September 2024 - And Then There Were Four...

And Then There Were

Wander the garden, play make-believe in Enchanted Woods, and learn about history while having fun.

Don’t miss these special fall events, perfect for families:

• Discover Winterthur | September 21

• Truck & Tractor Day | October 5

• Tram & Treat | October 26

At Winterthur, the entire family can play, explore, and enjoy kid-friendly activities all season long!

Suchat Pederson

Bob Leitch

Bob Leitch

ELEVATE YOUR MESSAGE

Located at 1700 Augustine Cutoff, locally-owned Big Red's Sky Board operates as the ONLY DIGITAL BILLBOARD in the City of Wilmington. We ENDORSE campaigns to a Daily Effective Circulation of 15,000+ people age 18+.

Easterly facing, Big Red’s endorses to westerly-driving Residential, Commercial, and Corporate Travel into the City of Wilmington + points beyond. Augustine Cutoff is a direct route to I95, Rt. 141, Trolley Square Community, Wilmington Riverfront, The City’s Business Center, Restaurants & Bars, Cultural Institutions, Sporting Venues, and the 52 Corridor extending into PA We are also a direct route to the Southern Corridor to beach points, MD, DC, and VA.

Featuring:

d Agave Mexican Cuisine

d Antica Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

d Back Burner Restaurant & Tavern

d Bardea Steak

d Brandywine Prime

d Cafe Mezzanotte

d Ciro Food & Drink

d Columbus Inn

d Del Pez Mexican Gastropub

d Dorcea

d Eclipse Bistro

d Feby’s Fishery

d Harry’s Savoy Grill

d Hearth Kitchen

d Kid Shelleen’s (Branmar Plaza)

d Krazy Kat’s Restaurant

d La Fia Bistro

d Market Kitchen + Bar

d Merchant Bar

d Piccolina Toscana

d Santa Fe Mexican Grill (Wilm)

d El Camino Mexican Kitchen

d Taverna Rustic Italian (Wilm)

d The Quoin Restaurant

d Tonic Seafood & Steak

Contributing Sponsors:

Published each month by TSN Media, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Contact@TSNPub.com

Wilmington, DE 19801

Eat

PUBLISHER

Gerald duPhily • jduphily@tsnpub.com

DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS

Jim Miller • jmiller@tsnpub.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Bob Yearick • ryearick@comcast.net

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PRODUCTION MANAGER

Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC

DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTOR Michael O’Brian

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Amy Watson Bish

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adriana Camacho-Church, David Ferguson, Mark Fields, Pam George, Roger Hillis, Catherine Kempista, Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Larry Nagengast, Ken Mammarella, Mary Ellen Mitchell, Matt Morrissette, Kevin Noonan, Bob Yearick

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jim Coarse, Justin Heyes and Joe del Tufo/Moonloop Photography, Lindsay Rudney duPhily, Joe Hoddinott, Matthew Loeb, Becca Matthias

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Bauer, John Holton, Bev Zimmermann

Listen

THE WAR On Words

A monthly column in which we attempt, however futilely, to defend the English language

WHERE ARE THE EDITORS?

Let’s start with a couple of redundancies from the Olympics:

• Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of NBC’s Today , in her first report on the Olympics from Paris, referred to the “ iconic Eiffel Tower.” Do we really need to be told that it’s iconic?

• Subhead in USA TODAY: “Swimmer takes eighth gold spanning across four Olympic Games.” A transitive verb, spanning means “extending from side to side or extending across,” so appending across or over is redundant — and wrong.

• Gabe Lacques, also USA TODAY, noting that the Phillies retained their top rank among MLB teams despite a losing streak: “But that’s only because every other elite team has been as bad — or worse — as them.” Worse as and them are both incorrect, so Gabe should’ve recast the italicized words as follows: “as bad as — or worse than — they are.”

• From The New York Times , courtesy of reader Jane Buck: “Sometimes the most effective horror movie isn’t the one with a ton of jump scares; it’s the one that effects you emotionally and psychologically.” Even the legendary Times mixes up effects and affects

• Writer/editor Larry Nagengast noticed this in a News Journal story on embezzlement from the state’s Unemployment Compensation Fund: “. . . state o cials began the process of recuperating the stolen funds through Brittingham’s estate.” at should be recouping — making up a loss by getting something equal in return. Recuperating, of course, means getting well after an injury or illness.

• Another Larry — Hamermesh — also found TNJ to be lax, this time in a story describing requirements for participation in a refugee resettlement program: “The criteria includes [list follows]. . .” Criteria is plural, so the verb should be include . That said, the singular criterion is rarely used, so it’s easy to see how the writer may have been asleep at the keyboard.

By Bob Yearick

LITERALLY OF THE MONTH

A reader spotted this on the website for Spire Center for Performing Arts, in Plymouth, Mass.: “In 1969, a band of four English musicians arrived in New York and literally took America by storm.” As the reader asks, what exactly does it mean to take America by storm ? BTW, the band was Jethro Tull.

DEPARTMENT OF REDUNDANCIES DEPT.

• Jeff Neiburg, in The Philadelphia Inquirer : “It was the main topic du jour on opening day: the relationship between the quarterback and the head coach.” Topic du jour is a nice little metaphor, but the writer ruined it by adding main

• Ellie Rushing, also in The Inky , reported that a Bensalem man was charged with homicide by vehicle after he “veered onto the sidewalk at a high rate of speed and fatally struck a pedestrian.” Once again: speed is the rate at which an object moves.

GRAMMAR-CHALLENGED POLITICS

• Reader Ann Miller points out two errors in this rst sentence of a press release from the Delaware Democratic Party: “ e amount and tenor of primaries this election cycle has been encouraging.” Number is used with plurals (primaries), and the sentence has a plural subject — amount and tenor — so the verb should be have been encouraging.

• Reader Ginger Weiss spotted this headline from TNJ: “Who did the Del. Democratic Party endorce in the 2024 races?” Again, a twofer: e verb endorse is misspelled, and its object is whom, not who.

MEA CULPA

Last month, the column referred to a base guitar. A couple of my trusty readers point out that it’s bass guitar. I’m properly red-faced.

Our Midwest correspondent sends this image from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, about Kettle Moraine State Park. In both cases, that should be “Bridle Trail,” since they are for horses, not brides. Says our correspondent: “Kind of makes me want to hum some Mendelssohn as we head out on the trail.”

Word Term of the Month

Chekhov’s gun

A principle in drama, literature, and other narrative forms asserting that every element introduced in a story should be necessary to the plot. The concept was popularized by Russian playwright and author Anton Chekhov, who frequently illustrated the principle by using a gun as an example of an essential element. Some authors, including Ernest Hemingway, have disagreed.

NEED A SPEAKER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Contribute $100 or more to the Brandywine YMCA through my donor page and I’ll present my fun and informative discussion on grammar to your group. Contact ryearick@comcast.net for more information.

Buy The War on Words book at the Hockessin BookShelf, at Huxley & Hiro Booksellers on Market Street, or on Amazon. Or email me at ryearick@comcast.net.

FYI Things Worth Knowing

FIND THE TICKETS!

ASNEAKER BALL TO BENEFIT

DOWNTOWN YMCAs

Get ready to lace up and get down at this year’s Sneaker Ball set for Sept. 13 at the Delaware Art Museum. It’s a fun night that raises funds for Downtown YMCAs’ community programs. Attire is “Cocktail Chic” paired with your coolest kicks. Tickets are $75; the party starts at 6:30 p.m. Visit YMCADE.org.

new season of arts events kicks off this month, as well as the Delaware Symphony’s search for a new music director, and to celebrate, we’ve hidden four tickets in this issue (this page doesn’t count). Three winners will be selected from those that answer correctly by September 18 — one will receive a pair of tickets to the Delaware Symphony, while two others will win lunch. Congratulations to last month’s winners — Karen Hill, Melissa Schuiebbeo, Lisandra Otero — who found the crabs on pages 11, 24, 34, 47.

DELAWARE TEACHER RELEASES BOOK OF POEMS

Local author Allison Whittenberg has announced the publication of her debut collection of poems, ey Were Horrible Cooks (published by Cornerstone Press). Whittenberg, a teacher at Archmere Academy, says this collection is for “people who hate and love poems.” She is also the author of several books for young adults including Maine Under Water (2024), Tutored (2010), Hollywood and Maine (2009) and Sweet ang (2006). ey Were Horrible Cooks is available for presale through Sept. 15 at Uwsp.edu/Cornerstone.

TIME TO EAT THE DOUGHNUTS

Sleeping Bird Co ee has developed a fan base for its doughnuts, selling out quickly any day they are available. To keep up with people’s passion for the pastry, they’ve opened their newest shop, Sleeping Bird Doughnuts, at 4001 Concord Pike in Wilmington (directly behind Lucky’s diner). e shop, which opened in late-August, features their popular brioche doughnuts — with creative llings such as blueberry cheesecake and s’mores — along with glazed and old fashionedstyle cake doughnuts, plus drip co ee and house-made lemonade. Visit SleepingBirdDoughnuts.com.

BRANDYWINE VALLEY RESTAURANT WEEK OFFERS APPETIZING OPTIONS

Arecord 24 premier restaurants in Greater Wilmington will o er special menus and special pricing during the 9th annual Brandywine Valley Restaurant Week Sept. 15-21 presented by Chase. Two-course lunches will be o ered for $20; threecourse dinners are $35 or $55. For a list of participating restaurants, visit BrandywineTaste.com.

EXTINGUISH YOUR THIRST

Join Townsend Fire Company for a night of craft beer, blues, and barbecue on Sept. 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. e event will feature beers from Crooked Hammock Brewery, First State Brewing, JAKL Beer Works, and Volunteer Brewing, along with live music by Roger Girke. Tickets are $50 and include beer and food (reduced price for food only, and free for children under 12). Visit Bit.ly/extinguish-your-thirst.

DELAWARE CITY DAY STEP BACK IN TIME

For more than 40 years, Delaware City has hosted “Delaware City Day” on the rst Saturday of October to celebrate the historic waterfront town. is day-long family fun event includes a parade, vendors, live music, boat rides, and reworks at dusk over the Delaware River. is year’s event is on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit DelawareCityDay.com.

OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

Addiction support group, Face the Facts, hosts its 4th annual Overdose Awareness Day on Sept. 21 to bring awareness to the epidemic and recognize lives lost to substance abuse. At this free event, the community can learn about organizations, groups, and businesses that o er resources and support. Held at Delcastle Recreational Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the day also includes children’s activities, food trucks, and speakers. Visit FTFDe.org.

SWIM WITH THE SHARKS PITCH COMPETITION

Celebrate Delaware’s entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and thriving start-up community at the 12th Annual Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition, presented by Delaware O ce of Supplier Diversity on Sept. 25 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Penn Cinema. e competition is open to for-pro t businesses that have been operating for less than ve years (submissions closed on August 5). e nalists will present a ve-minute pitch to a panel of judges, and the winner will be selected based on a combined judge/audience vote. Visit Eecincubator. com/swim-with-the-sharks.

Historic New Castle welcomes visitors to step aboard the legendary tall ship, Nao Trinidad, and immerse themselves in history. The ship is a replica of the flagship from the Magellan-Elcano expedition, which led the first circumnavigation of the globe between 1519 and 1522. From Sept. 19-22, ship tours and educational programs will be offered, as well as an exclusive evening event on board. Visit NaoTrinidad.org.

NEW BOOK DEMYSTIFIES FOSTER FAMILIES

For more than 125 years, Children & Families First has offered foster care and adoption services in Delaware. Social workers Mike McHugh, Lynn Fraipont, Abby Fischer, and Sandra Korines, from the Foster Care and Adoption Unit, saw a need to offer a clearer explanation of foster families that could be read by children in care and others, and collectively wrote A Kids Book About Foster Families . It is hoped the book will be used to support children experiencing this traumatic event, know someone experiencing it, or those living in a family providing fostering services. The book is published by A Kids Co., a company dedicated to providing a platform for children to learn about complex topics. Visit AKidsCo.com.

