Huey Lewis, Band Perry, Beach Boys coming to Freeman Stage
Huey Lewis and the News, Gladys Knight, The Band Perry and a joint performance by Phillip Phillips and Matt Nathanson are just some of the acts who will make their way to Selbyville this year, as The Freeman Stage at Bayside arts venue celebrates its ninth season.
In total, the 2016 lineup, announced Thursday, features more than 50 events, including 13 national recording artists, Grammy and CMA Award winners and several Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
"Each year, the The Freeman Stage is proving it is a force to be reckoned with by the artists it draws," said Carla Markell, Gov. Jack Markell's wife. "It just keeps going, and keeps growing. And it's much more than just a venue — it's a gem."
The season kicks off Saturday, May 28, with Acrobats of Cirque-tacular, then gets into full swing Friday, June 17, when the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra performs. American Idol's season 11 winner Phillip Phillips will perform with Matt Nathanson on June 27.
July is packed with big-name artists, like Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes performing July 2, The Band Perry on July 3, Justin Moore on July 7, Pat Benatar and Melissa Etheridge on July 13, a return performance for The Beach Boys on July 14, The Cherry Poppin' Daddies on July 16 and Huey Lewis and the News on July 27.
Grace Potter, Gavin DeGraw added to Freeman Stage lineup
In August, The Silk Road Ensemble will perform with Yo-Yo Ma on Aug. 10, Gladys Knight on Aug. 19 and The Wailers on Aug. 27.
"I'm most excited for Gladys Knight," said Sandy Taras of Selbyville. "She is just fabulous. And that voice? Unbelievable."
More than four tribute acts, who will cover the Eagles, to hits from the 1980s, to Billy Joel and David Bowie, will also perform over the course of the summer.
"Great care and thought went into this season's lineup," said Michelle Freeman, founder, president of and chair of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.
Freeman said she originally founded the performing arts venue after losing her husband who passed in 2006.
"Life is made up of small moments," she said. "You understand that more when you get older. And one moment I will never forget, is my husband listening to the symphony play at Bear Trap Dunes, holding our son. That was a perfect ... perfect moment.
"I just want to create those kinds of moments for other people."
On Twitter @hcarroll_1 and Facebook at Facebook.com/byhannahcarroll
On Instagram @thesassy_banana
302-537-1881, ext. 209