Marching Orders
Back in my high school days, I was the geeky kid who ingratiated myself to the band and choir directors by offering to organize their libraries, and doing pretty much any other task they hated. While working in the band library one day I ran across “The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives. I’d never heard of the piece, or knew anything about the composer. Turns out Ives became, and remains, one of my favorites.
Born in the fall of 1874, Charles was the child of George Ives—a Danbury, Connecticut bandmaster known for his musical experimentation, and young Charles’ first major musical influence. Ives was playing organ at the local Presbyterian church by 12, and composing at 13.
One of Ives’ favorite pastimes was to stand in the town square and listen to numerous bands playing simultaneously—conducting one band with his right hand, another with his left, and perhaps tapping his toes to a third. You should check out his “Central Park in the Dark in the Good Old Summertime.”
Though Ives won a Pulitzer and a Grammy for his music, he made his living as an insurance salesman and actuary and devised creative ways to structure life insurance packages for “people of means”—laying the foundation for our current-day estate planning.
Though I’m not expecting any of you to become big Ives fans, I am encouraging you to think out of the box this summer! Try browsing through an art gallery while you’re listening to the music playing at the bandstand. Or spend happy hour with your friends before seeing a show. My feelings wouldn’t be hurt if a few of you do become fans of Charles Ives too! All locations are in Rehoboth Beach unless otherwise noted. ▼
CAMP Rehoboth Puts Art at The Heart of Our Community
HeART & Soul—Last Call!
An annual art auction has become a tradition at CAMP Rehoboth for more than ten years, and the proceeds from the auction help fund our mission and support the arts. CAMP Rehoboth is at the heart of the community, and the artists who share their amazing talents are all part of its collective soul, which allowed this show to almost name itself.
HeART & Soul features the work of over a dozen accomplished and popular artists, including 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, Barbara Warden, and Melissa Widerkehr. The exhibit has been on display for a month and ends Saturday, June 1, with a Closing Bid Reception from 4-7 p.m.
CAMP Rehoboth Gallery Hours
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
And the Bands Played On…
Summer just wouldn’t be complete without a band concert. So whether you’re strolling the boardwalk with a tub of beach fries, or sitting “cheek-to-cheek” on the benches, you’re in for a heapin’ helpin’ of FREE entertainment this summer. The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand continues the tradition with their 57th season of concerts for the entire family every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening through Labor Day.
Love Seed Mama Jump kicks off the festivities on Flag Day—Friday, June 14. This six-piece rock band from Dewey Beach always provides an energetic and engaging show. Saturday, June 15 is a tribute in four-part harmony to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons called Lights Out. Rounding out the weekend on Sunday, June 16 is the long-standing bluegrass group Jackson Flats—now expanded into an electric band with everything from Johnny Cash to the Beatles and Willie Nelson to Prince. This I have to hear!
You can spend the first official day of summer with the fantastic US Air Force Band Singing Sergeants—23 active duty musicians who comprise the official chorus of the Air Force and never disappoint—Friday, June 21. Saturday, June 22 will be a special treat for you beach-loving Parrotheads when Parrotbeach takes the stage, singing all of your Jimmy Buffet faves, plus an assortment of “island” tunes. Sunday, June 23 gives us a good, old-fashioned band concert: the Rehoboth Concert Band—60+ local musicians under the direction of Sharon Still. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. which gives you plenty of time to grab dinner before, or rustle up something to eat while you’re being entertained. Check out the full schedule at rehobothbandstand.com.
As a complement to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand schedule, the City of Lewes presents a series of 12 FREE concerts in Stango Park on the open-air stage next to the Lewes Library every Tuesday night from June 11 through August 27. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be moved to the Cape Henlopen High School auditorium. Featured groups include the US Navy Band Commodores (the Navy’s official Brass Band) on June 11. The Annapolis Bluegrass Coalition will keep your toes tapping on June 18. June 25, you’ll be treated to the sounds of the Delaware National Guard Army Band. (NOTE: This concert will be moved to Bethel United Methodist—129 W. 4th in Lewes—if the weather turns dicey.) Local favorites the Funsters kick off your 4th of July celebration two days early on July 2. The Stango Park concert series is co-sponsored by WSFS Bank, and a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or a beach chair! All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and did I mention that they’re FREE?!?
PERFORMING ARTS
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center (37 Baltimore Ave.; 302-227-5620) presents Voices From Stonewall to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Conceived and written by Michael Gilles and Fay Jacobs. June 22, 4 & 7 p.m.
Cinema Art Theater (17701 Dartmouth Drive (Lewes), 302-313-4032) screens new independent films through the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. National Theatre Live: The Audience, June 17 & 18. Check their 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!, followed by Hello, Dolly!, and The Wedding Singer.
Dickens Parlour Theatre (35715 Atlantic Avenue, Millville; 302-829-1071) offers magic and comedy in an intimate setting. May 31-June 1: Eric Dittelman; June 7 & 8: Delmarva Improv Comedy Group (adults only); June 13-15: Kevin Bethea; June 19-25: The Great Kaplan.
Freeman Stage (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville; 800-840-9227) begins their 2019 season on 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 for details and forget about those Dianna Ross tickets—the July 2 concert is sold out.
The Milton Theater (110 Union St. in Milton; 302-684-3038) “keeps Milton weird”! May 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 conductor Joanna Ward directing a “Spring Concert”—highlighting music for treble voices, and previewing the repertoire for their Baltic Tour—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., Milford).
Possum Point Players (441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown; 302-856-4560) has Dixie Swim Club—a comedy about five Southern women who meet at the same Outer Banks cottage every August for 33 years. On the boards (or should that be “diving boards”?) from June 7-16.
Second Street Players (2 South Walnut Street in Milford; 302-422-0220/800-838-3006) has begun rehearsals for Happy Days A New Musical, opening July 19.
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 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. Check out Mineral Instincts—with work by Aimee Petkus and Anna Johnson, on display through June.
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. Awakenings—photography by Brook Hedge through June 25. Opening reception on June 1 from 5-7 p.m.
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. Make sure you have the 70th Cottage Tour of Art on your calendar—July 9 & 10.
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 in different mediums 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.