ADOPT A FURRY FRIEND SWING INTO ACTION

On Sept. 16, e Beau Biden Foundation will host its 10th Annual Fall Child Protection Classic at DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, raising funds to protect children from abuse and neglect. Since its rst golf outing in 2015, the Foundation has educated 60,000 adults on recognizing and reporting child abuse, provided internet safety training to nearly 35,000 children, and partnered with hundreds of youth-serving organizations across 26 states. In addition to a day on the greens, the event includes a cocktail reception, dinner and silent auction. Visit BeauBidenFoundation.org.

Humane Animal Partners (HAP) has joined NBCUniversal Local’s 10th Annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption campaign, which has helped more than 1 million pets nd new homes since 2015. To help make adoption more accessible to families, now through Sept. 10, HAP is o ering a discount of $50 o all dogs and $25 o all cats, good at all their adoption centers (Wilmington, Stanton/Christiana, and Rehoboth Beach). Visit HumaneAnimalPartners.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

5pm Start

DOWNTOWN

2nd & LOMA

211 N. Market Street 655-0124 • 2ndandloma.com

Artist: “Spiritual Journey” by Deb

Chris White Gallery

701 N. Shipley Street 475-0998 • chriswhitegallery.com

Exhibit: “XYZ Bananas!” Group show curated by Q-pon

Christina Cultural Arts Center

705 N. Market Street 652-0101 • ccacde.org

Exhibit: “It Takes a Village-” Marlene and Dwight Lacy (mother and son Artistic duo)

City of Wilmington’s Redding Gallery

800 N. French Street 576-2100 cityfestwilm.com/ redding-gallery Exhibit: #CreateandVote

Gallery at Grace Church

900 N. Washington Street 655-8847

Artist: Laura’s Colorful Art by Laura Johnson

Girard Craft & Cork

224 W. 9th Street (774) 292-1854

Artist: “Tarot Series: The Sun, The Moon & The Star” by Morgan M. Daughton

Huxley and Hiro Booksellers

419 N. Market Street (971) 386-8294

Artist: Finding Elsewhere by Kiara Florez

Mezzanine Gallery

820 N. French Street 577-8278 • arts.delaware.gov

Artist: Mercado Kitsch

México by Julieta Zavala

The Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House 818 N. Market Street 658-7897 • thegrandwilmington.org

Grand Gallery: “Imagine” by Deborah L. Cuomo baby grand Gallery: America – Past and Present by Bryant “Tee” Bell

The Queen

500 N. Market Street 981-9816

thequeenwilmington.com

Artist: Weird Dreams w/ Todd Purse & Bobby Campbell

RIVERFRONT

The Delaware Contemporary 200 S. Madison Street

656-6466 • decontemporary.org

Exhibitions: Fall Season Theme – DESIGN: Arrangement; Fissures in the Frame; Pixel Promenade; Dream Expedition; Recently Designed; featuring artists Finnegan Shannon, Katerina and Lisa Marie Patzer

Next Art Loop: OCTOBER 4, 2024

WEST SIDE

Avenue Cuts 1700 N. Scott Street 655-1718

Artist: Karoline Wileczek

Blue Ball Barn 1914 W Park Drive 353-5679

Artist: Mark Kaufman Art Show

Blue Streak Gallery 1721 Delaware Avenue

429-0506

Exhibition: Out of the Woods Group Show

Delaware Center for Horticulture 1810 N. Dupont Street 658-6262 • thedch.org

Artist: “A Call to Reconnect” by Kim Easlick

Howard Pyle Studio

1305 N. Franklin Street 656-7304

Artists: Howard Pyle

Studio Members featuring artist Geri Huxsoll

BEYOND THE CITY

Bellefonte Arts

803-C Brandywine Blvd 547-2573 • bellefontearts.com

Artist: Stroked Poetry by Andre Jones

Finist & The Owl 811 Brandywine Boulevard 786-228-6638

Artist: Paint Plant Create with Heather Capezio

Trailblazing

Delaware Greenways reaches milestone and plans to keep trekking

OBy Adriana Camacho-Church

n September 26, Delaware Greenways will celebrate its 35th anniversary. It was born in the early 1990s when a group of residents in north Wilmington opposed the construction of a shopping mall at a local golf course.

To protect and preserve other green spaces, the residents formed a coalition of government and community groups to build and fund what would later become a network of trails throughout the state. >

The Markell Trail is one of Delaware Greenways' proudest achievements. Photo by Butch Comegys

Since then, the statewide nonpro t has managed to build more than 65 miles of trails connecting communities, maintaining plant and animal life, and safeguarding cultural and historic resources.

“Research indicates that shared-use trails boost local economies by attracting tourism, increasing property values, and supporting local businesses. says Mary Roth, now in her ninth year as executive director at Delaware Greenways. “Trails and byways draw visitors who spend money on lodging, food, and services. ey also promote healthier lifestyles, reducing healthcare costs by encouraging physical activity — our 6-mile Jack A. Markell Trail alone saves nearly $5 million annually in healthcare costs.”

creeks and rivers for shing, and canoes and kayaks. e trails also lead to museums, playgrounds, businesses, and historical estates such as the Rockwood Mansion.

Jones, who joined the Delaware Greenways team seven and a half years ago, says that besides empowering people to live healthier lives, the trails expand employment opportunities, foster environmental stewardship, and invite the exploration of history and culture.

“We’ve heard of so many stories from individuals about trails being the lifeline to recovery from both physical and mental challenges,” adds Terri Jones, Delaware Greenways marketing and outreach manager. “For others, trails are an exercise outlet to stay in shape, or a way to clear their mind of the everyday clutter that can weigh us all down.” e trails are used for activities such as walking, biking, hiking, bird watching, and serve as access to

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

To build, improve and maintain the trails, the group relies on volunteers, partners, annual fundraising events, private donations, and funding from government, corporate, and various organizations.

e group has survived because of the commitment of dedicated volunteers and the strength of its partners, Roth says. “Delaware Greenways partners are the foundation of the group’s success and longevity.”

Partners include the First State Trails Coalition, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, and Nemours Children’s Health Systems.

Volunteers encompass the group’s board of directors,

L-r: Jed Patterson (past president), Gary Linarducci (board), Damali Thomas (board), Mary Roth and Terri Jones. Photo courtesy Greenways

representatives of numerous organizations, and supporters who engage in trail planning initiatives.

“Without the committed efforts of our volunteers, Delaware Greenways would not be celebrating its 35th anniversary,” she says.

Trails that are part of Delaware Greenways legacy include: the Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail, James F. Hall Trail and the Battery Park Trail.

The Northern Delaware Greenway Trail was the first trail the organization constructed. The 10.4mile trail links Bellevue State Park and Brandywine Park.

Completed in 2009, the scenic road is the oldest, longest trail in Delaware. It is part of the East Coast Greenway — a 3,000-mile pedestrian and bicycle route along the coast that extends from Maine to Florida. The trail is also Delaware’s section of the September 11th National Memorial Trail and was recognized by the National Recreation Trail program as one of the country’s highest-caliber trails.

“From my DGI (Delaware Greenways) perspective, I love that people of all ages and physical abilities can access it. For me as a trail user, traveling through the wildlife refuge at one end, and then a historic town at the other, also with beautiful water views, is a nice outing.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

As for the future, Delaware Greenways is focused on creating more trail networks. And though most of the organization’s work is in New Castle and Sussex Counties, Greenway’s Delaware Bayshore Byway project will increase its activity in Kent County.

This fall, Greenways will begin work on a grant to expand and broaden the use of the Delaware eBayshore Byway, a National Scenic Byway featuring wildlife refuge, marshlands, and beaches.

Jones, who uses the trails for hiking, running, cycling and photography, says it’s hard to say which trail is her favorite because she has favorites for different activities, but the Jack A. Markell (JAM) Trail is pretty special.

The group will work with partners to develop a plan to promote non-motorized transportation along the Byway. The focus will be on pedestrian, bicycle, and paddling use as a means of commuting and recreation. In addition, visitor amenities will be installed in the historic byway towns of Milford and Bowers. >

more than 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs, Delaware Tech will lift you up to high-demand jobs.

Walkers enjoy a fall stroll on the 10.4-mile Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. Photo by Terri Jones

“An interconnected network of trails encourages long-term shifts away from car dependency, reducing vehicle numbers on the road and thus lowering carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions,” Roth says. “Walking and biking require no fossil fuels, conserving energy and improving public health.”

The Wilmington Loop is another proposed transformational public infrastructure project. The loop wraps around the city of Wilmington. The first phase of the Loop, the East Side Connector, also referred to as Riverwalk Extension, will connect Wilmington’s East Side neighborhoods with the Brandywine and Christina River trails, the Northern Delaware Greenway, and Jack A. Markell Trails.

“Beyond being just a bike or pedestrian pathway, the proposed Wilmington Loop would be a destination. A compelling, differentiated selling point for the entire state,” says Roth. “The trail will link thousands of people with great jobs, restaurants, and cultural attractions.”

— Delaware Greenways will celebrate its anniversary on Sept. 26 at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science in Wilmington from 5:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. The event will highlight the impact the organization has had on the lives of Delawareans and the state’s landscape. Expect live music, local food and drinks, and a silent auction. Visit DelawareGreenways.org/events.

The Markell Trail takes trail users over wetlands courtesy of an elevated boardwalk. O&A file photo

FFall Into It!

From arts festivals to car shows, check out these 10 popular events to kick off autumn

By Amy Watson Bish

all is a festive time of the year in these parts. But don’t take our word for it. Following are a host of festivals and annual traditions well worth trying.

BRANDYWINE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

September 7 & 8 | Brandywine Park, Wilmington

Enjoyed by thousands of attendees every year, the state’s largest arts festival features 250 artisans from across the country exhibiting and selling unique work. e festival also o ers live music, children’s activities and local food vendors. e hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10am-4pm. Entry is $5 each day, with children 12 and under free with adult admission. More at BrandywineArts.com.

39TH ANNUAL KENNETT MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

September 7 & 8 | State Street, Kennett Square

Have fun celebrating fungi at this annual festival, which honors the growers and the community of the Mushroom Capital of the World. is year’s festival welcomes celebrity chef Carla Hall, who will host cooking demonstrations and help judge the Amateur Cook-O Competition. e hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry is $5 each day. More at MushroomFestival.org.

Kennett Mushroom Festival. Photos provided

11TH ANNUAL HISTORIC ODESSA BREW FEST

September 7 | noon-5:30 p.m. | Main Street, Odessa

Each year on the first Saturday after Labor Day, attendees enjoy some of the best regional and national craft beers, along with locally produced wine and spirits, plus food and live music. General admission tickets for this adults-only event are $60. More at OdessaBrewfest.com

2024 BATTLE AT CHADDS FORD

September 14 & 15

Chadds Ford Historical Society, Chadds Ford

Step back in time with the Chadds Ford Historical Society as it commemorates the Battle of the Brandywine, which took place on September 11, 1777, with reenactments, demonstrations and more. This familyfriendly event also includes artisans, youth activities, live music, food, and local beer and wine. The hours are Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry is $10 for adults 18 & older, $5 for children ages 7-17, and free for CFHS Members and children 6 & under.

HAGLEY CAR SHOW

September 15 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hagley Museum & Library, Greenville

Called “The Best Car Show in Delaware,” this event includes more than 500 cars from throughout the 20th century. This year’s theme is “British Invasion” and includes a vehicle parade, motoring music, and food trucks. Due to the physical capacity of the historic property, tickets are only available in advance and are $30 per carload ($25 per carload for Hagley Members). More at Hagley.org

COMMUNITY DAY

September 15 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

University of Delaware Green, Newark

This family fun event — co-presented by the City of Newark’s Parks and Recreation Department, the University of Delaware, and the Christina School District — includes a live music, fine art and crafts, a food court, and a Children’s Area featuring scarecrow-making and more. Admission is free. More at NewarkDe.gov.

