Firefly Music Festival news:

They've just sold out of 3 day passes, and are now offering a limited number of single day passes, starting at noon today (Friday).  This has ticked off many of the concert-goers, who say they were repeatedly told no single day passes would ever be sold for this festival, thus forcing them to pony up for the whole 3 days. 

New indie rock festival announced for Bethlehem PA at the end of March, includes a Newark band.

Bethlehem, PA, located about an hour and twenty minutes north of Philly, is home to a large arts organization called ArtsQuest that hosts several notable festivals throughout the year.  The largest of these is MusikFest, a multi-genre festival held every August since 1984, which in recent years has featured pretty much every classic rock and top 40 act that has ever toured in the summertime - from the Steely Dans and Jethro Tulls to the Selena Gomezes and Maroon 5s. 

But not everyone is clamoring to see even the biggest of these bands, so, seeking to fill a growing demand for non-mainstream rock, ArtsQuest has introduced a new indie rock festival called Nowadays Fest (I know - puzzling name).  It will take place on March 30th and 31st.  For their inaugural year, Nowadays Fest will feature indie acts Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., RJD2, We Are Scientists, Sun Airway, Strand of Oaks, Jukebox the Ghost, Ambassadors, Xylos, Caveman, Bleeding Rainbow (the former Reading Rainbow), and more. 

There is a lot of Pennsylvania represented amongst the non-national openers, sure, but Delawareans might be happy to note that one of the opening acts is Mean Lady, featuring Katie Dill, who used to be in the popular local band Diego Paulo.  This is a pretty big score for Mean Lady, and they are one of the finer Delaware bands that the festival could have chosen.  Let me be clear: I am not friends with - nor have I ever met members of - either Mean Lady or Diego Paulo.  I'm just intrigued by what I've heard from them so far.

You can read more about the festival, the rest of the line-up, and ticket prices here: http://www.artsquest.org/festivals/nowadays/

News from Mt. Cuba Center

1) They're accepting applications for summer interns now until March 1st.
http://www.mtcubacenter.org/education/internships/

2) For bird enthusiasts: On February 11th, Mt. Cuba staff will be traveling to New Jersey for the day-long Cumberland Winter Eagle Festival.  The public is welcome to come along.  Purchase tickets here: http://www.museumtix.com/program/program.aspx?vid=827&pid=509512&pvt=mcc

Want to get into next Saturday's inaugural Wilmo Rock Circus for free?

Gable Music Ventures, the organization behind this 10 band showcase at the riverfront on Saturday Nov. 26th, are looking for a few more volunteers to assist with the event.  Volunteers get in for free (though tickets are a friendly $10, anyway).  Here's a link to the basic details for Wilmo Rock Circus (by the way - I'm not a big fan of the "Wilmo" shortening.  I can't put my finger on why, but it just doesn't work for me.  Maybe because it rhymes with "Elmo"):
http://www.wilmorockcircus.com/

If interested, contact gablemusicventures@gmail.com

Upcoming festivals

There are two major festival periods in Delaware.  There are the weeks in May/June when the Greek Festival, Italian Festival, Chinese Festival, and more happen one after another.  September is the other one.  So get your lederhosen/mushroom recipes/polka shoes ready now.

I'll post more detailed info on the appropriate weeks, but here's a heads up if you want to plan in advance.

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• 104th annual Arden Fair.  Saturday Sept. 3, 10am-6pm (raindate is Sunday Sept. 4, 10am-5pm).  Free admission, except for the antique market.

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• Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, September 5th, 5:30pm (a silly event that I shouldn't even acknowledge, really.  Everyone without kids knows summer lasts into October, or UNTIL I SAY IT ENDS.  I'm being facetious here, but seriously - every year when I see notices about this event, it depresses the bejeesus out of me.  Why do it soon?). http://www.bethany-beach.net/jazzfuneral.htm

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• Newark Film Festival. September 8th-15th, Cinema Center 3.  http://www.newarkfilm.com/

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• Kennett Mushroom Festival.  September 9th-11th, center of town.  http://www.mushroomfestival.org/

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• St. Hedwig's Polish Festival.  September 12th-17th, Wilm. riverfront.  http://www.polishfestival.net/

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• Wilmington Film Festival. September 15th-18th, Delaware Art Museum. http://www.newarkfilm.com/?page_id=12&show=wilmfilm

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• Oktoberfest.  September 16th-18th, off Salem Church Rd. in Newark.  http://www.delawaresaengerbund.org/v5_Oktoberfest.shtml

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• Taiwan Film Festival.  Sept. 4, Sept. 11, and Sept. 25th, Delaware Art Museum.  Details.

