Firefly far from only music game on Delmarva

Thousands of people are descending upon Dover this week for the 2018 edition of the Firefly Music Festival. While this year’s event features mega-headliners such as Eminem, The Killers, Kendrick Lamar and Arctic Monkeys, there are also plenty of other concerts taking place at Delmarva’s beaches in the evenings ahead. 

The Freeman Stage at Bayside in Selbyville had a last-minute cancellation last weekend when torrential downpours sidelined Grammy winner Alison Krauss (ticket refunds are being offered.) Hopefully the weather will cooperate so reggae favorites The Wailers can play at 7 p.m. Friday, June 15 ($25). The front section will be standing room only for patrons who want to shake a tail feather; all others are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and sit a little further back.    

Looking ahead a week, country star Chris Janson (the man behind the No. 1 single “Buy Me A Boat”) will hit the Freeman Stage at 7 p.m. June 22 ($40).  

In Dewey Beach, alternative rocker Matthew Sweet (“Sick of Myself,” “Girlfriend”) will perform at the Bottle & Cork nightclub on Tuesday, June 19 following an 8:30 p.m. opening set by local indie-pop act Braxton Hicks ($30). This will be the first Dewey appearance in many years for Mr. Sweet, who is on the comeback trail with his new album, “Tomorrow’s Daughter.” 

The Cork will feature the bluesy sounds of JJ Grey & Mofro on Wednesday, June 20, after an 8:30 p.m. opener from the Texas Gentlemen ($25). A show that was originally scheduled for Thursday, June 21, featuring singer-songwriter Frankie Ballard has been cancelled. 

In Ocean City, the Cowboy Coast Saloon will kick off its Throwback Thursday Summer Concert Series at 9 p.m., Thursday, June 21, with  Jimmie’s Chicken Shack (“Do Right,” “High.”) The group’s mix of hard rock, punk, pop and other styles is being highlighted on its ongoing 25th anniversary tour. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Blessed Union of Souls will play June 28 (with the same ticket prices). 

Elsewhere in OC, reggae-rock trio Higher Education will brings its Gift Called Summer Tour (which is named in honor of the band’s current “Gift Called Life” album) to Pickles Pub for a free show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. 

This Week’s Must-See List

— Matthew Sweet at the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 19. $30

— The Wailers at the Freeman Stage at Bayside in Selbyville at 7 p.m. Friday, June 15. $25

— Jimmie’s Chicken Shack at the Cowboy Coast Saloon in Ocean City at 9 p.m. Thursday, June 21. $15; $20

— Higher Education at Pickles Pub in Ocean City at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Free

— Shore Jazz at the Bluecoast restaurant in Rehoboth Beach at 5 p.m. Friday, June 15. Free