New year music offerings are worth seeking out

The holidays are in the rear view mirror, and 2018 is off and running.

The month of January is traditionally the slowest of the year at the beach as far as live music is concerned, but there are a few nuggets out there for those who do a little snooping.

A lot of nightclubs in Dewey Beach and Ocean City are taking their annual winter hiatuses. Many that are staying open are eschewing bands and catering to locals who will still brave the cold to hit the dance floor.

For example, some of the largest stages in OC — including those at Seacrets and Fager’s Island — will be inhabited this weekend by turntables and laptops courtesy of popular deejays.

However, one band that always manages to find places to play is Rehoboth Beach trio Lower Case Blues. The group has brought its high-energy mix of funk, rock and blues to venues as large as the Firefly Music Festival in Dover (and as far away as Memphis, Tenn.)

The band will keep its faithful fans happy this weekend with a trio of area performances: at the High Stakes Bar in Grill in Fenwick Island at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5; Trader Lee’s in West Ocean City at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, and The Pond in downtown Rehoboth at 10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7.

Speaking of Trader Lee’s, Chuck Leo from from local classic rock act Skidlid dropped me a note in advance sharing the news that they will return to the West OC party place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Chuck and bandmate Aubrey Bradley are also members of the Led Zeppelin tribute act Ramble On, which plays Trader Lee’s fairly regularly.

A fairly recent addition to the local rock scene is Delaware trio Wall of Cain. (I got to catch the band recently and enjoyed it immensely.) The group will have a specially prepared set list on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 8 p.m., when it brings its Tribute to Classic Rock show to the Milton Theatre. Tickets are $10 and $15, and all ages will be admitted.

Back in downtown Rehoboth, the Dogfish Head brewpub is bypassing the local trends as usual and will continue to feature an eclectic array of music on a regular basis. The venue will take a rare stab at country music when the Milton-based Federal Street Band plays at 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5. Wilmington ska act The Bullbuckers will return at 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6.

Until next week, stay warm and stay safe.

E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This Week’s Must-See List

— Lower Case Blues at Trader Lee’s in West Ocean City at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Free

— The Bullbuckers at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Free

— Wall of Cain at the Milton Theatre at 8 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 11. $10, $15

— Thin Ice at B.J.’s On the Water in Ocean City at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5. Free

— Tony Mowen at Jerry’s Seafood in Lewes at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Free