Community support is critical to our continued growth and vitality as a public resource. You can make a difference and help ensure a bright future for generations to come by making a gift to the library. Learn More.SummerScape 2026
The Lewes Public Library presents SummerScape 2026, featuring twelve live performances in our outdoor pavilion beginning June 3rd. All events start at 7:00 PM.
New this year:
No registration required! First come, first seated.
Open seating under and around the pavilion, and on the grass. Plenty of room for all!
Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, or borrow one of the library’s folding chairs. Note: To help maintain clear sightlines for all, guests with higher-backed chairs are kindly asked to sit toward the back of the pavilion.
Picnics are welcome!
In case of inclement weather, the performance will be in the large meeting room of the library.
That decision will be made by 1:00 PM the day of the scheduled event and posted on the library’s website and social media (Facebook and Instagram). Seating in the large meeting room will be first-come, first seated in chairs we will provide.
Songs, stories, and dance come together in a lively celebration of Irish culture!
Renowned Irish bard Gerry Timlin shares his special brand of Irish folk music and stories, and award-winning dancers from the McAleer School of Irish Dance wow the crowd with their rhythm and artistry.
Timlin was born in Coalisland County Tyrone, Northern Ireland and moved to the United States in the early ’70s. He has been performing for more than five decades in Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Canada.
The McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance was founded by Veronica McAleer, ADCRG, who emigrated from Belfast, Ireland. The school has been jigging around Delaware—and the world—for nearly 60 years, receiving international acclaim.
Renowned Irish bard Gerry Timlin shares his special brand of Irish folk music and stories, and award-winning dancers from the McAleer School of Irish Dance wow the crowd with their rhythm and artistry.
Timlin was born in Coalisland County Tyrone, Northern Ireland and moved to the United States in the early ’70s. He has been performing for more than five decades in Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Canada.
The McAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance was founded by Veronica McAleer, ADCRG, who emigrated from Belfast, Ireland. The school has been jigging around Delaware—and the world—for nearly 60 years, receiving international acclaim.
SummerScape 2025 crowd favorite Linda Harris returns to the stage with David Cole and Main Street Blues! Presented as a living history of blues artistry, this engaging show takes the audience on a journey through the evolution of blues music from its rural Southern roots to its electric and urban transformation.
Renowned throughout the Delmarva region, the performers look to spread joy and connection with everyone they meet through sound and storytelling. A powerful, engaging, and entertaining evening!
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
Renowned throughout the Delmarva region, the performers look to spread joy and connection with everyone they meet through sound and storytelling. A powerful, engaging, and entertaining evening!
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
Poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes comes to life like never before in this exciting original one-man show from Daron Stewart.
From busboy and poet to “Harlem’s Wonder,” Langston Hughes became a leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance and an enduring force for civil rights. His famous “I too sing America . . . I too am America” statement is the heart of Daron Stewart’s performance, which also poses the question, “What happens to a dream deferred?”
Washington, D.C.-based Stewart has performed on stages across the United States and abroad. His credits include national and independent film work, television hosting, VOG at the Kennedy Center, and numerous stage performances. Soul of Langston has been staged nationally for festivals, schools, colleges and universities, churches, and conferences.
Join us for a journey into the bittersweet wit and wisdom of Langston’s poetry, the tragedies and triumphs that constructed his life, and the worldwide impact of his literary accomplishments.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
From busboy and poet to “Harlem’s Wonder,” Langston Hughes became a leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance and an enduring force for civil rights. His famous “I too sing America . . . I too am America” statement is the heart of Daron Stewart’s performance, which also poses the question, “What happens to a dream deferred?”
Washington, D.C.-based Stewart has performed on stages across the United States and abroad. His credits include national and independent film work, television hosting, VOG at the Kennedy Center, and numerous stage performances. Soul of Langston has been staged nationally for festivals, schools, colleges and universities, churches, and conferences.
Join us for a journey into the bittersweet wit and wisdom of Langston’s poetry, the tragedies and triumphs that constructed his life, and the worldwide impact of his literary accomplishments.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
Bruce Springsteen—baby, he was born to run! Join us for an exciting evening exploring The Boss’s incredible songwriting journey.
Monmouth University’s Kenneth Womack and Kenneth Campbell share highlights from Springsteen’s musical legacy, drawn from their new book Bruce Songs: The Music of Bruce Springsteen, Album by Album, Song by Song, in conversation with LPL Distinguished Lecturer Ron Collins. The book weaves together historical context, literary insight, and meticulous research, featuring in depth explorations of each album, essays on their cultural significance, and a chronological examination of every studio song.
Following the discussion, Nate McCormick from The Listening Booth will perform Springsteen’s music.
