ENTERTAINMENT

Summer beach concerts closing out in style

Roger Hillis
Special to The News Journal

As the summer tourist season slowly comes to a close, seasonal music venues are winding down their annual concerts with a bang.

In Dewey Beach, the decades-old Bottle & Cork nightclub is celebrating a milestone Friday, Aug. 26 — namely, its 80th anniversary. Tickets to the event sold out almost immediately when it was announced that former cover band favorite Mr. Greengenes would reunite for one night only; Love Seed Mama Jump will also be on hand to warm up the crowd. Fans lucky enough to attend will likely be talking about this show for a long time to come.

That isn’t all that is going on at the Cork in the coming evenings. British ska act The English Beat will make its semi-annual appearance on Sunday, Aug. 28 ($20). Check out the interview from Ryan Cormier with Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Lucinda Williams, who will play the Cork on Wednesday, Aug. 31 ($35). The Williams booking is quite a coup for the venerable nightspot, and had long been a personal goal of Cork owner Alex Pires (who tells me he is a major fan.)

In Selbyville, the Freeman Stage at Bayside continues to present stars under the stars with its outdoor concerts. Reggae favorite The Wailers will play songs by its former leader, the legendary Bob Marley, during a sold-out show Saturday, Aug. 27. Looking ahead a week, pop stars Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer will take the stage Saturday, Sept. 3 ($45 to $95). We’ll have more on that impressive double bill next week.

In Ocean City, Pepper’s Tavern on the Boardwalk will live up to its reputation as one of the area’s few punk rock spots with a Saturday, Aug. 27, triple bill ($5). Headliner Joe Jack Talcum of the Dead Milkmen is certain to sing his signature power-pop ditty “Punk Rock Girl.” Philadelphia-based Sherwin will play a set, as will Rehoboth Beach’s own Mirrors & Wires.

Speaking of Rehoboth — the Dogfish Head brewpub has a pair of shows this weekend, and it has also announced some post-Labor Day shindigs. Southern alternative act Drivin’ & Cryin’ has been tapped to return for a freebie at 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, while Florida reggae act The Hip Abduction will pay a visit at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. National indie-rock label Bloodshot Records has a pair of singer-guitarists from its roster performing next month. Dexter Romweber will play Friday, Sept. 10, followed by Luke Winslow-King on Friday, Sept. 23. All of these shows are free; on behalf of many a music fan — thank you, Dogfish!

E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This Week’s Must-See List

•Bottle & Cork’s 80th anniversary party with Mr. Greengenes in Dewey Beach on Friday, Aug. 26. Sold out

•The Wailers at the Freeman Stage at Bayside in Selbyville at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Sold out

•Joe Jack Talcum of the Dead Milkmen at Peppers Tavern in Ocean City at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. $5

•Drivin’ & Cryin’ at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. Free

•Lucinda Williams at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. $35