Adriana Camacho-Church, Mark Fields, Pam George, Roger Hillis, Catherine Kempista, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Ken Mammarella, Mary Ellen Mitchell, Matt Morrissette, Kevin Noonan, Andrea Smith, Bob Yearick
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jim Coarse, Justin Heyes and Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography, Ashley Craven, Lindsay Rudney duPhily, Joe Hoddinott, Matthew Loeb,
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Paul Bauer, John D. Holton, Bev Zimmermann
Focus
Listen
Photo by Pamela Aquilani, Lewes, Delaware
FOOD TRUCKS
CRAFT BEER & LIVE MUSIC
Kick-off Party at Brandywine Park
A world-class party in the park featuring live music by Fools In The Sun.
(5/16, 5-8pm)
MAJOR TAYLOR COMMUNITY RIDE
3.
Celebrate Wilmington and the spirit of cycling with this FREE ride on the Grand Prix course. All abilities welcome. (5/17, 11am)
STROLL & SHOP
Market Street merchants will be open and offering special discounts to attendees. Since there is no admission charge to Grand Prix festivities, you’ll have a little extra cash in your pocket to spend.
(5/17, 11am start)
10 WAYS
4.
KIDS
STUFF
Giant Slide, Bounces, Games, Music, Face Painting and more. All Free!
(5/17, 11am-5pm)
5.
COURSE CAFES
Enjoy lunch and watch the races with a table right on the course at Chelsea Tavern, DiMeo’s, The Roost, Wilma’s & more! (5/17, 11am-5pm)
6.
WATCH WORLD-CLASS CYCLING
Ever see 100 bikes sprint thru a downtown at 35mph? An international field of pro cyclists will be on hand for this nationally-ranked event.
TO ENJOY
7.
JOIN THE GOVERNOR’S RIDE
Join Governor Matt Meyer on a 15-mile ride that offers a once-a-year opportunity to ride your bike through Hagley Museum and Winterthur Museum & Garden. Start/finish in Rockford Park. (5/18, 8am)
8.
COBBLESTONE CLIMB
Cheer cyclists up challenging Monkey Hill. Bring your cowbell! And your costume! (5/16, 5-8pm)
9. DO THE FONDO
Last Fondo, riders from 21 states and five countries came to Wilmington to experience this bucket list ride through the Brandywine Valley. Sign up and you’ll see why. (5/18, 8am start)
You don’t have to be a race fan to enjoy six blocks of free family fun. Watch the races, have a beer, and let your kids enjoy the festival. (5/17, noon start)
"I Gotta Have More Cowbell"
49 First of event of 15-Across, featuring food, drinks, and cowbells, nishing at a place depicted literally by this puzzle’s circled
___ Bowls (smoothie chain with a location in Concord Gallery); or “beach”
THE WAR On Words
A monthly column in which we attempt, however futilely, to defend the English language
AND THE WINNERS ARE . . .
Our latest contest, published in the March issue, was a challenging one, with many mistakes in two vignettes: “ e Parade” and “A UD Romance.” anks to all those readers who took on the challenge. e two entrants who came closest to nding all the errors were Luann Haney and Larry Kerchner. Both will receive a $25 gift certi cate to an area restaurant.
Here’s the corrected edit, with errors in italics, followed by corrections in parentheses:
e Parade
e victory parade started at 10 a.m. in the morning (delete — redundant) and was comprised of (composed of or made up of) six di erent (delete — super uous) high school bands, the Mayor (mayor — lower-case mayor unless it precedes a name) and some other politicians, a group of former Eagles players from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, (‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s) and then the current team. People along the parade route wore shirts and hats with ‘Go Birds’ (“Go, Birds”) or ‘Lets Hunt’ (“Let’s Hunt”) on them. All the players wore their game jerseys except A.J. Brown, who was donning (wore; donning means “to put on”) a Saquon Barkley jersey — number 28 (26 — this is the factual error).
Everyone thinks that Philadelphia fans cause trouble, but that is a misnomer (misconception; misnomer is an incorrect name for something). ere were no incidences (incidents) of lawlessness that day, and no one was arrested and interred (interned) in the local jail.
Travis Kelce of the Chiefs was in the crowd, and he said he certainly was not ashamed of the way his team had played. “We have nothing to hang our hat on,” (“We have nothing to hang our heads about”) he said.
A UD Romance
e world is full of meet-cute stories. Case and point (Case in point): Betsy and Carl. Betsy is a former (delete — redundant; once an alum, always an alum) alumna of the University of Delaware and Carl is a UD alumni (alumnus; alumni is plural) too. ey met during their sophomore year when she dialed his number on accident (by accident). ey
Word of the Month
CRI DE COEUR
Pronounced kree-da-kerr, it’s a noun meaning a passionate outcry (as of appeal or protest). E.g., Joseph Welch, chief counsel for the Army in 1954 while it was under investigation for Communist activities by Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s subcommittee, to McCarthy: “Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?”
By Bob Yearick
started talking, and Betsy mentioned that her rent was in the rears (in arrears). “Here’s the thing is (delete — redundant),” she said, “I accumulated a lot of expenses and let some things fall between the cracks (through the cracks or between the slats) and then all of the sudden (all of a sudden) my landlord is at my door demanding to be paid. For all intensive purposes (all intents and purposes) I’m broke, and I have a pit in my stomach (bad feeling in the pit of my stomach), and it’s not from hunger pains (pangs).”
“Listen Betsy,” (A comma is needed after listen) Carl said, “my bank account is hale and hardy (hearty), and I’ll be happy to give you the money you need”.( e quote mark goes after the period: need.”)
“Here, here (Hear, hear),” shouted Betsy.
After that, they started dating. However, their romance had to endure a gantlet (gauntlet) of challenges, including menacing (delete — redundant/super uous) death threats from her former ex-boyfriend (delete former or ex-; they have the same meaning). Even (delete — redundant) (Still), their love survived and they eventually entered into Holy Matrimony (holy matrimony).
MEDIA WATCH
• Nick Brinkerho , in USA TODAY: “Kupp nished third in league MVP voting following his dominate 2021 season.” at’s dominant — the adjective. Dominate is a verb.
• From an email from Democratic Conservationists: “If we don't take action to stop the dangerous affects of climate change, then we can expect 2025 to be even worse.” That’s effects.
• Spotlight Delaware caption: Rep. Krista Gri th, the bill sponsor in the House, lead the ght against amendments to Senate Bill 21 . . .” e past tense of to lead is led.
DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCIES DEPT.
An NBC anchor reported that a serial killer had “killed six di erent people.” So, he didn’t kill one person six times?
Apologies: In last month’s column, McKinley (as in President William McKinley) was misspelled — twice. Not grammar, however; just a simple typo.
NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR GROUP?
Contact me at ryearick@comcast.net for a fun and informative discussion on grammar.
Buy The War on Words book at the Hockessin BookShelf, at Huxley & Hiro Booksellers on Market Street, or on Amazon.
Nashville, TN (BNA)
FLY AVELO
Philadelphia / Wilmington, DE (ILG)
Raleigh / Durham, NC (RDU)
Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
Jacksonville, FL (JAX)
Daytona Beach, FL (DAB)
Tampa, FL (TPA)
Sarasota / Bradenton, FL (SRQ)
Fort Myers, FL (RSW)
Orlando, FL (MCO)
Lakeland, FL (LAL)
West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
Fort Lauderdale / Miami, FL (FLL)
San Juan, PR (SJU) Wilmington, NC (ILM)
| delart.org
FYI Things Worth Knowing
FIND THE BUS, GUS. YOU COULD WIN BIG!
It's beach time. And no better environmentallyconscious and economical away of getting to the beach than on the DART Beach Bus. However, a few drivers have taken a detour and can be found on these pages. Tell us the four pages you nd the Beach Bus and you could win a pair of tickets to Rocking the Docks in Lewes (see pg. 36). Email your answer by May 20 to Contact@TSNPub. com with the subject line: I Found the Bus. We will choose three winners from correct submissions. Congrats to Tom Ferrier, Dean Forster and Suzanne Beadle, who found our fake ad — Forever EGGS —on pg. 50 of our April issue.
JUNETEENTH T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST
YWCA Delaware is seeking original artwork for its 2025 Juneteenth T-shirt. Delaware artists of all ages can submit designs through May 15. e public can vote April 28–May 26 for $1 per vote ($5 minimum contribution). e top three winners receive a cash prize and online recognition. e winning T-shirt design will be available at the Juneteenth celebration on June 14 at Tubman-Garett Park in Wilmington. Proceeds support YWCA Delaware’s programs serving more than 8,000 clients statewide. Visit YWCADe.org/Juneteenth.
SCREEN THE UNSEEN AMERICAN DREAM
Aspecial screening of Unseen American Dream will be held Friday, May 2 at 7pm at e Screening Room at 1313 in Wilmington. e short documentary follows blind couple Kris Heist and Gary Pizzolo raising their sighted twins, navigating their ever-changing challenges with resilience and love. Following the 20-minute lm, there will be aQ&A with family and lmmakers, and light reception. Tickets are $5, bene ting e Guide Dog Foundation. Visit eScreeningRoom.org.
DELAWARE THEATRE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR LOCAL THEATRE ICON
On Sunday, May 4, Chapel Street Players will host That’s What Friends Are For , a musical cabaret celebrating Tina M. Sheing, a beloved member of the Delaware theatre community. The event will feature more than 20 performers singing Broadway favorites, with proceeds supporting accessibility renovations to help Sheing, who was born with spina bifida, maintain her active lifestyle. Visit My.CheddarUp.com/c/tinas-new-adventure.
WORLD PREMIERE OPERA TAKES FLIGHT
OperaDelaware will present the world premiere of Fearless, a new opera by Derrick Wang (Scalia/Ginsburg), at e Grand (818 N. Market St.) on May 16 & 18. Fearless tells the inspiring story of WWII aviator Hazel Ying Lee, the rst Chinese American woman to earn a pilot’s license and y for the U.S. military. OperaDelaware’s VP of Engagement, Kerriann Otaño, says Fearless “is a testament to OperaDelaware’s commitment to enrich the community and encourage curiosity.”