Philly FEASTIVAL, to benefit Philly Fringe Fest, to be held on September 14th.

From Foobooz:

The now annual FEASTIVAL will again bring together top Philadelphia chefs as the culinary arts raise fund for Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe.
The event, building on the success of last year’s gala will be held on Wednesday, September 14th, 2011. This year the event will be held at Pier 9, located at 121 N. Columbus Boulevard. More than seven hundred attendees are expected to attend the tasty cultural event.
FEASTIVAL will once again be co-hosted by Stephen Starr, Michael Solomonov and Audrey Claire Taichman. This year’s event will honor Former Governor Edward Rendell for his role in Philadelphia’s cultural community.
“FEASTIVAL celebrates both our artistic and culinary scenes – two great economic engines that push Philadelphia forward,” said Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe Board President Richard Vague. This year’s FEASTIVAL will feature a culinary feast from the city’s top chefs, live performances by Live Arts artists, and a silent and live auction. All proceeds will benefit the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe.
For more information and tickets visit www.phillyfeastival.com

The 48-hour film-making competition for Fringe Festival Wilmington is now open for registration

Only the first 50 registrants will be accepted, and the deadline is September 2nd. 

As part of this competition, contestants will have 48 hours in which to script, film, and edit a 5 minute film (maximum), which will then be shown during the Fringe Festival, in late September.

Visit the link for the full rules and details: http://fringewilmingtonde.com/artistApplication_48hrFilmIntro.php

Riverfront Blues Festival is coming this weekend.

You can find all the fine details here , and I will include some of those details in the weekend listings, but I thought I'd give a heads up since this is the kind of thing people like to plan for in advance. 

[UPDATE: Hubs tells me that the Sunday headliner includes several members of the legendary 70s band WAR.  Which is pretty awesome.  I might just have to dig up a video for All Day Music later in the week].

The Blues Festival runs from 4:30pm Friday until 6pm Sunday (not non-stop, obviously), at Tubman-Garrett Park near the Wilmington waterfront.  Tickets range from $15-$25, depending on the day and depending on if you get them in advance or not.  A 3 day pass is $50.

Artists include the James Cotton Band, Chicago Blues Reunion, The Lowrider Band, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Porkroll Project, Travis Moonchild Haddix, EC Scott, James Super Chikan Johnson, Vasti Jackson, Victor Wainright and the WildRoots, Jumpin Johnny Sansone, and Tab Benoit.  (I know - some of those names seem like they should have quote marks around them, but I'm just typing it out the way the website lists them). 

The Friday and Saturday night performances will be followed by late-night after parties at the Wilmington Sheraton. 

Thirsts and appetites:  You can buy alcohol at the shows, but none is allowed inside, and organizers say that bags and coolers may be checked upon entrance.  (Funny - they've never checked at the jazz festival - not that I'm admitting that my family and friends have smuggled in copious amounts of chilled rose' and malbec, or anything).
You are allowed to bring in outside picnic food (nothing enclosed in glass), but food will also be available from vendors at the festival (some good stuff, too - not just hot dogs and french fries.  I know there's at least one guy who vends there with his small family food business whose day job is chef at the Hotel DuPont). 

As for seating, bring chairs or blankets.  Just leave the pets at home.

Free music festival announced for September 10th, in Maryland.

Complimentary passes to the Virgin Mobile FreeFestival will be available starting this Friday.  The festival will take place at the Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, MD, on September 10th, and the line-up will include Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The Black Keys, Cee Lo, Patti Smith, TV on the Radio, Deadmau5 (who are also playing the Philly F/M Festival in late September), Okkervil River, Two Door Cinema Club, Ghostland Observatory, and many more. 

Details from WXPN's blog, "The Key":
http://thekey.xpn.org/2011/07/virgin-mobile-freefest-announces-2011-date-lineup-tickets-to-be-released-this-friday/

By the way - to get the free tickets, you have to 'like' Virgin Mobile's Facebook page, here: http://www.facebook.com/VirginMobileLive?sk=app_174402785926020

People who are already Virgin Mobile customers, or who attended this festival in the past 5 years, will be eligible for a "pre-free-sale" on Thursday.

Wilmington Beer Week is happening now through the 16th.

