Nightclubs take some chances with music during offseason
When the tourists are away, the locals will play.
While most beach nightclubs focus on party music during the summer, some venues are stretching out and taking a few chances during the winter months.
The Alibi Room in downtown Ocean City is one such nightspot. It has a triple bill of punk rock music set for 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, and admission is free. The concert will be headlined by Baltimore quartet Huntingtons. This foursome has been pounding it out since way back in 1993, and is heavily influenced by The Ramones. And like the Ramones, the group has weathered many personnel shifts through the decades — yet its high-energy stage show has remained a constant.
A pair of homegrown Delmarva punk acts will round out the bill at the Alibi Room event. Georgetown-based Standard Bearer will showcase songs from its five-song “Rise Up” EP. Meanwhile, Eden’s Red Bullett will play tunes from its awesomely-titled album, “The Lifestyles of the Poor and the Reckless.”
More:Lone Star Rodeo Company rides again Jan. 19-20
In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Dogfish Head brewpub has long been known for presenting original bands on Friday and Saturday nights, most of which are touring acts.
A new weeknight music series each Wednesday spotlights solo acoustic sets by local musicians from 7-9 p.m. On Jan. 24, Angela Natrin (a Milton native who now calls Hawaii home) will take the stage to mix her own material with covers of classic rock and modern pop songs.
Another downtown Rehoboth venue that is heavy on the live music is The Pond nightclub.
Local singer-guitarist Tyler Greene dropped me a note to let me know about his last-minute booking at The Pond, which is set for 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. The place will likely be packed, as Greene will be accompanied by an all-star local lineup of rock ’n’ rollers including Kenny Thompson, Cesar Fiores, Mike Littlejohn and Manny Tejeda. Acoustic duo Union Road will play beforehand from 6-9 p.m.
More:Going Out: Music listings for Jan. 19-25
A business that has taken the beach by storm since debuting in 2017 is Lefty’s Alley and Eats in Lewes.
The upscale complex on southbound Route 1 (north of Midway) includes a bowling alley, restaurant and nightclub. This winter Lefty’s is presenting live music by local favorites at 9 p.m. each weekend. Check out The Pete Muppets (featuring singer-songwriter Pete Wiedmann) on Saturday, Jan. 20; Freshly Squeezed on Friday, Jan. 26; and Lower Case Blues on Saturday, Jan. 27.
Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com.
This week’s must-see list
Huntingtons at the Alibi Room in Ocean City at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Free
Tyler Greene and friends at The Pond in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. Free
City Painted Green at Pickles Pun in Ocean City at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Free
The Pete Muppets at Lefty’s Alley and Eats in Lewes at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Free
Angela Natrin at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24. Free