In addition to the premiere, OperaDelaware will present a free preview performance on ursday, May 1 at First & Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, and partners with the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover for a preview performance and panel discussion on Sunday, May 4. Visit OperaDE.org.
DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET RETURNS
The Downtown Wilmington Farmers’ Market returns to Rodney Square on May 7, and will operate every Wednesday through October (10am-2pm), rain or shine. Enjoy fresh produce, owers, handmade goods, live entertainment, and lunch from one of several food trucks. Presented by Downtown Visions and the City of Wilmington, with support from Chase Bank. Visit DowntownWilmingtonDE.com.
FYI Things Worth Knowing
Humane Animal Partners' popular Designer Bag Bingo returns for its ninth year on Thursday, May 15 at St. Elizabeth’s Church’s Grant Hall in Wilmington. Presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the event features luxury bags from Coach, Kate Spade, and more, plus raffles and cash prizes. Proceeds support HAP’s work including adoption, low-cost spay/neuter, and affordable veterinary care for Delaware Families. Visit HumaneAnimalPartners.org/Bingo.
FREE FAMILY FUN AT SOUTHERN PARK SPRING FESTIVAL
Experience all that Middletown's Southern Park has to offer at the Southern Park Spring Festival on Saturday, May 10 from 2-7pm (rain date May 17). This free event features ziplining, laser tag, food trucks, crafts, 3-hole mini golf, DJ dance party, and more. Plus learn pickleball with USA Pickleball and tennis with USTA (register in advance). Visit NewCastleDE.gov/Events.
INAUGURAL WILMINGTON
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
TFIRST STATE FC LAUNCHES SEASON WITH HOME OPENER MAY 24
First State Football Club kicks off its 2025 season on Saturday, May 17, with the first home game set for Saturday, May 24 at Abessinio Stadium in Wilmington. Delaware’s National Premier Soccer League team features top local and international talent, including national team players. Fans can enjoy theme nights, food trucks, and more all season long. Visit FirstStateFC.com.
his fall, the inaugural Wilmington International Film Festival will bring filmmakers, film enthusiasts, non-profits, and businesses together for a celebration of film, food and live music. Led by Gordon DelGiorno of Film Brothers Productions, the festival will run October 9–12 and showcase more than 50 global films across four city venues: Theatre N, The Screening Room 1313, The Delaware Contemporary, and Penn Cinema Riverfront. Highlights include live music performances, art exhibitions, business networking, and a Wilmington University-sponsored Student Film Competition & Young Filmmakers Workshop awarding a full four-year scholarship. Visit Wilmington.Film.
PETS OF THE MONTH
Meet this month’s adorable adoptables sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
SANDY
SASSY, SWEET LADY
PERRY
Kittens Are Coming:
What to Know and How to Help
By Brianna Hansen
As the weather warms, animal shelters across the country brace for an annual springtime surge known as “kitten season.” It sounds adorable, but kitten season also brings serious challenges for animal welfare organizations like Humane Animal Partners (HAP), who care for a ood of newborn kittens born to unspayed, free-roaming cats.
1.5 YRS | MALE | 55 LBS
Playful, Loves Toys Enjoys the Outdoors
LOYAL & LOVING Knows Basic Commands
Affectionate with Friends HAP WILMINGTON
10 YRS | FEMALE | 10 LBS
Purr Machine
Social & Confident
Reduced Adoption Fee
Loves to Window Watch
HAP STANTON
ANGEL
SOCIAL SWEETHEART
1 YR | FEMALE | 68 LBS
Cuddlebug
Volunteer Favorite
Active, Loves the Outdoors
Super Smart & Eager to Please
HAP STANTON
Each year, from early spring through late fall, thousands of kittens arrive in shelters, many of them orphaned or separated from their mothers. ese tiny babies require around-the-clock care — bottle feeding, medical attention, and hands-on socialization — before they’re ready for adoption. e sheer volume can be overwhelming, especially when you consider that one unspayed female cat and her o spring can produce up to 5,000 kittens in just seven years! at’s why spaying and neutering is so important. Preventing future litters reduces shelter overcrowding and helps ensure better outcomes for the animals already in shelter care. Local organizations like HAP and Faithful Friends Animal Society work year-round to o er lowcost and accessible spay/neuter services, but during kitten season, the need skyrockets.
If you come across kittens outside, your rst instinct might be to bring them in — but pause before you act. If the kittens are clean, warm, and appear fed, their mother is likely nearby, possibly out searching for food. It’s best to observe from a distance for a few hours. If she doesn’t return, or the kittens seem sick, cold, or in danger, reach out to a local shelter or rescue group for guidance. ey can help determine the best course of action or connect you with foster or intake resources.
Speaking of fosters, caring for newborn kittens is a big commitment, which is why kitten season relies heavily on foster volunteers! ese amazing individuals provide temporary homes where kittens can grow and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment until they’re ready for adoption. Fosters are truly lifesavers — but they’re not the only way to make an impact.
If you can’t foster, you can still support kitten season e orts in meaningful ways. Donating supplies like kitten formula, heating pads, bottles, and soft baby blankets goes a long way. Or consider attending a fundraising event — like HAP’s Designer Bag Bingo on May 15 in Wilmington! Every bingo card helps provide food, vaccines, and lifesaving care to kittens (and pups) in need.
— Learn more about ki en season, sign up to foster, donate, or grab you tickets to Designer Bag Bingo at: HumaneAnimalPartners.org
Butler with "Superman on Superbike."
SCULPTOR CELEBRATES GRAND PRIX
BY DONATING ORIGINAL WORK TO CITY
Jeremy Butler, a retired Wall Street nancial analyst turned sculptor who now lives in north Wilmington, has donated a sculpture to the City of Wilmington in celebration the Wilmington Grand Prix. e foot-tall sculpture, which weighs close to 15 pounds and is 15 inches wide, is entitled “Superman on Superbike.”
“I try to create works of art that will touch the viewer in some way,” says Butler, a member of the White Clay Bicycle Club who has always had a passion for pro cycling. “Most of my pieces contain at least one of the elements of beauty, mystery and movement. What I mean by movement is the creation of sculptures that move the soul, senses, and/or emotions.”
Butler is a self-taught sculptor whose father was a British portrait sculptor. He has created sculptures of tennis greats Ste Gra , Roger Federer and Serena Williams that are displayed in the museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Many of his other sculptures are displayed in private homes, public institutions and art galleries around the country.
e City of Wilmington has not determined where Butler’s sculpture will be displayed. In the meantime, he has an exhibit set for Blue Streak Gallery in Trolley Square, Wilm. Butler’s show will open June 6 during Art Loop and continue throughout the month. Visit JeremyButlerSculpture on Instagram.
FRIDAY. MAY 9th | 5-7pm
Jeremy
See the Award Winners XXV Group Exhibition Near You!
Discover the bold and inspiring work of Delaware’s 2025 Individual Artist Fellows at one of three group exhibitions across the state. These curated showcases celebrate the talent and vision of this year’s fellowship recipients, featuring a diverse range of media and perspectives. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious art lover, these exhibitions are a must-see.
Biggs Museum
May 15-September 14
Reception: May 15
Historic Houses of Odessa
September 19-October 26
Reception: September 25
2025 Master Fellow
VIET DINH
2025 Established Fellows
JUDY CATTERTON
GERALDO GONZALEZ
ANANYA GOSWAMI
MAKEDA HAMPTON
LINDA SUSAN JACKSON
DENNIS LAWSON
NADJAH NICOLE
DAMON PLA
ROB SAMPLE
ADAM VIDIKSIS
SHANNON WOODLOE
Literature: Creative Nonfiction
Visual Arts: Works on Paper
Dance: Choreography
Music: Solo Recital
Literature: Poetry
Literature: Fiction
Music: Performance
Visual Arts: Painting
Visual Arts: Painting
Music: Composition
Visual Arts: Photography
Rehoboth Art League
November 7-30
Reception: November 7
Literature: Fiction
2025 Emerging Fellows
PAULA BROWN
RENITA COURSEY
IRENE FICK
DON JAMES
TIM LYNCH
MAXIMILLIAN REMMLER
AUGUST RYAN
SHANA STARKS
BENJAMIN WAGNER
Visual Arts: Painting
Folk Art: Visual Arts
Literature: Creative Nonfiction
Visual Arts: Photography
Literature: Poetry
Media Arts: Video/Film
Literature: Fiction
Music: Performance
Literature: Creative Nonfiction
Woodloe
Woodloe
Paula Brown Paula Brown
Damon Pla Damon Pla
Don James Don James
Geraldo Gonzalez Geraldo Gonzalez
FRIDAY, MAY 2
Start
RIVERFRONT
The Delaware Contemporary
200 S. Madison Street 656-6466 • decontemporary.org
Exhibitions: Opening reception for 2025 Univ. of Del. Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition Compendium and 2025 Lynn Herrick Sharp Award Group Exhibition; Dinner Table; and Artworks by Margo Allman
Starbucks
329 S. Justison Street
510-2762
Exhibition: Arts by Angelova
DOWNTOWN
Bridge Art Gallery
213 N. Market Street
353-4527 • bridgeartgallery.net
Exhibition: Fiber Secrets: The Art of Maurice Evans
Chris White Gallery
701 N. Shipley Street 475-0998 • chriswhitegallery.com
Exhibition: Emerging Artists Group Show
Christina Cultural Arts Center
Edward Loper, Sr. Gallery 705 N. Market Street 652-0101 • ccacde.org
Artist: Color TUFT Fabs by Jordan Best Williams
City of Wilmington’s Redding Gallery
800 N. French Street
576-2100 cityfestwilm.com/redding-gallery
Artist: The Form of Freedom by Mario Chiodo
Gallery at Grace Church
900 N. Washington Street 655-8847
Artist: The Collective Power of One by Jane Quarterone
The Grand Opera House
818 N. Market Street
658-7897 • thegrandwilmington.org
Grand Gallery: Between the Lines by Kiara Florez
baby grand Gallery: The Grand Challenge presented by The Diamond State Branch, National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW)
Huxley and Hiro Booksellers
419 N. Market Street
439-0805
Artist: Setting the Table: Food Justice, Memory and Identity By Oscar Eduardo de Paz
LaFate Gallery
227 N. Market Street
753-5789
Exhibition: Heart of Caregiving & Coping with Grief
Mezzanine Gallery
820 N. French Street
577-8278 • arts.delaware.gov
Artist: The Fragment Holds More Than the Whole by Shefon N. Taylor
MKT Gallery
200 N. 9th Street
289-6772
Artist: Bloom by Amy Nitchman
Nomad
905 N. Orange Street
Artist: Jimmy Thompson
The Sold Firm
800-B N. Tatnall Street
689-3237
Exhibition: Coming of Ages Group Artist Show
Spaceboy Clothing
205 N. Market Street 225-9781
Exhibition: 5 Minute Doodles by CHEZ
The Studio on Market 227 N. Market Street
Exhibition: Untitled featuring Yakime Akelá Brown and Tony Sealey
WEST SIDE
Blue Streak Gallery 1721 Delaware Avenue 429-0506
Exhibition: Beyond the Classroom: Color, Creativity and Connection Group Show
Delaware Center for Horticulture 1810 N. Dupont Street 658-6262 • thedch.org
Artist: Inner Landscapes by Gary Smith
Howard Pyle Studio 1305 N. Franklin Street 656-7304
Artists: Howard Pyle Studio Artists featuring Karen Kuhrt
BEYOND THE CITY
Lumen Studio & Gallery
Independence Mall 1601 Concord Pike, Suite 89 545-3204
Artist: Searching For the Light at the End of the Tunnel by Carson Zullinger & Patt Panzer
Arden Buzz-Ware Gallery 2119 The Highway, Arden 981-4811
Artist: The Devil’s Playground. Today we call it Craters of the Moon by Elisabeth Bard
Artist: Many Pieces Make a Whole by Stephanie Przybylek
Finist & The Owl 811 Brandywine Boulevard 786-228-6638
Artist: Crystabella Studio with Lori Poff Kellogg
Greater Wilmington is blessed with an abundance of delicious pizza shops and restaurants. And with it being the 51st anniversary of the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival June 8-15 (100th year of St. Anthony of Padua Parish), we thought it fitting to celebrate the area pizza scene as well as St. Anthony's. "Try A New Pie" is the theme of Greater Wilmington Pizza Week, so visit one of the spots on our Top 10 list below. We have rewards for those who do.
