Black Pocket-Tee Celebration Honors Bullets’ Co-Founder Bobby Bloomingdale
Vast waves of heartfelt tributes swept across social media after the passing of Bobby Bloomingdale last month. The long-beloved musician died at the age of 72, taken by lung cancer.
Referencing the upright-bass player’s trademark stage-attire, a “Black Pocket-Tee Celebration,” will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 at 406 Milltown Road, Wilmington. The event starts at 3pm, and attendees are encouraged to wear their own black pocket t-shirt.
“Bring your instrument, a chair, a cooler, and something to share as we celebrate our favorite person,” the online invite says.
Back in the ‘80s, Bloomingdale co-founded the The Bullets with guitarist Michael “Kid” Davis. Over the decades that followed, The Bullets performed more gigs than most likely any other act in the area, cultivating a loyal following at multiple venues and perfecting an upbeat rockabilly-meets-Americana sound — a unique offering to the area’s music scene.
That sound was recently captured on the upcoming album titled Amsterdam, recorded by producer-and-musician James Everhart (Cosmic Guilt) at Philadelphia’s Hi5 Studio. An album release party will take place Thursday, Sept. 4 at Gallucio’s, where the band has played weekly on Thursday nights since March 2023.
Last September, The Bullets were inducted into the Delaware Rock and Roll Society’s Hall of Fame. It was Bloomingdale’s second induction, having also been honored in 2018 for his years playing in The Sin City Band.
Earlier this year, Bloomingdale and The Bullets conducted a seven-show European tour, entertaining new fans in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. In online videos the band posted online, the musician’s smile beamed in nearly every scene he was in.
“Bobby’s upright bass was the backbone of our sound, and spirit, laughter and loyalty were the soul of this band,” the band posted on their site. “We will love him and miss him more than words can say.”
—More at KidDavisAndTheBullets.com
Weedstock Weekend Boasts Smokin’ Lineup
More than a dozen bands will light up the stage at Firebase Lloyd this month when the annual cannabis celebration returns to Townsend.
Mums the Word and Fitzkee Brothers headline a colorful variety of musical acts including Big Boy Brass, Alicia Maxwell Project, Rift, Gretchen Emery Band, Hippocampus, Ndichu, Rude Boy, Dark Hill Collective, Ritter Lane, Atlantis and Soul Synthesis.
The event takes place September 12-14 and includes camping options, food trucks, a silent disco, workshops, yoga and meditation.
—More at Weedstock.org
Wrecking Ball’s Latest Album Breaks Out Tunes From Vault
Vocalist Dan McGowan and the guys from Wrecking Ball hadn’t specifically planned to put out an album this year. But when they realized the “pretty big number of songs sitting around,” they decided to collect what they had and put it out there — hence the name of the album: Loose Change – Singles and Rarities.
“We are really excited about this next release,” McGowan says, rallying the merits of his longtime collaborator, guitarist Jim Lyons. “Jim is an unsung songwriter in our area, proliferate really, and this record showcases his incredible, diverse talent.”
Loose Change is a follow-up to the band’s 2024 release Late to the Game and will feature 12 songs: previously unreleased materials and remixed single versions from Late as well as their 2019 album, Kiss It Away.
In addition to McGowan and Lyons, Wrecking Ball sees Fred Scheing on bass. Look for Loose Change on all major streaming services starting Friday, Sept. 19.
Delaware Loves Jazz Showcases Julian Vaughn And Alex Parchment
The annual Delaware Loves Jazz concert returns to Wilmington this month bringing together two stars of the world of smooth jazz.
With four Billboard #1 hits to his name as a solo musician and eight more as a featured artist, bassist Julian Vaughn has been making a name for himself ever since he released his debut album, The Purpose Project, 15 years ago.
Since then, Vaughn has released five other albums and has performed international in Dubai, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Italy, Spain and Germany.
Trumpeter and producer Alex Parchment has also enjoyed Billboard chart-topping success. In 2020 his “Vibin’ in Time” rose to #1 followed by “It’s Real” at #11.
Parchment also has performed with jazz luminaries like Patti Austin, Christian McBride, Chick Corea, David Sanborn and Marion Meadows.
Delaware Loves Jazz will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 at P.S. duPont Middle School. Doors are at 5pm; show starts at 6pm.
—Tickets available via Eventbrite.com
Soul Of The City Returns With Live Music And Block-Party Vibes
The last official weekend of summer culminates with a lively street party when Soul of the City returns this month to downtown Wilmington.
Hosted by Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC), Soul of the City will feature arts, food truck, local vendors and live performances by area musicians including singer-songwriter Tanksly, gospel artist Chip Bailey, soulful saxophonist Vernon James, Jr., and Dover rap group Gold 97.
The event’s organizers will also present the Soul of the City Spotlight, showcasing four local artists —some of which are CCAC alums — who won the Open Mic competition held at the arts center last month.
“This is a celebration of the people of Wilmington, who are its true soul,” says event co-founder Darnell Miller, who will also be performing. The event takes place on the 700 block of Market Street on Saturday, Sept. 20 from noon to 5pm.
— More at CCACde.org