DELAWARE SAENGERBUND OKTOBERFEST

September 20-22

Delaware Saengerbund, Newark

Break out your lederhosen, raise your beer stein, and indulge in the Oktoberfest spirit! This festive threeday celebration includes Bavarian dancers in traditional costumes, German music, German food specialties, and of course, beer. Festival hours are Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday noon-11pm, and Sunday noon-6 p.m. $10 admission includes unlimited amusement rides. More at DelawareSaengerbund.org.

>

Each September, the Chadds Ford Historical Society commemorates the Battle of the Brandywine, which took place during the Revolutionary War.

There will be plenty of toast options at Odessa BrewFest.

More than 500 cars will be on display at the Hagley Car Show.

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

Live Music • Silent Auction

Food by Toscana Catering

$125 per person

AUBURN HEIGHTS INVITATIONAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW & GARDEN PARTY

September 21 | 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Marshall Steam Museum, Yorklyn is annual event showcases historic cars from the early 1900s through 1969, and includes food, wine and craft beer, Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream, rides on the Auburn Valley Railroad and tours of the Auburn Heights Mansion, and more. More at AuburnHeights.org.

ART ON THE GREEN

September 28 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Battery Park, Historic New Castle

Sponsored by the New Castle Hundred Lions Club, this annual art and craft show has become one of New Castle’s signature events featuring over 200 artists, crafters, and food vendors. More at ArtOn eGreenDe.net.

VET FEST

September 28 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Town of Whitehall, Middletown is uplifting and educational day is an opportunity for the military and civilian communities to stand together against military and veteran suicide. e day includes a parade, 5K walk/run, resources for veterans, and live music by e Rock Orchestra, who will perform a tribute to Billy Joel. More at WhitehallDe.com.

Guests enjoy a ride on a miniature train during Auburn Heights annual September celebration at Marshall Steam Museum.

What is the

CREATE Plan?

Delaware’s creative economy is a powerful force driving innovation and growth. The Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA) has developed the Creative Economy Advancement & Tourism Expansion (CREATE) Plan, a roadmap to unleash this sector’s full potential. The plan analyzes the creative economy at the state, county, and city levels, and provides economic impact data, an interactive asset map, and 25 actionable recommendations for state, county, and local governments, the private sector, and the arts community to support and strengthen the creative and cultural tourism sector.

1

How Was the CREATE Plan Developed?

The CREATE Plan was developed through extensive research and with input from over 600 Delawareans. By analyzing creative economy policies, regulations, economic impact, and mapped assets, DAA identified key opportunities and challenges. Drawing on international best practices, the plan outlines 25 recommendations to support the creative economy.

2

What is the Creative Economy?

Delaware’s creative economy is a vibrant ecosystem encompassing artists, businesses, nonprofits, educators, and cultural institutions. This dynamic sector spans a wide range of industries, including visual and performing arts, design, media, and tourism. Beyond its artistic value, the creative economy is a powerful economic driver, fueling innovation, research, and tourism.

Image Credit: The Music School of Delaware, Milford

The CREATE Plan is the first plan of its kind in the nation!

Economic Impact of the Creative Economy

In 2021, the creative economy generated $3.7 billion in total revenue and contributed $2.2 billion to the state’s economy after expenses

The creative economy has a ripple effect, generating an additional $0.60 in economic activity for every $1 it produces.

The creative economy supported 18,551 jobs in 2021, 4.1% of Delaware’s total employment.

How to Use the Asset Map 4

An exciting feature of the CREATE Plan is the asset map, an interactive tool showcasing over 2,534 creative businesses and organizations across Delaware. This comprehensive resource can be used to discover local artists, businesses, and potential collaborators. It also supports strategic planning to strengthen the creative economy. Explore the map: delawareartsalliance.org/assetmap

Delaware’s creative and cultural tourism sector is a significant contributor to the state’s overall economy. Learn More and Be a Voice for the Creative Economy

Your support is key to building a vibrant creative economy that attracts visitors, celebrates diversity, and drives economic growth! Explore the full plan and Executive Summary at delawareartsalliance.org/creativeeconomy. Download the DAA’s communications toolkit to help spread the word. Share the plan on social media, invite local leaders to arts events, and stay connected by joining the DAA mailing list.

New Season, New Direction

The finalists for Delaware Symphony Orchestra's next maestro take center stage

By Ken Mammarella

Direction

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra has chosen a global ending in its search for a new music director. All four finalists for the job, which also includes conducting performances, were born outside the United States. And all four have interesting, related skillsets.

Mélisse Brunet was born in France and has conducted operas and musical theater.

Filippo Ciabatti was born in Italy and is also a vocal coach.

Michelle Di Russo was born in Argentina, is trained as a dancer and has a background in musical theater.

Taichi Fukumura was born in Japan and has also conducted operas.

The DSO in February 2023 announced that David Amado, music director since 2003, would become music director laureate. The DSO received 147 applications for the job, and it is scheduled to announce the next music director after the four finalists have conducted audition concerts in the 2024-25 season.

The symphony history notes its last three conductors all served for more than 20 years, and the landing page for this search says it has had only five music directors in 118 years.

“Leading an orchestra as music director is always a long-term endeavor,” says Fukumura, one of three candidates in their 30s. “It takes years to influence lasting change and growth in an organization so dynamic. You have to know where you want the ensemble to be in 10 or 20 years to know what we must do next year.”

Concert programs were developed between each finalist and the artistic committee. >

The woodwind section of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra in performance at The Grand Opera House.

Photo by Moonloop Photography

“ e committee provided a list of important works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Dvořák to be performed, and each nalist then submitted ve program samples incorporating these pieces and selected a recently composed work of their choice,” says J.C. Barker, the DSO’s CEO.

e committee reviewed the submissions and worked with the nalists to create a balanced series.

“When programming for a search season, it is very important to provide a level playing eld, allowing each nalist the same opportunities to shine in their audition,” Barker says. “What makes this nal stage of the search particularly nuanced is the quest for identifying a unique chemistry between the nalist, the orchestra musicians and the audience.”

Audience members will be surveyed following each candidate’s concert. ere will be meet-and-greets after each concert, plus meet-and-greet events at e Delaware Contemporary, the DSO says. e nalists will also be out in the community.

e search committee will also review how each nalist handles the 10 hours of rehearsal time that they’re allocated over three days.

“Rehearsals with the orchestra are only a part of their work, however,” Barker adds. “All of the nalists and musicians of the orchestra spend countless hours in preparation before they even come together for the rst rehearsal so that from the rst downbeat, they are ready to work together to make something truly magical.”

Following are (relatively) brief pro les of the nal four, ending with thoughts on their audition programs.

Mélisse Brunet

Mélisse Brunet wants the DSO to be less intimidating and more unifying.

“I do not do classical music,” she says. “I do music. I do orchestral music. I don’t think classical is a good term and does not represent the art that I’m doing. It’s also a very intimidating term, even for me.”

And “I don’t like the divide that we are trying to go through in society right now, and I think that orchestral music, and music in general, heals and brings people together.”

Brunet is a native of Paris who lives in Philadelphia. She is music director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic (since 2020, following two years as interim director) and Lexington Philharmonic (2022-27). She was director of orchestral studies at the University of Iowa (2021-23) and director of orchestral activities at Appalachian State University (2016-21).

She has played the cello, French horn, trumpet and

piano and has conducted operas and musical theater. She is a native French speaker, fluent in English, comfortable in Italian, intermediate in German and Mandarin and basic in Hebrew and Spanish.

Here’s what she says when asked to make her elevator pitch for the job: “I’m very good at what I’m doing, very good at working with musicians, very good at making audiences excited. And the organizations with whom I work have raised their profiles and their audience [numbers]. So I think that I’m doing something right. And I truly believe that living nearby is going to be a huge asset.”

She has lived in Philadelphia less than a year, which hasn’t given her much time to explore Delaware.

“Brunet Conducts Tchaikovsky” is Sept. 20 at The Grand.

“I think that this program will really appeal to the audience because it mixes big classics like Tchaikovsky’s ‘Fifth Symphony’ and Florence Price’s ‘Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major,’ ” she says.

“It was never performed when she was alive, but I performed that piece recently, and the audience loved that piece, without really knowing of it.

“The other piece is by Anna Clyne, called ‘This Midnight Hour.’ … I’ve worked with Anna Clyne, and she is not only one of the most sought-after living composers, but she also is a wonderful human being, very humble, very hard worker, and that piece relates to my own story a lot, and I will talk about that to the audience during my week with the DSO.”

Filippo Ciabatti

Filippo Ciabatti, who is 36, started playing the piano for singers when he was “very young,” and he wants the symphony to work harder to reach children, particularly in underserved communities.

“Exposure to music in the early years of an individual’s education is key. … As music director of DSO, I guarantee you that you will be seeing our musicians going into those [underserved] communities, among young people. It is not a question of if, but when. And early exposure will bear fruit. It will help us expose younger generations to this great art form, and bring more and more people from the most diverse backgrounds into the concert hall.”

“Working with singers has increased my appreciation for the beauty and the flexibility of a melody,” he says of his work in operas. “An orchestra is made up of many wonderful singing instruments that need to blend together into one voice, and I think my operatic experience helps me achieve that.”

He is a native of Florence who lives in Vermont. “My wife and I are very excited to explore the Delaware Valley, which we know has a great cultural scene and where we

already have many friends,” he says.

He is the director of orchestral and choral activities at Dartmouth College. He is also the music director of the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra (since 2015), the Opera Company of Middlebury (since 2022) and Opera Viva Summer School (since 2019). He is assistant conductor of Boston Baroque (since 2023), and in 2021 he founded the Upper Valley Baroque Ensemble. He is a vocal coach at Teatro Grattacielo (since 2020).

He has a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the University of Illinois, following a master’s in orchestral conducting from Truman State University and degrees in choral conducting and piano performance from Italian conservatories.

His pitch: “In life, as in music, chemistry is everything, and as music director of the DSO I would strive to create connections with both my orchestral colleagues and the audience to create a positive and long-lasting impact on the community.”

“Ciabatti Conducts Beethoven” is Nov. 15 at The Grand and Nov. 17 in Lewes.

“Programming a concert or a season is a complicated process,” he says. “It needs to take into account when a piece was last performed, how many times it was programmed, how long it is, the number of musicians involved, etc…. Beethoven’s ‘Fifth Symphony’ was suggested to me as a possibility. It is one of the most iconic and recognizable works in all the classical repertoire — how could I say no?”

Michelle Di Russo

“I truly believe that my experience as a professional performer (dancer and singer) in a musical theatre company and in other roles has had a major influence in who I am as a conductor and musician,”

Michelle Di Russo says. “These skills have helped me come into the classical music industry from a different perspective, with developed interpersonal and teamwork skills, and an understanding of the importance of our audiences and communities. I got to experience music through my body first and I think that has never left me, even when I perform now as a conductor.”

Di Russo, who is 33, was born in Argentina and lives in the Washington suburb of Cheverly, Maryland. She says she has “loved the charming downtown [of Wilmington] and exploring new coffeeshops to study and lovely places to eat.”

She is associate conductor of the Fort Worth Symphony and co-creator of Girls Who Conduct.

“I am looking forward to working with the Delaware Symphony to continue building and nourishing >

our audiences,” she says. “This work will focus on connecting with our community, tapping into the potential of local artists and businesses to create strong relationships and awareness of the mission and vision of the DSO. My dream is to have our concert hall represent the demographics of our city and to have a welcoming safe space for everyone to come together and experience music as well as the exquisite performances of our DSO. Music has no boundaries; it connects, inspires and transforms people and communities.”

She has three degrees in orchestral conducting: a doctorate from Arizona State University, a master’s from the University of Kentucky and bachelor’s from a university in Argentina. She also trained as a dancer and has a background in musical theater.

“Di Russo Conducts Brahms” is March 28 at The Grand and March 30 in Lewes.

