Dance for Grandma
This week marks the 58th anniversary of my first piano lesson at Maxine Miller’s Rolling House of Music in east Denver. The month before what would have been my first recital the following year was spent with the full trifecta of childhood diseases—chicken pox, measles, and mumps—delaying my first public performance until the next spring.
Mrs. Miller was a church musician, played accordion with a polka band, and had provided sing-along entertainment in more than one smoky dive, and my recital reflected each part of her musical life: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” a little Bach minuet, and…“Alley Cat.”
After the recital, my grandmother gave me a kiss on the cheek, then looked me squarely in the eye and said, “No more of that Bach crap! Play something with a beat!” then left the hall doing a variation on a Charleston one might attempt days before a double hip replacement.
Grandma suffered through a dozen years of me playing music which became less and less pleasing to her ears. At the reception after my first concerto with a local symphony, she grabbed my elbow and wheezed, “Play ‘In the Mood’ or something with a beat! Show these people you know some real music.” I promised I’d play for her later.
Grandma’s been gone for 42 years now, and even though I’m more comfortable playing “In the Mood” or “Alley Cat” than I am trying to remember a Mozart concerto, there is more than enough room in this world for an over-played pop song and an under-played concerto—and everything in between! So whether you’re up for an opera or Black Sabbath, it’s probably listed below. Do what makes you happy, and make sure it’s got a beat! All locations are in Rehoboth Beach unless otherwise noted.▼
CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at The Heart of Our Community
HeART & Soul
And what a great name for this show, since CAMP Rehoboth is at the heart of the community, and the artists who share their amazing talents are all part of its collective soul. This new exhibit helps CAMP Rehoboth raise funds to support its mission, and helps YOU add to your art collection.
HeART & Soul features the work of over a dozen popular artists—Sondra N. Arkin, Rod Cook, Donna Deely, Sam Dixon, Gary Fisher, Yvonne M. Frankis, Susan Frey, Terry Isner, Jane Knaus, Jeffery Todd Moore, Aina Nergaard-Nammack, Renata Price, Michael Sprouse, Barbara Warden, and Melissa Widerkehr. The exhibit has already been on display for two weeks, and with the Bid or Buy Now option, some works have already been snapped up. For others, the bids are getting competitive! There’s still time to support CAMP Rehoboth, make your bids, and build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community through the arts. On display through June 1, with a Closing Bid Reception from 4-7 p.m.
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery Hours:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. SUN.
Summer Camps
Summer is just around the corner, and for many of us that means buying a parking pass, getting a few rolls of quarters, and hitting the gym a bit more often. (Like twice a year!)
But for those of you who have young ‘uns who require summer entertainment, why not offer them some exposure to the arts? With so many summer camps geared toward outdoor/physical activity, it’s wise to find a balance with something for their minds and souls.
Clear Space Theatre Company (see listing below) offers camps designed to give students a taste of life in a professional theatre by learning, then performing music and dances from a popular Broadway musical in one week. The faculty consists of industry professionals who guide students through instruction in acting, dance, and vocal technique.
Musical Theater Camps: Sleeping Beauty (Grades 1-3) July 8-12; Peter Pan (Grades 4-6) July 15-19; West Side Story (Grades 7-12) July 29-August 2; Rent (by audition only) August 5-9. Acting Summer Camp: The Emperor’s New Clothes (Grades 1-12) July 22-26.
The Milton Theater (see listing below) believes that “teaching and inspiring the artist is of utmost importance to humanity”—and to that end has four summer theatre camps (ages 6-16) designed to “enrich and enliven the spirit”—Cinderella, July 8-14; Willy Wonka, July 15-21; The Jungle Book, July 22-28; and Shrek Jr., July 29-August 3. They also offer a Tech Camp (ages 8-16) for five students per camp, since you can’t put on a show without lighting, sound, sets, and costumes.
