Get Your Green On
Unlike most Irish bands, who release new records in the United States during the few weeks before St. Patrick’s day, Gaelic Storm released its latest in summer, which may be part of the reason why “Cabbage” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Chart. The rest of the reason may be that these lads rock. See the acclaimed pub band perform at The Grand Opera House on March 2. Some may recognize their music from the movie “Titanic.” Some may have gone on to become loyal fans. Either way, their popularity just keeps growing. Find out why. Also this month, the famed Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes show why they’ve been one of the top touring bands of the past 35 years. See them March 9. 652-5577, thegrandwilmington.org
The Greatest Rock ’n’ Roll Show in the World
If you have a jones for The Stones, you need to get to the World Cafe Live at The Queen on March 3, when 30 of the best local musicians will unite to celebrate the 50th birthday of The Rolling Stones, all to benefit the Light Up the Queen Foundation. We’re sure this one will rock. 994-1400, queen.worldcafelive.com
Truly Moving Work
This one is sure to move you: “Contraption: Devices in Art” at the DCCA. The exhibition features sculptures with moving parts that serve as gadgets and machines and make a dynamic display physics and engineering. You’ll find a covered wagon time machine, a kitchen stove that blasts rap music and a people-powered fountain. This is what Maiza Hixson, the Gretchen Hupfel Curator of Contemporary Art at DCCA, has to say about the exhibition: “Whimsical and clever, each work in ‘Contraption’ explores metaphors of movement to present diverse angles on various aspects of culture. Our obsession with female beauty and male virility, ideas of suburban and geographic identity, and rampant consumerism are but a few of the pressing themes that emerge through these artists’ strangely captivating contrivances.” This promises to be as fun as it is provocative. You can see it through June 24, but many of the artists will attend a formal opening of the exhibition and gallery talks during the March 2 Art on the Town. If your Friday night isn’t booked… 656-6466, thedcca.org
An Artful Afternoon
Thanks to collector Donald Rothfeld, artist Floyd Coleman and other donors, the UD has a slew of new artwork that has expanded the school’s collection significantly. They include paintings by Coleman, sculptures and works on paper by Frank Gerritz and Lisa Hoke, paintings by art program alum Donald McLaughlin and professor Peter Williams, and drawings by Felrath Hines and Elmer Bischoff. Their exhibition will be on display at the Old College Gallery through July 20, but you can learn all about them when McLaughlin and art department faculty members Virginia Bradley, David Meyer, Robert Straight and Williams give a gallery talk on March 1 at 4:30 p.m. View, listen, discuss. 831-6589, udel.edu/museums
A Really Biggs Show
Get to The Biggs Musuem of American Art in Dover on Friday, March 2, to the First Look pARTy for “Jewels of the Generations: The Legacy of Loockerman and Bradford Family of Dover.” The exhibition displays early American clothing, Victorian jewelry, European and Asian ceramics, American and European silver, American and European portraits, and Delaware- and Philadelphia-made furniture as collected by Vincent Loockerman and his descendants, the Bradfords. When Loockerman died in 1785 he was probably Dover’s largest collector of Delaware- and Philadelphia-made furniture. For the past 200 years, his family has lived with those pieces while adding their own. Biggs Museum founder Sewell C. Biggs was an admirer of Loockerman’s collection, hence the exhibition and related events. On March 10 learn about the clothing worn by three Loockerman women from 1750s through 1810 from curator Ann Baker Horsey. On March 21, curator Ryan Grover and Margaret Dunham of Delaware Public Archives will discuss the Loockerman family and its influence through objects in the exhibition. There’s more, so check the Biggs Web site. 674-2111, biggsmusuem.org
Simonized
You think of Neil Simon as a funny man, and he is, but sometimes with a serious bent. See it in “The Gingerbread Lady,” as presented by The Chapel Street Players in Newark March 2-10. The play tells the tale of singer Evy Meara, who, ending 10 weeks at a rehab center, deals with well intended but flawed loved ones: her vain best friend, a struggling actor and her troubled daughter and despicable ex, who makes a new play for her. Will Evy survive the madness? This one is hilarious and touching. 368-2248, chapelstreetpalyers.org
The Old Made New—With Flair
You loved “The Bird Cage,” so you’ll love “La Cage Aux Folles,” which plays at The DuPont Theatre March 6-11. Starring George Hamilton, “La Cage” tells the story of Georges, the owner of a club in Saint-Tropez, and his partner, Albin, who moonlights as the chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet him, the bonds of family are put to a hilarious test. Winner of three Tony Awards, the new production was the biggest hit on Broadway in 2010—and you can see it right here in Wilmo. 656-4401, duponttheatre.com
An Unforgettable 18th
Delaware native David Robeson has enjoyed a very happy association with City Theatre Company, so he’s helping it celebrate its 18th birthday with a series of short plays, “Cruel, Calm & Collected,” through March 3 at OperaDelaware Black Box on the Wilmington Riverfront. Robson is a winner of the Hotel Obligado Audience Choice Award for New Work and is a finalist for the Julie Harris Playwriting Award. See why during this special presentation. 220-8285, delawaretheatre.org
One for the Kids
Looking ahead to March 11, The Kennett Symphony of Chester County will present a free children’s concert, “Green Eggs and Ham,” at the Emilie K. Asplundh Hall of West Chester University. The musical is adapted from the Dr. Seuss classic by composer Robert Kapilow. It will be preceded by two other pieces: Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” and Strauss’s “Pizzicato Polka.” All is directed by Mary Woodmansee. Green Kids will also see a demonstration of strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Afterward, the symphony will open its popular instrument petting zoo. It’s a real treat for all ages—and it’s free. (610) 444-6363, kennettsymphony.org
Traditional Music with a Twist
We love Mélomanie’s unique approach to traditional and contemporary music. See the ensemble March 3 at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington for a program that includes Yuko Uebayashi, Suite for flute and cello; Louis-Gabriel Guillemain, Quartet in A Major; Michel Blavet, Flute Sonata in D Minor; Béla Bartók, Mikrokosmos (selections) for solo harpsichord; and Arcangelo Corelli Violin Sonata Op. 5 No. 1. We promise one of the most fulfilling experiences you’ll ever have. 764-6338, melomanie.org
Celebrating Erin
Also on March 3, The Dover Symphony Orchestra will continue its Spring Classical Concert season at the Calvary Assembly of God Church with the music of Ireland, including American composer Amy Beach’s “Gaelic Symphony.” Works by Percy Aldridge Grainger and Gustav Holst will also be featured. “This music will make everyone feel Irish as a prelude to St. Patrick’s Day,” says symphony president Nancy Pikulik. 270-1903, doversymphony.org
Viva La France
On March 4, Newark Symphony Orchestra performs Expressions Francaises, an homage to French music. The program includes Maurice Ravel’s Miroirs, no. 4, “Alborada del gracioso;” Claude Debussy’s “La Mer;” and a concerto featuring a winner of NSO’s annual youth concerto competition. See it at The Independence School in Newark. 369-3466, newarksymphony.org
Photos Finished
The 79th Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography, presented by the Delaware Photographic Society, is on display at Arsht Hall on the University of Delaware’s Wilmington Campus. See 300 prints chosen from 3,500 images submitted by photographers from over 36 countries, See it during business hours through March 4. 573-4419, 610-358-5191, wiep-photo.org
