Listen up…Things might be better than you think in the local music landscape.
Sure, a few notable live music joints have closed the past few years, but we were able to find plenty to get excited about this season in the area music scene.
So, without further ado, here’s the latest scoop on the bands, venues, events, shops and mega music fans that make this area what it is!
Hall-of-Fame Bullets Every Thursday at Gallucio’s
Last month, Kid Davis and the Bullets rocked the Smyrna Opera House during their induction into the Delaware Rock & Roll Society’s Hall of Fame.
If you missed it, don’t sweat it — you can catch the Bullets every Thursday night tearing up at Gallucio’s, with their mix of rockbility and Americana.
In addition to dozens of originals the band has written over three decades, they also do wild rock-roots versions of Pink Floyd, The Who and David Bowie on occasion. Like catching Love Seed Mama Jump at The Rusty Rudder, a Bullets show is a Delaware musical rite of passage. — More at KidDavisAndTheBullets.com
TreeWalker Releases “Cardinals”
Following up on the release of their single “Watch It Leave” in September, TreeWalker offers a second treat with “Cardinals” this month.
“It’s a song we started writing pre-COVID but never finished until recently,” says TreeWalker bassist, Dave Filiaggi.
On September 28, TreeWalker headlined Hot Jam at the Center for the Creative Arts in Yorklyn, but will look to hibernate in the studio this winter.
“Our plan after that is to spend the remainder of the fall writing some additional songs, record them over the winter, and release them collectively with the four singles from this year as a full album,” Filiaggi says. “We’ll pick up on shows in Spring 2025.”
“Cardinals” and “Watch It Leave” are available on all digital platforms.
Local Musicians Jam Wednesday Nights at Iconz
Genesis Z and Lucky Jefferson host the Live Band Open-Mic everyone Wednesday night at Iconz Bar & Venue. The music-centric establishment has rearranged the room: widening the stage and expanding the dance floor since the days when it was known as Oddity Bar.
“Wednesday nights by far are our most signature night,” says Iconz co-owner Manny Hernandez. “On any given Wednesday, you can catch the guitar player from your favorite local rock band on stage with your favorite local R&B singer.
“You can bring and instrument, just your voice, or just come for the vibes.”
Iconz Bar & Venue is located in Wilmington at 500 Greenhill Avenue.
A Ladybug Love Letter from France
On May 31, thousands of music fans and dozens of female musical performers flocked to Wilmington’s Market Street for the annual Ladybug Music Festival, a celebration of women in music. One of those musicians, Laura Bourgeois, traveled from France.
Turns out, the folk/pop artist fell in love while she was here — with Wilmington.
“I am very happy I got to be a part of Ladybug Music Festival and its 100% female line-up, writes Bourgeois. “We need more women on stage, and this event matters.
“A lot can also be said about the nice places of the city I was officially taken to see: the Riverfront, The Grand, Logan House, among others.
“But it’s also the informal I was fascinated by… Thinking back, I realize that what I’m taking home with me is not only memories from the one-day festival that got me to fly overseas in the first place, nor the official city tour I was offered. I think it’s, most importantly, the greater sense of community I got to appreciate thanks to the inhabitants of Wilmington.”
Aw shucks, we are blushing! — More at SheIsTheMusic.org/profile/LauraBourgeois
An Eclectic October at Arden Gild Hall
Arden’s independent music venue has been bringing renowned artists to the area for more than a quarter century — from folk to rock and everything in between. On Friday, Oct. 4, Brooklyn-based Kaleta & Super Yamba Band will have people on their feet dancing to their hot afrobeats, followed by blues-rock group Danielle Nicole Band on Oct. 10. JD Simo & Luther Dickinson will play a powerful night of blues on Oct. 25.
Oct. 12 will be a special evening of cultural delights: a performance by Argentinian jazz artist Darío Acosta Teich paired with Argentinian wines poured by Swigg. Prior to the show, guests can enjoy a curated dinner of Argentinian dishes (dinner requires a separate reservation in advance). — More at ArdenConcerts.com
Finnegan’s to Make It a Funky and Fun Thanksgiving
Finnegan’s Pub is offering a couple of ways to dance away some of the hundreds of calories music fans will pack in over Thanksgiving.