Possum Point Players (see listing below) features fun and learning about the theatre with focus/concentration exercises, and acting, vocal, dance, and improvisation techniques. Theater Academy (Grades 6-10) July 22-26; and Drama Camp (Grades 2-5) July 29-August 2.
Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre (in residence at Epworth UMC, 19285 Holland Glade Road) offers multiple film and theatre camps. Their Film Camp participants (all ages) gain experience in front of and behind the camera by working in teams to write and produce their own original films—July 8-12 and July 29-August 2. Their four Theater Camps (all ages) employ a series of theatre games and improvisations, and a variety of acting and communication skills, culminating in a production of a scripted play for family and friends—July 15-19; July 22-26; August 12-16; August 19-23.
Rehoboth Art League offers camps for all skill levels to students of all ages in a variety of mediums. Super Artists (Ages 11-15) June 24-28; Pottery for All (Ages 8-15) June 24-28 and July 1-5; The Art in STEAM (Ages 8-10) July 1-3; Screen Painting (Ages 8-15) July 1-3; Stitch in Time (Ages 8-10) July 8-12; Introduction to Painting (Ages 11-15) July 8-12; Art Starters: Kids Kollage (Ages 5-7) July 15-19; Masters of Art (Ages 8-10) July 15-19; Beginner Drawing (Ages 11-15) July 15-19; Shape, Shape, Shape! (Ages 5-7) July 22-26; Working En Plein Air (Ages 11-15) July 22-26; Pottery for All (Ages 8-15) July 22-26; Mix It Up: Mixed Media Art (Ages 8-10) July 22-26; Art Starters: Super Sculptures (Ages 5-7) Aug 13-16; Exploring Graphic Novels (Ages 11-15) Aug 13-16; Go Green: Recycled Art (Ages 8-10) Aug 13-16; Abstract Extravaganza (Ages 8-10) Aug 19-22; Beginner Knitting (Ages 11-15) Aug 19-22.
PERFORMING ARTS
Cinema Art Theater (17701 Dartmouth Drive (Lewes), 302-313-4032) screens new independent films through the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. Met Live in HD: Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, May 18 & 20. See website for films and show times.
Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2270) presents Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize winning play ‘night Mother, May 31-June 2. Their summer rep season opens June 25 with Mamma Mia!, Hello, Dolly!, and The Wedding Singer.
Freeman Stage (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville; 800-840-9227) is an open-air venue with shows beginning May 31: Locals Under the Lights. June events include: 1: The Fab Four—The Ultimate Tribute; 7: An Evening With the Mavericks; 8: The Mighty O.A.R. with American Authors; 14: Mid-Atlantic Symphony Starry Night Opera with Opera Delaware; 15: the Tamburitzans. Check their website!
The Milton Theater (110 Union St. in Milton; 302-684-3038) “keep Milton weird”! MAY events: 18: Rat Pack Together Again; 19: Serafin Ensemble; 24: Steal Your Face: Grateful Dead Tribute; 25: Sail On Band: Beach Boys Tribute; 31: The Male Intellect—An Oxymoron? JUNE events: 1: The Male Intellect; 2: Scrapple—Black Sabbath Tribute; 6: Boy Erased; 7: Magnolia Applebottom; 8: Queen Flash; 9: Milton Pride Fest Celebration of Life; 13: The Shining; 14: Peek-a-Boo Revue (18+ only); 15: The Ultimate Johnny Cash Experience. Check their website for details.
Music School of Delaware (23 N. Walnut St. in Milford; 302-422-2043) presents a “Spring Concert” featuring their Cantabile Women’s Chorus (Milford) and the Delaware Women’s Chorus (Wilmington) on June 1 (4 p.m.) at Avenue United Methodist Church (20 N. Church St. in Milford).
Possum Point Players (441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown; 302-856-4560) are polishing up Dixie Swim Club—a comedy about five Southern women who meet at the same Outer Banks’ cottage every August for 33 years—June 7-16.
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (Rehoboth Avenue & the Atlantic Ocean; 302-644-2288) starts their season Memorial Day Weekend! May 24: Mike Hines & The Look; 25: US Navy Country Current; 26: Jamie McLean Band. All shows begin at 8 p.m.