Pizza by Elizabeths 3801 Kennett Pike, Wilm. | PizzaByElizabeths.com
Rocco's Italian Grill & Sports Bar 701 N. Union St., Wilm. | RoccoItalianGrill.com
Stone Mill Pizza 7313 Lancaster Pike #5, Hockessin | StoneMillPizza.com
V&M Bistro
1717 Marsh Rd, Wilm. | VMBistro.com
2nd Place: $100 in gift certificates to select venues
3rd Place: $50 gift certificate to participating venue
Let The Festivals Begin
By Amy Watson Bish
We do like our festivals, whether they’re celebrating ethnicity or the contributions of a jazz legend such as Cli ord Brown. Following is a look at this year’s festival season. As usual, things get o to a galloping start with the annual Point-to-Point. Enjoy!
47th Annual Winterthur Point-to-Point
Sunday, May 4 | Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington
Delaware’s springtime tradition has it all — steeplechase racing, antique carriage parade, festive tailgates, fancy hats, and fun for the entire family.
— Visit Winterthur.org
Train Day at Auburn Heights
Sunday, May 4 | Marshall Steam Museum, Yorklyn
All aboard! Whether you’re a lifelong railfan or just looking for a family-friendly day out, Train Day has something for everyone: from rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad and Museum tours to model train displays and hands-on activities.
— Visit AuburnHeights.org/Train-Day
Above: Colonial-era reenactors at the annual Separation Day parade in Historic New Castle Photo by Lindsay Rudney duPhily
At right from top: Italian Festival, Wilmington Flower Market, Brandywine River Shadfest, Ladybug Festival. O&A file photos/Ladybug by Joe del Tufo
Wilmington Flower Market
May 8 – May 10 | Rockford Park, Wilmington
This time-honored, three-day event has been a rite of spring for more than 100 years. Explore a wide selection of plants and flowers for your garden, shop for gifts from craft vendors, and delight in carnival rides, games, and live entertainment.
— Visit WilmingtonFlowerMarket.org
Bellefonte Arts Festival
Saturday, May 17 | Brandywine Blvd, Wilmington
Discover the tiny, bohemian town of Bellefonte, just off Philadelphia Pike, at this fun-filled annual outdoor festival highlighting more than 50 local artisans, live music, food trucks, kids' activities and more. Rain date Sunday, May 18.
— Visit BellefonteArts.com
A Day in Old New Castle
Saturday, May 17 | Historic New Castle
Celebrate heritage and history at the 100th anniversary of A Day in Old New Castle, the country’s oldest open house and garden tour event. This festive day includes tours of museums and historic homes, family-friendly activities, demonstrations, costumed reenactors, and more.
— Visit HistoricNewCastle.com
Wilmington Street Food Festival
Saturday, May 17 | Tubman-Garrett Park, Wilmington Riverfront
The Wilmington Street Food Festival returns to the Riverfront offering $5 bites from area restaurants and food trucks. Enjoy live entertainment, family activities, axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, a breakdancing competition and more. Proceeds support the Trauma Survivors Foundation.
— Visit StreetFoodFests.com
5th Annual Brandywine River ShadFest
Sunday, May 18 | Brandywine Park, Wilmington
Celebrate the Brandywine River and the return of the American Shad. This free, family-friendly event raises awareness of environmental issues and includes live music, food vendors, fishing lessons, and more.
— Visit BRRT.org
Summer Kick-Off Celebration
Saturday, May 24 | Hagley Museum & Library, Greenville
Get a taste of Hagley’s summer programs during this special preview day featuring hands-on activities, tours, food trucks, and more. Activities are from 10am to 4pm, with regular museum operations until 5pm.
— Visit Hagley.org
>
Separation Day
IN HISTORIC NEW CASTLE
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
JUNE 6th & 7th
Join us in celebrating one of delaware’s oldest traditions!
FRIDAY
Free Admission!
kick-off party
6-9:30pm Music by: Brad Newsom & The Jagermintz Beer/Wine Garden • Food Trucks • Benefits Local Fire Depts.
Live Music starts at 2pm featuring: Lester’s Pearl • Too Tall Slim • Boots & Skirts • What The Funk
The Ladybug Music Festival
Friday, May 30 | Market Street, Wilmington
Wilmington’s 100% female-fronted, multi-genre music festival returns to Market Street for its 15th year. The country’s largest celebration of women in music is open to all ages and is free to attend. This year features Margaret Glaspy, Martha Wash, Koser, and more.
— Visit TheLadybugFestival.com
Holy Trinity Greek Festival
June 2 – June 7 | 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington
Transport yourself to Greece at this annual weeklong celebration of culture, cuisine, and tradition. Enjoy authentic dishes, folk dancing, and live Greek music from Philadelphia’s Atlantis, all in a festive village-style atmosphere. Opa!
One of the state’s longest-running traditions returns, recognizing Delaware’s declaration of independence from Pennsylvania and the British crown. Festivities begin on Friday evening with an outdoor block party at The Wharf, featuring live music, food trucks and a beer/wine garden. On Saturday, a Colonial-inspired parade kicks-off at noon followed by an afternoon of activities in Battery Park featuring a vintage market, kids’ rides, food & drink, live music, and a grand fireworks finale over the Delaware River in the evening.
— Visit SeparationDayDe.com
St. Anthony’s Italian Festival
June 8 – June 15 | 901 N. Dupont Street, Wilmington
Hosted by St. Anthony of Padua Church, this festival is one of the largest Italian American cultural events in the region and brings the spirit of Italy to Wilmington with authentic cuisine, live music, traditional dances, carnival rides and games for all ages.
— Visit SAPDE.org/ItalianFestival
31st
Annual Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Saturday, June 14 | Rodney Square and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington
Hosted by the Delaware Juneteenth Association, this celebration of freedom and resilience begins with a parade down King Street, followed by a free family-friendly festival at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park featuring live music, entertainment, food trucks, and more.
— Visit DelawareJuneteenth.org
38th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Fest
June 18 – June 21 | Rodney Square, Downtown Wilmington
The Clifford Brown Jazz Fest, the largest free jazz festival on the east coast, features a star-studded line-up of jazz artists. Each night the main stage performances are followed by late light jam sessions hosted by local establishments throughout downtown Wilmington.
— Visit CliffordBrownJazzFest.org
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival
Saturday, June 28 | Rockwood Park, Wilmington
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! And there’s plenty of the sweet treat to enjoy at this quintessential summer event that also includes live music, family entertainment, free museum tours, a beer garden, fireworks at dusk, and more.
— Visit NCCDE.org/ICF
Enjoying a sweet treat at the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival.
Photo courtesy New Castle County Parks
When The Livin’ Was Easy
Remembering an undiscovered gem — the Dewey Beach of my youth
IBy Kevin Noonan
t was the harbinger of summer. roughout the 1950s and 1960s, we’d come home from school in early June and see boxes stacked on the dining room chairs, boxes lled with food and clothes and sheets and blankets and towels and clothes pins and toothpaste and all the bare-bone essentials we’d need for the next three months.
e sight of those boxes brought joy to our hearts like nothing else, even more than seeing the Christmas tree lit up, because those boxes meant that soon we’d be in Dewey Beach for the next three months. Summertime and the livin’ is easy . . .
An aerial photo of Dewey Beach in 1931. The arrow shows the location of The Big House. Photo courtesy Noonan family
DART TO THE BEACH
Beaches Shopping Nightlife Work
With frequent daily bus service, from early morning to late night, it’s easy to DART everywhere this summer.
I was about 6 or 7 when I realized that everybody in the world didn’t spend their summers at the beach. We were spoiled and didn’t even know it, although “spoiled” is a relative term. We didn’t have a big summer home with a pool and Jacuzzi and four-car garage. We were packed into a two-bedroom cottage (for seven people) with no air conditioner, no dishwasher, no washing machine, no telephone, no indoor shower, no television, not even water you could drink — we had to ll big jugs of water at the Lewes Dairy in Rehoboth Beach for drinking and cooking and even brushing our teeth.
But, as crude as it was, Dewey Beach was heaven on earth. And what made it really special is that most people didn’t even know where it was. We’d have to identify it by saying that it was a couple of miles south of Rehoboth Beach. en people would say, “Oh, OK …’’
Now, of course, Dewey Beach is “A Way of Life,” but it’s not as good a way as it used to be, unless you’re a 21-year-old bar-hopper. And where was all this stuff when I was 21?
Our family history in Dewey goes back to my grandparents, Timothy and Bertha Noonan. One day in the late 1920s, a friend told Tim about this end-of-the-line resort in southern Delaware called Rehoboth by the Sea, which was a realty company formed by Nathaniel Quillen, William Lynn, Joseph McSweeney, George McMahon, James McMahon and John Redefer. Grandfather leased a lot from them and in 1929 built a house on the southern corner of what is now New Orleans Street and Route 1. at house — always called “ e Big House” — is where my father, Charles Noonan, spent his teen-aged summers, along with his brothers, James and Paul, and his sister, Anne. For many years, it was the only house on the entire bay-side block bordered by New Orleans and Saulsbury streets. e roads were unpaved and the main road going through Dewey (now Route 1) came to a dead end just a block away, at the current site of the Bottle & Cork.
Imagine what Dewey must have looked like then. And Rehoboth Bay. ere might not have been a lovelier spot on the planet. My father, who died in 1998, used to tell us how clear the bay was, how you could see right to the bottom and just reach down and snatch a couple of softshell crabs for lunch. Everything was blissfully primitive — they didn’t even have electricity — and it took ve hours to make the drive from Wilmington in the family’s Model-T Ford.
Of course, it can still take ve hours to get to Dewey, but not for the same reason.
TIME MARCHES ON
As the years passed, Dewey Beach grew. From a few cottages it became a small village that still had few amenities. In the 1930s, Grandfather built another house behind the Big House, with an upstairs apartment and downstairs garage.
World War II ended the carefree summers for a while, and instead of lounging on Dewey Beach, my father was
DART Pass
DART Transit
storming Omaha Beach, where, as a First Lieutenant in the 29th Division, he was part of the assault wave on June 6 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his “outstanding qualities of courage and leadership.”
After the war, Charles and his brother, James, opened a general store, Noonan Brothers, across the road from the Big House. After a couple of years, they sold the store to Bill and elma Wilson, who operated it as Wilson’s Variety Store for three decades. at site, originally owned by my father and uncle, now houses Vavala’s Beach ings and Woody’s Dewey restaurant (remember that the next time you buy a Dewey T-shirt at Vavala’s or order one of Woody’s crab cakes).
Also in the early 1950s, a dramatic shift occurred: My grandparents and Uncle Jimmy died, and my mother and father and aunt and uncle — Anne and Harvey Moore — decided to sell the Big House to nance the homes they were building in the new suburbs being carved out of the farms and forests of Brandywine Hundred.
But we still had the two-story cottage behind it, and the bottom was converted into another apartment. So, the Noonans and Moores still had our Dewey connection. And that’s where I spent my Huck Finn summers, along with my brothers, sisters, cousins and our summer friends.
remain summer guests; some moved there to stay. Some retired there,; some died there. And all of them loved it there.
HAPPY DAYS
As kids and teenagers in the ‘50s and ‘60s, two places were special to us. One was Wilson’s Variety Store, where we would spend our nightly “treat money” of a dime, which was enough to buy an ice cream cone or a cherry Coke (with real cherry syrup squirted into it) at their soda fountain.
e other special place was e Flat Top restaurant at the corner of Route 14 (now Route 1) and Saulsbury Street. Now, that location is home to Dewey Beer Co., but back then it was our main hangout. e joint, owned by the Hopkins family of Harrington, had pin ball machines, a juke box and, most importantly, tolerant management.
Back then, there were few rules or regulations in an unincorporated Dewey Beach.
We would also hang out at Duggar’s Esso Station, where I worked when I was 12 until 16. It, too, had pin ball machines and a pool table. “Duggar” was the late Ed Rodgers, and his family still owns and operates what is now an Exxon station, and it’s the only business in Dewey that hasn’t changed owners in the last 60 years.
And that’s what made Dewey really special — the people. Over the years, many other families shared our nofrills paradise: Carney, Duggan, Judge, McMahon, Redefer, Lindsay, Baldo, Vaughn, Conaty, Wilson, Ulsh, Rodgers, Burton, Vavala, Walsh, Steele, McPhail, Mandio, Vignola, Peake, Quillen, Mezick, Seimes, Murdock, Wisniewski, DeMarco, Stokes, Forrest, Flynn, Bogart, O’Hagan, Carr, Hopkins, Fagan, Lambert, Martin, Shaud …
Many of them held onto their Dewey roots. Some
Back then, there were few rules or regulations in an unincorporated Dewey Beach. We could have bon res whenever we wanted (now you need a permit) and we could sleep on the beach any time (now it’s forbidden). We would even play in the observation towers at Tower Beach (now they’re closed to the public).
Of course, we didn’t just jump right back into our life in Dewey Beach. First, we had to get our feet toughened up. We took our shoes o the day we got down there and didn’t put them back on until the day we left, with the
The Big House in 1935. At right, the same location today, now home to Starboard Sauced. Photo at left courtesy Noonan family
exception of Mass on Sunday. But after nine months of living the easy life in shoes and socks, our feet were white and soft. So, everybody walked gingerly for a couple of weeks until they toughened up to Dewey Beach standards.
e other thing you had to do was burn. As an adult, when I went to a dermatologist for the rst time, he asked me if I ever got sun-burned as a kid. I laughed. Are you kidding? It was an annual ritual in those pre-sunscreen days. Heck, girls used to coat themselves with baby oil and literally cook themselves under the sun.
e key was that rst layer of tan, which meant you had to endure your rst layer of burn. e idea was that you’d get a little browner when the sunburn wore o and
you peeled, and then you’d add on more and more tan (and peel some more), until you looked like a Polynesian god. Little did we know that decades later we would make those dermatologists rich.
It wasn’t all play, however, and I got my rst summer job when I was 10. My cousin, Maryanne Moore, and I wheedled jobs on the jeeps that used to drive along the beach, renting umbrellas, chairs and rafts and selling sodas and snacks. We were the envy of the other kids, and all for the grand sum of one dollar per day.
I had many other summer jobs over the years, but that rst one, and my last one, were the two best. When I was in college I got a job, along with my friend, Mark Carney, on the maintenance crew at Delaware Seashore State Park.
e maintenance crew had its headquarters in the old lifesaving station near the inlet, which is now a museum. We would drive four-wheel-drive vehicles on the beach, often with miles of open sand all to ourselves. e pay wasn’t much, but the experience was priceless.
ose idyllic summers tend to blur together in your memory, but one summer stands out, and in Delaware it’s simply known as the Storm of ’62 — a Nor’easter slammed into the Atlantic coast and destroyed dozens of homes and businesses, causing millions of dollars in damage and giving insurance brokers nightmares.
For kids, however, it was a bonanza, because we suddenly had lots of torn up houses in which to play and we spent the next couple of summers exploring
Dewey Beach landmark the Bottle & Cork, as it appeared in 1957.
them and using them as clubhouses and forts. If we got chased from one, we just broke into another. It was better than Disneyland.
MODERN TIMES
Dewey Beach went through dramatic changes after it incorporated in 1981, and they weren’t changes for the better, at least for us. Suddenly, everybody knew where Dewey was, and it seemed like everybody was headed there, especially on weekends. at meant that the trip from Wilmington to the beach also changed dramatically. What used to be farmland and marshes along the highway became an endless line of fast-food restaurants, outlet stores and red lights — there used to be one red light between Lewes and Dewey, at Route 24; now, there are too many to count.
roughout the years, the Big House went through changes of its own, rst as Ulsh’s Bakery in the 1970s, then Bunny’s Mo-ped Rentals, then Mama Celeste’s Pizza, and now it’s owned by Steve Montgomery and his Starboard enterprise.
What bothers me the most about the changes in Dewey Beach — and, really, all Delaware beach towns — is that ordinary people can’t a ord to own a summer home anymore. Dewey was a place that used to be lled with mostly small, ramshackle cottages, some of them owned by old, grizzled watermen who persevered throughout the winters in drafty shacks heated by coal stoves.
and knocked down, and in their place, people built — and are still building — huge mcmansions that lack character or soul. And many of the people who gave Dewey its character and soul have been priced out.
But it’s still Dewey Beach, the paradise of my youth. My wife and I are retired now, so we can stay in Dewey in the spring and fall when it’s not so crazy. And even now I get excited about the prospect of a week at the beach. It’s still a pleasure to sit on the upstairs porch and watch the world go by, even though it’s going by a lot faster now and making a lot more noise.
An aerial view of a very sedate Dewey Beach in 1956.
BEACH BUZZ
Visitors can expect new breweries, bagel shops and a bevy of rhythm and blues
TBy Pam George
he in ux of new residents and year-round visitors has extended coastal Delaware’s tourist season. But since Memorial Day is still the o cial kicko to summer, here is a rundown of new doings at the beach.
Bagel Bites and Ice Cream Sensations
In South Bethany, 19Dough1 opened last year. ( e town of Bethany was o cially formed on July 12, 1901.) Bagels are the star. However, there are also breakfast and acai bowls. e same owners have Sandy Pony Donuts in Bethany Beach. 19Dough1.com.
Since beachgoers can’t get enough breakfast bread, Surf Bagel opened a fth location in Fenwick Island earlier this year. You’ll nd it in Dairy Queen’s old site. SurfBagel.com.
e Quiet Resorts of Bethany and Fenwick lost one ice cream shop but gained two more. e owners of 19Dough1 also opened Soft Swirl, a frozen custard shop. ( ey also have Hapa Surf Co., a Hawaiianinspired kids’ clothing store, for three shops in a row.)
Farther inland, Hometown Creamery took over e Blue Scoop location in Selbyville. e ice cream is from Hockessin-based Woodside Farm Creamery. Instagram.com/Hometownde.
Rocking The Docks returns to Lewes this summer with an impressive lineup, including Low Cut Connie on June 12. Photo by Bryan Kremkau
Two New Breweries
If you prefer Belgian ales to bagels and cones, here’s some good news: First State Brewing Company’s second location is in the former Pond on Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach. It might seem like a big jump for the Middletownbased brewery. However, founder Paul Hester went to Cape Henlopen High School.
Workers, including Hester, renovated the space, which was also home to a TGI Fridays. “It took us the good part of seven months,” Hester says of the renovations. “I’m happy with it.”
The bulk of the beer is still produced in Middletown, which dedicated 7,000 of the 11,000 square feet to brewing.
“It seemed silly to replicate it in a smaller footprint,” Hester explains. In Rehoboth, he plans to experiment with barrels and casks, forming a wall in the revamped dining room. FirstStateBrewing.com.
Lewes Brewing Company is finally open after a series of delays. The small brewery is along the biking/ walking trail, which is a boon for thirsty exercisers. Parking is a tad more challenging off Savannah Road. The attractive space has plenty of outdoor seating, and food trucks are often on site. LewesBrewing.com.
Changing Hands
Michael Murphy and Nick Burke are the new owners of Crabby Dick’s, which is famous — or infamous — for its provocative signs. The couple are longtime patrons of the seafood restaurant, located in the old Lamp Post. The new proprietors don’t plan on making changes, so they will be busy coming up with double meanings that are either amusing or shocking, depending on your sense of humor. Crabby-Dicks.com.
In December 2024, Tyler Townsend and Drew Mitchell purchased the Purple Parrot Grill from Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts, who had the flamboyant eatery for 25 years. Townsend is also part of Second Block Hospitality, which operates The Pines, Bodhi Kitchen and Drift, all in Rehoboth, and he co-owns Aqua Bar & Grill. The Purple Parrot is Mitchell’s first restaurant. PPGrill.com.
This past January, Caroline Wetzelberger purchased Warren’s Station in Fenwick Island from Scott and Elise Mumford. Turkey farmer Warren Johnson founded the restaurant in 1960, and longtime employees Jeff and Paula Mumford (Scott’s parents) bought it in 1971.
Wetzelberger began working for Warren’s Station at age 15 and was a manager through high school and college. She graduated from the University of Delaware and the Culinary Institute of America’s Napa Valley campus. Given her training, it’s unsurprising that she’s elevating the menu — think lattes and eggs Benedict — and added a full bar. She’s also rebranded it as The Station. Facebook. com/TheStationfi.
Highwater Management now runs Grain on the Rocks in the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal through a licensing agreement. The management and consulting group is part of SoDel Concepts. GrainOnTheRocks.com.
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UNLEASH YOUR SUMMER FUN
Last year, Baltimore-based Atlas Restaurant Group purchased a stake in Big Fish Restaurant Group, which has multiple coastal eateries, including Striper Bites, Sazio, Stingray and Salt Air. AtlasRestaurantGroup.com.
Slices, Sea Views, Cubans and Sushi
Route 1, also known as Coastal Highway, is seeing a lot of culinary activity. For instance, SoHo Slice has replaced Atlantic Social. It’s the same owners, but the concept is Italian, and pizza is cooked in a wood- red brick oven. Judging by the Saturday afternoon crowd, the revamp is a resounding success. SoHoSlice.com.
Owner Derek Fink is also opening Ocean 99 in the Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn. It’s at 99 Hollywood St. — hence the name. e hotel restaurant was previously 99 Sea Level and short-lived Via Sophia. Marriott.com.
Near Lewes, Palm Beach Bar & Grill in the Midway Shopping Center replaced Shrimpy’s Bar & Grill, which was closed by the health department. e menu is described as fusion with a heavy emphasis on Floridian fare, such as the Cuban sandwich and Miami griot, a Haitian dish with marinated pork. PalmBeachBarAndGrill.com.
Venture a few miles inland into downtown Milton to try Lago Asian Cuisine & Sushi. It’s owned by Preston Russell, who also owns Zava Café in Milton and Rehoboth Beach. e small eatery was under construction at press time, so call before visiting. Lagosushi.com.
Listen to the Music
If you want dinner and a show, visit e Room at Cedar Grove, located a mile or two inland o Route 1. e intimate venue, which seats about 60, features live entertainment and a three-course meal. ere is a full bar and plenty of parking. (Stanley Jordan played here for two nights before going to the Grand Opera House.) Upcoming acts include Elliott Lurie, who wrote “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” on May 3 and blues artist Chris Duarte on May 21. Proceeds bene t the Paul Kares nonpro t, which supports young culinary and performing artists. PaulKaresDE.org.
Nearby is e Listening Booth, which features performers and live mic and jam sessions. Acts this month include Melody Trucks and the Fitzkee Brothers on May 4 and Lower Case Blues on May 16. ListeningBooth.com.
Over at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, Rocking the Docks returns for a series of Wednesday evening concerts. Performers this year include e Breakers — a Tom Petty tribute band — on June 11, Low Cut Connie on June 12, and Ivan Neville on July 23. Rocking eDocksLewes.com.
Of course, there’s always the iconic Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach, which will bring back e Legwarmers on June 20 and e Bacon Brothers on June 29. BottleAndCork.com.
In Selbyville, Freeman Arts Pavillion — formerly the Freeman Stage — will present a roster of tribute bands again along with well-known artists, including Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on June 1, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ on June 7, e Beach Boys on July 2 and John Fogerty on Aug. 2. FreemanArts.org.
Putt or Pickleball
If sitting on the beach sounds boring, you’ll be happy to hear that Bay Venture Outfitters is now open in Bethany Beach. The company rents kayaks and offers tours. BethanyBeach. BayVentureOutfitters.com.
For indoor fun, Factory Sports unveiled a 22,500-square-foot facility in Frankford last year. There are two indoor basketball courts, six indoor pickleball courts, two indoor volleyball courts and an artificial turf field. FactorySportsDE.com/frankford.
Miniature golf never gets old, and there’s a striking newcomer in the landscape. While driving on Route 1, you may have glimpsed a dinosaur or two at the intersection of Old Landing Road. (Fun fact: There was indeed once an airport here.) The menacing creatures are part of Nick’s Mini Golf’s Jurassic-themed course. Interestingly, it’s a former bank — and it still looks like one. NicksMiniGolf.com.
Lefty’s Alley & Eats has augmented its offerings in the Lewes area. There’s now a Top Golf swing suite, axe throwing, private karaoke suite, mini duckpin lanes, and the existing bowling alley and arcade. The full-service restaurant has a happening bar that frequently features entertainment. ILoveLeftys.com.
You’ll also find swing suites at the new Big Oyster Brewery at the Southern Delaware Golf Club in Milford. Increasingly, the former shipbuilding hub is considered part of the coastal scene. Credit restaurants like Benvenuto, Fondu and My Sister’s Fault. BigOysterBrewery.com.
Outlet Additions
In the past year, the Tanger Outlets welcomed a Pottery Barn Outlet, which joins the interiors brand Serena & Lily, which specializes in a coastal vibe.
Regarding clothing, Wacoal, an intimate apparel brand, opened this spring, and Hey Dude footwear opened last fall.
Federal Beverage Company opened in January to serve nonalcoholic beverages, including its proprietary kombucha, a fermented black tea. If you’re not going off your diet, head to Rocket Fizz, a soda and candy shop, which opened in February. There are new Five Below and Barnes & Noble locations in the outlets.
Pause shops and try Playa Maya Café, which serves coffee, ice cream, boba bubble tea, acai bowls and poke bowls. Tanger.com/Rehoboth.
On Deck
Hopefully, Nossa Casa will open in Millsboro in July. The traditional Brazilian steakhouse is owned by sisters Maria and Thaina Bittencourt from Brazil. On Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth, now the city’s unofficial restaurant row, Chef David Kneller and his partners plan to open a market and restaurant, Fifty-Nine, in the old Mark Showell Interiors retail space. Kneller and his team prepare some of the best food at the beach — and that’s saying something. Instagram.com/FiftyNineRehoboth.
Beach Events Roundup
Few need more motivation to visit the Delaware beaches than fun, sun and surf. But there are plenty of other reasons, from arts festivals to concerts to annual traditions. Following is an overview of major beach events planned through mid-summer.
DEWEY’S GOLDEN JUBILEE
May 9 & 10 | Rehoboth & Dewey Beach
This celebration of Golden Retrievers brings together hundreds of goldens and their owners for a weekend of tail-wagging fun. On Friday, enjoy the GoldRush Parade through the town of Rehoboth, and then, on Saturday, a romp on Dewey Beach in the morning and a snuggle around a bonfire that evening. It’s pure golden joy by the sea!
— Visit DeweysGoldenJubilee.com
14TH ANNUAL DEWEY ARTS & FUN FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 10 | Dickinson Street, Bayside Dewey Beach
This annual outdoor art festival features more than 40 vendors offering art and handcrafted items, plus live music, children’s activities and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick out a unique gift for Mother’s Day.
— Visit DeweyBusinessPartnership.com
Above: Familes roast marshmallows over a bonfire at Dewey Beach. Photo:
Lilith Fest – A Tribute to Lilith Fair
Friday, May 16 | Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach
Presented by Project HERA, this night honors Sarah McLachlan’s iconic music festival, and features an allfemale backing band with female vocalists covering charttopping hits from such artists as Alanis Morissette, Tracy Chapman, Liz Phair and more.
— Visit BottleAndCork.com
5th Annual Rehoboth Beach Arts Festival
Saturday, May 17 | Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach
This annual arts festival, presented by Rehoboth Art League and the City of Rehoboth Beach, features local artists showcasing and selling their work to collectors from across the Mid-Atlantic.
— Visit RehobothArtLeague.org
Dogfish Head’s 2nd Annual Picklebrawl! Fest
Saturday, May 17 | Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton
It’s a full day packed with pickleball, great brews, and tasty bites. Enjoy casual court time, an exciting exhibition match, pickle-centric eats, and the debut of PickleBrawl! Brew — a crisp American-style lager with a twist. Whether you’re playing or spectating, it’s a dill-lightful event you won’t want to miss.
— Visit Dogfish.com/Events
10th Annual Bethany Beach Poseidon Festival
May 23-25 | Downtown Bethany Beach
The unofficial start of summer kicks off with this three-day fun festival that celebrates the sea and prepares the community for potential coastal emergencies. The weekend includes pirates and mermaids, marine-based educational activities, live music, a costume parade, skimboard competition, and luau show. All events are free and sponsored by the Town of Bethany Beach.
— Visit TownOfBethanyBeach.com
Blood Sweat & Tears
Saturday, May 31 | Freeman Arts Pavillion, Selbyville
Blood, Sweat & Tears brings their legendary fusion of rock, jazz, and blues to the Freeman Stage. With more than
50 years of touring, Grammy wins, and a legacy of musical innovation, their timeless sound continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
— Visit FreemanArts.org
Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week Supports the Red, White, & Blue on the Culinary Coast™
June 1-6 | Coastal Delaware
Coastal Delaware Restaurant Week is the premier dining event in Delaware. Dozens of the area's finest restaurants showcase their talents and give diners an opportunity to sample the best cuisine Coastal Delaware has to offer, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the military and first responders. Diners will enjoy menu discounts or pre-fixe menus at restaurants in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes, and Coastal Delaware.
— Visit Beach-Fun.com/Restaurant-Week
Party Like It’s
793 Festival
June 6-8 | Brimming Horn Meadery, Milton
Delaware’s only Viking and heavy metal themed event celebrates the start of the Viking Age in the West with a party at the Brimming Horn Meadery. This festive weekend includes Viking reenactors, live music, food and craft vendors, and every Viking's favorite drink … mead!
— Visit RigrCrafts.com/PartyLikeIts793
Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
June 7 & 8 | Lewes Historical Society, Lewes
More than 70 regional and local sea glass and coastalthemed artists showcase everything from jewelry and home décor to sculptures and paintings. Bring your favorite pieces of sea glass and learn its history, shop from a collection of sea glass, or enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration. The weekend also includes live music, food, children’s activities, and educational presentations.
— Visit HistoricLewes.org
KidsFest
Sunday, June 8 | Schellville, Rehoboth Beach
Celebrate National Children’s Day at Schellville’s with a fun-filled day of roller skating, bounce houses, train rides,
From left: Concertgoers at Freeman Arts Pavillion; mead, metal and Vikings are in store at the Party Like it's 79 Festival; Schelleville's KidsFest. Photos courtesy: Freeman Arts Pavilion, Cash Photography, Schellville
crafts, magic shows, and more. It’s all about joy, play, and
the night. Proceeds benefit the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.
— TheRunningOfTheBull.com
Millsboro Stars & Stripes
Take a self-guided tour of several select private gardens throughout Lewes, plus enjoy a Garden Market in Zwaanendael Park with garden-related items for sale during the hours of the tour. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
— Visit LewesChamber.com
3rd Annual Lavender & Lambs Festival
June 21 & 22 | Brittingham Farms, Millsboro
Due to its popularity, this festival has expanded to two days of fun for more to enjoy. Spend a relaxing day strolling Brittingham Farm’s lavender field, meeting the farms’ lambs, treating yourself to lavender-infused snacks and beverages, and enjoying live music, sheep shearing demonstrations, and more.
— Visit BrittinghamFarms.com
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
June 27-August 28 | Clear Space Theater, Rehoboth
Carole King is the voice of a generation — but before she was a hit-maker and a household name, she was a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. Her journey is the ride of a lifetime, a trailblazing saga filled with such unforgettable anthems as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Natural Woman,” and more.
— Visit ClearSpaceTheatre.org
Annual Running of the Bull
Saturday, June 28 | The Starboard Restaurant, Dewey Beach
Every year hundreds of people gather at The Starboard dressed in red bandannas to celebrate, then parade through the streets of Dewey, and onto the beach where they are chased by “the bull” (two people in bull costume) for several blocks. The chase concludes with a bullfight played out at The Starboard, followed by festivities into
Saturday, June 28 | Millsboro Little League Fields, W. State Street, Millsboro
This annual community celebration features vendors, entertainment, activities, and food trucks, and culminates with a professionally-staged fireworks show at dusk.
— Visit MillsboroChamber.com
The Bacon Brothers – Freestanding Tour
Sunday, June 29 |Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach
The Bacon Brothers blend folk, rock, soul, and country into their signature sound they call “forosoco.” With their new album Ballad Of The Brothers, Kevin and Michael Bacon continue decades of genre-bending storytelling and rich, roots-driven musical exploration.
— Visit BottleAndCork.com
The City of Lewes Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 28 | George H.P. Smith Park, Lewes
This free community event, hosted by Lewes African American Heritage Commission, celebrates African American heritage and culture and features food trucks, dancers, live music and more.
— Visit LewesChamber.com
75th
Annual Cottage Tour
July 8 & 9 | Select homes around Rehoboth Beach (TBA)
The Rehoboth Art League’s popular self-paced tour features select homes in the Rehoboth Beach area with a variety of landscapes, interior and architectural designs, ranging from historically significant to contemporary and sleek. Some homes have quite an evolving history and many homeowners showcase memories, artwork, and collections in creative ways. As parking can be limited, the Art League provides a shuttle service to each location for ticket holders.
— Visit RehobothArtLeague.org
From left: Brittingham Farm’s Lavender & Lambs Festival; The Starboard's Annual Running of the Bulls; Golden Retreivers romp in the waves at Dewey Beach.
Photos courtesy: Brittingham Farm, VisitSouthernDelaware.com, Dewey's Golden Jubilee.
These are "very concerning times" for the restaurant industry, says Javier Acuna, shown here at Santa Fe in Wilmington.
Leading By Example
Javier Acuna of Hakuna Hospitality Group is an advocate for his industry
By Pam George
Javier Acuna could write a business book or make a TED Talks video. He’s certainly qualified. The founder of Hakuna Hospitality Group owns and operates Savora Catering & Events, Mi Ranchito Mexican Store, two Santa Fe Mexican Grill restaurants, and three Del Pez Mexican Gastropub locations, including the newest in The Grove in Newark.
A native of Colombia, the soft-spoken Acuna is continually learning how to be a better leader and better serve his employees and guests. The hard work has paid off. The Delaware Restaurant Association named Acuna the Restaurateur of the Year in 2014, and he is now the board chair of the Delaware Restaurant Foundation, the philanthropic and training arm of the Delaware Restaurant Association.
Running even one restaurant is not easy. “We are in very concerning times,” Acuna says. Ongoing labor shortages and increasing food prices are impacting the industry. While acknowledging the problems, Acuna is focused on solutions.
Photos by Justin Heyes
An Industry Example
Restaurants are one of the last bastions for people who want to get ahead, with or without degrees, the Delaware Restaurant Association maintains. at was true for Acuna, who grew up in Bogota, Colombia. His father was an economist, and his mother was an administrative assistant. e couple had three children, and after high school, Acuna’s sister moved to Delaware, where their uncle lived. She invited her brother to join her.
In the First State, Acuna studied industrial engineering and English as a second language at Delaware Technical Community College. He earned his bachelor’s in business from Wesley College. To pay tuition, the young student worked in a Mexican restaurant, washing dishes, cooking, expediting, and waiting tables. All the while, he saved his money, and when he learned that Picnic Mexitacos was for sale, he used his savings to purchase the tiny restaurant, which primarily appealed to Mexican immigrants.
Santa Fe opened in the Mexitacos space in 2003, and Acuna focused on recipes from Oaxaca and Mexico City, many of which appealed to non-Mexican diners. He opened a location in Wilmington in 2010, which was later razed to make room for the new 2000 Pennsylvania
The staff at Santa Fe Mexican Grill in Wilmington.
Avenue building. It would be six years before the Wilmington Santa Fe reopened in the new structure.
A Twist on the Traditional
Meanwhile, Hakuna Hospitality opened the 76-seat Del Pez Sea Mex in Newark in 2014. The initial concept focused on seafood. However, in 2016, Acuna had the chance to open a Wilmington Riverfront site. Gastropubs were redefining tavern, bistro and pub fare. Why not take the same liberties with Mexican cuisine?
The Newark site closed so Hakuna could delve into the new concept, which today includes a host of creative twists. The burger is made with beef and chorizo served with chipotle mayonnaise. Slow-cooked short rib in a Coca-Cola reduction fills the chimichanga, and tacos are packed with Texas barbecue. Raw bar options include aguachile and sushi. The dishes and the atmosphere are cheerful and colorful. Expect squiggles of sauce, purple-red raw onions, pink pickled onions and fresh herb garnishes.
It would be 10 years before Acuna opened another Del Pez, which isn’t surprising given the reopening of Santa Fe in Wilmington and COVID-19. But his site choice was unexpected. The 6,500-square-foot restaurant is in a former Bertucci’s in Concordville Town Centre, a Glen Mills shopping center with a Target, Home Depot and Staples. It’s near Maris Grove, the expansive retirement community, and newly built apartments.
Instead of removing the pizza oven, Acuna embraced it. Flavors include Frida Lee-Jon, a pizza version of shrimp Lejon with bacon, shrimp, mozzarella and Chihuahua cheeses and chipotle-horseradish sauce. It is the only Del Pez with pizza.
The third Del Pez is in The Grove, the Newark complex that replaced the College Square Shopping Center. The new construction offers 6,700 square feet and nearly 300 seats. There is outdoor seating, which Acuna says is a must in a post-COVID world.
Hakuna is one of the few restaurant groups that has ventured into cities and suburbs, and it took a risk by entering the Riverfront market. However, Acuna is pleased with how the Wilmington Riverfront Development Corporation has nurtured growth and attracted customers and residents to the area.
“Over the years, people have formed a nice, healthy and safe community,” he says. “We’re proud of being part of that growth.”
A Careful Balance
Acuna will admit that the Mexican market in Delaware is becoming saturated, which is one reason Del Pez stands out. Some restaurant groups turn to diversity to increase interest and income. For instance, SoDel Concepts has seafood, Italian and Mexican concepts. Acuna says Hakuna Hospitality’s identity is deeply rooted in Latin American cuisine. Any new concept must align with his dedication to freshness, quality and vibrant flavors.
Mediterranean fusion is a possibility, he says.
Presently, the hospitality group employs about 400 people. However, it could use 500. Acuna says advances in technology have affected the way people view manual labor.
“It’s not appreciated,” he says. “People don’t see how it could be a steppingstone to bigger and better things. We must find constructive ways to bring people willing to work into the restaurants.”
This is why he volunteers with the Delaware Restaurant Foundation, which exposes young students to the industry.
“It shows them that it is a beautiful industry full of opportunities and rewards,” he says. “I strongly believe in education. I believe in leadership and that if you put your resources into future generations, you can ensure a better future for everybody.”
He’s also an advocate for sustainable growth. Salaries in hospitality have increased 30% in the last three years, but restaurant sales have not kept pace with the cost of wages or food, he points out.
Higher industry costs also include third-party delivery services and credit card fees — meanwhile, regulations, while well-intended, drive up the cost of doing business and affect how restaurants operate.
If it sounds stressful, that’s because it is. Acuna wakes up early to read emails and industry news and often ends the day doing the same. However, he takes time to exercise and eat healthy foods — as much as he can in the restaurant industry. He spends time with his children, ages 4 and 11, and has a mindfulness practice.
“I believe that if you’re not staying positive and engaged and if you don’t look for ways to be passionate about your restaurant and motivate yourself, you can’t motivate anyone else,” he says. “It’s your number one duty. The healthier you are mentally and physically, the healthier your company will be.”
Hakuna's signature short rib burrito.
Bites
GRAND RE-OPENING FOR MEXICAN POST
Mexican Post, the popular restaurant and bar at 3100 Naaman’s Road in Wilmington, has reopened after being closed for nearly two months because on Jan. 22 a motorist accidentally accelerated forward from the parking lot and plowed through the Post’s dining room. The restaurant has been operating a half-capacity since early March, but will celebrate the re-opening of the entire restaurant during its popular Cinco de Mayo celebration on Monday, May 5.
“We’re really appreciative of our customers. They’ve been calling from all over to wish and well, see when we’re reopening,” said Tony George, co-owner and general manager. “And so far, the feedback has been great. If you haven’t been in, come see us. We miss you.”
Mexican Post is open daily and is one of the few area restaurants that serves food late (until 11 p.m. SundayThursday; until midnight Friday-Saturday).
— Visit MexicanPostDe.com
TASTE & SEE LUNCHTIME MARKET RETURNS
WADVENTURE AWAITS THIS SUMMER
Wilmington Brew Works has re-released Adventure Awaits, a Belgian White Ale brewed in collaboration with Delaware State Parks and Delaware Tourism Office. The four-pack features new labels inspired by Brandywine Zoo, Killens Pond, Delaware Seashore, and Wilmington State Parks. The beer has a soft wheat character, with bright citrus and coriander notes, and . With a light 4.2% ABV, this crisp brew is perfect for enjoying after your outdoor adventures. Adventure Awaits is exclusively available on tap and in cans at the brewery and the State Parks Summer Concert Series, of which WBW is a proud sponsor.
—Visit WilmingtonBrewWorks.com
ONE-NIGHT-ONLY CHEF COLLABORATION
On May 19, Chef Tyler Akin of Le Cavalier teams up with Chef Dwain Kalup of La Fia Bistro for a one-night-only collaborative dinner as part of the Delaware All-Star Chef Series. Known for his sustainable, locallydriven cuisine, Kalup will join Akin in crafting a six-course tasting menu highlighting spring’s finest local ingredients. Tickets are $85 per person, with an additional $35 for the wine pairing.
— Reservations at Resy.com
ilmington Kitchen Collective’s Taste & See lunchtime market returns May 1 from 11am to 2pm, offering food, sweet treats, handmade goods, and live music. Held monthly on first Thursdays at H.B. duPont Plaza and third Thursdays at Aldersgate UMC, the event showcases local culinary artisans and vendors
Brew HaHa! and Brandywine Coffee Roasters are hitting the road for a second year with their very own coffee truck. Originally purchased from Sleeping Bird Coffee, the truck features a full espresso and drip coffee menu, with plans to expand to pastries and desserts. Catch it at events like Point-to-Point and the Brandywine Arts Festival, or book it for private events.
—Visit BrewHaHa.com/Coffee-Truck
BEACH FAVORITE NOW OPEN IN MIDDLETOWN
Surf Bagel is now open in Middletown, bringing its popular New York-style bagels to the Dove Run Shopping Center. Known for scratchmade bagels and laid-back vibes, Surf Bagel has been a beach favorite since 2004. Operated by SoDel Concepts since 2021, this marks the brand’s sixth location in Delaware.
— Visit SurfBagel.com.
NEW SPOT SERVES UP AUTHENTIC INDIAN FLAVORS
Nawab’s Indian Cuisine is now open at 4715 Kirkwood Highway in Midway Plaza, serving lunch and dinner Tuesday–Sunday. The restaurant features authentic northern and southern Indian dishes, Indian-inspired cocktails, and traditional drinks like Mango Lassi and Irani Chai. The 64seat dining room and bar offer a full menu of flavorful appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
— Visit NawabsDE.com.
Keeping It Fresh
Kid Davis & The Bullets have been rockin’ the Delaware scene since the 1980s
NBy Matt Morrissette
ot many things in this world last 40 years, be they corporations, personal relationships, or creative entities. A rock band encompasses all three of these things, which makes the longevity and continued evolution of Delaware’s Kid Davis & The Bullets truly noteworthy.
Since the early 1980s, Michael “Kid” Davis has been playing his unique brand of high-energy roots rock while spitting fire on his electric guitar with his steadfast friend, Bobby Bloomingdale, by his side on the upright bass. With a revolving lineup featuring some of the best and most passionate players Delaware has to offer, The Bullets have always been one of the best live bands in the area, driving their loyal fans to the sweaty, beer-drenched dance floor during their many weekly residencies at various local clubs (some of which they’ve outlasted by decades).
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The Bullets (l-r): Bobby Bloomingdale, Pat Kane, Paul Ramsey, Michael Davis. Photos by Ashley Craven
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“It all comes down to trust and respect, onstage and o ,” says Davis says, re ecting on the band’s longevity. “You’ve got to believe in each other, not just as musicians, but as people.
“I trust the guys in this band to bring everything they got, and I hope they feel the same about me. at kind of mutual respect is what keeps it all together.”
In 2025, Kid Davis & e Bullets are still at the peak of their powers and riding high from their induction into e Delaware Rock and Roll Society’s Hall of Fame in September of last year. ey’ve nearly completed a new record, titled Amsterdam, slated for release in early summer, and they’ll be headed to Europe for their Onward, Upward, Eastward Tour at the end of May. ey’ve also recently earned sponsorship from the beer Stella Artois.
checking out the band to steal Davis’ guitar licks at shows in Newark for many years prior. With engineer and co-producer, Josh Friedman (drummer in Cosmic Guilt), the band recorded late last year at Hi5 Studio in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia.
As is appropriate for a skilled live band, the initial tracks were recorded live.
“On the very first day, we recorded 14 live tracks with two guitars, standup bass, and drums,” Everhart says. “We operate digitally now; tape is great, but if you’re doing it live, that’s where the real magic happens anyway.”
Discussing the new record, Davis is thrilled with what Everhart brings to the party.
For their new record, the band enlisted the production services of James Everhart, a Delaware native who played guitar in Philly’s Low Cut Connie and is the leader of the trippy country rock outfit, Cosmic Guilt. Everhart and Davis met at the first ever Shine A Light benefit at The Queen in Wilmington in 2012, but Everhart had been
“I really love the sound of Everhart’s records, and since he’s a longtime fan of the band, I thought it would be cool to see what he’d bring to our songs,” Davis says. “I wasn’t disappointed. It’s de nitely the most intricate production I’ve ever been involved in with lots of layers and details.”
e record features the current band lineup that
Michael Davis in rehearsal. The Bullets leave for their first European tour the end of this month.
will appear on the tour. Beyond stalwarts Davis (on guitar and vocals) and Bloomingdale on standup bass, there’s Pat Kane on second guitar (who also plays pedal steel in Cosmic Guilt) and their newest member, Paul Ramsey, on the drums.
Additionally, there’s an all-star crew of local guest musicians on the album including Joe Trainor on keys, Pete Cogan on harmonica, Jordan Leitner on accordion, and Alan Yandziak on saxophone (who will also appear for a portion of the tour). There are crucial background vocals contributed by Hannah Taylor, Ali Wadsworth and C. Bradley Jacobs, as well.
However, the life’s blood of Kid Davis & The Bullets is live performance, which makes the full band’s first ever European tour a big deal for all concerned. Stops include the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
“We’ve never toured Europe as a band before, though it’s been a goal of mine for a long time,” Davis says. “I’ve traveled abroad a few times with my guitar and picked up some solo gigs, but bringing the whole band over is a dream come true.”
Unsurprisingly, as Europe embraced American blues and jazz in the mid-1900s before the U.S. caught on to the incredible art it had happening on its own shores, Davis finds his music gets a very warm reception overseas.
“From the gigs I’ve played over there and from what I’ve seen, there’s a real love and respect for American roots music in Europe,” he says. “It seems to be more widely accepted and appreciated than it sometimes is at home.”
Though obviously excited about the band’s fortunes abroad, Davis senses a turn in the tide culturally towards greater interest in more traditional music and Americana.
“I’m encouraged by the growing popularity of artists like Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, and the rest of the ‘ New Grass ’ movement here in the United States,” he says. “I think there’s hope yet. Ask me again when I get back from tour.”
