Milton’s Jimmie Allen to perform in Dewey Beach Aug. 16, 18

Jimmie Allen wanted to be a singer since he was a little kid growing up in Milton. “As long as I can remember, I knew that I wanted to perform,” Allen said.

The Cape Henlopen graduate is working on an album and recently signed with Broken Bow Records and United Talent Agency.

Based in Nashville, Allen has been a Top 40 contestant on American Idol, toured Japan to perform for the armed forces, and had an original song featured in a Super Bowl commercial. In addition, he has been the opening act on Toby Keith's Interstates and Tailgates Tour, including some recent dates in New York City and Bethlehem, Pa.

Allen recently returned to Milton to film a biographical “Behind the Music” docuseries. “It was fun to go back to my childhood home, the elementary school I attended, and hang out with family and friends,” said Allen. “It was surreal to see the big coach bus I was traveling on parked in front of H.O. Brittingham Elementary School in Milton.”

Throughout the years, Allen has kept in touch with his kindergarten and first-grade teachers, Ms. Alexander and Ms. Sharp, and he saw them during his recent trip to Milton. “They were two of the most influential and impactful teachers I ever had,” said Allen. “Ms. Alexander provided the perfect level of support that I needed as a kid and taught me that I could succeed. Ms. Sharp taught me how to focus on what I needed to do to get things done. I remember humming and singing in their classes and writing song lyrics and stories, even at that young age.” Allen said his mother was also an early fan who supported his love of music.

“I'm excited about my upcoming shows at the Bottle and Cork,” said Allen. “It's always fun to come home and do a show on my home turf.” He will perform Wednesday, Aug. 16 and Friday, Aug. 18. Doors open both nights at 9 p.m.