T
wo words: Bonnie Raitt. The Grand Opera House has announced its lineup for the upcoming season, which starts Aug. 16 with the ’70s band TOTO, then continues with a stellar roster of rock, pop and comedy acts—including a rare theater performance by the incomparable Bonnie Raitt on Nov. 26. We can’t wait. Want more? Comedy duo Cheech & Chong visit Oct. 26. New Orleans legend Aaron Neville will perform doo wop classics Nov. 8. Bluegrass master Ricky Skaggs plays Jan. 9. And comedienne Lily Tomlin visits March 27. “I think this line-up finds a really good balance,” says Stephen M. Bailey, The Grand’s executive director. “There will be fewer shows overall, but the caliber of those artists we are presenting is very high, perhaps even higher than it has ever been.” Thank the tough economic times for a recent re-structuring that cut eight staff positions and cut back the operating budget. That meant eliminating programming disciplines that lacked sufficient audiences. Worse things could happen, judging by the 2013-14 lineup. Other legendary singer-songwriters, John Prine and Graham Nash, play Sept. 7 and Sept. 27, respectively. Standup political satirist Colin Quinn visits Oct. 25. And one-of-a-kind comedian Steven Wright drops in Nov. 1. “SPANK!, The Fifty Shades Parody,” a musical spoof of “Fifty Shades of Gray,” runs Nov. 2-3. Canadian balladeer Gordon Lightfoot performs his many folk-pop hits (including “Sundown” and “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”) Nov. 6. The World Blues show on Nov. 9 features Taj Mahal, his daughter Deva Mahal, Fredericks Brown, and African singer Vusi Mahlasela. What else? Country star Clint Black sings Nov. 15. Standup comic Wanda Sykes visits Nov. 16. “Aladdin and Other Enchanting Tales” blends puppetry, magic and music for families on Nov. 24. Then—holding our breath—guitarist-singer Bonnie Raitt returns on Nov. 26. And that doesn’t even get us started on winter shows. Check the website for a list of amazing holiday programs and the rest of the season by clicking thegrandwilmington.org. New shows will be added as they’re booked. Or call 652-5577.
| Thursday, July 4 | |
 |
We’re in the heat of outdoor concert season. One of note: First State Symphonic Band at Bellevue State Park in North Wilmington. Hear all your favorite tunes, plus some patriotic classics… More - Advertisement -
|
| Friday, July 5 | |
 |
Everyone has a little inner Elvis. Get in touch with him during Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Let the hip swiveling commence… More |
| Saturday, July 6 | |
 |
There’s nothing like pro bicycle racing to get your heart thumping. If you missed the Wilmington Grand Prix, hit the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium in downtown West Chester for racing and one great block party… More |
| July 6-7 | |
 |
How far does a raindrop fall? If you’ve ever wondered about such matters, find your answers at Water’s Extreme Journey at the Delaware Museum of Natural History… More |
 |
The Rehoboth Art League is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Stop by to see the Annual Members’ Fine Art Exhibit of work from more than 100 members… More |
 |
Longwood Gardens is famous for horticulture, of course, but also for its fountains. See them dance all day long, with special afternoon shows, all summer. Very cool… More - Partner Content -
|
 |
New Sweden at 375 explores and celebrates the founding of the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware River Valley. Learn all about it at Willingtown Square Gallery. It left a mark… More |
| July 9-10 | |
 |
The 64th Cottage Tour of Art gives you a peek into the interesting homes, cottages, gardens and art collections of Rehoboth-area residents, all to benefit the venerable Rehoboth Art League… More |
| Wednesday, July 10 | |
 |
The name Hike and Bike Hagley pretty much says it all. Lace up your shoes or pump up your tires to see the historic property while it stays open late. Few places in Delaware are as beautiful… More |
â–º Click here for more Arts Buzz and Hot Ticket happenings.
â–º Like this blog? Well get it delivered to your inbox every week! Click here.