There are so many events happening throughout the city, including tastings, meet and greets with area brewers, and demonstrations, that you should just visit the official page, linked below.  The 'events' link will take you to the full calendar:

http://www.wilmingtonbeerweek.com/

Today, there are events at Domaine Hudson, Union City Grille, and Columbus Inn.  Monday there's a 16 Mile Brewery event at Piccolina Toscana.  The rest of the week includes 3-5 events each evening at other noteable eateries such as: Deep Blue, Vinoteca 902, Washington Street Alehouse, Chelsea Tavern, the Queen Theatre, and Harry's Seafood Grill.

Participating breweries include: 16 Mile, Dogfish Head, Old Dominion, Fordham, Twin Lakes, Yards, Sam Adams, Victory, Evolution, Clipper City, Harpoon, Flying Fish, (we like our nautical themes here on the Mid-Atlantic seaboard...), Sam Adams, and Saranac.

Wait, NO LANCASTER?   But they're local and their Milk Stout and Strawberry Wheat are so goo-oo-ood!  Screw that overly-hoppy Philly noise (ever tried to get a drinkable beer at Johnny Brenda's, unless Milk Stout is on the menu?  GOOD LUCK).  Also, let's have some Leinenkugel's next time, dear organizers.  It ain't summer if I can't get my hands on some Summer Shandy.  Until then, that plinking sound you hear is me shedding a tear in my ... beer.

One last note: the can't-miss event of the week for true beer aficionados (I know, I know - revealing that I like fruity beers makes me not one) is the "American Craft Beer Tasting. More than a Dozen U.S. Craft Breweries at World Cafe Live at the Queen".  This will take place Friday from 5:30-9:30.

Happy Drinking!

Quick July 4th options round-up:

Happy Independence Day (weekend), all.
Wilmington itself will not be having an official July 4th celebration.  The mayor canceled it in March due to budget constraints.  (Which, frankly, I agree with - people will always have something to see on July 4th.  I'd rather keep more police units on the street).  Here are some places where you can see concerts, parades, or fireworks on Monday.

North of Wilmington:

• Conclusion of Welcome America Fest in Philly, featuring The Roots, Earth Wind & Fire, and Michael McDonald: http://www.welcomeamerica.com/concert-fireworks/

South of Wilmington:

• Newark/UD fireworks, 6-9 out of the Bob Carpenter Center.  You can see them from several blocks around.  There will also be live music (for middle-agers and older, mostly) in the Bob.
• Hockessin: parade at 3, fireworks at 6. 
• Dover 4th of July celebrations: http://www.dover4thofjuly.com/

Delaware beaches:

• Rehoboth fireworks and concert:  http://www.delmarvabeachguide.com/events/rehoboth-beach-fireworks-july-4th-2011_1364
• Lewes boat parade and 'doo-dah' parade in Lewes (no fireworks.  I remember seeing official fireworks in Lewes as a kid - and someone's house caught on fire.  Maybe that's why):  http://www.ci.lewes.de.us/
• Bethany parade and fireworks: http://www.delmarvabeachguide.com/events/bethany-beach-4th-of-july-parade-fireworks-2011_1390
• Ocean City, MD, concert and fireworks: http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/specialevents.html

Screening of "Ninety Miles", a jazz documentary, on Saturday morning.

(Note: Other Theatre N films will be grouped into the weekend listings for this week, since each film only has one showing). 

The film "Ninety Miles", about the jazz trio of the same name that just performed at the Jazz Fest, will be shown at Theatre N on Saturday morning.  The slightly-more-than-an-hour-long documentary will be shown at 11am, and is free.   Theatre N's description:

"Ninety Miles unites North American, Puerto Rican and Cuban jazz artists.

Critically acclaimed jazz musicians vibist Stefon Harris, saxophonist David Sánchez and trumpeter Christian Scott have collaborated to create a distinctly unique collection of songs, Ninety Miles. Recorded over the span of a week in Havana, Cuba, the US based trio recruited local Cuban musicians including pianists Rember Duharte and Harold López-Nussa to create the 9 song collection. The result is a true Cuban American musical collaboration that defies political borders.

All distance is relative, especially where geopolitical borders and ideologies are involved. We speak one language, they speak another. We follow our system, they follow theirs. When we focus on the differences, a relatively short stretch of land or water starts to look like a yawning chasm. But when we look at each other as individuals and focus on the similarities, that “chasm” is actually a very short distance. Less than a hundred miles.

