Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alyson Cunningham, Communication and Marketing Manager
Joshua M. Freeman Foundation / The Freeman Stage at Bayside
302-213-6998
2016 Freeman Stage season announcement
The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation recently announced its 2016 summer season for The Freeman Stage at Bayside, which will feature a diverse offering of dance, theatre, children’s performances and live music — including 13 National Recording Artists.
The national acts include Phillip Phillips and Matt Nathanson on June 29; Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on July 2; The Band Perry on July 3; Justin Moore on July 7; Pat Benatar and Melissa Etheridge on July 13; The Beach Boys on July 14; Cherry Poppin’ Daddies on July 16; Huey Lewis and The News on July 27; The Silk Road Ensemble and Yo-Yo Ma on Aug. 10; Gladys Knight on Aug. 19 and the Wailers on Aug. 27.
This year’s performers include three Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and, combined, have nearly 40 Grammy Awards and over 60 Grammy nominations; one Academy Award and two Oscars nominations; and three Country Music Association awards and nine CMA nominations.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the variety of artists that our ninth season will offer to our guests,” said Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. “We hope the performances in 2016 will expose new patrons to our diverse offerings and the importance of arts in the community, while continuing to be an inspiration for generations of families to come together for lifelong memories.”
With the support of local organizations, such as our Season Sponsors, who include Sarah Chase Carlson, Schell Brothers, The Meltzer Group and the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, the Stage is able to offer performances for all ages to enjoy. The Saturday morning children’s series will continue as well, thanks to its sponsor, PNC Foundation.
“It’s these kind of partnerships that are necessary for the continued success of our mission at The Freeman Stage at Bayside and in our communities,” Grimes said.
Crowd favorites who will once again grace the stage, include the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, the First State Ballet, Clear Space Theatre and the Bronx Wanderers. Tribute acts include Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles; ABBA the Concert: A Tribute to ABBA; Classic Albums Live: David Bowie and A Temptations Revue featuring Bo Henderson. “Locals Under the Lights,” where local artists have their moment in the spotlight, will also be back this summer.
Performers new to the outdoor stage include Jessie’s Girl, The Company Men and Tiempo Libre. On Sept. 9, Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tribute act, will perform and special guests from Operation SEAs the Day — a week-long beach event for wounded veterans and their families — will be in attendance.
The Freeman Stage at Bayside, located in the Bayside community at the intersections of routes 54 and 20, will kick-off this season at 7 p.m. May 24 with a performance by The Acrobats of Cirque-tacular. Regular weekly performances will continue with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra on June 17.
The Freeman Stage is a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, who partners to present memorable performances and provide inspired arts education for all. This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant support is also provided by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, the Sussex County Council, and the state of Delaware.
For more information on this season’s events, or to find out how to volunteer at The Freeman Stage, call 302-436-3015 or visit www.freemanstage.org.
###