A September—and beyond—preview
ARDEN CONCERT GILD
Arden’s tradition of eclectic lineups carries on this fall, with locally grown indie sounds, jazz guitar and ethnic “chaos” permeating the tranquil grove. The classic rockabilly of The Blasters fills the 160-year-old hall on Thursday, Sept. 11. Intense folk rock from Strand of Oaks switches up the scene on Thursday, Sept. 18. Friday, Sept. 26, debuts funky jazz from Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola. Friday, Oct. 3, finds Carolina Chocolate Drops founder Dom Flemons celebrating a new LP with his trio. And Friday, Nov. 14, brings DakhaBrakha—Ukrainian musicians who give a modern, outrageously theatrical spin on folk music from Kiev.
Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway, Arden
475-3126 • ardenconcerts.com
CHRISTINA CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
CCAC has some serious musical star power this season. On Friday, Oct. 17, An Evening with Gregory Porter hits the baby grand stage. The Grammy award–winning vocalist and actor gives an intimate, one-night-only benefit performance. Want VIP treatment? Special event and ticket packages are available by calling The Grand box office. Single concert tickets can be purchased at TicketsAtTheGrand.org. CCAC is quickly becoming the “it spot” for intimate live entertainment; look for more hot tickets in the coming months.
705 N. Market St., Wilmington
652-0101 • ccacde.org
CITY THEATER COMPANY
Delaware’s off-Broadway turns 21 and with a little help from its friends, the celebration will take place Friday, Oct. 3, at World Cafe Live at the Queen. For more information on COME TOGETHER, an evening of Beatles music, see “Tuned In.” CTC’s main stage season arrives in December with the Tony Award–winning The Dead, a holiday musical based on a short story by James Joyce. CTC’s Fearless Improv also returns to deliver laughs monthly at Arden’s Buzz Ware Village Center, beginning Friday, Sept. 19. Season tickets will be available online Sept. 30.
The Black Box at OperaDelaware Studios, 4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington • 220-8285 • city-theater.org
DELAWARE ART MUSEUM
Look inside the mind of a renowned children’s book illustrator/author with From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick, running Saturday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Jan. 11. The exhibit features more than 100 works, including images of Harry Houdini, Walt Whitman, Marian Anderson, and the fictional Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives in a busy Paris train station. The illustrations are accompanied by Selznick’s many books: The Houdini Box; Walt Whitman: Words for America; Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride; The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, and Frindle— allowing visitors to connect the image to the story.
2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington
571-9590 • delart.org
DELAWARE CENTER FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ARTS
The DCCA presents a thought-provoking exhibition, American Idols (through Sunday, Oct. 26) by John Moran. History buffs, this one’s for you! Glass sculptures of 43 presidents, recast as reality TV stars. Simultaneously, DCCA: A 35-Year History (Saturday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Jan. 4) charts the evolution of the DCCA since its founding. I’m looking forward to the new DCCA Art Lounge + Sales Gallery. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, and second Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., the lounge features art exhibitions, trunk shows, lively conversation and a cash bar in a casual, hip setting.
200 S. Madison St., Wilmington
656-6466 • thedcca.org
DELAWARE THEATRE COMPANY
DTC’s season brings a little something for everyone — love, loss and laughter with a dash of Broadway sparkle. Starring Michael Learned and Daniel Davis, Love Letters (Sept. 17-Oct. 5) proves what divides us is rarely as powerful as what connects us, and love usually comes when you least expect it. Rest, In Pieces (Nov. 5-23) is a “dramedy” about the typical family dealing with loss. The holiday season arrives in time for Steve Solomon’s smash, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, And I’m Home For The Holidays (Dec. 3-21). In the spring, look for Nora, a riveting retelling of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (Feb. 4-22) and the new musical Because of Winn Dixie (April 8-May 3), a heartwarming story about the friendship between a girl and her dog, based on the book by Kate DiCamillo.
200 Water St., Wilmington
594-1100 • delawaretheatre.org
DUPONT THEATRE
Delaware’s Broadway Experience starts with the smash musical comedy Sister Act, running Oct. 14-19. Next (Dec. 9-14) is Cirque Dreams Holidaze, with more than 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 performers showcasing heart-pounding, gravity-defying feats. Peter and the Starcatcher, the swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan, romps through our Neverland of Wilmington from Feb. 17-22. The DuPont’s season finishes with Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles (March 6-8), Camelot (April 14-19) and perennial favorite Guys and Dolls (May 12-17).
DuPont Building, 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington
656-4401 • duponttheatre.com
FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE
This could easily be FSBT’s busiest year, featuring a Delaware premiere, a Freeman Stage showcase, and performances of Giselle at Dover’s Schwartz Center and the Grand Opera House (Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19). FSBT’s signature Up Front series (Saturday, Nov. 15) showcases classical and contemporary works, and its annual tradition—The Nutcracker with the Delaware Symphony and the Wilmington Children’s Chorus (Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21)—continues at DelTech’s Georgetown campus and the Grand. The Delaware premiere of The Young Lady and the Hooligan—a gritty, modern ballet—is seldom performed outside of Russia. FSBT’s season closes with Coppélia, an all-ages ballet, where an old man’s fantasy and young love collide with hilarious results.
818 N. Market St., Wilmington
658-7897 • firststateballet.com
GABLE MUSIC VENTURES
September is non-stop for our pals at Gable, with bookings all over town, including the Queen. On Saturday, Sept. 13, Angela Sheik releases her new CD, Home Before Dark. On Friday, Sept. 19, the 36th consecutive singer-songwriter showcase (formerly The 6) features Joe Trainor (also his birthday) and Gable’s Jeremy Hebbel with Christine Holmes. Also on the bill is Israeli R&B artist Hadar, Jerzy Jung, Frank Viele and Aaron Nathans & Michael Ronstadt. On Friday, Sept. 26, local blues heavyweights Kitty Mayo & the Emperess Band, Venom Blues and What’s in the Box collaborate on a show celebrating the return of the Queen’s Wednesdays Blues Night. Tickets for all shows are on sale now.