Musicians – especially jazz musicians, whose craft is in many ways an improvised form of communication – understand this principle inherently, perhaps better than any politician or diplomat could ever hope to. Vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist David Sanchez and trumpeter Christian Scott cross that divide in their new recording, Ninety Miles."

http://www.theatren.org/Films/2011/June/Ninety-Miles

Earth Wind & Fire, The Roots, and Michael McDonald tapped to headline Philly's 4th of July festival

From Newsworks:

'Philadelphia's July 4th festivities will be mixing hip hop and soul.
"Earth Wind and Fire in Philadelphia for the Fourth of July," said Mayor Michael Nutter, announcing the marquee act for the July 4th party on the Parkway. Performer Michael McDonald will also be on the bill, all backed up by the Roots, a Philadelphia group that is currently the house band on Jimmy Fallon's late night TV show. Roots drummer Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson says they want to make Welcome America a great music festival.
"One of our dreams has always been to curate a real music festival for Philly, so what Lallapalooza (sic) is for Chicago we really want to bring that idea to Philadelphia and curate a real music festival, this is only the beginning," said Thompson.
There will also be a special movie preview during the celebration: Transformers 3.
Though tied to July 4th, the festival starts on June 23rd with Nancy Wilson performing at the Dell Music Center .'

Two big indie music festivals announced for late September in Philly.

 Not sure whose idea it was, if anyone's, but these two festivals will be going head to head with each other at least on the 23rd and 24th of September.

The first is the 2nd annual Philadelphia Film & Music Festival, or F/M Fest.  It will be held from September 22nd to the 25th at venues large and small, featuring both reputed local and national acts.  The list so far includes:
Dead Milkmen, The Head and The Heart (who recently played at the XPN's Non-Comm in Wilmington), Sharon Von Etten, Jukebox the Ghost, Hezekiah Jones, Hoots & Hellmouth (also their cd release show), Buried Beds, Reading Rainbow, The Get Down Stay Down, and more.   Tickets are $80 for a one day pass or $100 for a full 4 day pass.  http://www.phillyfmfest.com/  (click on the 'buy tickets' link there for an easier-to-read full line-up). 

The second is the Popped Fest, which ran for a couple of years, stopped for a couple of years, and is now back with bigger names than ever.   This one will be held on September 23rd and 24th at FDR Park, by the stadiums.  The line-up includes: The Shins, Panda Bear, Cage The Elephant, The Hold Steady, Girl Talk, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, The Budos Band, Mates of State, and more.  This one is $110 for a 2-day pass (no 1-day passes are being sold).  http://poppedphiladelphia.com/

Schedule for the Clifford Brown Jazz Fest, which starts today.

From http://www.cliffordbrownjazzfest.com/Schedule-2011 :

Sunday, June 19, 2011:

5:00 pm- Jazz Vespers (at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew, 8th & Shipley Streets).  This is a free event with first come, first serve seating.

Monday, June 20, 2011:

Phase III Dedication, Clifford Brown Garden- details to follow

Concerts start in Rodney Square on Tuesday- see below:

Tuesday, June 21, 2011:

800 pm- Junior Mance Quintet6:00 pm- Manifest 3

Wednesday, June 22, 2011:

8:00 pm- Ninety Miles featuring Stefon Harris, David Sanchez & Christian Scott6:00 pm- The Avery Sharpe Quintet

Thursday, June 23, 2011:

8:00 pm- Soul of Summer featuring Jonathan Butler, Eric Darius & Maysa6:00 pm- The Ronny Jordan Full Band

Friday, June 24, 2011:

8:30 pm- Take 66:45 pm- Tizer featuring Chieli Minucci & Karen Briggs5:00 pm- The Metta Quintet

Saturday, June 25, 2011:

9:00 pm- TBA7:00 pm- Rufus Reid's Out Front Quintet featuring Rufus Reid- Bass, Steve Allee- Piano, Duduka da Fonseca- Drums, Freddie Hendrix- Trumpet & J.D. Allen- Tenor Sax
5:00 pm- Rene Marie "Voice of My Beautiful County" tour featuring Rene Marie- vocals, Kevin Bales- piano, Kevin Hamilton- bass & Quentin Baxter- drums
3:30 pm- The Captain Black Big Band
1:00 pm- Masterclass with Rufus Reid: Understanding Swing, Jazz, BeBop and Beyond. Christina Cultural Arts Center 705- 707 N. Market Street
11:00 am- Ninety Miles A film by Devin Dehaven (62 minutes, not rated)
Free at Theatre N. Reserve your seat online

Sunday, June 26th, 2011:

The concert at the Grand Opera House has been postponed until later this year.

