Let there be light: Music events set for afternoon gigs at the beach

A common complaint among bar hoppers during the winter is the fact that so many music acts start their shows long after dark.

This is usually because venue owners wait for their older dinner crowds to scatter as younger folks from the hospitality industry hit the town for nightcaps after work.

Well, a pair of afternoon events in Ocean City this weekend will let revelers enjoy music, food and beverages during daylight hours.

Fager’s Island in Ocean City will present its fifth annual Oyster Garden party from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 ($49). Baltimore blues-rock quartet Ricky Wise & the Dirty Unit will perform, and the munchies will include oysters, ribs, chicken and regional beers from Evo and Flying Dog.

Seacrets in OC will present its free Raw Country event from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. A country-style menu will be offered, along with discounted raw bar items including shrimp, mussels, lobster, oysters and clams. The JJ Rupp Band will hit the stage at 1 p.m.

More:Country star Josh Turner set to return to Ocean City

Looking ahead a week at Seacrets, the third annual Shore Craft Beer Fest: Love on Tap will take place from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24. Homegrown microwbrews will be featured along with food galore and live music ($35). Those who purchase VIP packages can enter the building at noon ($50). Groups performing throughout the day will include Opposite Directions, For the Win and Under the Covers.

Last but not least in Ocean City, The Sandbar (located at 3303 Coastal Highway) will host its season-opening party on Friday, Feb. 16. The nightclub is famed as OC’s preeminent karaoke spot, and participants can sing their lungs out each Friday and Saturday beginning this weekend.

In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Dogfish Head brewpub has a pair of original acts set to play freebies this weekend. Boston-based Sarah Borges & the Broken Shingles will mix rock ’n’ roll and Americana music on Friday, Feb. 16. Pennsylvania alt-country act Chris Rattie & the New Rebels will be in the spotlight on Saturday, Feb. 17. All Dogfish shows start at 10 p.m.

More:Ocean City's Seaside Boat Show a big coastal draw

Tickets are going quick for next week’s annual Dewey Beach Winter Gala. While previous editions have taken occurred at The Starboard and the recently-demolished Baycenter, this one will take place at the Rusty Rudder at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 ($99). Performers include Joe Bachman & the Party; The Blue Cats; Ben Leroy & the Snap; and Hollywood Nights: A True Bob Seger Experience. We’ll have more information on this next week.

E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This Week’s Must-See List

Ricky Wise & the Dirty Unit at the Fager’s Island Oyster Garden event in Ocean City from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. $49

Raw Country with the JJ Rupp Band at Seacrets in Ocean City from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Free

Season-opening party with Karaoke at the Sandbar in Ocean City at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Free

Dirty Deal Blues Band at Bethany Blues Lewes on Route 1 at Midway at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Free

Sarah Borges & the Broken Shingles at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Free