The Town of Bethany Beach will once again host its Summer Concert Series on the bandstand. Each weekend beginning Friday, June 9, audiences will experience an eclectic array of performances designed to offer something for everyone.

Audience participation surveys played a key role in selecting the 50 entertainers for the venue. "These surveys are a good indicator of the growing and changing crowds we're getting here in Bethany Beach," says Julie Malewski, events director. "We're pushing the envelope a little this time, keeping anchor favorite groups, but mixing in some unexpected new acts."

Tribute bands still top the wish list. There are 15 on this year's roster including nine returning favorites such as The Reagan Years (‘80s), Sean Reilly's Sinatra, Sir Rod (Rod Stewart), Desert Highway (Eagles), British Invasion (‘60s and Beatles), Ragdoll (Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons), Jesse Garron (Elvis), Chris Westfall (John Denver/James Taylor) and Still Surfin' (Beach Boys). New to the list are The Core (Eric Clapton), Real Diamond (Neil Diamond), EWF Band (Earth Wind & Fire), Larger Than Life (‘90s Boy Bands) and I Am King the Michael Jackson Experience out of Las Vegas.

There was also a demand for new bands, and 10 will make their debut. Accomplished bicultural songwriter and San Antonio native Stephanie Urbina Jones will perform her Texicana Country Rock songs that have made it on the Billboard charts, in Rolling Stone Magazine, and shared the spotlight with Willie Nelson and Lorrie Morgan. Blind Wind, an award-winning Maryland duo fronted by 14-year old blind harmonica player Cole Moran and his father, Frankie, will play the bluegrass that has brought them to Nashville stages. This is one of two new acts with family ties. The other is ‘80s flashback band The Jimmies, who will follow a brief set by Jimmy's aspiring singer-songwriter daughter Caitlin Marsilii. Classic rock songs are covered with Matthew Street Band and WMGK House Band Winner, Kategory 5. The Uptown Band will play a mix of R&B, jazz, and funk; PBC Vocal Band will perform a capella mashups of hits from the last four decades using tight harmonies, beatboxing and vocal percussion; and the Hayley Fahey Band will bring a soulful mix of originals by D.C.-based songwriter Hayley Fahey and her band of seasoned pros. These groups join returning crowd favorites The Fabulous Dialtones, Delmarva Big Band, Over Time, The Jamboree Boys, Mario Rocco, Tim Laushey Orchestra, Delta Spur, Octavia Blues, Sarah Williams, Three Sheets Acoustic and singer-songwriter John Pollard, who will open for his daughter's band Triple Rail Turn (formerly Philbilly). Many of these bands have local ties including Love Seed Mama Jump, who will provide the entertainment before the fireworks Tuesday, July 4.

Each year the venue showcases a variety of military bands that fit the multi-genre approach. 2017 is no different. "When people hear 'military band' many think of traditional ceremonial bands," says Malewski. "They don't realize there are other ensembles that play everything from rock and pop to jazz until they see them on our stage. That discovery process with all the acts opens their minds to all types of music and adds value to their Bethany experience. "

This year's bands represent four branches of the military including the U.S. Navy Cruisers (pop) and Country Current (country); U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants (chorus), Maximum Impact (rock), and Blue Aces (Americana rock/R&B); U.S. Army Downrange (rock) and 287th Army National Guard (Concert Band).

Wednesdays in July will again feature a kids club with child-friendly entertainment. The Bandstand will host Carnival Night Wednesday, July 5, complete with face painters, a magic show by Dickens Parlour Theater and a performance by Mr. Jon & Friends. "Zoo In My Room" puppet musical, featuring regional favorite Kidsinger Jim will hit the stage July 12. The remaining two Wednesdays will move to Town Hall for performances of “Peter Pan” and “Jack and the Beanstalk” by the Rehoboth Summer Children's Theatre.

Locals and visitors alike will have two opportunities to get into the act. They can participate in either the annual talent show Friday, Aug.18, or Karaoke Night Tuesday, July 3. Both of these events traditionally draw an impressive array of talent with no age restrictions.

All shows are free and sponsored by the Town of Bethany Beach. For more information, go to www.townofbethanybeach.com and search Activities.