“The concert will open up with Gabriela Ortiz’ piece ‘Kauyumari’ written in 2021,” she says. “This composer is a force of nature, her music is beautiful, captivating and strong and I think you will be delighted by this concert opener that will bring my Latin American roots to shine. I first encountered her music when I was a Dudamel Fellow with the LA Philharmonic and have been enthralled by it.

“Next we will perform Prokofiev’s ‘Third Concerto’ for piano, featuring the amazing Janice Carissa and closing our program with Brahms’ ‘Symphony No 4.’ These two

challenging masterworks, I believe, capture the essence and musical language of both composers, one looking back in a neoclassical style and the other, breaking barriers within his romantic language while looking into the future.”

Taichi Fukumura

Taichi Fukumura emphasized dialogue and storytelling in his interview.

“As music director, I am part musician and part cultural ambassador: bringing people together around the spirit of music and building or strengthening connections across the community,” he says. “Welcoming new audiences and making a meaningful impact is an essential part of what we do.

“Dialogue is the essential process of better engaging with all members of our society. I’ve led many successful initiatives and transformations with past organizations, all totally specific to the needs and particulars of those groups and locations.”

“I grew up playing the violin in operas as well as the symphony, which helped me understand how alive music is from early on,” he says. “Music at its core is drama and storytelling. Even for works without words, this holds true and sometimes even more profoundly so.

“Much of our orchestral repertoire also comes directly or indirectly out of opera. Conducting or studying an entire opera is always an eye-opening experience, informing you of where the music is coming from, what the character motivations and emotions are, and how to bring it all to life.”

Fukumura, who is 31, was born in Tokyo, grew up in Boston and lives in Chicago. He is currently the music director of the Illinois Philharmonic. He was the assistant conductor at the Chicago Sinfonietta (2019-22) and cover conductor at the Chicago Philharmonic (2019-22).

In a Juilliard blog, Sasha Scolnik-Brower explains that being a cover conductor means “I attend all the rehearsals, listen for balance, take notes on questions from members of the orchestra, and, if needed, step in to conduct.”

Fukumura has a master’s and doctorate in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University, following a bachelor’s in violin performance at Boston University (and playing the violin since age 3). He has also conducted operas.

“Fukumura Conducts Dvořák” is Jan. 24 at e Grand.

“Normally, I study the performance history of any

given orchestra in depth to determine what are worthwhile projects and repertoire to pursue,” he says. “I try to bring a mix of familiar and unfamiliar works in a balanced program that makes for a special evening for both the audience and the performers. e programming process in this search was uniquely collaborative but aligned with how I usually program. We were provided lists of major works and concertos that haven’t been done in recent years to choose from, and then we brought our own works of choice that’s new to the orchestra.

“I’m very excited to share the rst performance of a work by Brian Nabors in Delaware, as well as get to know each other well through the beloved Korngold ‘Violin Concerto’ and Dvořák ‘Symphony No. 8.’ A vibrant and rich program indeed!”

— e DSO's 2024-2025 season consists of ve (fullorchestra) Classics Series concerts at e Grand in Wilmington; two Classics Series concerts at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes; and three smaller-ensemble Musicians’ Series concerts, held at Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Hotel duPont Gold Ballroom. In Spring 2025, the DSO will also collaborate to include their Explorer Concert for school-age audiences to e Grand’s Stages of Discovery series. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available for purchase online at DelawareSymphony.org or by calling the o ce at 302.656.7442.

Horsepower Meets Historic Beauty

Delicate Dance

A resilient First State Ballet Theatre lives up to its mission with expansion into southern New Castle County

By Scott Pruden

The rumbling and creaking of a backhoe seem like an odd accompaniment to a celebration of classical ballet, but on this broiling August day in Town of Whitehall outside Middletown, the construction noises precede the popping of champagne that will signal a satellite location for Wilmington-based First State Ballet Theatre (FSBT).

Kristina Kambalov, general manager of the ballet school and performance company; her husband and FSBT artistic director, Pasha; along with members of the FSBT team are all on hand, smiling through the perspiration. The building is an integral part of Whitehall, a “new urbanism” development by EDiS Company that combines classicstyle homes with what the developer envisions as a busy commercial center. While fall classes will begin Sept. 3 at a temporary location, FSBT is planning to hold classes here starting in January 2025.

Bringing Ballet to Delaware

The satellite school is just another of many growth spurts Delaware’s professional ballet company has undergone since Kambalov arrived in Delaware in 1994 as a dancer with the Russian Ballet Theatre, which ended up closing in spring of 1999. That was an inflection point in Kambalov’s life during which Delaware almost lost one of its most passionate arts boosters to . . . banking.

>

First State Ballet general manager Kristina Kambalov at The Grand Opera House. Photo by Tisa Della-Volpe

by Tisa Della Volpe

e late Charles Cawley, founder of MBNA and at the time one of the most in uential business leaders in Delaware, had been a supporter of the dance company, and he attempted to soften the blow to dancers by o ering them jobs with the nancial giant.

Calling the o er “gracious,” Kambalov says, “He wasn’t going to just drop us all without helping us out.”

She was about to accept an MBNA job scheduling travel for employees, while Pasha held out for something dance related. She suggested he nd a partner and start his own school.

“He said, ‘I don’t trust anybody. I need it to be you,’” she says. “And I think that day I called [MBNA] and said, ‘I’m not ready to take this job.’ And I got in the car and started looking for space [for a dance studio].”

Her search rst took her to Wilmington’s nascent Riverfront development, which at that time focused on being an outlet center. Eventually, she landed at Graystone Plaza in Newport, where the landlord was both welcoming and supportive of the Kambalovs’ vision.

“He totally believed in us and gave us a space,” she says.

Finding a Home

e couple named it the Russian Ballet Center to build upon the brand loyalty to their former company, and when it opened in 1999, they originally planned for it to be a for-pro t school. However, the for-pro t business model wasn’t something Kambalov was familiar with and wasn’t the way she wanted to run the school, she says.

She shared her concerns with a friend who set the Kambalovs up with a lawyer, who in turn helped them get certi ed as a 501(c)(3) non-pro t before the end of that year. e school rebranded again, this time as First State Ballet eatre, signaling their intention to serve the entire state.

FSBT carried on from its Newport location until 2003, when it received a surprise — the o er of permanent space at e Grand in downtown Wilmington. “Charles Cawley was still on the [Grand] board at that time. I’m sure he had a little something to do with it,” Kambalov says, laughing. “I can remember meeting with [then Grand

The First State Ballet team with EDiS Ceo Brian DiSabatino (far right) at the ceremonial ground breaking of FSBT's satellite school in Whitehall.

Photo

CEO] Ken Wesler and I was with our board president and our treasurer, and we went over to Brew HaHa! and I just cried. I was like, this is amazing. I just couldn’t believe it.”

With financial support from The Welfare Foundation, The Longwood Foundation, and the City of Wilmington, FSBT made the big move from Newport and set upon rebuilding its roster of students, many of whom had parents unwilling to make the trip into downtown Wilmington.

Since then, FSBT has blossomed, building its curriculum and student body, and — perhaps most significant — adding a full-time professional dance company to its offerings in 2008.

Setbacks During COVID

Like every arts organization that depended on a “live and in-person” appeal, the dance troupe took a significant hit with COVID-related closures and limits on public gatherings. But Kambalov adjusted.

“I think the school was on Zoom within days,” she says. “We had our [2020] summer program on Zoom and we reopened here [at The Grand] in September. We were the only people in the building.”

Reopening brought its own challenges. Students practiced social distancing in the studios. Staff mopped between classes. There were laundry baskets everywhere to collect soiled laundry and staff had to disinfect each basket between loads. Parents weren’t allowed into the practice area. Enrollment between before the pandemic and after dropped from an average of 60 to 70 students to 40.

The loss of so many students was discouraging, Kambalov says, but she notes that now “we’re rebuilding. We’re going in the right direction.”

A Statewide Asset

Jessica Ball, director of the Delaware Division of the Arts, says FSBT’s commitment to outreach and serving all three of Delaware’s county is a huge part of its value to the state.

“[FSBT] ensures that the beauty and excitement of ballet are accessible to all Delawareans, regardless of >

First State Ballet is Delaware's only professional ballet company and employs a diverse roster of professional dancers from around the world.

Photo by Tisa Della Volpe

their location,” she says. “Community leaders have praised FSBT for its dedication to arts education, community engagement and cultural enrichment.”

Already on the FSBT radar prepandemic — in keeping with its name and its mission — was the need to expand throughout the state. e company had established a fruitful relationship with the Freeman Stage in Sussex County and event and concert venue Loblolly Acres in Kent County. But another goal was to reach those dancecurious students for whom trekking into northern New Castle County was a non-starter.

“A lot of kids start taking dance thinking, ‘I’m going to dance!’ And their parent says, ‘Okay, well, here’s a school around the corner. is is where I went and I’m going to take you there. And then when you get serious, we’ll take you somewhere else,’” says Kambalov. “And we see it all the time. If we had a satellite, we would have a broader reach and be able to reach more young people.”

Town of Whitehall is an ideal location for the FSBT satellite, says EDiS President and CEO Brian DiSabatino. It not only has an 800-student elementary school, Lorewood Grove Elementary, just across the street, but a Ducklings daycare, with which FSBT will coordinate to hold classes for children as young as 16 months.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, DiSabatino noted that his team was very much “building a downtown from scratch” and appreciated the access to the arts that FSBT’s presence will provide.

“We got so excited when First State Ballet talked about being here,” he says. “It takes us back to our original plan for the town 10 or 15 years ago.”

— To purchase tickets for upcoming performances, visit FirstStateBallet.org.

Patriot Acts

The REP’s upcoming production of What the Constitution Means to Me already has people talking

By Jim Miller

It seems a lot of people already have something to say about the season opener for the University of Delaware's Resident Ensemble Players (REP). In a manner of speaking, perhaps they are simply exercising their First Amendment rights.

Starting Friday, Sept. 13, REP will present eight performances of What the Constitution Means to Me over the following two weeks. After Constitution debuted on Broadway in early 2019, Peter Marks of The Washington Post called it “endearingly funny” operating on an “advanced level of enchantment.” >

“It would be hard to identify a work for the theater with its finger more cogently and rewardingly on the pulse of America right now,” Marks wrote as the opening line of his preview, which praised the monologue-heavy work of Heidi Schreck, who both wrote the play and performed in it.

Although that review was more than five years ago, many involved with this REP production feel Constitution is even more appropriate amid the climate of our current election cycle. With wisdom and wit, the show looks at our country’s founding document in a fresh and thought-provoking light.

“The arts have long been used as a means for social advocacy,” says REP Program Coordinator A.R. McGinty. “If we were to draw a Venn diagram of plays that are heartfelt and entertaining and plays that are challenging and designed to create discussion, you would find Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me right in the middle.

“It’s the perfect cross-section of art and civic engagement.”

For actress Elizabeth Heflin, the opportunity to carry the torch that Schreck did with Constitution is an opportunity “to tell an engaging story.”

“Or more accurately, live it onstage so that we can all connect to each other through this experience,” Heflin adds. “Hopefully, you’ll laugh, maybe cry, recoil, certainly feel something with other humans.

“If a play happens to deepen one’s convictions or allows us to see through another’s eyes, and it leads one to take positive social, civic, or even personal action, then that’s fantastic.”

Certainly, Betsy Renzo, the executive director of the Delaware Law Related Education Center (DELREC) hopes the show will create constructive conversations. Her organization works to increase knowledge of the law and help eliminate barriers to law careers for Delaware students. They plan to bring public-school students to one of the matinee performances in reverence to Constitution Day on September 17, followed up with a discussion with local lawyers.

“Teachers are asked every year to consider teaching about the U.S. Constitution on Constitution Day, but that puts the burden on our teachers,” Renzo says. “This performance, on the other hand, brings engaging content to students, exposes them to conversations with attorneys in Delaware, and takes the pressure off teachers to do so.”