This event is co-hosted by the library, Singers+Songwriters, and Browseabout Books. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Monmouth University’s Kenneth Womack and Kenneth Campbell share highlights from Springsteen’s musical legacy, drawn from their new book Bruce Songs: The Music of Bruce Springsteen, Album by Album, Song by Song, in conversation with LPL Distinguished Lecturer Ron Collins. The book weaves together historical context, literary insight, and meticulous research, featuring in depth explorations of each album, essays on their cultural significance, and a chronological examination of every studio song.
Following the discussion, Nate McCormick from The Listening Booth will perform Springsteen’s music.
This event is co-hosted by the library, Singers+Songwriters, and Browseabout Books. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Wednesday, June 24 | Singers+Songwriters Presents I’ve Lived Country Music Featuring Bobby Tomberlin
An inspiring evening of songs and stories celebrating an American dream come true!
Renowned songwriter Bobby Tomberlin returns to Lewes to discuss his new book, I’ve Lived Country Music, an extraordinary story of humble beginnings, big dreams, and remarkable journey in country music.
Tomberlin will be interviewed by LPL Distinguished Lecturer Ron Collins about his uplifting, witty, and heartfelt memoir. He will also perform several patriotic songs in honor of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
A CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award nominee, Tomberlin’s songs have been recorded by Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, Barbra Streisand, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, and many more.
This event is co-hosted by the library, Singers+Songwriters, and Browseabout Books. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Renowned songwriter Bobby Tomberlin returns to Lewes to discuss his new book, I’ve Lived Country Music, an extraordinary story of humble beginnings, big dreams, and remarkable journey in country music.
Tomberlin will be interviewed by LPL Distinguished Lecturer Ron Collins about his uplifting, witty, and heartfelt memoir. He will also perform several patriotic songs in honor of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
A CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award nominee, Tomberlin’s songs have been recorded by Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, Barbra Streisand, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys, and many more.
This event is co-hosted by the library, Singers+Songwriters, and Browseabout Books. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
Join us for an incredible performance honoring the traditions of Native American and Indigenous peoples.
The Nanticoke Indian Dance Troupe presents a traditional cultural sharing, highlighting Native American dances, their cultural meaning, and the importance of oral tradition. The dances reflect values such as respect, honor, community, and our connection to the Creator, the earth, and one another.
Storytelling is woven throughout the presentation, helping the audience understand how dance carries memory, identity, and tradition.
The Troupe consists of Native American Dancers of all ages, who proudly demonstrate their individual dance styles, sharing with the audience the importance of the different styles, along with traditional ways.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
The Nanticoke Indian Dance Troupe presents a traditional cultural sharing, highlighting Native American dances, their cultural meaning, and the importance of oral tradition. The dances reflect values such as respect, honor, community, and our connection to the Creator, the earth, and one another.
Storytelling is woven throughout the presentation, helping the audience understand how dance carries memory, identity, and tradition.
The Troupe consists of Native American Dancers of all ages, who proudly demonstrate their individual dance styles, sharing with the audience the importance of the different styles, along with traditional ways.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
DUE TO THE PREDICTED HEAT, THIS PROGRAM WILL BE INDOORS IN THE LARGE MEETING ROOM
SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED
DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM
SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED
DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM
A powerful theatrical celebration of independence, community, and the shared “embers of freedom” that connect us all.
Delaware Shakespeare invites audiences to reflect on a timely question: “What sparks your sense of freedom?”
In this expansive and engaging performance, Del Shakes presents a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence that explores this question—and weaves in the voices that were left out of its creation. The performers will share writings from former slaves like Frederick Douglas, poetry from Indigenous perspectives, stories of queer joy, and more.
Del Shakes is the region’s premiere professional Shakespearean ensemble. Since 2003, the Wilmington-based troupe has performed a wide array of Shakespeare’s works and Shakespeare-adjacent projects across Delaware and beyond.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
Experience the joy, rhythm, and rich tradition of bluegrass music in a performance that celebrates America’s musical roots.
With origins in Irish, English, and Scottish folk styles, bluegrass music has been an integral part of American culture since its arrival in the 1600s. Rooted in rural traditions and shaped by slave songs, gospel, and blues, bluegrass evolved into a uniquely American art form.
Jake’s Americana Bluegrass Band, a four-piece ensemble of guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass plays music true to the foundations of bluegrass. They share the very best of classic and contemporary bluegrass, country, and folk music in this lively performance.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
With origins in Irish, English, and Scottish folk styles, bluegrass music has been an integral part of American culture since its arrival in the 1600s. Rooted in rural traditions and shaped by slave songs, gospel, and blues, bluegrass evolved into a uniquely American art form.
Jake’s Americana Bluegrass Band, a four-piece ensemble of guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass plays music true to the foundations of bluegrass. They share the very best of classic and contemporary bluegrass, country, and folk music in this lively performance.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
Step into the circle and feel the beat!
