Country, reggae and jam band concerts on the horizon for Ocean City, Dewey Beach

Weather forecasts are calling for warmer temperatures in the days ahead, and the beach concert scene is also heating up. 

Last week's official launch of the outdoor Hudson Fields concert venue off southbound Route 1 in Milton was a massive success. The sold-out performance by country group Old Dominion drew 4,200 people.

The band mentioned from the stage that it had come a long way since its first area performance, which was a free concert at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach in September 2014. 

The Rudder continues to spotlight up-and-coming country artists with its free concert series, which continues at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 14. Nashville-based vocalist Brandon Ray will play songs on the Rudder's inside stage including his current single, "American Way." 

Ocean City also has a country concert up its sleeve. The Cowboy Coast Saloon will present the return of country star Joe Nichols at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11 ($25).

His "Crickets" album yielded the hits "Yeah" and "Sunny & 75," and his current single is titled "Undone." Nichols was one of the first musicians to play Cowboy Coast after it opened in 2014, and that appearance was a sellout.

Don't be surprised if his appearance this year also sells out at the door, especially considering the fact that local favorite Sam Grow has been added to the bill as opening act. 

Elsewhere, in Ocean City, Seacrets will present a free concert by reggae-rock touring act Ballyhoo at 9 p.m. Monday, June 12. The Baltimore quartet is traversing the country this summer and has a new single and video out called "Girls."

Looking ahead, ska band Reel Big Fish will make one of its semi-annual appearances at Seacrets when it plays an early show at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 18 ($25). 

Back in Dewey Beach, the Bottle & Cork nightclub will likely be packed to the rafters when it presents the return of jam band favorite Rusted Root on Sunday, June 11 ($25 in advance, $30 at the door). Country group The Lacs will play the Cork at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 14 ($20), followed by Led Zeppelin tribute act Get the Led Out at 9 p.m., Thursday, June 15 ($25).

E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com 

This Week's Must-See List 

Rusted Root at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Sunday, June 11. $25, $30

Joe Nichols at the Cowboy Coast Saloon in Ocean City at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 11. $25

Ballyhoo at Seacrets in Ocean City at 9 p.m. Monday, June 12. Free

Bushmaster featuring Gary Brown at Hammerheads Dockside at the Indian River Inlet from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 10. Free

Brandon Ray at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 14. Free