Review of the Rocking the Docks 2024 Concert Series in Lewes, Delaware, Part 1

Band: Classic Stones Live, Cris Jacobs, Carbon Leaf, The Amish Outlaws, Tusk (Tribute to Fleetwood Mac)
Events: June 12, June 13, June 19, June 26, July 3

Summer is here and outdoor concerts are back! My favorite part of summer is filming Rocking the Docks and seeing new bands I’ve never seen before, as well as some of my favorites. The series takes place almost every week at the Lewes Ferry Grounds in Lewes, Delaware – right next to the Cape May/Lewes Ferry and Grain on the Rocks. Most concerts are over by 8:30-9:00 p.m., the weather has been perfect so far, and there are a few new things this year.

There are more food vendors and a market with local clothing, jewelry and art. The VIP area and stage have been relocated and VIP guests receive two free drinks. Mallory Metzner of Coast TV hosts the show, but she didn’t start hosting until Show 3 with Carbon Leaf. Petey the Peacock has been on a few shows and has been a hit, getting the crowd dancing and posing for photos.

The first show was The Classic Stones live, with British accents and looks to match. They came on like Jagger and attracted locals and tourists to a fun opening night of Rolling Stones songs. The very next night, Maryland native Cris Jacobs performed with his full band, along with Sweet Leda, who the locals love here. Cris Jacobs performed with Dumpstaphunk last year, so it was nice to see him play with a full band and hear his new album.

I was excited for show 3 because Carbon Leaf and Shine Delphi were there. Carbon Leaf is one of my favorite bands and it was really cool that they were playing just a few minutes from my house. Shine Delphi had a gypsy jazz solo vibe that I liked and he frequently plays at Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats in Rehoboth Beach. Carbon Leaf played some of their usual songs like “What About Everything” and “Life Less Ordinary” but also songs I hadn’t heard in a while like “Love Loss Hope Repeat,” “On Any Given Day,” and “X-Ray.” They will be releasing their new album at some point but they have a new single “Love For Sale” but they weren’t playing that night. Seeing Carbon Leaf is always a highlight and hopefully I can see them again soon.

Amish Outlaws sold out last year and this year was no different. People turn out to see them in droves and dance (whether they want to or not). Big Daddy Abel did his usual impromptu singing and cracking jokes and taking pity on Petey the Peacock since it was 90 degrees outside, so I have to assume it was 110 degrees in the suit. The band played a mix of rock, hip hop, country, and whatever people like – along with props, bubble guns, and flashes. Oh wait, that last part wasn’t part of the show, but with a storm brewing nearby, Amish Outlaws had to end the show a few minutes earlier than scheduled. They still played for a long time, so people got their money’s worth.

Tusk, the #1 Fleetwood Mac tribute band from New Jersey, performed on July 3rd and was as well attended as Amish Outlaws the week before. People here love their tribute shows. There was just a little holiday traffic as there were fireworks in Cape May and lots of people got on the ferry to watch. In the end, it all went well and the band was a lot of fun. I have to admit, I don’t know many Fleetwood Mac songs, but by the second half of their set, I knew more.

This series was great fun to watch and photograph. Gorgeous sunsets and the perfect place to see a show on the water. Tickets are still available for the remaining shows, so get yours at rockingthedockslewes.com.

• Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel (This THURSDAY – July 11)
• Yacht Rock Schooner (July 24)
• The Record Company (July 26)
• Kelly Bell Band and Lower Case Blues (August 1)
• The Dip & Oh He Dead (August 7)
• Grateful Grass by Keller Williams (August 14)