George Thorogood, Patti LaBelle, Cole Swindell in first wave of Freeman Arts announcements

The summer is always a hot time for major concerts in Delaware, and the Freeman Arts Pavilion cranked up the heat Monday by revealing its first wave of performers.

This includes headliners George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Cole Swindell and many others.

Last April, Delaware native George Thorogood put the brakes on his 50th anniversary tour, announcing on his website that he was "diagnosed with a very serious medical condition, that will require immediate surgery and quite a few weeks'' of recuperation.

But Thorogood is tough as nails and still bad to the bone. He'll rock out with fans in his home state this summer.

Tickets for these Freeman performances go on sale to the public Thursday, Feb. 22, and Friday, Feb. 23, at freemanarts.org. On-sale times vary throughout the days and interested attendees should check individual event pages for exact times, according to Freeman Arts. 

George Thorogood and the Destroyers perform at Ak-Chin Pavilion on Sept. 7, 2022, in Phoenix.
George Thorogood and the Destroyers perform at Ak-Chin Pavilion on Sept. 7, 2022, in Phoenix.

More concerts will be announced continually this spring as shows are confirmed, said Patti Grimes, executive director.

“We are thrilled to share the first glimpse of our 17th season, which features a variety of genres and world-class artists,” she said in a statement. “We are truly grateful to the community for embracing our vision to transform lives through the arts in the Delmarva region."

George Thorogood, Patti LaBelle, more: First wave of Freeman Arts performers

  • ADA Twist, Scientist & Friends on Friday, May 31

  • Kashmir featuring Jean Violet — The Spirit of Led Zeppelin Live on Saturday, June 1

  • Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight on Thursday, June 6

  • Eaglemania — The World's Greatest Eagles Tribute Band on Saturday, June 8

  • Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen on Friday, June 21

  • George Thorogood & The Destroyers on Saturday, June 22

  • Michael Franti & Spearhead with special guests Trevor Hall & Bombargo on Wednesday, June 26

  • 287th Army Band: "The Governor's Own" on Friday, July 5

  • UB40: Red Red Wine Tour on Sunday, July 7

  • Justin Hayward and Christopher Cross on Wednesday, July 10

  • Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles on Friday, July 12

  • Fitz and the Tantrums: Good Nights Tour on Sunday, July 14

  • Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on Monday, July 15

  • Joe Bonamassa on Wednesday, July 17

  • Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show on Wednesday, July 24

  • The Greatest Love of All — A Tribute To Whitney Houston Starring Belinda Davids on Saturday, Aug. 3

  • Cole Swindell on Thursday, Aug. 15

  • Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Freeman Arts Pavilion (31806 Lake View Drive, near Selbyville). For more info, visit freemanarts.org or (302) 436-3015.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: George Thorogood, Cole Swindell, Patti LaBelle head to Freeman Arts