Ocean City and Dewey Beach music shows will pack them in this weekend

Local music fans are in luck in the days ahead, with a variety of events of different stripes scheduled throughout the area.

In Dewey Beach, the Rusty Rudder will present a free concert by Tennessee country vocalist Morgan Wallen at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 3. His hit single “Up Down” is creating a national stir, in no small part due to the fact that it is a duet with his good friends Florida Georgia Line. Both acts have toured and written together before, but this is their first recorded collaboration. Wallen told Billboard magazine that his famous friends chose to “pay it forward” as Luke Bryan had previously done for them in the early stages of their career.

The Rudder has a second event set for 5 p.m. Thursday, March 8, when it will throw a bash to celebrate International Women’s Day. Only ladies will be admitted to the free party, which will feature music by Laura Lea.

In West Ocean City, Trader Lee’s will host a benefit for the local Kix4Kidz charity from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, March 3. The nonprofit organization provides new shoes to children from families facing financial struggles. There will be a 50/50 raffle, and admission is free. Local favorite The Rogue Citizens will mix reggae and rock. The group plays both originals and cover tunes, and name checks influences including Sublime, 311 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

In downtown OC, Pickles Pub will host its annual after-party for this weekend’s Ocean City Hotel, Motel Restaurant Association Trade Show from 5-10 p.m. Sunday, March 4. Music will be provided by local trio Side Project, which plays acoustic versions of rock, hip hop and country hits.

In Rehoboth Beach, the avenue will be rocking all weekend at the Dogfish Head brewpub. On Friday, March 3, New York City-based Cousin Earth (formerly Ukulelien) will mix everything from bluegrass to electronica as it previews songs from its “Human Music” album, which is scheduled to be released next month.

On Saturday, March 4, Los Angeles quartet Vista Kicks will showcase the rock, pop and soul offerings of its “Booty Shakers Ball” album. (Its previous EP was produced by none other than Tommy Lee of Motley Crue). Looking ahead a week, Dogfish will present Richmond, Virginia, worldbeat act Jouwala Collective — which specializes in African rhythms — on Saturday, March 10. All shows are free and start at 10 p.m.

E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This Week’s Must-See List

— Morgan Wallen at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 3. Free

— Kix4Kidz benefit with the Rogue Citizens at Trader Lee’s in West Ocean City from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 3. Free   

— Vista Kicks at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m., Saturday, March 3. Free

— Trade show after-party at Pickles Pub in Ocean City with Side Project from 5 to 10 p.m.,  Sunday, March 4. Free

— International Women’s Day party with Laura Lea at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach at 5 p.m., Thursday, March 8. Free