Kiefer Sutherland kicks off extended Memorial Day weekend in Dewey Beach
We’re still a week away from the start of the 2018 tourist season, but local music venues are already pulling out the star power.
A slew of concerts are set for area stages in the nights ahead, including an appearance by actor-turned-troubadour Keifer Sutherland at the Bottle & Cork nightclub in Dewey Beach.
He will perform Wednesday, May 23, following a 9 p.m. opening set by Rick Brantley ($25). Sutherland’s original music mixes country, blues and rock, and he has vowed to spend a lot of time on the road; his most-recent television series, "Designated Survivor," was set to air its series finale May 16 on ABC.
Sutherland has had behind-the-scenes duties in the music industry through the years, having owned a recording studio, record label and a large and valuable collection of vintage guitars.
Up-and-coming country star Russell Dickerson will perform at the Cork at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24 ($20); this show was originally scheduled to take place down the street at the Cork’s sister business, the Rusty Rudder, but was moved due to the larger building due to strong demand for tickets. Dickerson hopes that his new song, “Blue Tacoma,” will follow the lead of last year’s platinum-selling single, “Yours.”
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In Ocean City, the Cowboy Coast Saloon will present country star William Michael Morgan on Friday, May 18 ($10).
His current single and album are both titled “Vinyl,” and he previously reached No. 1 with the chart topper “I Met A Girl.” Acoustic group A Different Breed will precede Morgan in OC, playing several sets of music between 6 and 9 p.m. Looking ahead to next week’s holiday weekend, Cowboy Coast will present country singer Jordan Davis on Saturday, May 26 ($10).
Bethany Blues Lewes, located on Route 1 at Midway, will live up to its name Friday, May 18. Local act Judy Sings the Blues will host a CD-release party for its “Born A Sinner” album at 8:30 p.m., and admission is free. Led by Lewes-based singer Judy Mangini, the group logged hours at three different recording studios in as many years to track the disc. The first 25 patrons to purchase a copy at the show will receive a free T-shirt along with it.
In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Dogfish Head brewpub has a free concert set for 10 p.m. Friday, May 18. Rochester, N.Y.’s Danielle Ponder & the Tomorrow People will play its original R&B material, which features vintage soul influences with topical lyrics.
It is the band’s last stateside show before it embarks on a European tour, which will take up most of the month of June.
E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
This Week’s Must-See List
Kiefer Sutherland at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach at 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. $25
William Michael Morgan at the Cowboy Coast Saloon in Ocean City at 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 18. $10
Judy Sings the Blues CD-release party at Bethany Blues Lewes on Route 1 at Midway at 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 18. Free
Danielle Ponder & the Tomorrow People at Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Friday, May 18. Free
Bird Dog & the Road Kings at M.R. Ducks in Ocean City at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 19. Free