Huey Lewis headlines at the beach
As we mentioned before, waiting until the last minute to purchase concert tickets at the beach during the height of the summer season can be a risky proposition.
Many shows have been selling out in advance, particularly at the Freeman Stage at Bayside in Selbyville. This will be the case again with Freeman’s Wednesday, July 27, appearance by Huey Lewis & the News, for which tickets disappeared long ago. This area sees frequent appearances by ‘80s favorites such as Rick Springfield and Pat Benatar, but I can’t recall Huey Lewis and his band visiting Delmarva with their sizable catalog of pop hits — ever.
At press time, tickets were still available for a Freeman concert happening on the previous evening: Blues-pop songstress Grace Potter, who will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 ($39). While she is known for her hard-rocking output with her backing band, The Nocturnals, Potter also released a solo album last year which features a much poppier sound. Expect a mix of tunes from throughout her career at Tuesday’s concert, for which attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair to sit in — although there will be a standing section set aside in front of the stage for those who want to rock out.
In other music news, The Starboard nightclub in Dewey Beach was packed to the rafters July 7 for its annual, solo acoustic appearance by Philly singer-songwriter G. Love. Those who missed the show will have another chance, as Seacrets in Ocean City has announced that G. Love will plug in for an electric show with his band, Special Sauce, at 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 ($20).
Elsewhere in Dewey Beach, the Bottle & Cork nightclub has a ton of great shows in the offing. National hard rockers Buckcherry will raise the roof on Friday, July 22 ($30). On Monday, July 25, legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy will wow the crowd ($52 in advance, $60 at the door barring a sellout). I was lucky enough to catch one of his previous Cork appearances, where he took advantage of his wireless, polka dot-laden guitar and walked outside and around the building before returning to the stage — all while soloing. Alternative quartet Fuel will have opening act Lovebettie in tow on Tuesday, July 26 ($25), while Robert Randolph & his Family Band will mix blues, gospel and R&B on Wednesday, July 27 (also $25).
In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Dogfish Head brewpub will present two bands for the price of none on Saturday, July 23. New York City R&B act People’s Champs will headline the show; the group’s horn section has been employed by Beyonce for two of her albums. Indie-rock siblings Jocelyn and Chris Arndt will open the free concert at 10 p.m. Looking ahead, don’t forget about Dogfish’s Friday, Aug. 5 freebie by Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller.
Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
This Week’s Must-See List
•Buddy Guy at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Monday, July 25. $52, $60
•Huey Lewis & the News at the Freeman Stage at Bayside in Selbyville at 7:30 p.m. Wednesay, July 27. Sold out
•The Lonely Teardrops (9:30 p.m.) with The Primitive Finks (11:30 p.m.) at The Alibi Room in Ocean City on Thursday, July 28. Free
•Jocelyn & Chris Arndt (10 p.m.) and People’s Champs (11 p.m.) at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, July 23. Free
•Penny Pistolero at the Burley Oak Brewery in Berlin at 9 p.m. Friday, July 22. Free