Ocean City music events include multi-act rock shows

A slew of special music events are set for the coming days, particularly in Ocean City.

Locals are hoping the weather will cooperate.

Shows were scuttled throughout Delmarva last weekend, as snow rolled into the area Friday, Dec. 8, and didn't let up until late in the evening of Saturday, Dec. 9. One such cancellation was at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach, where national country singer Ryan Kinder had been set to play. However, the Rudder has another treat for country fans set for 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, when singer-songwriter Jimmy Allen is scheduled for a free performance.

Back in Ocean City, a major holiday extravaganza will take place in the more immediate future. The annual Ocean 98 and Seacrets Customer Appreciation Christmas Party will run from 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Admission is free, but patrons are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for the Toys for Tots charity.

The lineup is heavy on original music and consists of the Swell Fellas, the Rogue Citizens, Nelly's Echo, Joey Harkum, Jocelyn and Chris Arndt and Nashville-based rock act Stone Senate. Following the party's 10 p.m. conclusion, Philly cover band Lima Bean Riot will play three sets of Top-40 music in the Morley Hall.

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Following its Seacrets appearance, Stone Senate will spend the night and give fans a second taste of its music the following day. The group will play a full evening at Trader Lee's in West Ocean City (in an MTV Unplugged-style acoustic format) at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.

Another multi-band showcase of original music in OC will take place this weekend at the Alibi Room, and it is titled "A Very Hairy Christmas." The downtown bar will have four indie-rock bands turning up the volume on Saturday, Dec. 16. Annapolis punk-rock duo Third Grade Friends will kick off the free show at 9 p.m., and will be followed by local favorites the Phantom Limbs, the Hooplas and Honeyshine.

Last but not least in Ocean City, B.J.'s On the Water will host its annual Christmas party at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. The free event will include music from B.J.'s longtime house band, Teenage Rust and the Rustettes.

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In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Dogfish Head brewpub will present a free concert by Phillly funk act Swift Technique at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. The horn-driven group is led by powerhouse diva Chelsea ViaCava on lead vocals. On Saturday, Dec. 16, Dogfish will present an interesting evening of rhythmic world music courtesy of Newark-based quartet Travel Songs.

Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com.

This Week's Must-See List

Ocean 98 and Seacrets Customer Appreciation Party in Ocean City from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Free

Swift Technique at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15. Free

"A Very Hairy Christmas" rock showcase at the Alibi Room in Ocean City at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Free

Stone Senate at Trader Lee's in Ocean City at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Free

B.J.'s On the Water Christmas Party with Teenage Rust and the Rustettes in Ocean City at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. Free