Danielle Ponder, Dumpstaphunk close out Rocking the Docks series
Rocking the Docks, a 10-concert music series, is down to the final two performances of the season.
Danielle Ponder will take the stage Wednesday, Aug. 16, and the headliner for Wednesday, Aug. 23, is Dumpstaphunk.
Ponder left a job with the public defender’s office in Rochester, N.Y., to pursue a music career, and critics agree that following her decision has paid off.
The singer was a standout performer at the 2021 Newport Jazz Festival, and in 2022, she appeared on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and “CBS This Morning.” She also toured with Marcus Mumford, Amos Lee, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and Leon Bridges.
Ponder’s album, “Some of Us Are Brave,” showcases her incredible voice in a mix of pop, R&B, blues, rock, and trip-hop.
Phillip Michael-Scales is the supporting act. The songwriter grew up around B.B. King, and he’s incorporated blues into his work to honor the famous guitarist. The young musician has performed on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” and toured throughout America, Europe and the Middle East.
Dumpstaphunk is the perfect act for the Aug. 23 series finale. Hailing from New Orleans, the birthplace of funk, the band is known for a deep, gritty groove that blends funk, rock and jazz arrangements.
Band members include Tony Hall, Nick Daniels, Alex Wasily, Ashlin Parker, drummer Deven Trusclair, and cousins Ivan and Ian Neville.
Career highlights include opening for Dave Matthews Band at Madison Square and the Rolling Stones in the New Orleans Superdome. Dumpstaphunk has also toured with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic.
Dumpstaphunk has performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival every year since 2001, which makes their appearance in Lewes a must-see for beach residents and visitors.
Singer/songwriter Cris Jacobs, dubbed the King of Baltimore Rock ‘n’ Roll, will open the show. The talented guitarist has played in bluegrass bands, fronted his own band, The Bridge, and is known in Charm City for his “A Very Jerry Christmas,” an annual tribute to Jerry Garcia.
Tickets for both shows are $26 for general admission and $65 for VIP access, which includes seating in a shady tent with premium views. Visit rockingthedockslewes.com to purchase.
All attendees can purchase food from Grain on the Rocks, and there will be beverage stations. No outside food or beverages are permitted, and parking is free.
Sponsors include Grain on the Rocks, Hyatt House Lewes, Stateside Vodka, Founders Brewing Co., Yuengling and Dewey Beach Picnic Co.