[Ed. note: I hope the cancellations and TBAs don't portend bad things for this festival.  It's imperfect - I'm still not a fan of this line-up - but it's a great festival for the city, and it's free].

Almost forgot about the Chinese Festival this year - Friday through Sunday

The Chinese Festival is one of the smaller ethnic festivals in the county, and it's usually overshadowed by the Greek, Italian, and Jazz festivals that sandwich it, but it's still well the trip to Hockessin.  Apparently the dragon dance that kicks off the festival is one of the highlights, though I've always managed to miss it.  What I go for is the chance to get some Chinese food that you wouldn't ordinarily find in local Chinese restaurants.   (And there's beer, if that's a deciding factor for anyone).  Ah, but what if you get your fill of dinner but don't care for the dessert options?  No problem - Woodside Farms Creamery is a block away.  DONE.   To me, that's reason enough for a trip out that way. 

Hours are 5-9 Friday, 11-9 Saturday, and 12-6 Sunday.  Parking is $5.   The festival is held at the Chinese American Community Center at 1313 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin.  For more info:
http://www.chinesefestival.org/

St. Anthony's Italian Festival - Sunday to Sunday

2011 Festival June 12th - 19th

Mon - Fri             5:30 - 10:30PM

Sun 12th & Sat     2:00 - 10:30PM
Sun 19th             2:00 - 8:30PM

Admission: $5.  There are discounts for seniors and small children.  Visit the website for details.

The Italian Festival needs no introduction, and frankly, I'm on vacation, so here's the festival's latest newsletter, after the page break.  My personal recommendation would be to go at least once, because there's nothing quite like it the rest of the year in Delaware, and to get the half carafe of wine instead of individual glasses, because it's a much better deal.
Your best bet may be to visit http://www.stanthonysfestival.com/ , but the newsletter tells all about the foods available (including some new stuff this year):ere is a preview of some of the specials that will be offered in our cafes.

Coming next weekend: the Southern Shore Music Fest, in south Jersey.

The WXPN-sponsored Southern Shore Music Festival will take place at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, on Saturday June 18, from noon to about 8pm.  Featured performers include Deer Tick, Justin Townes Earl, Leon Russell, and Sharon Little.   The fairgrounds are about an hour and 15 minutes from Wilmington, and halfway to Ocean City, NJ.  Tickets are $30-$50.

For the full schedule of events and more details:
http://www.southernshoremusicfest.com/

Brandywine Festival of the Arts is accepting submissions for 2011.

They have a brand new website, linked below.  The festival, which will be in its 51st year, will run on the weekend of September 10th & 11th in Brandywine Park.  The old Brandywine Arts Fest ran into some trouble under new management a couple of years ago and took a hiatus, but is back with a slightly different name, new ownership, and a new commitment into growing the affair into a festival for more than just the visual arts. 

http://www.brandywinearts.com/

Two big music festivals, in PA & NJ, coming on Saturday.

The first is The Roots Picnic, at the Festival Pier in Penn's Landing.  The line-up is:  The Roots, Wiz Khalifa, Nas (backed by The Roots), Esperanza Spalding (backed by The Roots), Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Man Man, The Dismemberment Plan, Mac Miller, Yelawolf, T. Mills, Little Dragon, Nicos Gun, Donn T, Black Thought & DJ J. Period, Hank & Cupcakes, OCD/Reda, Railbird and Young Vipers. 
The Roots Picnic starts at noon on Saturday, and tickets are $79.75. 
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0200465CA959621C

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The second Saturday festival is the 22nd annual Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival, held every year at the Appel Farm in Salem County, NJ (just over the bridge).  Featured performers are: Gogol Bordello (acoustic), Josh Ritter, Trombone Shorty, Ani Difranco, Good Old War, Red Horse (featuring 3 folk legends), Nicole Atkins, and more.  The festivities start at 11:30 am and end at 8:30 am.  There will be a beer/wine tent, and a juried craft fair.  XPN hosts Gene Shay and Michaela Majoun will host.  Tickets are $50 day of show, $45 day before.  Children under 12 get in free.

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Check back here Friday morning for the full weekend listings, because there is a LOT going on this weekend.