DO Delaware: Shamarr Allen and Cowboy Junkies concerts, African short film, ballet this weekend

Andre Lamar, Delaware News Journal
·4 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

African-inspired indie film

Musical artist Richard Raw, of Wilmington, stars in the new African-themed indie film ''Orisa Soul'' at Theatre N in Wilmington on Friday. The film is presented by Richard Raw LLC and directed by Jet Phynx Films.
Musical artist Richard Raw, of Wilmington, stars in the new African-themed indie film ''Orisa Soul'' at Theatre N in Wilmington on Friday. The film is presented by Richard Raw LLC and directed by Jet Phynx Films.

This weekend audiences will be transported to a spiritual place in the African-themed short film “Orisa Soul,” starring Wilmington musical artist Richard Raw.

The film "tells the story of a man’s encounters with the Orisa (forces of nature) as he travels through time and space to discover his destiny,'' according to a synopsis of the film. On this spiritual adventure, he also must “advance through rites of passages while embracing his ancestral past to fulfill the blessings of his future.”

The film is inspired by Raw’s upcoming album “Orisa Soul Music,” offering "a neo-traditional and diasporic perspective of Ifa, an African-based spiritual system.''

“Orisa Soul” is presented by Richard Raw Productions LLC and directed by Jet Phynx Films.

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite African clothing to the screening of “Orisa Soul” at Theatre N at Nemours (1007 N. Orange St., Wilmington) at 8 p.m. Friday. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and must be reserved by contacting Richardrawproductions@gmail.com. For more info, visit Richard Raw on Facebook or theatren.com.

Spicy New Orleans concert

NOLA trumpeter and vocalist Shamarr Allen dishes up musical gumbo with influences that include country, hip-hop, rock, R&B and jazz. To that point, the music artist has worked with big names like Lenny Kravitz, Patti LaBelle, Willie Nelson and Galactic.

The trumpeter is the band leader for Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs.

To see Shamarr’s gig in Arden, guests are required to show proof of vaccination and ID.

Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs will deliver a spicy show at Arden Gild Hall (2126 The Highway, Wilmington) at 8 p.m., Friday. Tickets are $15 members and $20 non-members. For more info, visit ardenconcerts.com.

Sweet feet: Ballet ‘Classics & More’

Ballet Theatre of Dover will provide an emotional escape with its spring production “Classics & More.”

The production offers dances from the classic French ballet, “Pacquita,” A contemporary contribution of dance follows as “Gods and Mortals” mixes in Greek mythology themes.

Native Poland violinist Izabela Parsons will be a special guest artist, playing tunes that include an original piece titled “Winds of Change,” along with Chopin’s “Prelude in A Minor” and Brahm’s energetic “Hungarian Dance.” Parsons also has performed at the Grammys.

“Classics & More” will grace the stage at the Ballet Theatre of Dover’s studio (Tudor Enterprise Park, 522 Otis Drive) at 7 p.m., Saturday; and at 2 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Reserved seats only. For Saturday tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e//319044018247. For Sunday tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/320924432617. For more info, visit dancebtd.com or (302) 734-9717.

Arden ropes Cowboy Junkies

Canada’s alt-country/blues/folk/rock band the Cowboy Junkies are going to satisfy music lovers' weekend concert fix.

The band’s second album, “The Trinity Session,” helped spread their fame, earning acclaim as one of the top albums in the late 1980s. The band was nominated for Group of the Year in Canada’s Juno Awards in 1990 and 1991.

To see the Cowboy Junkie’s show in Arden, guests are required to show proof of vaccination and ID.

Cowboy Junkies will bring the noise at the Arden Gild Hall (2126 The Highway, Wilmington) at 8 p.m., Saturday. Tickets are $59 members and $66 non-members. For more info, visit ardenconcerts.com.

Giving up ‘Blood for a Brew’

Revelation Craft Brewing Company will host the next "Blood for a Brew" charity event at their Hudson Fields beer garden in Milton on Friday.
Revelation Craft Brewing Company will host the next "Blood for a Brew" charity event at their Hudson Fields beer garden in Milton on Friday.

A charitable brewery initiative is giving new meaning to the phrase “blood-alcohol content.”

Back by popular demand, the Blood Bank of Delmarva and local breweries have teamed up for the second “Blood for a Brew” summer initiative to raise awareness of the need for blood donations in the summer months, but with a delicious twist.

This includes a return of breweries returning last year such as Revelation, Dogfish Head, Big Oyster Brewery, Tall Tales, Crooked Hammock and Two Stones Pub. New this year is Liquid Alchemy Beverages.

Donors will receive a coupon for discounts on the charity brew and receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The event will feature Tipsy Flamigo food truck, plus music from West of One Band.

“Blood for a Brew” launches at Revelation at the Hudson Fields beer garden (29763 Eagle Crest Road, Milton) from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 19. The blood drive will be held earlier from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donors can sign up to give at Donor Portal - Blood Bank of Delmarva (donate.bbd.org) or (888) 8-BLOOD-8. For more info, visit revbeer.com or call (302) 212-5674.

ICYMI

— Delaware Museum of Nature and Science to reopen, transformed and TikTok-friendly

— Firefly, Jimmie Allen's festival star in 13 can't-miss Delaware fests this spring, summer

— Rihanna's wildly popular Savage X Fenty has 5 stores worldwide. Now Delaware is getting one

— When Elon Musk, Cardi B, Johnny Cash and Ryan Reynolds visited Delaware

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Shamarr Allen, Richard Raw & Cowboy Junkies events on tap in Delaware