Legendary comedian, epic rock shows keep beach venues popular during peak season

Anyone who has driven along the Sussex County coast or Ocean City in the past few days can tell you that the area’s beaches are in the thick of their peak season. It makes sense that local concert venues are hosting some of their most high-profile shows of the year.

Freeman has his biggest show of the year with a comedy legend

In Selbyville, the outdoor Freeman Arts Pavilion will host its biggest event of the season this week — and the fastest-selling event in the venue’s history. Comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld will perform on Thursday, July 25.

Freeman announced that there will be a few rules and regulations in place “at the artist’s request.” All patrons are asked to be seated by 8:15 p.m., the same time that alcohol and food sales end. (Online food orders end at 7:45 p.m. to meet the deadline.)

Another rule, common at comedy shows, is that no photos or video are allowed. Opening act Mario Joyner will belt out a few zingers before Seinfeld takes the stage for what is sure to be a memorable evening.

Freeman also has some impressive music events coming up. Country star Tyler Hubbard performs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 28 ($59 to $109). Classic rock stalwart REO Speedwagon brings his catalog of hits to the stage at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 29 ($91 to $137). Another classic rock favorite, Kansas, plays at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31 ($56 to $102).

White Marlin Open, everything you need to know: White Marlin Open 2024: Everything you need to know about Ocean City’s big tournament

Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach has epic shows lined up

In Dewey Beach, the famous nightclub Bottle & Cork also has a series of concerts over the next few days, including some of the biggest of the season. Singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin, fresh off his Monday appearance on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” will play to a sold-out house on Thursday, July 25. The Legwarmers will perform their ’80s tribute show at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26 ($22).

On Tuesday, July 30, Cork will host its semi-annual performance by British hard rock act The Struts, which is also sold out. Since the quartet’s last performance in 2022, they have scored three consecutive hit singles: “Falling With Me,” “Too Good At Raising Hel,” and “Pretty Vicious.”

The Struts are known for their exceptional opening acts on tour. Greta Van Fleet performed with them in Cork in 2017. This year, Dewey gets a performance from Barnes Courtney, a good friend of The Struts (who will also tour Europe with them this fall).

What’s new at SU for the fall?: What’s new at Salisbury University? Record enrollments and yes, a planetarium is in the works

Rusty Rudder adds even more Love Seed Mama Jump to the party

Elsewhere in Dewey, nearby Cork sister venue the Rusty Rudder will host a pair of performances this week from long-running house band Love Seed Mama Jump on its outdoor deck. As is tradition throughout the summer, the local rockers perform every Thursday at 9pm with free entry. However, there will be a second show, a ticketed event, at 9pm on Saturday, July 27 ($20) in honor of the band’s 33rd anniversary.

The Record Company moves big show to new location

This column reported a few months ago that tickets had gone on sale for a Friday, July 26, outdoor performance by national rock trio The Record Company at Hudson Fields in Milton. While the show is still on Friday, it has been moved to a different outdoor venue a few miles away in Lewes. It will now be held at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (home of the annual Rockin’ the Docks concert series). Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with opening act Skribe first on the bill at 6:15 p.m. ($35).

‘Runaway Bride’ turns 25: Berlin celebrates 25th anniversary of Runaway Bride, the film that made the city famous

Rock act Little King makes Delmarva debut at Listening Booth

Another Lewes-area concert venue, the Listening Booth, presents music most nights of the week, with a general focus on original material. It’s located on south Route 1 at Midway (in the Coastal Plaza shopping center). On Monday, July 29, it’s presenting the Delmarva debut of Little King ($15, $25).

Currently on a national tour, this rock act features two members with local ties. Lead singer-guitarist Ryan Rosoff used to live in Rehoboth Beach — and bassist Manny Tejeda still lives there. Tyler Greene opens at 7 p.m.

Seacrets keeps rocking all summer long with Big Something

In Ocean City, Seacrets’ annual summer concert series continues on Wednesday, July 31 at 7 p.m. with a performance by national rock act Big Something ($25). The show takes place outdoors on the beachfront stage; doors open at 7 p.m. and the music begins shortly thereafter.

Send an email to Roger Hillis at [email protected].

This article originally appeared in Salisbury Daily Times: Beach venues host legendary comedian, epic rock shows in red-hot slate