While the “official” tourist season won’t kick off until the Memorial Day weekend later this month, beach events this week will bring the sound of music to local stages — and attract sizable crowds. In addition to several season openings, one of Delmarva’s biggest yearly festivals is also on tap.
Ocean City's Springfest offers mix of free fare, ticketed concerts
In Ocean City, the 33rd annual edition of Springfest is set for Thursday through Sunday, May 2-5. In addition to the free entertainment offered all each day, organizers have brought back ticketed concerts featuring touring performers. Things kick off with The Olivia Show: A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John starring vocalist Sabrina Plaisance-Sia at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2 ($25 to $40).
Country singer Lauren Alaina, who has competed on both “American Idol” and “Dancing With the Stars,” will perform at Springfest at 7 p.m. Friday, May 3 ($25 to $75). Alternative-rock act Everclear will play its radio hits when it headlines at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 ($35 to $75).
With one big show canceled, Ocean Downs Casino makes another free
In nearby Berlin, the Ocean Downs Casino had planned a weekend of ’80s-themed hard-rock concerts courtesy of a pair of California bands. Jack Russell’s Great White (“Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “Save Your Love”) was to play Friday, May 3 but has canceled due to the ever-popular “unforeseen circumstances.” Tickets were being automatically refunded by the casino.
To make up for this, Ocean Downs announced it is offering free admission to see original Guns ’N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler when he brings his solo act to the outdoor stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 (it was originally going to be $20). Adler’s show will concentrate primarily on songs from his former band’s debut album, “Appetite For Destruction.”
Freeman Arts Pavilion adds to lineup with Jerry Seinfeld and more
In Selbyville, the outdoor Freeman Arts Pavilion will get off to a family-friendly start on the mellower side when it opens its season with an afternoon performance this weekend. OperaDelaware will bring its Pop-Up Opera show to the stage at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4 ($20).
Freeman has also announced a third batch of shows for its Sounds Like Summer concert series — including soft-rock duo Air Supply, reggae group SOJA, jam band the Disco Biscuits and more. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, May 3 for an appearance by comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld, whose standup act is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25. (Prices are to be announced.) It will be one of the comedian’s first stateside appearances after he spends most of the month of June overseas performing in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Bottle & Cork's 88th season launches this weekend
In Dewey Beach, the Bottle & Cork nightclub will launch its 88th season Saturday, May 4. It will open at 5 p.m. for eight consecutive hours of party music with alternating sets by local favorites Love Seed Mama Jump, the Gab Cinque Band and Stealing Savanah.
Looking ahead a week, the Bottle & Cork will host its first ticketed concert of the year at 9 p.m. Friday, May 10, featuring country star Scotty Hasting (“I’m America,” “Runnin’).” While tickets are $20 for the general public, admission will be free for anyone with military I.D.
Cork booking agent Vikki Walls said she invited him to play Dewey after learning he would be at a military benefit in Washington, D.C. the previous evening. Hasting is a military veteran himself, and was awarded a Purple Heart after being seriously injured in battle while serving in Afghanistan in 2011.
E-mail Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City's Springfest will rock weekend, and yes, Jerry Seinfeld will head to Delmarva
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