Sunfest headliners rock the masses in Ocean City

If it’s September, then it’s festival season on Delmarva — and one of the area’s largest annual events is in full swing this week in Ocean City.

OC’s annual Sunfest was kicks off Thursday, Sept. 20, and includes an appearance by Forever Tina, which is a revue that pays tribute to Tina Turner ($10, $15).

Country rockers The Cadillac Three will perform Friday, Sept. 21 ($25 to $45). 

National rock act Daughtry will play to a sold-out crowd Saturday, Sept. 22. All of these concerts take place under the big tent and begin at 8 p.m. Daily admission to Sunfest, however, is free and includes outdoor performances by local musicians each day.

Organizers also announced Tuesday that one of next year's headliners will be LeAnn Rimes. Tickets go on sale Sept. 21.

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In West Ocean City, the Trader Lee’s nightclub has a mini-music fest taking place at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21. Richmond, Virginia-based trio Space Koi will play its first-ever OC show and mix reggae and rock. Also performing will be  pair of homegrown indie-rock acts — The Rogue Citizens and The Swell Fellas. Admission is free.

In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Dogfish Head brewpub has a pair of free concerts set for this weekend. The music kicks off Friday, Sept. 21 with the return of Philadelphia funk act Swift Technique. The horn-driven group is led by powerhouse diva Chelsea ViaCava.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, blues-rock guitarist Ian Moore and his backing band will take the stage. Moore is based in Seattle, Washington, although he is originally from Austin, Texas — where he was once a member of the Joe Ely Band. The Dogfish show is part of Moore’s current national tour.  Both shows begin at 10 p.m.

In Dewey Beach, the Bottle & Cork nightclub will host its season-closing party at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, with Philadelphia party group The Rockets. The weekend kicks off Friday, Sept. 21, at 9:30 p.m. with a “Hot in Here” dance party with DJ Will Eastman. Both events are free.

The Cork’s nearby sister business, the Rusty Rudder, has several upcoming events. Tickets  go on sale Friday, Sept. 21, for a holiday show to take place this winter. Country singer Jimmy Allen, who hails from Milton, will perform for all ages at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 ($20). Proceeds will benefit the Rehoboth Elementary School.

In the more immediate future, the Rudder will present a free double-bill concert at 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29. Singer-songwriter Joel Krouse will play country music, while the quartet Future Thieves will play its unique style of indie-rock. Both acts hail from Nashville, and we’ll have more about this show in next week’s Beachcomber.

Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com

This Week’s Must-See List

Sunfest continues through Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Ocean City Inlet.

The Rockets at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Free

Rogue Citizens, Space Koi and The Swell Fellas at Trader Lee’s in West Ocean City at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. Free

Ian Moore Band at Dogfish Head in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. Free

Bird Dog & the Road Kings at M.R. Ducks in Ocean City at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23. Free