World Cafe Live at the Queen, 501 N. Market St.,
Extreme Pizza, 201 N. Market St., Wilmington
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
The Grand doesn’t disappoint as headliners and legends light up its season. This month, enjoy the Grammy®-nominated Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Emmylou Harris with Special Guest Nathaniel Rateliff on Thursday, Sept. 25. Then, outlaws get ready! Join the legendary Red-Headed Stranger for a night of Willie Nelson & Family on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Watch for exciting shows, including .38 Special, Last Comic Standing and more along the way this season.
818 N. Market St., Wilmington
652-5577 or 800-37-GRAND • TheGrandWilmington.org
MÉLOMANIE
Mélomanie—known for “provocative pairings of early and contemporary works”— celebrates its 21st Anniversary Concert & CD Release Party on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the picturesque Olympia Room of World Cafe Live at the Queen. Favorite works, guest artists and tracks from the new CD, Excursions, will be featured, complemented by champagne and desserts. Tickets can be purchased at queentickets.worldcafelive.com. Mélomanie also continues its second season as “Ensemble in Residence” at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, launching the concert series on Sunday, Feb. 1.
The DCCA, 200 S. Madison St., Wilmington
764-6338 • melomanie.org
MARKET STREET MUSIC
MSM’s 2014-15 offers another rich and diverse lineup. Noontime Concerts kick off Thursday, Oct. 9, with the jazzy Terra Soul Project and continue weekly with artists like Pyxis Piano Quartet, SPARX and the Cartoon Christmas Trio. This season also marks the 25th anniversary of First & Central’s Gabriel Kney organ. Look for themed activities throughout the year—the first of which is The Phantom of the Opera: Live Music and the Original Silent Film on Saturday, Oct. 25. Experience Lon Chaney’s 1925 classic as Wilmington’s own Paul Fleckenstein accompanies with a score of organ music, arias and popular songs. In a month of spooky fun, it’s an evening not to be missed.
First & Central Presbyterian Church, 11 & Market Streets
Rodney Square, Wilmington
654-5371 • MarketStreetMusicDE.org
THE MUSIC SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
With more than 100 programs annually, the School fulfills every musical taste. The monthly informal Classical Café (starting Saturday, Sept. 27), led by Dr. Holly Roadfelt, encourages dynamic discussion on an array of musical topics and is only
$10 to attend (plus, you get coffee and pastries). The free JAM IT! Bluegrass & Old Time Acoustic Sessions bring together music enthusiasts for a regular jam (starting Saturday, Sept. 27). Alumnus and violinist Ben Shute returns to the Music School stage on Wednesday, Oct. 22, for his own concert with pianist Anna Dmytrenko.
4101 Washington St., Wilmington
762-1132 • musicschoolofdelaware.org
OPERADELAWARE
Join OperaDelaware Friday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 26, to explore operatic excerpts from the least likely places — think Hollywood, Sesame Street and Madison Avenue. This Little Light of Mine is a one-woman homage to the groundbreaking, legendary careers of Marian Anderson and Leontyne Price. May brings
OperaDelaware’s Festival, featuring Peter Brook’s smash hit La Tragédie de Carmen, and the event Wine, Women & Food in Song, featuring Bon Appetit, Lee Hoiby’s hilariously loving tribute to Julia Child.
4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington
442-7807 • operade.org
THE REP
UD’s professional theater delivers an exciting REPertoire, starting with the Pulitzer Prize–winning Angels in America: The Millennium Approaches (Sept. 25-Oct. 12) followed by Macbeth (Nov. 13-Dec. 7). The full season includes George Bernard Shaw’s The Millionairess (Jan. 22-Feb. 8), Juno and the Paycock (March 5-22), All in the Timing (April 15-May 10), and the wildly inventive and hilarious Hitchcock tribute, The 39 Steps (April 23-May 10).
Roselle Center for the Arts, 110
Orchard Rd., University of Delaware,
Newark
831-2204 • rep.udel.edu
WILMINGTON DRAMA LEAGUE
Wilmington Drama League’s 81st season is bursting at its musical seams with Jesus Christ Superstar (Sept. 12-20), Big The Musical (Dec. 12-28), Smokey Joe’s Café, The Civil War and Wonderland. Dramas include To Kill A Mockingbird (Oct. 24-Nov. 2), Nathan the Wise (Nov. 13-16), Leaves and Lips Together, Teeth Apart. Add One-Act Festivals, classes and “Pillow Plays” for young drama lovers, and you have a got-to spot for all-ages drama fun.
North Lea Blvd., Wilmington
764-1172 • wilmingtondramaleague.org
WORLD CAFE LIVE AT THE QUEEN
September is a royal treat at the Queen, as Delaware’s second annual Irish and Celtic Music Festival, featuring The Young Dubliners, Barleyjuice & Brother, rolls in on Friday, Sept. 5. Exceptional performances continue with drum legend Terry Bozzio on Thursday, Sept. 11, Rusted Root on Tuesday, Sept. 16, singer-songwriter Edwin McCain on Thursday, Sept. 21, and the King of Newgrass, Sam Bush, on Saturday, Sept. 23. For the complete fall schedule, visit the Queen website.
500 N. Market St., Wilmington
994-1400 • worldcafelive.com