Jimmie Allen plays the Bottle & Cork

Dorothy was right when she told Auntie Em, “There's no place like home.”

Local fans of Cape grad and country music artist Jimmie Allen proved that quote to be true when they sold out two There’s No Place Like Home concerts at the Bottle & Cork Sept. 28-29. The nearly 2,400 tickets to the events sold out in less than a day.

“Jimmie was so moved by the sell-out crowds of mostly locals that he cried,” said Highway One Companies owner Alex Pires. “Jimmie will be back in December for his annual Christmas fundraiser for the Sussex County schools. We are also proud to announce that Bettie James Fest will return to Hudson Fields Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.”

Allen, playing with an all-new band, played some new releases as well as his longtime favorites “Best Shot,” “Warrior,” “Down Home,” “Make Me Want To,” “21,” “Freedom Was a Highway” and “Slower Lower.”

Allen got emotional during his Thursday night show as he spoke about his family and the return of the Bettie James Fest for 2024 to honor his late father and grandmother.

“It’s always a great time playing at home,” said the country star. “Playing the songs I wrote about this magical place we are proud to call home in front of the souls who make this place home is always breathtaking. Every person in the crowd played a part in inspiring me to write these songs.”

He said he’s looking forward to his Christmas benefit concerts Dec. 15-16. Proceeds this year will go to Sussex Consortium.

“I want to thank Alex Pires and Vikki Walls for their friendship and commitment to helping me always find a way to give back to Sussex County,” Allen said. 

Allen sang “Slower Lower” for his final song of the Friday night concert. The band continued playing as he signed hats, shirts, coats, shoes and album covers.