In addition to embracing opportunities like this one, DELREC also writes curricula that meets Delaware’s civic standards and goes into classrooms to “facilitate engaging debates that foster transferable advocacy skills,” Renzo says. That said, she hopes the impact of show goes beyond its timing or any particular demographics.

“These types of shows are critical for young people as well as older people, during an election year, or not,” Renzo says. “We get our news in 10-second clips on TikTok and Instagram these days. We exist in silos and echo chambers. Our social studies teachers get less and less time in the classroom for civics — and yet our democracy depends on an informed public.

“Shows like this one help to remedy this lack of understanding.”

— What the Constitution Means to Me runs at the REP Sept. 13-22 at the University of Delaware. For tickets and more information, visit Rep.Udel.edu.

Showtime!

Plenty of variety in upcoming arts season

By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald

Fall is here and that means the area will soon be buzzing with a fantastic mix of performances, exhibits, and other cultural events. Whether you’re a lifelong arts lover or new to the scene, the start of the 2024-2025 arts season offers a packed lineup that’s sure to keep you busy.

ARDEN CONCERT GILD

Arden continues to book great shows as we write! Fall begins with the annual Arden Fair on Saturday, Aug. 31, featuring music by JD Webb and the Good God Damn and Whisky Feathers. Friday, Oct. 4 welcomes the Afrobeat band Kaleta & Super Yamba to Gild Hall with their lead, a veteran of King Sunny Ade group. Thursday, Oct. 10 celebrates world class blues onstage with the Danielle Nicole Band. Then, legendary comedian Emo Phillips brings down the house in what’s sure to be a sell-out show on Saturday, Nov. 2.

2126 The Highway, Arden | 302.898.9308 | ArdenConcerts.com Facebook: @ArdenGildHall & @ArdenConcertGild | Instagram: @ardenconcerts

THE ARTS AT TRINITY

Kick off your last October weekend with soulful, autumnal jazz, as The Arts at Trinity welcomes The James Fernando Trio with Taisha Estrada on Friday, Oct. 25. Admission is free and includes both pre- and post-concert receptions. Hailed as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” Fernando and his trio deliver genre-expanding original compositions and an eclectic mix of well-known compositions from many eras and styles of jazz. Puerto Rican singer Taisha Estrada’s vocals are rooted in Latin and American jazz traditions.

Performance Space: Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 N. Adams Street, Wilmington | 202.441.6167

Facebook: @TheArtsatTrinity

At left: Sona Jobarteh and band during an April 2024 show at Arden Gild Hall. Photo by Joe del Tufo

Below: Arts at Trinity Photo by Margot Schulman

P:hoto

by

Amy Dion

Choir

School of Delaware

Photo by Moonloop Blondie Mansion

Photo by Regina Charlyne

BLONDIE MANSION

Blondie Mansion and chief visionary Sara Crawford are known for hosting diverse art and immersive social experiences. On Oct. 18 & 19, Blondie Mansion Weekend commences, blending business education, live music, art, artist conversations, panel discussions, and a curated art exhibition called Candyland Noir: Blondie Mansion’s Sweet Nightmare, inspired by film icon Tim Burton. On Friday, Nov. 1, local artists like Erica “Elize’” Jones and her 1994 exhibit are featured, inviting participants to explore various media. Next, Blondie Mansion presents Visual Melodies on Saturday, Nov. 16 — an evening of live music, live painting, and spoken word. On Friday, Dec. 6, a collaboration with Wilmington Alliance closes the year with the lavish Blondie Mansion’s Les Fêtes Experience.

MKT Place Gallery, 200 W. 9th Street, Wilmington | 302.289.6772 | SaraACrawford.com

Facebook/Instagram: @BlondieMansion

BRANDYWINE ZOO

Starts your fall zoo adventure with Sip & Stroll on Thursday, Sept. 12 — a laid-back, all-ages happy hour with music, vendors, and plenty of adult- and kid-friendly bevvies. Then, dust off your family’s costumes for the popular Boo at the Zoo, to celebrate Halloween in a merry, not scary, way (Oct. 18-20). The 21+ crowd can enjoy Halloween fun, too — spooky cocktails, light bites, bewitching music by Green Eggs and Jam — at Spirits at the Zoo on Friday, Oct. 25. Just in time for Christmas, visit Santa at the Zoo on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8.

1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington | 302.571.7788 | BrandywineZoo.org

Facebook/Instagram: @BrandywineZoo

THE CANDLELIGHT THEATRE

Candlelight opens the season with two iconic and beloved stories. The iconic Dolly Parton wrote the music and lyrics for 9 to 5 the Musical (Sept. 14-Oct. 27) — based on her 1980 hit movie in which three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their “…sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss. Next, a Connecticut farmhouse is transformed into Holiday Inn (Nov. 16-Dec. 22). Inspired by the Oscarwinning film, it’s a story of romance mixed with small-town living, bright lights, and the lure of stardom.

2208 Millers Road, Wilmington | 302.475.2313 | CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org

Facebook: @NCTStage | Instagram: @candlelighttheatrede

CHAPEL STREET PLAYERS

After years of dreams, plans, and mighty efforts, Chapel Street announces the start of its 90th Season in a brand-new theater. This fall, the company inaugurates its new space with a Chapel Street favorite, Footlight Frenzy (Sept. 27Oct. 5). In December, their mainstage is in full festive spirit with Times Square Angel (Dec. 6-14). The organization thanks

everyone who has helped them arrive at the celebration of this incredible accomplishment.

643 Creek View Road, Newark | 302.368.2248 | ChapelStreetPlayers.org

Facebook: @chapelstreetplayers | Instagram: @CSPNewarkDe

CHOIR SCHOOL OF DELAWARE

This “...community center that sings,” fills this season with sounds of its Intergenerational Choir. First are the Friday, Oct. 4 and Nov. 1 Pro-Series Concerts at The Village at St. John, featuring distinguished alumni and celebrated guest artists. Next, sing along to show tunes with Life is a Cabaret at The Village of St. John on Saturday, Oct. 19. This light-hearted program features solo, small-group, and ensemble numbers. Don’t miss their annual Sounds of the Season on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Grace Church, providing toe-tapping treats and heart-warming melodies for the holiday. On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Choir School and the Episcopal Church of Delaware combine their talents in A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Varying locations, Wilmington | 302.543.8657 | ChoirSchoolOfDelaware.org

Facebook: @ChoirSchool

CHRISTINA CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

CCAC offers a vibrant fall schedule of classes including dance, vocal, and instrumental instruction for adults and children, as well as engaging drama classes specifically designed for young arts lovers. Saturday, Sept. 14 marks the return of Soul of the City, the free arts and community festival on Market Street. This lively, open-air event will feature food trucks, musical performances, and activities for all ages. The holiday season officially launches Sunday, Dec. 1, with Carols in Color, CCAC’s beloved annual Christmas show that retells the story of Christ's birth through a spectacular blend of song and dance.

705 N. Market Street, Wilmington | 302.652.0101 | CCACde.org

Facebook/Instagram: @CCACDE

CITY THEATER COMPANY & FEARLESS IMPROV

Delaware’s Off-Broadway experience kicks off their 31st year at their home in The Delaware Contemporary, recently renewing a 3-year residency partnership. CTC’s popular Fearless Improv team offers big laughs at monthly shows, beginning Thursday, Sept. 12 with an “adults-only show” at Wilmington Brew Works (a second show is Thursday, Dec. 5). Fearless’ all-ages shows at The Delaware Contemporary recur monthly on the final Saturdays (Sept. 28, Oct. 26 & Nov. 30), and they make their debut at The Chancery on Friday, Oct. 11. For the first mainstage show this season, CTC presents Spring Awakening (Dec. 14-21) — an angsty rock musical about the trials and tribulations of growing up, with music by Duncan Sheik and book & lyrics by Steven Sater.

Performance Space: The Delaware Contemporary, 220 S. Madison Street, Wilmington | 302.220.8285 | City-Theater.org

Facebook: @CityTheaterCompany | Instagram: @CityTheaterCo >

DELAWARE ART MUSEUM

Jazz Age Illustration (Oct. 5-Jan. 26, 2025) is the first major exhibition to survey the art of popular illustration in the U.S. between 1919 and 1942. The project draws from DelArt’s expansive collection and selective loans to explore visual culture that emerged following the First World War — an era of cultural vibrancy and dramatic social change. On Saturday, Nov. 9, Jazz Age: The DelArt Gala celebrates this exhibition, transporting guests to the Jazz Age through food, drink, and music. Popular Thursday DelArt Nights continue this fall with free admission, music, food and drinks, and themed programming like Dia de los Muertos (Oct. 24), Art & Jazz (Nov. 21) and the Artisan Craft Fair (Dec. 12).

2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington | 302.306.9799 | DelArt.org

Facebook/Instagram: @delawareartmuseum

DELAWARE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Delaware Children’s Museum’s Studio D is a space for hands-on creative expression

In a variety of media. Rotating weekly, Studio D art activities include child-friendly programming such as drawing with oil pastels, resist painting, finger painting, leaf printing, stamping, paper collages, easel painting, and more.

550 Justison Street, Wilmington | 302.654.2340 | DelawareChildrensMuseum.org Facebook: @delawarechildrensmuseum | Instagram: @ dechildrensmuseum

DELAWARE CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Based on the best-selling books and animated Disney special, Spookley the Square Pumpkin Musical delivers

From left: A piece from JazzAgeIllustrationat Delaware Art Museum; Delaware Children's Theatre; Delaware Choral Arts Photo by Bone Hanes

nothing but treats for audiences! e performance runs two weekends, Saturday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 27, and a matinee show on Saturday, Oct. 26. Following this is Once Upon A Ma ress — based on Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, e Princess and the Pea — a musical with fun, unforgettable characters. Beautiful princesses vie for the prince's heart, but all are rejected until unconventional Winnifred Woebegone, Princess of the Swamps, passes a tricky test to win the prince. is production also runs two weekends, Saturday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 15.

1014 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington | 302.655.1014 | DeChildrensTheatre.org Facebook: @DelawareChildrensTheatre| Instagram: @ dechildrenstheatre

DELAWARE CHORALARTS

Selections for this season were chosen from pieces requested by the ensemble’s audience and choristers. e fall concert includes “Frostiana” ( ompson), “Lux Aeterna” (Lauridsen), works by Reginal Wright and Moses Hogan, and three French chansons. It will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington.

2024 Battle at Chadds Ford

September 14th, 10am - 5pm September 15th, 10am - 4pm

Performance venue: Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew, 719 N. Shipley Street, Wilmington | 302.283.9784 | DelawareChoralarts.org

THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY

Opening this September, TDC’s fall exhibition DESIGN will amplify the function, revelation, and beauty of design through art. In support of this exhibit, the museum will host related programs and events including a symposium — DEsign — that will address how design impacts our state and the world around us. e event will also include a fashion-inspired fundraiser with Delaware Fashion Alliance that will feature emerging and established designers, a runway presentation, and more.

200 S. Madison Street, Wilmington | 302.656.6466 | DeContemporary.org Facebook/Instagram: @DEContemporary

DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS IN EDUCATION

e DiAE announces its rst annual Founders Day Happy Hour reception on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Chancery Market. is reception marks a signi cant milestone in DiAE’s history, is a chance to celebrate the vision and dedication of its founders and provides an opportunity to re ect on the achievements and the positive impact DiAE has made in arts education across Delaware.

troops at Chads' Ford Skirmishes will take place twice daily along with military drills Battlefield mp followers, non-profits, youth mmerse everyone in d, local beer, and ur enjoyment

$10 for adults 18 & older

2024 BATTLE AT CHADDS FORD

2024 Battle at Chadds Ford

$5 for children ages 7 to 17 Free for children 6 and under / CFHS Members

September 14th, 10am - 5pm September 15th, 10am - 4pm

September 14th, 10am - 5pm September 15th, 10am - 4pm

Chadds Ford Historical Society 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Join us for a historical journey back to September 11th 1777 when the British army engaged Washington's troops at Chads' Ford Skirmishes will take place twice daily along with military drills Battlefield encampments, reenactors, camp followers, demonstrators, artisans, authors, non-profits, youth activities, and lecture series will immerse everyone in the 18th century Live music, food, local beer, and wine are also available for your enjoyment

1200 N. French Street, Wilmington | 302.660.4783 | Diae.org Facebook: @diae.org | Instagram: @diae_arts

www.chaddsfordhistory.org

Join us for a historical journey back to September 11th 1777 when the British army engaged Washington’s troops at Chads’ Ford. Skirmishes will take place twice daily along with military drills. Battlefield encampments, reenactors, camp followers, demonstrators, artisans, authors, non-profits, youth activities, and lecture series will immerse everyone in the 18th century. Live music, food, local beer, and wine are also available for your enjoyment.

