Rain could not dampen the spirits of the fans as Jimmie Allen performed at the inaugural Bettie James Fest at Hudson Fields. DAN COOK PHOTOS The crowd reacts to Jimmie Allen as he performs “Make Me Want To.” Jimmie Allen performs in the downpour. Jimmie Allen performs with his band for the 6,000 fans in attendance at Bettie James Fest. Jimmie Allen performs his hit “21”. Jimmie Allen sings through the downpour. Jimmie Allen’s bass player Tate Howell holds down the rhythm in the rain. Country music star and Smyrna native Chuck Wicks opened for Jimmie Allen. Chuck Wicks sings his hit “Old with You.” DJ Jazzy Jeff got folks jumping at the Bettie James Fest. A rapper with DJ Jazzy Jeff sings “Jump.” Jimmie Allen’s hat is silhouetted in the rain. Jimmie Allen’s cousin Walt Hall, right, joins him for a song. Philly rapper Freeway is joined by Jimmie Allen during the Jazzy Jeff set. Highway One’s Alex Pires offers a toast as he introduces Jimmie Allen. Highway One’s Alex Pires introduces Jimmie Allen. Jerramy Barnett from Hero the Band holds the beat with his bass. J.J. Rupp performs his hit “The Way You Lie.” The J.J. Rupp Band performs “The Way You Lie.” Justin Barnett of Hero the Band performs “Back to Myself.” Cape grad and country music star Jimmie Allen held a book signing for his children’s book “My Voice is a Trumpet” Aug. 5 at Stango Park in Lewes. Nearly 200 fans gathered to see the Academy of Country Music’s New Male Artist of the Year. Former Cape teacher Steve Denver and his wife Judy get a book for their son Nate, who played basketball with Allen at Cape. Jimmie Allen holds a Q&A session with Froggy 99 during the event. Local fan Kelly Kruger takes a selfie with Jimmie Allen during the event. Kids and staff from the Children’s Beach House take a picture with Jimmie Allen.