Country, blues and rock shows light up area stages

If there is one thing the Delmarva music scene has in spades, it's variety.

Area venues cater to many different kinds of fans — and this weekend will be no exception.

In Dewey Beach, the Rusty Rudder will kick off its 2017 concert series at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 8. The free event will spotlight Nashville-based vocalist Kalie Shorr, who has received SiriusXM airplay for her debut single "Fight Like A Girl." The Rudder was able to book Shorr in between appearances in New Jersey and Connecticut. Looking ahead, the Rudder will host its 17th annual Delaware Music Festival on Friday and Saturday, April 14-15. Twenty different bands from throughout the state will play various types of music. All of this spring's music events will take place inside the Rudder, as construction continues on a brand-new wooden deck — the first time it has been completely overhauled since the restaurant opened in 1979.

Local blues quartet Nothin' But Trouble is a regular presence at Bethany Blues Lewes, located on Route 1 at Midway. However, the group will be a five-piece when its takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7. The band will be accompanied by guest keyboardist Tommy Lepson. His is a name that is highly regarded in his native Baltimore, as he has released a string of acclaimed albums and frequents the region's outdoor blues festivals.

In downtown Lewes, another group of local musicians will band together for their first-ever live performance this weekend. The five-piece Beatles tribute act has a clever moniker — Sussex County's Lonely Hearts Club Band. It will play for all ages in the upstairs banquet room at Irish Eyes at Anglers at 7 p.m. Friday, April 7 ($12). The lineup consists of vocalist Luke Wiedmann, rhythm guitarist Pete Wiedmann, lead guitarist Matt Lafferty, bassist Brad Travis and drummer Anthony Baray. Pete Wiedmann is also a longtime member of acoustic trio The Threetles, which will play outdoor shows this summer at the bandstands in Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach.

Fans of original, guitar-based rock 'n' roll can check out the sounds of Milton singer-songwriter Scott Bloodsworth when he and his backing band play a hometown venue, the Milton Theatre, on Friday, April 7 ($15, $20). Doors open at 7 p.m., and support acts Sporadic Static and Cliff Hillis will warm up the crowd. Bloodsworth has been a member of local groups including Fish Whistle, Code Blue and Monkee Paw. However, this concert will give him a chance to showcase the original music from his pair of solo albums, "Around the Bend" and "Out of the Dark." The show will be recorded for a live release.

E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This Week's Must-See List

Kalie Shorr at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Free

Nothin' But Trouble with Tommy Lepson at Bethany Blues Lewes on Route 1 at Midway at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7. Free

Scott Bloodsworth Band at the Milton Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday, April 7. $15, $20 

Sussex County's Lonely Hearts Club Band at Irish Eyes at Anglers in Lewes at 7 p.m. Friday, April 7. $12

Bottoms Up at the Burley Oak Brewery in Berlin at 9 p.m. Friday, April 7. Free