Lewes-area open mic night drawing crowds, familiar faces

There is a new open-mic night in town, but it features some veteran musical faces.

The Tuesday Open Local Musicians Showcase takes place each week from 8-11 p.m. at Bethany Blues Lewes, located on Route 1 at Midway.

It is hosted by singer-guitarist Ken Thompson and his band, Beach Trip, which is rounded out by bassist Bill Robertson, guitarist Steve Wilson and percussionist Jonah Mitchell-Moore.

Some of the musicians are former members of The Gone Boys, which hosted a popular open-mic in the 1980s and '90s at the former Front Page restaurant and bar in downtown Rehoboth Beach (now the site of Baltimore Avenue's Iguana Grill). A Tuesday evening earlier this month at Bethany Blues Lewes even featured a guest appearance by Gone Boys leader and Front Page owner Terry Plowman on guitar and vocals.

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Solo and acoustic-based performers usually kick off the early portion of the Tuesday jams. As the night goes on, the number of musicians on stage increases exponentially. A full back line of amplifiers and a drum kit is provided, but players must bring their own guitars, keyboards, etc.

A similar Tuesday jam night took place in 2014 and 2015 at the nearby Delaware Distilling Co., also on northbound Route 1, which closed permanently this month following a March 11 farewell event. Property owners said that building will soon house a casual-dining restaurant.

Bethany Blues Lewes is open year-round, and has one of the area's largest stages and house sound systems. It is known for hosting regional and national touring acts, with many specializing in the blues. For more information, visit www.bethanyblues.com/lewes.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Tuesday Open Local Musicians Showcase

WHEN: Every Tuesday from 8 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Bethany Blues Lewes, 18385 Coastal Highway, Midway

CALL: 302-644-2500

WEB: www.bethanyblues.com/lewes