On the night of Black Friday, What The Funk will serve their groove-friendly fare, promising to pack the dance floor as usual.
Then on Saturday, November 30, Dickens & Ballsworth brings their lively mix of classic rock and ‘80s pop to the stage. The five-piece will follow up that show playing the fourth Saturday of every month. — More info at Finnegans302.com
J.D. Webb Spins Spooky Halloween Magic
Looking for an entertaining way to get into the Halloween spirit without having to go door to door posing as someone from a Harry Potter movie? Then hit Gallucio’s on Friday, October 25 when J.D. Webb & The Good God Damn cast a “spell” of a good time during their Halloween Show.
Fresh off the band’s energetic performance at The Odessa Brewfest last month, the band will play a mix of covers and originals, including those from J.D. Webb’s 2023 EP release Royal St. Ann Burgandy. — More at JDWebbMusic.weebly.com
Gretchen Emery Band Rocks Market Street
The Gretchen Emery Band will double-down in downtown this month starting Wednesday, October 9, with an acoustic duo show The Knight’s Bar at The Queen starting at 5:30 p.m.
The band follows that show with a breast cancer awareness event, Pink Gumbo 4, at the Wilmington Public Library on Saturday, October 26. — More at GretchenEmery.com
Wilmington Brew Works & The Queen
WBW continues its partnership with The Queen for the “Live & Local” series featuring local, live music acts in the beer garden Friday evenings from 6:30-9:00 p.m. In case of inclement weather — or chilly temps — the show will move inside the taproom. October features Ed Dwornik (10/4), Sharon & Q (10/11), Kris V & Richie (10/18), and Lucy & Patrick (10/25). In November, catch Jared Obstfeld (11/1), Kat Rivers (11/8), Jenni Schick (11/15), The Knotty G’s (11/22), and Scott Mathews (11/29). — More at WilmingtonBrewWorks.com
John Faye Plays “The Long Game” in December
A musician with more than 15 releases to his name, John Faye is about to add one more to the list. This December, Faye will roll out The Long Game — his first full-length release since his 2025 album Meddling Kid, on which he played every instrument.
The musician says creating the new album was a process of “rediscovering” his musical voice after the longest sabbatical of his three-decade career.
Through the arc of The Long Game, Faye plays the weary Gen X’er confronting concerns no Reagan-era latchkey kid could have predicted: social media addiction, seasonal depression, and the musical relevance (or lack thereof) of a vinyl record kid in a Spotify world.
“In a lot of these songs,” Faye adds, “if I’m addressing you, I’m really talking to myself in my own head.”
Faye will perform The Long Game in its entirety for an album-release show on Thursday, December 26 at Ardmore Music Hall, along with sets from Jealousy Curve and The MAKS. — More at JohnFaye.com
Wasted Arrows Plays Café Nola
Following the single, “There’s A Ghost,” which they released over the summer, Wasted Arrows will perform at Café Nola in Frederick, Md.
Look for the band to play heartfelt originals from their 2023 EP, Wharfman’s Blues. It’s an apt title, as band leader David Norbut’s day career sees him working the Port of Wilmington — More at WastedArrows.Bandcamp.com
Some “Sweet” Music at The Grand
For more than 150 years, Market Street’s iconic concert hall has been entertaining audiences in its three venues (Copeland Hall, that baby Grand, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square) with performances by world-class artists from around the globe. October welcomes NPR’s Ari Shapiro in an evening of songs and stories (10/5), The Rock Orchestra playing the hits of Chicago (10/12), alt-pop rocker Matthew Sweet (10/17), guitarist Richie Kotzen (10/19), and Friends of the Brothers, a tribute to The Allman Brothers Band (10/25). And you don’t want to miss the legendary Dionne Warwick (11/9), Old Crow Medicine Show (11/10), or Kool & the Gang, who will headline the 48th Grand Gala on Dec. 7. — More at TheGrandWilmington.org
TyFest Returns to Theatre N
After a successful debut last year, TyFest comes back with a sequel on Saturday, October 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Theatre N in Wilmington.
