History, Music Converge at Friend of Folk Concerts
Live music will fill the air at Dover’s Old State House on October 9, 7:30-8:30 p.m. when Delaware Friends of Folk kicks off the 13th season of their annual concert series hosted by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Free to the public, these shows feature local and regional artists representing a range of folk, acoustic and percussive styles with a variety of musical instruments. While the Old State House, Dover’s first permanent capital building, is best known for its tours, educational programs and historic, commemorative events, this special concert series offers attendees an intimate evening of song and music for the ages. Join the Friends of Folk Concerts this month and beyond.
The nonprofit organization received a grant from the Kent County Fund for the Arts to support this six-show season that begins in October.
October 9 – Kate Mills
With a laid back, vintage Laurel Canyon musical vibe and disarmingly honest lyrics, singer/songwriter Kate Mills is putting her real-life story to song. “I used to be scared to say that music was what I was meant to do,” she confesses. The New York City-based artist spent years living in the shadows of her dreams, attending the University of Pennsylvania and working a safe job as a social worker, all the while writing songs. Kate released her debut full length album, “Each Bittersweet Drop,” in March 2020. Her storytelling lyrics and emotional perspective are uniquely informed by her time in the social work field. “Many of the things I loved about social work are also why I love music,” she says. “Both create connection. With music, I feel like I can contribute more genuinely to that conversation.” As a performer, Kate has gigged around the country at venerated venues, house concerts, colleges, and festivals. Select highlights include Hotel Cafe in LA, Cutting Room in NYC, Montauk Music Festival, Ladybug Festival, NJ Folk Festival, and Musikfest.
November 13 –Boxturtle Bob
“Boxturtle Bob is a one-man band. He adeptly strums and picks his acoustic guitar while keeping the metronome-precise beat with his drum set and periodically playing zippy flourishes on his harmonica. His original songs make up a large portion of his set lists when performing at restaurants and bars in and around Cecil County, MD. His list of past and present bands includes the Crazy Planet Band, Nightstreet, Blues Blues, and Delmarva Folk Festival favorites, Planete Folle, which he described as a “cajun-zydeco version of the original Crazy Planet Band.“ In October 2025, Bob and the other members of the Crazy Planet Band were inducted into the Delaware Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
December 11 –Stone Jack Ballers
“Stone Jack Ballers (SJB) are a regional staple in the jam-band scene. The band is a three-(or more) piece that features the talents of local musicians Brian McDaniel on guitar and vocals, Geoff Frazier on percussion and backing vocals, and a rotating roster of extremely talented musicians that keep songs fresh and on your toes with new and surprising improvs mixed into their well-known repertoire. They love to turn classic rock songs into something new, yet true and recognizable. Their original music has the feel of something old with a touch of something new. One fan said, “It’s music from the heart that hits you right between the eyes.” Hailing from central Delaware, SJB are heavily influenced by Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, The Band, and other similar acts. They have grown to be a local favorite on the jam band circuit over the past 12 years, having performed shows on a weekly basis in venues of all shapes and sizes, SJB bring a blend of unique instrumentation, musical knowledge, and musical experiences together to achieve a harmonious, unique and pleasurable sound.”
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