The tiny state of Delaware (the second smallest state in the country) turns out big sounds when it comes to live music. Concert venues provide musical shows in a range of genres, and music festivals, many of which are free, provide a fun atmosphere in which to enjoy some tunes.
Music Venues and Organizations
Delaware's live music venues are a mixture of coffee houses, pubs, restaurants, and arenas, presenting everything from rock to folk music. Classical music organizations provide sounds for some sophisticated musical entertainment.
The Green Willow Folk Club in Claymont is the place to hear traditional British and Celtic isle folk music played live. In its efforts to carry on these musical traditions, the Green Willow hosts performances by artists from Ireland, Scotland, England, Canada, Australia, France, and Spain, as well as from the United States. The types of music you'll hear at the club include everything from child ballads to sea music, from strathspeys to reels.
Head to Harmony Grange in Wilmington to experience concerts organized by Project Unity. Project Unity provides up-and-coming local bands with a place to perform and get exposure, and offers artists from all over the opportunity to play a gig as well. Musicians from all genres are welcome to play in a safe environment, so there's no telling what kind of music you may hear on a particular night.
The Stone Balloon has been a leading music concert venue in Delaware since 1972. Big-name artists like Bruce Springsteen, Barenaked Ladies, and The Dave Matthews Band have performed on its stages. Located in Newark, the Stone Balloon has been providing the area with a place to enjoy live rock and roll for more than 30 years.
Kick it old school with the sounds of classical music performed by organizations like the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. Founded by Alfred duPont, the DSO was originally called the Tankopanicum Orchestra after the Native American word for the Brandywine River. Since its founding, the orchestra has had several music directors and undergone various name changes. The DSO holds a number of concerts throughout the year, including a Classical Series, which runs in April and May, and the DuPont Champagne Chamber Series, with performances in March and May. In addition to the seasonal series, the orchestra also performs several special events like Concert and Conversation. Most of DSO's concerts are performed at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington.
Opera is also an option in Delaware for performances of music and drama. Opera Delaware has been a part of the state's performing arts repertoire for more than 63 seasons with productions like The Pirates of Penzance and Little Women. Opera Delaware's mainstage performances are held at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, with other shows at various venues across the state.
Music Festivals
Annual festivals are a big part of Delaware's music scene. If you time your vacation accordingly, you can catch any number of music events held in various locations. You'll find concerts in a variety of genres.
For more than 19 years, the Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival has been held in honor of jazz legend Clifford Brown. Brown, who died at the age of 25 in a car accident, was considered one of the premier jazz trumpeters of his time, along with famous artists like Dizzie Gillespie and Miles Davis. A native of Wilmington, Brown is renowned in the jazz industry, and his legacy lives on at the festival, where you'll hear artists performing his works. The concert takes place in June, with performances held at several venues in Wilmington.
Also held in June, the Delaware Chamber Music Festival in Wilmington features four concerts performed by the state's top chamber musicians. Concert goers can enjoy the classical sounds of the festival's string quartet, as well as music from guest performers playing instruments like the piano trumpet and harpsichord.
If you're heading to the beach, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand is a great place to hear live music. The Bandstand was first conceived by William Hayes in 1963, when he convinced the city that there was a need for a music venue in the town. The city granted Hayes the opportunity to bring in live bands, in what was to be called the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Before an actual bandstand was built, the bands performed in a grassy area that was called "the green." Eventually, the city built a bandstand (not to Hayes' exact specifications) that has been bringing in performers from throughout the country for more than 40 years. The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand now features a summer concert series that runs from June until Labor Day, with a few shows outside of these dates that aren't considered a part of the series. All shows run exclusively on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with shows running for approximately 75 minutes. These summer concerts are free to the public.
As well, the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music hosts several music festivals and concerts throughout the year. Check with the organization to find out what events are scheduled.
At Dewey Beach
Many of Delaware's most popular music festivals are held at Dewey Beach. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, Dewey Beach is a happening spot for entertainment in the First State. Here you'll find seaside dining, water sports, the opportunity for beach combing, and best of all, live music. As if that weren't enough, most of Dewey Beach's music festivals are free of charge. So, you can enjoy good tunes without breaking your vacation budget.
The Delaware Music Festival, usually held during April, has been running since 2003. The festival brings more than 45 bands (mostly alternative rock bands) to its stages each year. Previous musical acts to grace the Delaware Music Festival include American Popsicle, Love Seed Mama Jump, IKE, and Ian Walsh, to name a few. The Dewey Beach Popfest is also in April, showcasing 45 power pop, Britpop, and pop punk bands on six different stages. Since 2003, the Popfest has featured pop artists (both national and international) like Ben Jelen, Cassavette, and Delaware natives The Crash Motive among many others. If girl bands are your thing, check out the Dewey Chickfest in May, which has featured fantastic female artists like Boss Tweed, Jerzy Jung, and Rebecca Hart in its concert line-up.
For a down-home good time, the Dewey Beach Americana Music Fest provides festival goers with the sounds of 40s roots rock, country, alt-country, folk, and bluegrass music. The Americana Music Fest is held in October at the Ruddertowne Complex, featuring musicians like Ned Van Go, Trespassengers, Tom Gillam's Tractor Pull, and Girls, Guns and Glory. The High Tide Jamfest in May showcases over 40 bands, playing artists like Disciples of Groove and Jazz Bastards.
Good music is definitely not hard to find in the little state of Delaware. Festivals and concerts are perfect entertainment options for your vacation, and there's generally some sort of music event happening year-round. Resident music organizations also provide an earful. So, tune in to the sounds of the First State, where you'll find everything from classic orchestra music to folk and jazz.
From film and literature to music and dance, learn about all that the arts encompass in Delaware.