The event will open with a meditation/affirmation from Simply Sound Vibrations followed by live performances from The Last Word, Grace Vonderkuhn (solo), Sug Daniels, and the event’s creator, Ty Mathis, who will also be premiering a new song.
The all-ages show will also feature live painting and close with an open jam session. — More at TheatreN.com
Music’s Brewing at Bellefonte Brewing Company
Delaware’s nano brewery has two locations to enjoy everything from live music to cornhole leagues. The Old Capitol Trail location features acoustic acts on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. including Genesis Z (10/3), Andy Shields (10/10), and Geoffrey Giordano (10/17), and Tim Jaudon (10/24). On Sept. 26, the hosts its annual Halloween costume party, with DE Mex Foods slinging the grub and The Yellowstoners playing the tunes. Both locations also offer Music Bingo: every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Old Capitol Trail, and the first and third Wednesday of each month at Marsh Road, also at 7 p.m. — More info at BellefonteBrewingCompany.com
A Seed of Love Seed Blossoms in Full
Liam Wiedmann — son of Love Seed Mama Jump bassist, Pete Wiedmann — is proving that the apple doesn’t rock-and-roll too far from the tree. Both musicians started playing bars in college.
In recent years, the younger Wiedmann has sat in on occasion with his father and Love Seed and also the band Electric Smoke (with his uncle, Luke Wiedmann) as well as the Fitzee Brothers at various beach locations.
Having finished school at Temple University studying music and technology, the young guitarist now is rocking up in Philadelphia as well. His new band, Trouble at the Dormat, will be at Kung Fu Necktie on Thursday, October 3, performing songs from their new EP, Funk 4 Breakfast.
You can catch both Wiedmanns, father and son, on stage together with Brad Newsom and the Jagermintz on Black Friday, November 29, at Coastal Taproom in Reboboth.
You can find Trouble at the Doormat on Spotify.
Smalls Music Shop Thinks Big This Season
The only music store in Wilmington city limits, Smalls Music Shop, has some expansive ideas. On Sunday, October 13, the store welcomes music acts Katy Pinke from New York and local rockers Team Lift to play live sets starting at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, November 16 starting at 11 a.m., Smalls hosts a free, all-ages pedal clinic with local gear-wizard, John DeMaio, of Voltic Electronic Devices.
Then for its Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, look for Smalls to kick off the holidays with live music, refreshments, and a visit from the Rainbow Records bus. The free, all-ages event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — More at SmallsMusicShop.com
Pizza By Elizabeths: Serving Slices of Nightlife
Along with its award-winning pizza, Pizza By Elizabeths adds some additional festiveness to its bar area with live music.
This month catch the rock-and-country act Boots ‘N Skirts on Thursday, Oct. 3. The Jonathan Whitney Trio performs the Sunday Jazz Brunch on Oct. 6. The Sin Brothers play classic rock hits on Friday, Oct. 11 followed by Hunter Van Valkenburg on piano Saturday, Oct. 12. Guitar virtuoso Shaun Dougherty entertains on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Look for Ben LeRoy and Friends to return on Thursday, Nov. 14. — More at PizzaByElizabeths.com
Cliff Hillis and Dennis Schocket Team Up on New EP
Fans of the Baltimore band Starbelly will be happy to hear that band members Cliff Hillis and Dennis Schocket have collaborated on a new EP entitled Pop, Girls, Etc.
Songs from the EP have been getting spins on Philadelphia’s WXPN along with rave reviews.
“I can’t decide whether they have unearthed the great lost Badfinger record, or just made the record that the Romantics wish they’d been good enough to make,” said acclaimed producer and songwriter Don Dixon (R.E.M., Gin Blossoms, The Smithereens).
Hillis and Schocket will open for Kid Davis & The Bullets at Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery in Phoenixville, Pa., on Friday, October 18. — More at CliffHillis.com
Wednesday Night Acoustic Music at Kid Shelleen’s Branmar
It’s a Wednesday night in North Wilmington. You want to hang out with some friends, have a couple of cocktails, and listen to some live music.
