Gray Hare Kudos Party brings music all day Oct. 8
Story Location:
18766 John J Williams Highway
Rehoboth Beach, DE
United States
The Gray Hare Tavern’s Bill Sharp has been a supporter of the local music scene for over a decade and now those musicians are celebrating the support.
Nearly two dozens acts – 13 bands, five solo artists and two duos – have agreed to participate Saturday, Oct. 8 in a full day of live acts at the Gray Hare Kudos Party. The music begins at 1 p.m., and musicians have been slated through the 1 a.m. closing hour.
“Bill has supported the local musicians for years and we would like to give back a little and show him we recognize his efforts,” said John Parana, local musician and organizer. “Bill has gone out of his way to keep the locals employed and in the public eye year round.”
The Gray Hare Tavern, on Route 24, opened in 2006.
“When we first opened, we were the only place with live music on the highway,” said Sharp during a recent interview. “Now, that’s changed, and there’s more bands to choose from. We can fill this place up three nights a week with live music, no problem.”
Parana said many establishments have come and gone in the decade plus since the Gray Hare opened, but Sharp has always had a good listening ear and been able to select good music.
Plus, said Parana, Sharp has built a loyal following because he never turns his back on a friend or a patron, and he’s truly a compassionate man.
“This bar, because of this man, is really becoming a local icon,” said Parana.
The Gray Hare isn’t Sharp’s first foray into the bar and music scene. From the former Dorian’s at the Beach on Rehoboth Avenue (where Dogfish Head is now) to Porky’s Dance Club in Wilmington, he’s owned and operated band-friendly establishments across the state.
“I used to drink in all the bars,” he said, with a quick laugh. “I thought it would be a good idea to own one.”
Since the Gray Hare is a tavern it doesn’t have to serve food, so, said Sharp, he knew when he opened the alcohol wasn’t going to be able to support a business alone. The music was a way to get people in the seats, he said.
“There’s a lot of great local talent who need a place to play,” he said.
When asked about the large number of musicians showing up for the event, Sharp was short.
“It’s just amazing,” he said, then adding, “We’ll be running happy hour prices all day.”
The Gray Hare Tavern’s address is 18766 John J. Williams Highway. For more information call 302-645-9911 go to grayharetavern.com.
