Sunfest music continues through the weekend in Ocean City

The Sunfest event in Ocean City is an annual tradition on Delmarva that attracts thousands of people each September, and this year is no exception.

While food and arts and crafts for all ages are a staple at the free event at OC's Inlet parking lot, the ticketed concerts by national music acts are a main attraction after nightfall. Swing group Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was set to headline Sunfest's Thursday, Sept. 21, kickoff ($10 to $35).

On Friday, Sept. 22, country favorite Clint Black will perform to a sold-out crowd of fans. On Saturday, Sept. 23, West Coast yacht-rocker Christopher Cross will play his mix of ballads and pop-rock hits ($35 to $45).

All three concerts begin at 8 p.m. Those on a budget can enjoy free music by local performers playing outside the tent throughout the weekend, which wraps up Sunday afternoon.

Another sold-out concert will take place in Dewey Beach this weekend. Tickets are long gone for a Friday, Sept. 22, appearance by rising country star Lee Brice at the Bottle & Cork nightclub. 

Brice's current tour finds him generally playing venues that are much larger than the Cork, and the fact that he moved more than 1,000 tickets there post-Labor Day (at $50 a pop, no less) is indicative of his popularity.

The Cork's annual season-closing party featuring local party favorite Go, Go Gadget will take place at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, and admission is free. The club has announced that it will reopen next month, however, to participate in the annual Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival.

Blues guitarist Clarence Spady will perform a tribute to the music of the late, great Prince on Saturday, Oct. 14 ($20).

Elsewhere in Dewey Beach, the Rusty Rudder is going strong with its eclectic music lineup. A free concert will take place there at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, featuring the all-star country act Drewcifer (featuring members of the Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth and Guster.)

At 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, the Rudder will present the return of Baltimore reggae rock quartet Ballyhoo, which now tours and records on a national basis ($10).

The Rudder will present the final edition of its Elvis Festival on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29-30 (and we'll have more on that next week.) Looking ahead, the Rudder will present a free concert by Southern rock group The Steel Woods at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21.

E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This Week's Must-See List

Sunfest in Ocean City continues through Sunday, Sept. 24. Free except for ticketed evening concerts

Lee Brice at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. Sold out

Ballyhoo at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. $10

Nate Myers & the Aces at Bethany Blues Lewes on Route 1 at Midway at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Free

The Hooplas at Pickles Pub from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. Free