Get To The Gig: Hidden Gem Independent Music Venues in and around the State
Supporting a music scene doesn't start and end with streaming music and buying shirts from musicians. The venues dedicated to hosting these passionate people are just as important to maintain a thriving music scene as well as encourage both the economic and artist growth within a community. To the unsuspecting music lover, Delaware might not be a place they think of when they want to go to an amazing live musical performance, but that’s only if you don’t know who to ask or where to look. We’ve compiled a list of some of the state’s hidden gems to put on your list of places to visit for long-lasting musical memories.
(Photo Credit Joe del Tufo)
2126 The Highway Arden, DE 19810
Arden Concert Gild brings music to 160-year-old Gild Hall in Arden, Delaware. Serving as a venue for performances dating back to its 1910 remodeling, the Gild Hall stage has been graced by Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, and Burl Ives, amongst countless others.
This volunteer-run venue hosts a handful of eclectic and world class musical acts throughout the year and Shady Grove Music Festival every summer on their outdoor stage in the summer.
1301 N. Broom Street Wilmington, De 19806
Bootless Stageworks is an ensemble company of skilled Emerging Artists committed to producing contemporary theater experiences that are stimulating, adventurous, challenging, immediate and present, in an environment of trust and collaboration, for enjoyment by all.
They recently started opening their doors and welcoming musical acts to their stage with much success. Over the past several months they’ve had a genre-diverse offering of rap, folk, rock and more on their stage with no signs of slowing down.
35000 Midway Outlet Drive, Suite 218, Rehoboth Beach, DE
The Listening Booth is a 100-seat movie theater with a bar serving beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks as well as food. A woman-owned-and-run safe haven for original music lovers stands out in a place where cover and party bands reign supreme. This little musical oasis was started by two friends who noticed a hole in the musical community and together decided to fill it with beautiful noise together.
They have a high focus on community and inclusion with their regular open mics and songwriter circles that are also open to all. They recently hosted living folk legends Lili Lewis and Dar Williams and promise of more greatness with Crys Mathews coming in November.
107 North Street Elkton, MD 21921
Right over the border of Delaware and into our neighboring state of Maryland is a new venue with a lot of promise. Just opening their doors in 2023, Elkton Music Hall is a 300+ capacity live music venue located in Elkton, MD that has already hosted a wide variety of national touring musical artists and showcases local and regional talent. It aims to serve as the hub of the burgeoning Elkton Arts and Entertainment District. It’s already had listener-supported WXPN station-sponsored shows and has a full calendar of not-to-be-missed touring and local musical acts throughout the year.