Rehoboth Concert Band has two free outdoor concerts on their calendar—”Music in the Park” (North Bedford Street Park in Georgetown) on May 23 (7 p.m.); and the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand on June 23 (8 p.m.).
Second Street Players (2 South Walnut Street in Milford; 302-422-0220/800-838-3006) has one weekend remaining of Neil Simon’s comedy Brighton Beach Memoirs, May 17-19. Their Children’s Theater produces “a parody play of a very famous wizard”—Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone, May 24-26.
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS
Abraxas Studio of Art (515 Federal St., Lewes; 302-645-9119) features the oil portraits and landscape paintings of Abraxas.
Anna Hazzard Museum (17 Christian Street, 302-226-1119) offers a glimpse into the history of 1870s Rehoboth Beach as a place for religious camp meetings—named for former owner and civic leader, Anna Hazzard.
The Back Porch Café (59 Rehoboth Ave., 302-227-3674) Artist Fred DeFiore introduces his 2019 art collection! Art opening from 4-6:30 p.m. on June 23.
The Brush Factory on Kings (830 Kings Highway, Lewes; 302-745-2229) houses a co-op of 50 local artisans and merchants.
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery (37 Baltimore Ave.; 302-227-5620) features HeART & Soul through June 1 (See listing elsewhere in this column).
Cape Artists Gallery (110 W. 3rd Street, Lewes; 302-644-7733) is a half block from the Zwaanendael Museum (See listing elsewhere in this column) and features the work of two dozen artists, with much of their art focused on beach scenes.
Delaware Art Gallery (239 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-853-5099) offers new and classic Delaware photographs by Kevin Fleming.
Gallery 37 (8 South Walnut Street, Milford; 302-265-2318) represents over 45 artists and artisans from around the country with fine art, wood-turned vessels, fibers, glass art, and more.
Heidi Lowe Gallery (328 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-9203) has unique hand-made pieces and classes in jewelry making. Current exhibition: Front of the House/Back of the House showcasing handcrafted brooches by 19 artists—through May 28.
Peninsula Gallery (520 E. Savannah Road, Lewes; 302-645-0551) is one of the largest fine art galleries in the state, with over 3000 square feet of display and custom framing space. Contemporary Quilt Art—a celebration of color through the work of four accomplished quilt artists. Through May 28.
Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres; 302-227-8408) has a fantastic schedule of classes—pottery to pen and ink technique, to jewelry making…something for everyone. Current exhibitions: On the Road (Juried Coastal Camera Club), Voyages (works by Caroline Huff & Sharon Strine), and Secret Places (Juried Members’ Showcase)—through June 9. Recent Acquisitions: The Permanent Collection—through June 9. Coastal Living (Juried Members’ Showcase Exhibition)—through July 14.
Rehoboth Beach Museum (511 Rehoboth Avenue at the Canal, 302-227-7310) has fresh exhibits on their renovated second floor for you to enjoy, as well as lots of Rehoboth Beach history on the first floor.
Tideline Gallery (111 Rehoboth Avenue; 302-227-4444) offers unique gifts, Judaica, jewelry, pottery, lamps, and art glass.
Ward Ellinger Gallery (CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard, 39 Baltimore Avenue; 302-227-2710) features art by abstract expressionist Ward Ellinger and Sondra N. Arkin.
Zwaanendael Museum (102 Kings Highway, Lewes; 302-645-1148) commemorates Delaware’s first European colony, established by the Dutch in 1631, and serves as a showcase for the Lewes area’s maritime, military, and social history.▼
Doug is the Artistic and Musical Director for CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, Director of Music Ministries at Epworth UMC, and co-founder and Artistic Director emeritus of the Clear Space Theater Company. Contact Doug at dougyetter@gmail.com if you want to add your events to the calendar. Check out CAMP Arts on our website at camprehoboth.com for links to all the listed theatres, galleries and museums