Mister Boom Boom delivers an immersive, hands-on musical experience for children, families, and music lovers of all ages, celebrating the power and spirit of African drumming. The high energy program highlights the djembe, the heart of West African rhythm, alongside a vibrant collection of global percussion instruments rooted in African traditions.
Mister Boom Boom is the stage persona of Frank Coates, founder of Play Patrol Company and creator of Mister Boom Boom’s Music Room. Known for high energy, interactive performances, Mister Boom Boom blends music, movement, and humor to create engaging and unforgettable experiences.
Mister Boom Boom delivers an immersive, hands-on musical experience for children, families, and music lovers of all ages, celebrating the power and spirit of African drumming. The high energy program highlights the djembe, the heart of West African rhythm, alongside a vibrant collection of global percussion instruments rooted in African traditions.
Mister Boom Boom is the stage persona of Frank Coates, founder of Play Patrol Company and creator of Mister Boom Boom’s Music Room. Known for high energy, interactive performances, Mister Boom Boom blends music, movement, and humor to create engaging and unforgettable experiences.
A tribute to the spirit of America brought to life through show stopping songs from Broadway’s greatest composers.
Acclaimed Broadway singer and producer Tina Marie Cassamento, accompanied by several special guests, performs a selection of Broadway songs that capture the American experience through the works of some of the theater’s greatest composers. Musical director David Libby leads a program featuring favorites from 1776, Hamilton, West Side Story, and The Music Man, as well as “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy” from Little Johnny Jones.
Historian Paul Sparrow will provide background and context for each song and offer a perspective on how Broadway both reflected and helped shape public opinion.
This event is sponsored by The Inn at Canal Square.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
Acclaimed Broadway singer and producer Tina Marie Cassamento, accompanied by several special guests, performs a selection of Broadway songs that capture the American experience through the works of some of the theater’s greatest composers. Musical director David Libby leads a program featuring favorites from 1776, Hamilton, West Side Story, and The Music Man, as well as “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy” from Little Johnny Jones.
Historian Paul Sparrow will provide background and context for each song and offer a perspective on how Broadway both reflected and helped shape public opinion.
This event is sponsored by The Inn at Canal Square.
This program is part of Lewes 250, a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, honoring our town’s rich past and bright future. Lewes 250 brings neighbors, visitors, and local organizations together in celebration of the “First Town in the First State.”
Spend an intimate evening immersed in world class music and dance shaped by the passion and elegance of flamenco artistry.
Washington, D.C.’s SonDeBaril presents a vibrant performance of the Spanish tradition of flamenco, where music, song, dance, and rhythm come together in emotional storytelling. This inspiring program showcases breathtaking flamenco artistry and the raw, electrifying energy of an art form steeped in tradition yet continually evolving.
Led by dancer Ela Razon and musician Yiyi Orozco, the SonDeBaril flamenco company is known for bold, original productions that merge music and dance into transformative flamenco experiences. With performances rooted in collaboration, community, and deep tradition, SonDeBaril is devoted to nurturing flamenco and expanding its presence in the region.
Washington, D.C.’s SonDeBaril presents a vibrant performance of the Spanish tradition of flamenco, where music, song, dance, and rhythm come together in emotional storytelling. This inspiring program showcases breathtaking flamenco artistry and the raw, electrifying energy of an art form steeped in tradition yet continually evolving.
Led by dancer Ela Razon and musician Yiyi Orozco, the SonDeBaril flamenco company is known for bold, original productions that merge music and dance into transformative flamenco experiences. With performances rooted in collaboration, community, and deep tradition, SonDeBaril is devoted to nurturing flamenco and expanding its presence in the region.
A show-stopping grand finale to close out an incredible season!
First State Ballet Theatre returns to the SummerScape stage for an unforgettable season finale. Featuring classical ballet favorites reimagined through the company’s signature style, this performance provides a breathtaking celebration of dance and artistic expression at its finest.
First State Ballet Theatre is the region’s premiere professional ballet company. Originally founded as a dance school in 1999 by Pasha and Kristina Kambalov, the troupe quickly established a reputation for outstanding artistic success. In 2008 it debuted as the region’s first professional company and now employs a full company of 22 dancers along with educational, management, and production staff.
First State Ballet Theatre returns to the SummerScape stage for an unforgettable season finale. Featuring classical ballet favorites reimagined through the company’s signature style, this performance provides a breathtaking celebration of dance and artistic expression at its finest.
First State Ballet Theatre is the region’s premiere professional ballet company. Originally founded as a dance school in 1999 by Pasha and Kristina Kambalov, the troupe quickly established a reputation for outstanding artistic success. In 2008 it debuted as the region’s first professional company and now employs a full company of 22 dancers along with educational, management, and production staff.
Thank you to the generous sponsors who made this series possible:
Jack Lingo, REALTOR and Browseabout Books
LPL Braithwaite Endowment Fund and M&T Charitable Foundation