$10 for adults 18 & older

$5 for children ages 7 to 17

Candle Making with Beeswax

DELAWARE MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE

The museum welcomes fall with its ever-popular Jurassic-sized FUNdraiser, Wine & Dinosaurs, on Sunday, Sept. 29. The 21+ event provides premium wines and beers, hors d’oeuvres, music, live birds from Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections, a silent auction, and valet parking.

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington | 302.658.9111 | Delmns.org

Facebook/Instagram: @delmnh

DELAWARE SHAKESPEARE

DelShakes presents their seventh Community Tour production, which strives to bring Shakespeare to the full spectrum of humanity through performances in non-traditional spaces — prisons, women’s shelters, and libraries. With clowns, shepherds, and the most famous bear in all of theater, The Winter’s Tale, directed by Abby Weissman, weaves an intergenerational story of family and forgiveness.

4 S. Poplar Street, Wilmington | 302.468.4890 | DelShakes.org

Facebook/Instagram: @delshakes

DELAWARE SYMPHONY

Delaware’s only professional orchestra welcomes you to its 119th "Spotlight Season," showcasing performances led by four Music Director finalists — Mélisse Brunet, Filippo Ciabatti, Michelle Di Russo, and Taichi Fukumura — and season finale concert led by Music Director Laureate David Amado. Opening Night (Friday, Sept. 20) presents Brunet Conducts Tchaikovsky, followed by Ciabatti Conducts Beethoven on Friday, Nov. 15, both at The Grand. Principal Pianist Lura Johnson opens DSO’s Musicians' Series on Tuesday, Oct. 8 with Woods & Waters, and dazzling sounds of the Holidays at the Hotel fill the Gold Ballroom on Dec. 10.

Performance Space: 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington | 302.656.7442 | DelawareSymphony.org

Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareSymphony

A P R. 10 27

by William Shakespeare

King Lear has decided to end his reign and divide his country among his three daughters Loyalties are misjudged and Lear soon finds himself stripped of everything that once defined him A classic tale full of betrayal and chaos that only the Bard could weave

DELAWARE THEATRE COMPANY

Celebrate 45 years of connection and community in DTC’s newly revitalized space. This milestone season kicks off an exciting partnership with New Light Theatre to present the Tony Award–winning musical, Kinky Boots (Sept. 25-Oct. 13), a sparkling step into the fabulous “Land of Lola.” Next, experience Every Brilliant Thing (Oct. 23Nov. 10) in an intimate theater-in-the-round, where life’s simple joys take center stage. Lastly, an original holiday show, Home for the Holidays — In the 302 (Dec. 4-22), captures Wilmington’s own charm and is sure to become a cherished tradition for years to come.

200 Water Street, Wilmington | 302.594.1100 | DelawareTheatre.org

Facebook/Instagram: @DelawareTheatreCompany

ELEVATE VOCAL ARTS

The Bent But Not Broken conference returns (Oct. 23-26) at Grace Church, offering interest sessions and performances focused on choral music of the Black/ African Diaspora. The organization’s flagship ensemble, Elevation, enters its sophomore season as Delaware’s only professional vocal ensemble, fusing classical choral music with jazz, hip-hop, R&B, storytelling, and spoken word. Elevation performs An Elevated Holiday on Friday, Dec. 7 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, featuring holiday hits, new and old.

Varying locations, Wilmington | 201.919.0759 | ElevateVocalArts.org

Facebook/Instagram: @elevatevocalarts

FIRST STATE BALLET THEATRE

Drama and passion open the season in FSBT’s sumptuous production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Romeo & Juliet (Oct. 19 & 20), at The Grand. Next is Up Front on Market (Nov. 15 & 17) offering unique experiences for audiences — highlights from classical repertoire and new contemporary work in an intimate setting in Studio 1. Their spectacular holiday production of The Nutcracker returns for six performances (Dec. 14-22) in Copeland Hall.

Performance venue: The Grand, 818. N. Market Street, Wilmington | 302.656.7897 x3851 | FirstStateBallet.org

Facebook: @Firststateballet | Instagram: @firststateballetofficial

GABLE MUSIC VENTURES

The Ladybug Music Festival spreads its wings with “micro” events around Delaware, starting in Middletown on Saturday, Sept. 21. Ladybug Micro Music Fest: Middletown has the same Ladybug mission — supporting and promoting live music by, for, and performed by women artists — and this version will see five women-led acts on one stage complemented by a variety of food, drink, and craft vendors. As always, Ladybug is free to attend.

Performance venue: Town Hall, 19 W. Green Street, Middletown | 302.229.9575 | TheLadybugFestival.com

Facebook/Instagram: @ladybugmusicfest

Piffaro

Photo by Hoffer Photograhy New Light Theatre

Photo by Lena Mucchetti

Music

School of Delaware

Photo by

Andre Lamar

The Grand

Photo by Joe del Tufo

THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE

& THE PLAYHOUSE ON RODNEY SQUARE

With over 120 performances annually, The Grand’s stages (the baby grand, Copeland Hall, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square) offer something for everyone — showcasing legendary rock stars, hilarious comedians, the best of Broadway and more. Arts season kicks off with stand-up comic Kathleen Madigan on Saturday, Sept. 7. Highlights for fall across all three venues include: Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play; Suzanne Vega – Old Songs, New Songs and Other Songs; Ari Shapiro: Thank You For Listening; TINA: The Tina Turner Musical; Mean Girls; Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed; Eddie Griffin Live; Celtic Woman White Christmas Symphony Tour; Rene Vaca; Dionne Warwick, and more.

818 N. Market Street, Wilmington | 302.652.5577 | TheGrandWilmington.org 1007 N. Market Street, Wilmington | 302.888.0200

Facebook: @thegrandwilmington | Instagram: @thegrandwilm

HAGLEY MUSEUM & LIBRARY

Hagley Craft Fair returns for its 46th year (Oct. 19 & 20). This creative marketplace boasts over 100 talented art, craft, and gourmet food artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area. Vendors are situated throughout Hagley’s beautiful fall foliage as well as inside the Soda House. Admission to Hagley’s historic home and garden is included with the craft fair ticket. Note: Craft Fair visitors enter at 298 Buck Road. 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington | 302.658.2400 | Hagley.org Facebook: @HagleyMuseumandLibrary | Instagram: @HagleyMuseum

MARKET STREET MUSIC

MSM kicks off the season with 13 concerts running from October through December. Their signature Thursday Noontime Concerts (12:30-1:00 p.m. with free admission) feature “samplers” of music, including the surprising Timberlake Brass Ensemble; lively, slightly irreverent Philadelphia Viola Quartet; early music ensembles; and always-fun Center City Chorale. Noontimes are held at First & Central Church and Old Town Hall on Market Street. This year’s Saturday afternoon Festival Concerts are full-length, in-depth musical explorations from chamber music ensembles (Pyxis Piano Trio, Mélomanie2) and the Mastersingers of Wilmington, singing Brahms’ German Requiem. 1101 N. Market Street, Wilmington | 302.654.5371 | MarketStreetMusicDE.org

Facebook & Instagram: @MarketStreetMusicDE

THE MUSIC SCHOOL OF DELAWARE

In 2025, The Music School of Delaware, led by newly appointed President & CEO Stephen Beaudoin, celebrates its centennial. To connect communities with transformational music learning and performance,

the School plans statewide programs — performances, gatherings, tours, classes, and more — in collaboration with faculty, students, alumni, and Delaware artists and arts organizations. The School continues its series of free student and faculty concerts featuring its resident ensembles including the Suzuki Academy, orchestras, choruses, chamber music, and small ensembles, starting in October.

4101 Washington Street, Wilmington | 302.762.1132 |

MusicSchoolOfDelaware.org

Facebook/Instagram: @MusicSchoolofDE

NEW LIGHT THEATRE

This fall, get ready as New Light presents Kinky Boots — by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and Tony Award–winner Harvey Fierstein — at its venue partner, Delaware Theatre Company (Sept. 25 - Oct. 13). This uplifting musical features a sensational score, a heartfelt story, knockout dancing, glitter, glam, and a lot of sole! New Light is committed to countering darkness in the world, and each production raises awareness for organizations that deepen personal connections. This production supports the United Way Pride Council, which works to make Delaware a safer space for LGBTQ+ individuals to live, work, and play.

Performance venue: Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington | NewLightTheatre.com

Facebook: @NLTheatreDE | Instagram: @newlighttheatre

OPERADELAWARE

After a summer of statewide Pop-Up Opera, OperaDelaware has big things in store! First up is Puccini’s passionate, heart-stopping La bohème (Oct. 25 & 27) at The Grand. Fans of the movie Moonstruck and the musical Rent will fall in love with this 19th Century Parisian opera, exploring themes of youthful idealism, passionate romance, and the bittersweet reality of life and death. On Friday, Oct. 25, join the Opening Night Microgala before the opera complete with pOPERAzzi, champagne, Italian bites, casino games, and chances to mix and mingle.

4 S. Poplar Street, Wilmington | 302.442.7807 | OperaDe.org

Facebook/ Instagram: @operadelaware

PIFFARO

Petrarch — influential poet of the Italian Renaissance — wrote of timeless themes in his Triumphs: Love, Death, Fame, Eternity. On Sunday, Oct.13, NYC’s TENET Vocal Artists make their Delaware debut, joining Piffaro in a musical, artistic, and literary exploration of the human experience entitled, Triomphi. Next, Piffaro is joined by the singers of the Grammy-nominated New York Polyphony for Nova! Nova!, a program of medieval English music, on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Varying locations, Wilmington | 215.235.8469 | Piffaro.org

Facebook/Instagram: @PiffaroRenaissanceBand

THE RESIDENT ENSEMBLE PLAYERS (THE REP)

The REP boasts an exciting lineup of shows this fall, beginning with What the Constitution Means to Me (Sept. 1322). Challenging, hopeful, and funny, this groundbreaking play analyzes the biases inherent in the Constitution and imagines how our founding document could shape the next generation. Next is the fast-paced comedy, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] (Sept. 19 - Oct. 6), which guarantees to have Shakespeare lovers (and haters) in stitches as it covers all of The Bard’s works in one night. Rough Crossing (Nov. 7-24) is a laughout-loud farce, adapted from Ferenc Molnar’s classic comedy. Two playwrights, one jealous composer, and the cast of a Broadway-bound show attempt to finish writing and rehearse the play while crossing the Atlantic on an ocean liner.

University of Delaware, Newark | 302.831.2204 | Rep.Udel.edu

Facebook/Instagram: @delaware_rep

THE ROCK ORCHESTRA

The Rock Orchestra returns for its eighth season on Saturday, Oct. 12, with TRO Performs Chicago in Copeland Hall at The Grand. They’ll perform Chicago's debut record, Chicago Transit Authority and a second set of chart-topping hits. Music Director Joe Trainor shares vocal duties with Kerry Kristine McElrone and Mackenzie Brockmeyer. The band includes Paul Ramsey (drums), Matt Urban

(percussion), Tony Cappella (bass), Scott Lawing (guitar) and Brian O'Sullivan (keyboards), with Mike Gleason (trumpet), Matthew Hetzler (saxophone) and Don Brill and Steve Smith (trombone).

