Doug Ferrar

dferrar@delmarvanow.com

The Bethany Beach free Summer Concert Series will return June 9 to the bandstand on the boardwalk, featuring an eclectic lineup of new artists and old favorites, the town announced Wednesday.

Last year's audiences were surveyed to determine the 50 acts that will perform in the 2017 concert series.

“These surveys are a good indicator of the growing and changing crowds we’re getting here in Bethany Beach,” said 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 have proven popular, and 15 will perform this year, Malewski said. Nine returning favorites will be The Reagan Years, Sean Reilly's Sinatra, Sir Rod, Desert Highway, British Invasion, Ragdoll, Jesse Garron, Chris Westfall and Still Surfin'.

The survey indicated a demand for new artists, and 10 will be featured this year, including Texicana country rock artist Stephanie Urbana Jones, father-and-son Maryland bluegrass duo Blind Wind, father-and-daughter 80s flashback duo The Jimmies, classic rockers Matthew Street Band and Kategory 5, the R&B, jazz and funk mix of The Uptown Band, 40 years of a capella medleys from PBC Vocal Band, and Washington, DC, originals the Hayley Fahey Band.

READ MORE: Lewes-area open mic night drawing crowds

Returning favorites will include 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 opening for his daughter’s band, Triple Rail Turn (formerly Philbilly).

Love Seed Mama Jump will open for the July 4 fireworks show.

Military bands are also a perennial highlight of the Bethany Beach concert series.

“When people hear ‘military band’ many think of traditional ceremonial bands,” Malewski said. “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 opens their minds to all types of music and adds value to their Bethany experience.”

The branches of the U.S. Armed Services will be represented by the U.S. Navy Cruisers and Country Current, U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, Maximum Impact and Blue Aces, the U.S. Army Downrange and the 287th Army National Guard Concert Band.

The Kids Club, featuring child-friendly entertainment, will return Wednesdays in July. Carnival Night on July 5 will bring face painters, a magic show by Dickens Parlor Theater and a performance by Mr. Jon & Friends. "Zoo In My Room," a puppet musical featuring regional favorite Kidsinger Jim, is set for 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 Theater.

Audience participation is also part of the series, with Karaoke Night on July 3 and the annual talent show Aug. 18. There are no age restrictions to participate in either show.

Visit www.townofbethanybeach.com.

READ MORE: Happy hour: Purple Parrot's specials

READ MORE: Written a great beach read? Here's your chance to publish