Sounds like you should swing by Kid Shelleen’s (newer) location in Branmar Plaza. For instance, this month you can check out Kevin Burns on Oct. 2, Joe Grasso on Oct. 9, Rich O’Hanlon (aka Richie O) on Oct. 16, Ted Stewart on Oct. 23, and Kevin Burns on Oct. 30. — More at KidShelleens.com
Elkton Music Hall Keeps on Rockin’
Cecil County’s newest live music venue (it just celebrated its one-year anniversary this past July) offers a diverse lineup of nationally touring acts, as well as local and regional artists in its intimate, 300-seat space. Upcoming shows include Adrenalize – The Ultimate Def Leppard Experience (10/5), Sunny Sweeney (10/8), Judy Sings the Blues (10/9), A Musical Celebration of John Prine (10/12), the Sensational Soul Cruisers (10/17), Shemekia Copeland with Lower Case Blues (10/18), PRS Eightlock (10/24), Yam Yam (10/25), and Steal Your Peach (10/26). But there two shows that Ron Ozer, head of programming for the venue, says are the highlights of the month: David Cross Band plays King Crimson on Oct. 15 (“Cross was with [King Crimson] during a great period in the mid-‘70s,” Ozer says.) and alt-rock group Deer Tick on Oct. 19, co-presented by WXPN. — More at ElktonMusicHall.com
Lively Nights at The Chancery Market
Featuring a variety of cuisines, the downtown Wilmington food hall also offers weekly music entertainment: Music Bingo with DJ Taven every Thursday from 6-8 p.m., and live music Friday and Saturday nights. Music on Fridays is 5:30-7:30 p.m. and on Saturday it’s 7-9 p.m., with happy hour available seven days a week from 4-7 p.m. This month musicians include Sidepiece Duo (10/4), Trevor Stubbs (10/5), DJ Den (10/11), Genesis Z (10/12), Hailey & Spadola (10/18), Aaron Poole (10/19), Alvin Alexander (10/25), and Liz Watkins (10/26). The Chancery also offers 3-hour complimentary on-site, underground parking from 5 p.m. to close on Friday nights and all-day Saturday. — More at TheChanceryMarket.com
Olivia Rubini Holds Court at The Queen
After an impressive and wild run on this season of NBC’s The Voice, Olivia Rubini is ready to rock in her hometown this fall. The musician will be performing a series of residency shows at The Queen on Friday, November 22; Friday, December 20; and January (TBD).
Look for Rubini to perform her new originals, like “Heartless Woman” and “Love Em & Leave Em,” plus at least one song she performed on The Voice. She plans to release her version of Linda Ronstadt’s “Long Long Time” to coincide with the start of the residency in November — More at OliviaRubini.com
Queensrÿche Gets Heavy at The Queen
If you’re looking for a place to rock out, look no farther than The Queen, another of Market Street’s historic gems. October kicks off with rock group Hinder in the Main Hall on Oct. 1, followed by psychobilly trio Reverend Horton Heat on Oct. 5, and British-Irish boy band The Wanted 2.0 on Oct. 8. Also in the Main Hall: Dirty Honey (10/11), Queensrÿche (10/16), and KMFDM (10/25). The Crown, the venue’s more intimate space, hosts The Blackburns with Early Riser and Synergy Corp (10/11), IVA (10/18), and Hot to Go! The Chappell Roan Party (10/25). — More at TheQueenWilmington.com
Catherine Rooney’s Rocks Trolley Square
Catherine Rooney’s brings the fun to fall weekends with live music every Friday and Saturday night starting at 10 p.m.
This month, it’s Turning the Tide on Friday, Oct. 4 and Liquid A on Saturday, Oct. 5; Jumper on Friday, Oct. 11 and Kono Nation on Saturday, Oct. 12; Benderz on Oct. 18 and R1D2 on Saturday, Oct. 19; and Cat 5 on Friday, Oct. 25 and It’s All Good on Saturday, Oct. 26. — More at CatherineRooneys.com
Squeezebox Records Holds Contest and More
In the spirit of the season ahead, Squeezebox Records is holding a Holiday Logo Contest. The store is looking for a festive spin on their original logo. Submissions should be submitted at the store at 1901 W. 11th Street in Wilmington. First prize is $100, second $50, and $25 gift cards go to the next three runners up.
