Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade
Feb. 2 Critics can’t assign Miss Tess’ music to a single genre, and that seems like a good thing. With a mix of roots, folk, blues and jazz that’s been described as “modern vintage,” the band’s name alone effuses fun. World Cafe Live at The Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, (215) 222-1400, worldcafelive.com
Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes
Feb. 3 Harold Melvin and Teddy Pendergrass may be gone, but the Blue Notes live on. Hear “If You Don’t Know Me By Now, “The Love I Lost” and others at Harrington Raceway & Casino. Harrington Raceway & Casino, U.S. 13, Harrington, (888) 88-SLOTS, casino.harringtonraceway.com
Music Masters: Debussy’s 150th Birthday
Feb. 8 Faculty members at The Music School of Delaware celebrate the French impressionist composer’s impressive milestone. Music School of Delaware, 4101 Washington St., Wilmington, 762-1132, wilmingtonmusic.org
editor’s pick BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet & Marcia Ball
Feb. 17 If you can’t make it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, head to The Grand for this double dose of Cajun and R&B that will help satisfy the yearning. The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, 652-5577, thegrandwilmington.org
editor’s pick Journey of the Spirit: A Celebration of African American Heritage Through Music
Feb. 17 The Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the Delaware State University Chorus and the Wesley College Chorus join forces at the Schwartz Center in celebration of Black History Month. Schwartz Center for the Arts, 226 S. State St., Dover, 678-5152, schwartzcenter.com
editor’s pick David Johansen
Feb. 18 The ever-charismatic David Johansen (of New York Dolls and Buster Poindexter fame) performs his classic songs and covers in an acoustic duo performance at Arden Gild Hall. Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway, Arden, 475-3126, ardenclub.org
Russian Pearls
Feb. 18 Next up in the Newark Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series are works by Rimsky-Korsakov and Shostakovich, among others. Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark, 369-3466, newarksymphony.org
Delaware Trombone Day Festival
Feb. 18 The second annual Delaware Trombone Day Festival at UD features exhibits, festival choirs and master classes as well as performances by guest artists John Tranter and Paul McKee. University of Delaware, Gore and Loudis Recital Halls, Newark, music.udel.edu
Sax & Romance
Feb. 24-25 Ahem, the romance should come first, no? Either way, this Classical Series performance by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra includes a Jennifer Higdon oboe concerto retooled for saxophonist Steve Temme, as well as Schumann’s romantic Fourth Symphony. The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, 652-5577, delawaresymphony.org
Carpe Diem String Quartet
Feb. 25 Carpe Diem members consider themselves a “classical quartet that rocks.” Hear for yourself when Coastal Concerts welcomes them to Lewes. Bethel United Methodist Church Hall, Fourth and Market streets, Lewes, (888) 212-6458, coastalconcerts.org
Soweto Gospel Choir
Feb. 29 The Soweto Gospel Choir performs tribal, traditional and popular African and Western gospel, and they do so in no fewer than eight languages. Longwood Gardens, U.S. 1, Kennett Square, Pa., (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