Performance venue: The Grand, 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington | 302.521.4495 | TheRockOrchestra.net

Facebook: @therockorchestra | Instagram: @rockorchestrade

SERAFIN ENSEMBLE

Friday, Sept. 13 is Opening Night for The Serafins, with a performance at Grace Church. Ensemble members Kate Ransom (violin), Amadi Azikiwe (Viola), JacquesPierre Malan (cello), Victor Asuncion (piano), and Gabriel Benton (harpsichord) are joined by guest cellist, Lawrence Stomberg in a Brahms Piano Quartet and works by Arensky and Handel. This season also brings the Serafins first-ever performance at Arden Gild Hall; continuation of their public "soiree" series at Stonegates; and a new venue for Serafin Summer Music.

Varying locations, Wilmington | 610.368.1078 | SerafinEnsemble.org

Facebook/Instagram: @TheSerafins

THE SOLD FIRM

The 5th Annual SO.CO Art Night Market bursts to life on Saturday, Sept. 28, lining 8th Street and The Rock Lot with canopies glowing in the night. The air will fill with the aroma of street food; live tunes will pulse from DJ Hermy

Potter’s speakers; artists and vendors will offer goods from artwork and fashion accessories to one-of-a-kind finds; interactive art stations add a family-friendly element. The Market is more than just a shopping experience; it captures the essence of city life in summer and reflects Wilmington’s diversity.

800-B N. Tatnall Street, Wilmington | 302.686.3237 | TheSoldFirm.com Facebook/Instagram: @TheSoldFirm

WILMINGTON BALLET

The Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance is planning a year of transformative career-centered study, personal growth, and community engagement for youth and adult students. Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 4, and auditions for The Nutcracker performance are Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the Ballet hosts Walk-Run-Roll for Inclusive Arts at the Wilmington Riverfront. This 5K race supports arts programming for citizens of all abilities. To open the holiday season, they present The Nutcracker at The Playhouse on Rodney Square (Dec. 13-15), starring history-making Brazilian Ballerina Ingrid Silva of The Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Wilmington Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Allan R. Scott.

1709 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington | 302.655.1004 | WilmingtonBallet.org Facebook: @wilmingtonballet | Instagram: @ theacademyofthedance

UD Resident Ensemble Players

Photo by Evan Krape

Serafin Enselmble

Photo by Adriana

Cazzell

Grand ReOpening

11:30am - 3:30pm

WILMINGTON CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY

Wilmington Classical Guitar celebrates the artistry of classical guitar with two exceptional guitarist-composers this fall. On Saturday, Oct. 26, New York's Bret Williams — an accomplished composer and renowned podcaster — brings a style shaped by personal challenges. On Saturday, Nov. 23, Icelandic composer Gulli Björnsson’s eclectic, contemplative works conjure the stark beauty of his homeland accompanied by deep-seated emotion. Both are sure to captivate audiences with their innovative, emotive performances.

Performance venue: Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Road, Wilmington | WilmingtonGuitar.org

Facebook/Instagram: @wilmingtonguitar

WILMINGTON CHILDREN’S CHORUS

e Wilmington Children’s Chorus o ers an exceptional opportunity for children ages 4-18 to join its vibrant musical community. Enrollment is open for its tuition-free ensembles, where youth can explore music, singing, culture, history, and language. Contact WCC to schedule an audition (Sept. 8 or 10). Don’t miss the chance to experience WCC live — On Dec. 13 & 14, the holiday concert, Go Tell It!, will feature music made famous by Black artists and celebrate the impact of Black musicians on the Christmas season.

Performance venue: First & Central Presbyterian Church, 1101 N. Market Street, Wilmington | WilmingtonChildrensChorus.org

Facebook/Instagram: @WilmingtonChildrensChorus

Wilmington Classical Guitar

Photo by Jona K. Wedholm

WILMINGTON DRAMA LEAGUE

e Drama League opens its 92nd season with Carrie the Musical (Sept. 9-22), an adaptation of Stephen King’s classic high-school horror. e Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Oct. 11-20) is a tense drama involving an autistic teen investigating a mystery. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche (Nov. 7-10) — a comedy set in 1956 — asks whether the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein can keep their cool when Communists threaten their idyllic town. WDL’s family-friendly holiday musical is Mary Poppins (Dec. 13-29), starring the magical nanny and the familiar Disney score. Pillow Plays, their long-running series of plays presented by, and for, young people, have performances Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7.

10 W. Lea Boulevard, Wilmington | 302.764.1172 | WilmingtonDramaLeague.org

Facebook: @WilmingtonDramaLeague | Instagram: @wilmdramaleague

WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY

Winterthur bridges past and present in Transformations, an exhibition of contemporary art (through Jan. 5, 2025) from over 30 nationally recognized artists. Explore how the past in uences the present — connecting communities, reshaping the understanding of history, re ecting on lives today. On three fall ursdays (Sept. 12, Nov. 14 & Dec. 5), guests can bring personal art-related objects to a free consultation event, where faculty and students from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation will advise on condition, care, and possible conservation treatments. For the holidays, the museum welcomes A Christmas Carol Live!, a one-man show by Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, who brings the classic to life, portraying 26 characters with energy and passion (Dec. 11 & 12).

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur | 800.448.3883 | Winterthur.org

Facebook/Instagram: @winterthurmuse

Wilmington Drama League

Photo by Daniel Jackson

A Culinary Evolution

Diverse approaches spice up Mexican cuisine in Delaware

By Pam George

When La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant opened in 1992, the Brandywine Hundred restaurant served customers familiar with Chili’s and Chi-Chi’s menus. The chains, founded in the mid-1970s, primarily served tacos, enchiladas, rice and refried beans — which defined Mexican cuisine for most American diners.

“We would have loved to have offered pozoles, moles and proteins like barbacoa, lengua or tripas, but they were simply too ‘exotic,’” says Jose Lopez, director of operations, whose family opened La Tolteca.

Things have changed. The restaurant, which now occupies Chili’s old space on Concord Pike, also has a

Greenville location. Menu sections target vegetarians and carb-conscious diners who prefer bowls. Seafood options, including ceviche, have increased.

“Mexican food has been allowed to wrangle free from its Tex-Mex aura, show culinary diversity and find an eager market willing to try it,” Lopez says.

Maggie Valencia (l) and Vanessa Lopez at La Tolteca in Barley Mill Plaza.

Photo by Justin Heyes

According to the Pew Research Center, about one in 10 restaurants serve Mexican food, and 85% of U.S. counties have at least one Mexican restaurant. New Castle County has more than its share. This past summer, John Bern of Uncle John’s BBQ fame put the Tio’s Taqueria truck on the road. Greg Vogeley opened Roja & Verde Taqueria in Newark earlier this year, and Javier Acuna plans to open his third Del Pez Mexican Gastropub in Newark this month.

There are also non-Mexican restaurants serving dishes influenced by flavors from the south of the border. Tacos and nachos are ubiquitous, and The Post in Trolley Square opened with smoked lamb empanadas.

In other words, Mexican-inspired fare is exploding.

A Northward Movement

In the U.S., Mexican cuisine has roots in the Tex-Mex culture and with good reason. Texas and Mexico were once part of New Spain, a Spanish colony. Texas did not join the U.S. until 1845, and people of Mexican descent who lived in Texas were called Tejano or Tex-Mex. “TexMex,” sans the hyphen, was short for the Texas and Mexican Railroad, chartered in 1875 and built with Mexican immigrants’ labor.

“People who migrate to this country bring their cuisine, right?” says Acuna, also founder of Santa Fe Mexican Grill in Newark and Wilmington. “Most are low-income, and the food must fulfill their basic needs.” Rice, beans and slow-cooked cuts of inexpensive meat were cheap but substantial food for hungry families.

In San Antonio, Texas, enterprising women started selling chili with bread and water on the streets, or so the story goes. The city was also the birthplace of entrees with rice and beans, or “combos.”

However, the cuisine extends beyond Texas. Mexican Post, which opened in 2001 on Naamans Road in Wilmington, also draws from Arizona and New Mexico, says owner Tony George.

As Mexican immigrants moved north and SpanishAmerican products lled mainstream supermarket grocery shelves, some restaurants became more con dent about o ering traditional dishes. For instance, Taqueria Los Compadres in Newark has tripe tacos, and on weekends, the restaurant serves menudo (tripe soup).

People with adventurous palates and seasoned travelers are eager to eat dishes that appeal to Mexican natives. Lopez of La Tolteca credits TV programs. “People like Anthony Bourdain did a lot to show the average American consumer that there is a lot to appreciate in other people’s food culture,” he says.

A Natural Fusion

at said, Mexico’s culinary culture is a melting pot. In the 19th century, Chinese laborers came to the country to mine, farm and build railroads. ere are more than 200 Chinese restaurants alone in Meicali, Mexico, and sala negra, available at La Toleca, is made with soy sauce.

No one can discount the in uence of the Spanish, who felt the original mole was too spicy. To sweeten the dish, chefs added chocolate, Acuna says. Interestingly, al pastor likely came from Middle Eastern immigrants who roasted meat on vertical spits for shawarma. Mexicans used the technique to make marinated pork shoulder, but instead of a pita, they served it with a tortilla.

Corn or our, the tortilla is the key to good Mexican cuisine, Acuna maintains. “How much love you put into making them dictates how well

you will do with Mexican food,” he says. “We found that if you want a good birria taco, you need freshly made tortillas; it’s super important.”

Mexican cuisine also evolved once it crossed borders. California is home to the fat Mission burrito that takes two hands to hold. e pudgy package is the hallmark of El Diablo Burritos, which has ve Delaware locations.

“Some people describe us as Mexicali, although that’s not what we were shooting for,” says cofounder Dean Vilone. “But it’s more appropriate than saying we’re in the Mexican category. We just looked at the burrito as a canvas for fun.”

Pushing the Envelope

Many Mexican favorites started as street food, and in the 21st century, street food breaks boundaries. No one knows that better than Steve Ruiz of Mojo Loco, a food truck and catering business.

“It’s Latin-Asian fusion — eclectic street food,” he says of his concept. To be sure, the menu includes Asian shrimp tacos, Cajun chicken tacos, a falafel with chipotle ranch and Korean beef tacos.

Acuna appreciates the melting pot approach. “If you want to stay relevant, your job is to innovate,” he says. For example, Del Pez has a tuna sushi roll with ponzu sauce and an angry Mexican roll with shrimp and eel sauce. e rolls share a raw bar category with aguachile — yellow n tuna, Gulf shrimp, spicy serrano peppers, chili sh broth and avocado with herbs. Agave in Chadds Ford serves tuna crudo on a tostada.

Credit sushi for the acceptance of raw sh in Mexicanthemed restaurants. Ceviche — raw seafood marinated in citrus and seasonings — is common in Spanish-

Gourmet tacos and a cocktail at Del Pez Wilmington. Photo by Becca Mathias

Brunch offerings at Mexican Post in north Wilmington. O&A file photo/Jim Coarse

American countries, and you can find it at La Tolteca and non-Mexican restaurants, including Banks Seafood Kitchen on the Wilmington Riverfront.

Not every inventive take is a home run. Consider Acuna’s grasshopper tostadas. After eating one to prove they were tasty, he smiled, revealing a tiny insect leg between his teeth. “I didn’t sell one,” he acknowledges.

The Mexican culinary category is breaking the rules in other ways. People have gone to a Mexican restaurant for cheap, quick fare for decades. But entrees are $23 to $27 at Agave. People accustomed to Taco Bell might balk. However, as with any higher-end restaurant, guests pay to enjoy the décor and use the finer tableware.

El Camino Mexican Kitchen, part of Platinum Dining Group, has all the sophistication of its siblings: Eclipse Bistro, Redfire Grill & Steakhouse, Taverna and Capers & Lemons. The components count.

“We focus on fresh ingredients and try to keep things as seasonal as possible,” says Jeff Matyger, the hospitality group’s corporate chef.