On Friday, October 11, the store will host a live set from indie act G.T. Arpe along with a special guest. And on Saturday, October 19th it’s Dollar Day Sale with all budget records $1 each. — More info at SqueezeboxRecords.com
The Rock Orchestra’s Grand Trifecta
Delaware Valley’s premier tribute group, The Rock Orchestra (TRO), is known for playing note-for-note recreations of works by classic artists such as The Who, Elton John, Tom Petty, and Genesis. The group performs all their shows in Copeland Hall, the main stage at The Grand Opera House. TRO’s eighth season kicks off on Oct. 12 with Chicago’s hits, along with a full performance of their debut album Chicago Transit Authority. On Feb. 15, Phil Collins’ solo career is celebrated featuring hits and deep tracks from Face Value to Testify…and maybe a little Tarzan. And finally on Apr. 26, TRO will rock you when the group (plus a full choir!) performs its biggest show yet at The Grand with a night of Queen’s hits, album cuts and live favorites. — More at TheRockOrchestra.net
Voltic Electronic Devices Brings the Juice
This month Voltic Electronic Devices is excited to announce a collaboration guitar pedal called Smalls Fuzz they are releasing in conjunction with Smalls Music Shop in Wilmington.
The addition of the Smalls Fuzz will bring Voltic’s official pedal lineup to three pedals, including the Dual Transistor Fuzz, their flagship unit, and the Awkward Mustache, essentially an op amp muff circuit.
Voltic owner and pedal designer, John-Anthony DeMaio, will be on-hand at Smalls when he holds a pedal clinic on Saturday, November 16. — More at VolticElectronicDevices.com
Fred Reed Finds the Charts with New Single
Fred Reed continues to keep rolling out the hits. His latest single, “Found You,” featuring R&B singer Raheem DaVaughn, recently earned airplay across the country climbing to #25 on the R&B Billboard charts.
Reed is also the father of nine children. He and his wife Cora are the CEO founders of Reeds Refuge Center, a non-profit outreach organization for children living in underserved communities on Wilmington’s Eastside.
For more info on Reed’s music — including other recent relationship-based singles “Tug of War” and “Roses” — visit FredReedMusic.com. — More on his non-profit work at ReedsRefugeCenter.org
Final Jams at Constitution Yards
The popular beer garden announced over the summer that it would be closing at the end of this season to make room for a new apartment complex and reopening in another area of the Riverfront in the future (no location has yet to be announced). So, make sure you get over there and enjoy it before closing later this fall. The temperatures may be cool, but the music is still hot every Friday and Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Catch the following live bands through Nov. 2: Aces High (10/4); Country Night (10/5); Kenny Don’t Play (10/11); Staycation (10/12); Bucket of Hot (10/18); Side Hustle (10/19); Lucky Stone (10/26); Low Tide (11/1); and A Blonde Moment (11/2). — Visit ConstitutionYards.com
Jazz & More at The Nomad Bar
Downtown Wilmington’s hidden gem is one of the best places to listen to live jazz in the area. Every Thursday through Saturday evening, kick back with a beer or one of their hand-crafted cocktails and enjoy everything from smooth jazz to bluegrass. Performing in October are Pocket Fuzz (10/3); Philly Jazz Ska Quartet (10/4); Island Vibe (10/5); Diamond Swing Jazz (10/10); Mr. B3 (10/11); The Festers (10/12); Skip Barthold Jazz Project (10/17); Tap Room Trio (10/18); The Bullets (11/19); Moxy Rah & Genesis Z (10/24); Alvin Alexander & Friends; (10/25); Roger Girke (10/26); and a Halloween party featuring Genesis Z (10/31). — More at Facebook.com/WilmingtonJazz
Intimate Vibes at Bellefonte Cafe
The eclectic cafe has always featured live music by area musicians, but when new ownership took over in February, even more music was promised…and they’ve delivered. You can enjoy music from 5 p.m. to
10 p.m. almost every night of the week (they’re closed Mondays), including during Sunday brunch from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Some upcoming acts include The Good God Damn Duo (10/3), Orphan River Band (10/12), Gunpowder Lane (10/16), West Philly Foot Tappers (10/24), and the Collin Bunch Band (10/30). — To see the full music lineup, visit TheBellefonteCafe.com