a 8 p.m. Thursday, June 15, concert by country star Dylan Scott ($30 in advance, $33 at the door).
In Milton, Hudson Fields will host an event outside at the Revelation Beer Garden from 2-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11.
The annual Concert & Beer Bash Fundraiser for the Lewes Fire Department will again feature music by The Funsters, who will be joined by special guests Trent & the Trainwreck ($20 in advance, $25 at the gate). The rain date for the bring-your-own-chair shindig is Sunday, June 12.
Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
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