To catch the band in their true element, hit one of their Thursday night gigs at Gallucio’s in Wilmington, home to their current weekly residence.
“We never use a list so you’re never going to get the same show twice,” Davis says. “Pat (Bullets guitarist) and I have a great chemistry onstage, which leads to a lot of improvisational elements, and our fans (and we) seem to enjoy that spontaneity.”
The Bullets will soon see if European fans feel the same way.
— Visit KidDavisAndTheBullets.com
Band For The Ages
Founded more than 80 years ago, The Rhythm Doctors are still swinging
PBy Ken Mammarella
eter Witherell loves swing music, and he loves the people he’s met playing that music, particularly fellow members of the Rhythm Doctors — a group he’s played trombone with for an amazing 64 years.
That’s not even the record for being a Doc. Tom Ford, one of six DuPont Co. chemists and engineers who came up with the idea for the group in 1942, played alto saxophone with it for 76 years.
“It’s like a family,” says Jim Yurasek, president of the group and a relative newcomer with 35 years as a trombone player. “People stay in the family forever.”
Members and substitutes considered for membership gather weekly for two hours to practice and to stay sharp for improvised solos. And after the rehearsal at Peniel United Methodist in Newport, some head across the street to the James Street Tavern for additional bonding.
The band lists 18 members in four sections: trumpet; sax; trombone; and vocal and rhythm. Members are mostly retired, and their professional background has gone far beyond its doctoral origins.
Early bookings included corporate events, fundraisers and weddings, recalls Witherell, 91, a retired engineer who lives in North Wilmington. At the start,
they also often played at meetings of chemical societies and dances run by community service groups.
“But as the audience matured, the kids weren’t into swing, and older people weren’t into rap or whatever,” he says. “So we moved a lot into retirement homes, where there’s an audience who grew up in that swing era.”
In 2025, their calendar includes four gigs at retirement homes and one at the Veterans Hospital patient carnival in Elsmere. For those events, they like to pick songs to “tap into pleasant memories of their younger days,” Yurasek says, “but always in the big band style.” So, the VA set list starts with “Sing a Song,” a
LADYBUG MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO WILMINGTON ON FRIDAY, MAY 30
More than 30 artists and bands from all over will converge on Market Street for Ladybug, an annual all-female-fronted music festival that began in Wilmington in 2012. e rain-or-shine celebration of women in music is free to attend. is year’s headliner is Margaret Glaspy, an indie pop-rocker with a voice e New York Times calls “passionate” and “trans xing.” She’s earned equal praise from NPR, e New Yorker and Rolling Stone among others.
Glaspy will be joined by Grammy-nominated blues-rocker Martha Wash, trailblazing Latina/World singer-songwriter Eljuri, Philly alt-band KOSER and more than two dozen other acts.
“Every year we are so fortunate to get to host such an array of talent from across the country,” says Ladybug founder Gayle Dillman. “We’re incredibly proud that Ladybug is a space where artists from a variety of genres at di erent stages of their own journey can come together and share in this celebration.”
e festival kicks o Friday, May 30 at 4:15 p.m. with DJ Shadylady spinning tunes on the Main Stage before the live music starts at 5 p.m. She will spin again for free at the o cial after-party, hosted at e Queen in e Crown Room at 10:30 p.m.
— More at eLadybugFestival.com
SULLIVAN’S LAST WORK, THE EMERALD ISLE, HISTORICALLY REVIVED BY ARDENSINGERS
The Ardensingers Gild is performing Sir Arthur Sullivan’s last work, e Emerald Isle, a piece that has not been performed in the U.S. in more than 100 years.
“It’s not often that a community theater group can show an audience something they have never seen before, but that is precisely what the Ardensingers will be doing the rst two weekends in May,” writes Sean O’Donnell, the head of the Ardensingers Gild. “ e Emerald Isle contains some of the most beautiful music that Sullivan ever wrote.”
— More at ArdenClub.org
GRETCHEN EMERY BAND TO ROCK RECORD RELEASE PARTY AT THE QUEEN
Alittle more than a month after the band opened for e BusBoys at LA’s Whisky A Go Go, e Gretchen Emery Band is back in the First State practicing for its record release party, which will be held on Friday, May 16 at e Queen.
e band will play starting at 8 p.m. with special guests, Harvey Road, keeping the party going afterwards until 10 p.m.
e new album, Li le Bit of Time, is the second the band has recorded with producer Derek Cha n. e album will be available on all streaming services.
— More at at GretchenEmery.com
Photo by R. Wallau: NPR
MARCHITECT PAINTS HAPPY LITTLE VIBES ON NEW ALBUM: JOY OF PAINTING
Last month, area hip-hop artist Marchitect dropped his latest album, Joy of Painting, a colorful collaboration with DJ Trubb and producer Rex Lugar.
As the album title suggests, Marchitect draws inspiration from visual artists like Bob Ross, whose long-running TV show introduced countless of viewers to the idea of creating happy little trees on their own canvases at home.
“[Bob Ross] was a conduit for people who might have never experienced visual art,” Marchitect says, adding that the album is about “how we paint our lives and create our realities on a deeper level.”
Layered with mellow hypnotic grooves, trippy loops and samples, and a contemplative sense of fun, Joy of Painting is packed with varied references, name-dropping local landmarks (Longwood Gardens and Cowtown Rodeo), pop musicians (Tracy Chapman and Hall & Oates) and classic movies (The Color Purple and Sling Blade) in the first two tracks alone.
— Joy of Painting is available for purchase at Bandcamp.com
LIVE MUSIC LIGHTS UP DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON
Two free shows are set to energize downtown Wilmington in the days leading up to The Ladybug Music Festival. On Wednesday, May 28, the women-fronted, local 6-piece cover band, My Father’s Daughter, will play outside The Queen on the 500 block of Market to kick off the City Sounds Block Party series. The party is presented by The Ladybug Music Festival, Downtown Visions, and CHASE, and includes food trucks, vendors, and more.
On Thursday, May 29, local favorite Katie Dill plays at Maker's Alley (804 Orange St.) as part of the Wilmington Brew Works Ladybug Beer Launch Party. Both events begin at 5 p.m. and are open to the public.
— More at TheLadybugFestival.com
INNOCENCE PROJECT DELAWARE HOLDS BENEFIT CONCERT AT WBW ON MAY 15
In an effort to raise funds to replace two federal grants lost to budget cuts, the Innocence Project Delaware (IPD) is holding a benefit concert at Wilmington Brew Works from 6-9:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 15.
The concert features a mix of guest speakers, like former inmate Jermain Marlow Wright, as well as musical performances from Trainwreck Boyfriend, Zach Humenik, Will Paynter and the Collective, Shortwave and others.
Founded in 2018, IPD fights to correct and prevent wrongful convictions and ensure justice within the criminal legal system for innocent people in Delaware who are imprisoned for a crime they did not commit.
— Tickets at GiveButter.com/InnocenceProjectDE
PIFFARO THE RENAISSANCE BAND PLAYS IMMANUEL CHURCH ON MAY 11
Boasting a one-of-a-kind collection of more than 40 Renaissance instruments, Piffaro promises a performance like no other in this area.
The band will perform three times in the region in May, with one Delaware performance at Immanuel Church Highlands on Sunday, May 11 at 3 p.m. Enjoy bird songs, love songs, May dances, and more. — More at ArdenClub.org
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The City
CITY TO HOST COMMUNITY VENDOR EXPO SATURDAY, MAY 17
The City of Wilmington is excited to announce an upcoming Vendor Expo that will shine a spotlight on our incredible small businesses and entrepreneurs. is vibrant community event is designed to bring residents and business owners together for a day of support, fellowship, and fun.
e Vendor Expo will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the rear parking lot of P.S. DuPont Middle School, located at 701 W. 34th Street, Wilmington.
All vendors are required to come selfcontained. For those selling edible goods and using grease in food preparation, a $100 refundable deposit is required. is deposit will be returned provided that the vendor's space is kept clean and grease is disposed of properly.
Important Dates:
• Vendor Approval Noti cations: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
• Vendor Expo: Saturday, May 17, 2025
is is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business, connect with the community, and support the spirit of entrepreneurship in Wilmington.
For more information, please contact Ashley Christopher at Aschristopher@wilmingtonde.gov.
Let’s come together to celebrate and support the incredible small business community that makes Wilmington special!
GRAND RE-OPENING OF THE TINA BETZ URBAN ARTIST EXCHANGE
Mayor John Carney , the Office of Cultural Affairs and Cityfest, Inc . are thrilled to announce the grand re-opening of the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange, 1509 Clifford Brown Walk on the Eastside of Wilmington, DE. Join us on Wednesday, May 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. as we celebrate the rebirth of this historical Wilmington landmark. The Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange has been reimagined as a vibrant creative campus in the heart of the city, where art runs wild, and history is honored. Food, family friendly activities and tours start at 5pm; Concert featuring Rebirth Brass Band starts at 7:00 p.m.
The event will include the official opening of The MANE Gallery, a new exhibition space housed in a restored historic horse stable. Visitors can also tour of the newly enhanced artist studios and the multi-purpose comunity gathering space. The celebration will continue with pop-up performances, artist meet-and-greets, and engaging activities for kids—including face painting, mini golf, and art with Ms. April. Such family-friendly activities will continue every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. until the end of the series.
At 7:00 p.m. , the festivities hit a high note with a free concert by the world-renowned Rebirth Brass Band, bringing their legendary New Orleans energy to Wilmington. Food trucks will be on-site starting at 5 p.m. and will return weekly throughout the season. Open lawn seating is available—guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets (no tents or umbrellas please).
For more information on gallery shows, classes, artist studios, and upcoming events, follow @cityfestwilmde on Instagram, or visit CityFestWilm.com . Volunteers are welcome and can sign up online or by emailing CityFest@wilmingtonde.gov.
The Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange (UAE) fosters creativity, artistic expression, and cultural engagement within the Wilmington community. The UAE hosts events that align with its mission to promote the arts and cultural enrichment. These guidelines outline the requirements and expectations for hosting events at the UAE.
