Suede to Return to Rehoboth
You know how some people just keep circling back through your life, in different locations, different ways, and for different reasons? Like a musical vortex, that is pretty much the track my lucky interactions with the incomparable singer, songwriter, musician, chanteuse, also known as Suede, have gone over the decades. And this is one of those months that reminds me how much I love that I get to write about those who are generous and giving to our community. Suede is big in spirit and heart, and both of those match her big, beautiful voice and vast talents.
Suede is coming to town to share her abundance of musical gifts with CAMP Rehoboth and the community through a benefit concert at 7:30 on July 31 at Epworth United Methodist Church.
“I’ve always loved Rehoboth—since I went to high school outside Annapolis, that’s back when dinosaurs roamed the earth,” she joked. “Rehoboth Beach was always a preferred location—no comparison, as far as I was concerned. It’s relaxed, beautiful, friendly, clean—and now, so many of my longtime fans from DC/MD/PA/VA have wisely retired there, so of COURSE I want to come play there again and again! It’s a kind of homecoming for me.”
This from the powerhouse voice who was Joan Rivers’ opening act and, as many of you know, a 30-year Olivia Cruises headliner. But for those of you who have never heard her perform, it is not easy to characterize the immense range of vocals, extraordinary arrangements, and incredible trumpet, piano, and guitar playing, combined with a super-snappy and witty sense of humor, all wrapped up in one person who delivers a performance you will not forget.
Hard to believe, but it has been three years since we have had Suede at the beach. And here is a great example of her magnificent and charitable spirit: We were not sure we could afford to bring Suede in to perform and still make it a fundraiser, but she handily jumpd in and agreed to help us with some costs out of her own pocket. Like—WOW. Maybe we should call her “Super Suede” and get her a cape!
Her munificent life-force is obvious. She’s a strong believer in the power of celebrity status to raise funds for causes she believes in. In addition to CAMP Rehoboth, she’s done multiple benefits throughout the years for AIDS awareness, women’s health causes, animal rights, homeless assistance, Alzheimer’s organizations, and many others, and has helped to raise both awareness and millions of dollars for them all.
Still not familiar with this powerful set of lungs and soul? Here is a quote from another media outlet: “she’s one part Rat Pack, one part Tony Bennett, one part Rosie Clooney, and like Adele meets Bette Midler meets Diana Krall.” Personally, I love hearing her sing jazz, pop, and, as one person put it—her naughty blues. She is a joy to watch and hear on stage, and it is obvious she enjoys entertaining regardless the gender-identity or age of the audience. OK, fine, it’s true—I may or may not have been sneaking into bars back when I was underage, just to hear her sing.
When I asked her who she has shared a stage with that she would love to perform with again, her answer was smoothly Suede: “In this dream come true life of mine, I’ve been incredibly privileged to share stages with everyone from Pete Seeger to Livingston Taylor to Janis Ian, Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLachlan, Joan Rivers and more, as well as many lesser known and still brilliant artists like KJ Denhert (a real fave) and, of course, my twisted and beloved pals in the Lesbian Rat Pack, as I call us—Vickie Shaw, Karen Williams, Lisa Koch, Roxanna Ward and so many more. I couldn’t possibly say who I’d love to be back on stage with—the answer would have to be: ALL of them, any chance I get.”
We invite you to experience Suede for yourself as she performs a benefit concert on behalf of CAMP Rehoboth on Saturday, July 31, at 7:30 at Epworth United Methodist Church. We encourage you to grab your tickets if you haven’t yet, as they started selling literally the instant we posted them. Few, if any, remaining tickets will be available at the door, which is why we encourage you to purchase them ahead of time. The link is available on our CAMP Rehoboth webpage: camprehoboth.com, under Featured Events. ▼
CAMP Rehoboth’s Development Director Anita Broccolino oversees and advances CAMP Rehoboth’s Development, Fundraising, and Communications efforts, while helping increase awareness in the community. If you would like to become a member, volunteer for events, or meet with Anita to discuss a Donation, Legacy, or Planned Giving gift, please call: 302-227-5620 or email: anita@camprehoboth.com.