Thanksgiving eve celebrations aplenty at Delmarva's beach bars

When the casual weekend warrior thinks about party occasions, annual traditions like St. Patrick's Day and New Year's Eve come to mind. But beach bar owners know that Wednesday, Nov. 22 will also see crowds galore and the ringing of cash registers.

Affectionately nicknamed Turkey Eve, the night before Thanksgiving finds former locals returning to stay with loved ones for the holiday (and the following Black Friday shopping excursions Nov. 24).

Many nightclubs have added live music to accommodate the midweek revelers who go out on the town to socialize.

Those in Ocean City who have dance fever Wednesday night may want to check out the disc jockeys at local hot spots such as Fager's Island (DJ RobCee) and Pickles Pub (DJ Adam Dutch). B.J.'s On the Water will present local classic-rock trio Two Guys & a Mama at 8 p.m.

In downtown Rehoboth Beach on Wednesday, The Swell Tiki Bar & Grill will feature Philly singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla from 7 to 10 p.m. The Gray Hare Tavern, located on Route 24 just west of Midway, will rock 'n' roll all night with Electric Smoke beginning at 9 p.m. In nearby Lewes, Irish Eyes at Anglers will showcase the sounds of local favorite The Five-Eight Band at 9 p.m.

In the more immediate future, the Double L Bar in Rehoboth will present one of its famous punk rock showcases — this time dubbed the November Nightmare — on Friday, Nov. 17. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the free event, and patrons must be 21 years of age or older. The five-band roster consists of Arsonist Choir, Descendency, Those Greasy Bastards, Inside Voices and Drunk Ugly Insane.

Another downtown Rehoboth venue that features out-of-the-ordinary music on a regular basis is, of course, Dogfish Head. The brewpub will feature a double-shot of free concerts this weekend, beginning with the return of the Jamie McLean Band at 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. McLean is the former lead guitarist of the New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band. At 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Dogfish will present New York recording act The Rooks, which mixes R&B, pop and indie-rock.

Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com. 

This Week's Must-See List

Country by Night at Irish Eyes at Anglers in Lewes at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Free.

November Nightmare punk showcase at Double L Bar in Rehoboth Beach at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Free.

Jumper at Fager's Island in Ocean City at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Free.

Christine Havrilla at The Swell Tiki Bar & Grill in Rehoboth Beach at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. Free.

Jamie McLean Band at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Free.