Andrea Arena, Delaware’s top diva, to perform June 19

The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes will continue its Paul Kares concert series Saturday, June 19, with a performance by mezzo-soprano Andrea Arena. 

A Night at the Opera, which includes a four-course, Italian-themed meal, benefits the nonprofit Paul Kares, which raises funds to support aspiring chefs and musicians.

Charity co-founder Paul Cullen of Paul’s Cullen-ary Company is the former bass player for the band Bad Company. He blends music, wine and fine cuisine at his events.

“We’ve featured internationally famous rock and jazz performers, and now we’re showcasing opera,” Cullen said. “It’s all part of our goal to bring diverse musical entertainment to the beach.”

Cullen said the opera singer is the perfect match for his cuisine, which is inspired by his Italian grandmother’s old recipes. “What goes better with Italian food than beautiful opera music?” he said. “And Andrea’s voice is nothing short of exquisite. “

Arena is a homegrown talent. The Delaware native was a University of Delaware nursing major when she took a voice class. She switched her major to music and later trained with the Des Moines Metro Opera. She has played the lead role in “Carmen” and Flora in “La Traviata.”

A finalist in the prestigious Richard Parkinson International Italian Scholarship Competition, Arena was named Delaware’s Top Diva in Delaware Today’s Best of Delaware issue.

“Guests on June 19 are in for a special treat,” Cullen said.

Since expanding, the Room at Cedar Grove Road has become the hot spot for music, wine dinners and weekend brunches, which often fill to capacity.

Tickets for A Night at the Opera are $95 each, and seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to paulcullen.rocks.