George, of the Mexican Post, agrees and emphasizes consistency. “The chimichanga you had over 20 years ago tastes the same,” he maintains. Plus, plating matters. Instead of plain huevos rancheros, Del Pez artfully stacks the beans and eggs and tops them with an egg. A squiggle of sauce is the finishing touch.

Short rib enchiladas at El Camino Mexican Kitchen. Photo provided

Back to Basics

No matter how many dollar signs are in a restaurant’s magazine description, the customer has certain expectations.

“ ere are a lot of people willing to try new things; others are more willing to listen to a special or try a new dish if they know there is a familiar dish on the menu,” Matyger says.

El Camino added fajitas to meet guests’ demands, and now chicken fajitas are the bestselling item. Guests also wanted chunky guacamole, not the mousse-like consistency the restaurant initially o ered.

Most customers expect free chips and salsa. But don’t be surprised if they’re not forthcoming. ere are so many appetizers with chips that free chips go uneaten, Acuna points out. Plus, people are concerned about their diet, and if tomato prices soar, complimentary salsa puts a dent in a restaurant’s already tight budget. When tomato costs are high, La Tolteca only provides the appetizer upon the guest’s request.

La Tolteca was one of the rst independently owned Mexican restaurants to open in a highly visible location — a former fast-food restaurant on Route 202. Since the 1990s, many Mexican restaurants have popped up within a few miles of La Tolteca and Mexican Post, including the newish Tex Mex Tequila in Concord Mall. Philadelphia Pike is home to Tex Mex Burrito Mexican Grill, La Hermosa and El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant.

Is there room for them all? George and Lopez aren’t worried; they’ve built a strong base. George says he intends to stick to the food, hours and formula that work. Lopez also believes in consistency, but he’s also tracking

“As the American palate becomes more sophisticated,

BELLEVUE FARMERS MARKET

FRIDAYS 3-7 P.M.

unedin

ANNUAL WEEDSTOCK FESTIVAL

FEATURES SMOKING LINE-UP OF LOCAL ARTISTS

Lower Case Blues, e Full Carbon Getup, Harvey Road, Ritter Lane and Katie Dill & Friends are just a few of the many local acts helping give Weedstock extra potency this year.

e three-day festival kicks o at Townsend’s Fire Base Lloyd on Friday, Sept. 13, o ering live music, DJ sets, camping, food trucks, vendors and community networking. Proceeds from the event go towards the advocacy e orts of Delaware NORML.

— Visit Weedstock.org.

EASTERN ELK TAKES A BIG STEP WITH ‘HAPPY TRAILS (TO YOU)'

Lead vocalist Neil Kremer feels like his band Eastern Elk is on the right trail.

In July, the band released “Happy Trails (To You),” an Americana track that rocks hard with heart and a hefty dose of rollicking guitars.

SIN CITY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH TWO SHOWS AND A BEER

What does it take to make music with the same band for ve decades?

You could try emailing Keith Richards with the query. Or you could simply ask musician Scott Birney of e Sin City Band, which celebrates its halfcentennial this month at Argilla’s Brew Pub at Pietro Pizza in Newark.

“Back in 1974, when we were babies, one of our founding fathers, Tim Davis, said ‘If we can establish ourselves in a happening city, we'll be ne,’” says Birney. “He wasn’t kidding!

“ rough the years, Wilmington, Newark and the Delaware Valley has been home to so many great venues for original and non-commercial bands as well as generation after generation of hard-core music lovers… We have been really lucky.”

Birney also credits longtime bandmembers Steve Hobson, David Berry and Jim Ficca as “not only masterful players and true believers, but great friends.”

Join the Birney and the gang for two golden-jubilee performances at Argilla’s on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28, both which start at 5 p.m. In addition to the introduction of the Sin City Stout, specially brewed by Argilla, look for guest appearances from past members of the band.

— Visit ArgillaBrewing.com.

“It’s a high-energy country rock anthem about resilience, adventure, and the joy of the journey,” says Kremer. “We think it's a big step forward for Eastern Elk!” e band had some help this time around with Josh Aaron of Cosmic Guilt producing and Pat Kane on pedal steel.

“Happy Trails (To You)” is available now on all digital platforms.

THE COLLINGWOOD’S CHRIS MALINOWSKI HOSTS A NIGHT OF FILM AND MUSIC VIDEOS

Musician and lmmaker Chris Malinowski will feature his 2013 feature-length drama Yes, Your Tide Is Cold and Dark, Sir along with several of his awardwinning music videos from his band the Collingwood this month at Wilmington’s eatre N.

Filmed in Lewes Beach and Rehoboth Beach, the movie is the existential story of Cli Claitonowsky, a stockbroker, who makes an emotional pilgrimage to his hometown in coastal Delaware when his estranged guitar instructor father, Clay, disappears into the sand dunes of Cape Henlopen with three of his teenaged pupils. e event will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, starting at 6:30 p.m.

PAUL ZOTTER’S GUITARS AND CARS GETS 10th ANNIVERSARY RE-RELEASE

Paul Zotter is taking his Guitars and Cars out of the garage for another spin…

Originally released in June of 2014, Zotter’s Guitars and Cars is a collection of the singer-songwriter’s exploration of relationships and consequences. The singles, “Only Two Roads” and “Whatever Man,” have been regulars in Zotter’s live shows, while deep cuts like “I Dream” and the title track have become fan favorites over the years.

For the 10-year anniversary, Zotter teamed up again with studio wiz Dave Tigue of Tiguersound Productions. The remixes and remasters breathe new life and energy into these songs — just like a retuned engine.

— Visit PaulZotterRocks.com.

HOT JAMS CONTINUES TO HEAT UP IN ITS 11TH YEAR AT YORKLYN

With three stages and more than 25 local acts, Hot Jam XI will be lighting up Yorklyn on Saturday, Sept. 28 with plenty of energy and a variety of local original music.

In addition to showcasing the winner and runner-up of this year’s Summer Band Jam competition, the festival will feature Treewalker (which just released its new single “Stockholm Syndrome" in August), Mothman Properties, Super Spreddr and Fragments of Greatness among many other local acts. The all-ages event starts at 2:30 p.m. at Center for the Creative Arts, 410 Upper Snuff Mill Row. Tickets are $20 at the door.

— Visit CCArts.com.

THE NEWBERRY SLACKS RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘DIFFERENT PEOPLE’

Now in their 50s, Frank McKelvey and Ed Schmidt have been playing music together since 7th grade.

“We went to high school together and were always in one awful band or another,” Schmidt says jokingly.

In the late ‘80s, the two also went to UD where they formed The Mental Custodians. And while many of the places they played — like The Barn Door, Buggy Tavern and The Stone Balloon — may no longer exist, the stories from those gigs live on in song.

Released on July 27, the band’s new song, “Different People,” is a giddy take on how the duo explains their hey-day exploits to their children today. The music video creatively takes the humor to another level.

“Different People” can be seen on YouTube and is available on all major digital platforms.

The City

CITY SAYS GOODBYE TO A PAIR OF PUBLIC SERVANTS

The City of Wilmington recently said goodbye to two longtime public servants — Jeffrey Starkey and Gabriel Pabon Jr. — both of whom retired from City government on Friday, August 2.

Jeff Starkey , Director of Land Use and Planning, leaves behind a nearly 30-year career in public service. He took over the directorship of Land Use and Planning in July 2022, following the reorganization of the Dept. of Planning and Development. Prior to that he served as Commissioner of Licenses and Inspections.

Jeff Starkey began his career with the City in 1982 as a plans examiner engineer in L&I, where he was primarily responsible for reviewing all construction plans for code compliance. In 1986 he began working as a project manager with various construction management firms in Wilmington. He returned to City government in 1999 as the L&I Commissioner and held various management positions, including of Commissioner of Public Works.

Gabriel Pabon, Jr. , who was appointed Fire Marshal by Mayor Purzycki in July 2019, also chose to bring his 25-year career with the Wilm. Fire Department to an end August 2.

A former Marine, Gabe Pabon became a City firefighter in 1999, after graduating from the 32nd Wilmington Fire Academy. As is required of all fire investigators in the City, he graduated from the 88th Wilmington Police Academy in 2004 and is a Certified Law Enforcement Officer. During his tenure with the WFD, Deputy Chief Pabon was assigned to both engine and ladder companies as both a firefighter and an officer. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant in 2011 and was promoted to Captain in 2019. Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention in July 2019, Pabon had held every position in the City Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Inspector, Arson Investigator, Lieutenant of Fire Investigations, and Captain of Technical Services.

“Both Jeff Starkey and Gabe Pabon have completed long, accomplished careers in City government,” said Mayor Mike Purzycki, “and we were fortunate to have the benefit of their service for as long as we did. Jeff and Gabe both care deeply about this City and the people of Wilmington were well served by both men for decades. We owe them much thanks and appreciation, and on behalf of a grateful City I wish both men well in retirement as they move on to new challenges and opportunities."

Retiring City employees Gabriel M. Pabon, Jr. (left) and Jeff Starkey.

CITY SEEKING POLICE ACADEMY APPLICANTS

The Wilmington Police Department is currently hiring future o cers. e WPD’s 104th Wilmington Police Academy will begin in February, but individuals interested in a career in law enforcement — and public service — can apply to join the police department today. e application process will close on October 11. e starting salary for selected applicants is $65,000, which increases each year to reach $87,929 in year ve. ere is no residency requirement for new police o cers.

To learn more about becoming a Wilmington police o cer, contact Sgt. Aaron Metzner at (302) 576-3177 or email him at Aaron.Metzner@cj.state. de.us. You can also visit the WPD recruitment webpage at WilmingtonDE. gov/PoliceAcademy. e initial screening process will include a written exam, a physical ability test, and interview panels that will include a Chief’s interview.

“Our police o cers work hard each day to protect and serve Delaware’s largest city, and I could not be more proud of the results of our e orts — including sustained reductions in crime, enhanced relationships with the community, and a wide range of partnerships and outreach initiatives to support each of our residents,” said Police Chief Wilfredo Campos. “We invite you to join our ranks, and to help us continue to make our city safer.”

“First responders are special people who are cut from a di erent cloth,” said Mayor Mike Purzycki. “And those are the people we are looking for in Wilmington. Women and men who want to help make our City safer and a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Police o cers, working with a variety of community partners, can play a vital role in improving the quality of life for the people they serve. I look forward to welcoming this next class to a rewarding lifetime of public service.”

“Members of the Wilmington Police Department receive comprehensive training and have access to continuing opportunities for professional development and growth, including the chance to join a number of specialized units and teams,” said Chief Campos. “I invite anyone interested in a career in law enforcement to consider applying and hope you will be part of our team.”

FFG ON THE MOVE

Mayor Purzycki showed up to support Futures First Gaming LLC (FFG), a STEM.org Accredited Ed. Tech, Media, and Esports Entertainment co., at the grand opening of their new location at 221 W. Tenth St. FFG brings together esports enthusiasts for competitive and recreational gaming events, builds a thriving gaming community, and provides participants with pathways to explore education and careers in science, technology, art, and esports-related disciplines.

Pictured (from left) Malcolm Coley, Mayor Purzycki, Stephen Sye, and Newdy Felton.

Explore the Riverfront

Restaurants & More riverfront market

open

mon-fri: 9AM-6PM sat: 9AM-4PM

Stop in and enjoy fresh produce, salads, sandwiches, Mexican, Thai cuisine, Peruvian rotisserie, and much more!

Bernie’s Espresso is NOW OPEN!

MON-FRI: 7AM-5PM SAT: 8AM-4PM

Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar

Big Fish Grill

Ciro Food & Drink

Constitution Yards Beer Garden

Delaware Duck Café & Catering

Del Pez

01.

Docklands

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Riverfront Bakery

River Rock Kitchen

Starbucks

Taco Grande

The Riverfront Asian Cuisine & Bar

Timothy’s on the Riverfront

outdoor adventures in every season

Angelique Kidjo

Clifford Brown Jazz Fest

Photo by Joe del Tufo