Singer & Songwriter series off to a promising start

The Singer & Songwriter series organized by Ronald Collins and Paul Sparrow was off to a splendid start with its July 6 kickoff event at Lewes Elementary School.

Some 200 people gathered in the auditorium to hear Collins interview noted Nashville singer and songwriter Bobby Tomberlin. He discussed his career and then broke into song, sometimes accompanied by Tess Frizzell, another Nashville star.

Introducing the event, Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco said such programs make the town more culturally exciting, and thanked businesses and individuals for their support of free programs for the community.

Tomberlin said, “Coming to Lewes felt like coming home, even though I’d never been to this town before. It was a pleasure playing for such a kind and appreciative audience on Sunday. Tess and I stayed an extra day and loved meeting so many locals while exploring the town’s great shops and restaurants.”

Frizzell said, “I had a great time. I loved sharing stories and songs with folks in Lewes. We’re so grateful to the wonderful crowd who spent part of their Sunday with us. I truly felt like I made a lot of new friends. It was a joy to explore the town’s shops, restaurants and coffee spots, and I’m already looking forward to returning.”

“We were excited by how very well things came off and how much the audience appreciated learning about Tomberlin and Frizzell’s careers, and then hearing the two of them perform with such magic,” said Collins.

The next event in the series, The Genius of Rodgers and Hammerstein, will feature Tina Marie Casamento, a Broadway singer and producer, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, at the Lewes library outdoor pavilion. She will speak about the team that transformed Broadway with musicals like “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!” and “South Pacific.” Accompanied by pianist David Libby, Casamento will sing excerpts of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs.