Legendary comedian, epic rock shows keep beach stages hot during peak season

Anyone who has driven through coastal Sussex County or Ocean City in recent days can tell you that area beaches are in the midst of peak season. Thus, it is only fitting that local concert venues are currently hosting some of their highest-profile shows of the year.

Freeman has its 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 — which is also the fastest sellout in the venue’s history. Comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld is set to appear Thursday, July 25.

Freeman has announced that a few rules and regulations will be in effect “at the request of the artist.” It is asked that all patrons be seated by 8:15 p.m., which is the same time that sales of alcohol and food are to halt. (Online food orders will end at 7:45 p.m. in order to meet the deadline.)

Another stipulation, which is common with comedy shows, is that photos and video recording will not be permitted. Opening act Mario Joyner will toss out a few zingers before Seinfeld takes the stage for what is sure to be a memorable evening.

Freeman has some impressive music events in the offing as well. Country star Tyler Hubbard will perform at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 28 ($59 to $109). Classic-rock stalwart REO Speedwagon will bring its catalog of hits to the stage at 7 p.m., Monday, July 29 ($91 to $137). Another classic-rock radio favorite, Kansas, will carry on at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 31 ($56 to $102).

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Dewey Beach's Bottle & Cork has epic shows on slate

In Dewey Beach, the famed Bottle & Cork nightclub also has a string of concerts in the coming days that include some its biggest of the season. Singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin, fresh off his Monday performance on ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live," will play to a sold-out house Thursday, July 25. The Legwarmers will offer up their ’80s tribute show at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 26 ($22).

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

The Struts are known for bringing exceptional opening acts on the road; Greta Van Fleet appeared at the Cork with them in 2017. This year Dewey will be treated to a set by The Struts’ good friend Barnes Courtney (who will also tour Europe with them this fall).

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

Elsewhere in Dewey, the Cork’s nearby sister business the Rusty Rudder will feature a pair of performances by its long, long, longtime house band Love Seed Mama Jump on its outside deck this week. As is summer tradition, the local rockers perform each and every Thursday at 9 p.m. with free admission. However, there will be a second show which is a ticketed event at 9 p.m., Saturday, July 27 ($20). This will celebrate the band’s 33rd anniversary.

The Record Company moves big show to new venue

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

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Rock act Little King to make Delmarva debut at Listening Booth

Another Lewes-area concert venue, the Listening Booth, is presenting music most nights of the week, with a general focus on original material. It is located on southbound Route 1 at Midway (in the Coastal Plaza strip mall). On Monday, July 29, it will present the Delmarva debut of Little King ($15, $25).

This rock act is currently in the midst of a national tour and features two members with local ties. Lead singer-guitarist Ryan Rosoff used to live in Rehoboth Beach — and bassist Manny Tejeda still does. Tyler Greene will open at 7 p.m.

Seacrets keeps rocking right through summer with Big Something

In Ocean City, the annual summer concert series at Seacrets will continue at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 with a performance by national rock act Big Something ($25). The show will take place outside on the beach stage; doors will open at 7 p.m., with the music kicking off shortly thereafter.

E-mail Roger Hillis at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Beach stages have legendary comedian, epic rock shows in red hot slate