Excellent Customer Service with a Side of Jazz Music: Meet "Billy" of the Nomad Bar

When customers walk into The Nomad Bar, they usually see William Cerasari, known as “Billy,” behind the polished wooden bar. With a nod and a slight smile, he greets you as he mixes cocktails and pours microbrews.  “I am enlightened every time I come to work,’’ said the Salesianum School graduate. “People seem so much more intelligent after a few alcoholic beverages.”

At age 21 he answered an ad in the News Journal for a bartending position on the Lady Christina cruise ship. That was 32 years ago and although the ship no longer exists, Billy is still pouring.  “It seemed like a good way to make extra cash,” said Billy, 53. Today, he is a familiar face to long-time residents, who have known him from his many years in the Wilmington bar scene.

“Billy came with the bricks,” said Linda Vandever, who co-owns The Nomad Bar along with her husband, Dave Vandever. The couple spent 18 months renovating the space before opening the bar in 2011. When everything was ready, Dave knew he wanted Billy serving the drinks. “A friend said he’s the guy you want,” said Dave.

Billy said he has always enjoyed the live music that came with bartending.  The Nomad Bar, where there is never a cover, features talented jazz musicians, along with performers who play blues, reggae, and funk. The music draws a diverse group of folks of all races and ages. For upcoming events, visit their Facebook page. 

The Nomad Bar

905 N. Orange St. Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 547-1912

Owners: Dave and Linda Vandever

By Adriana Camacho-Church ACCpen1@gmail.com

Downtown Visions Contributing Writer

The Ladies Took on the Heat and Made the 2017 Ladybug Festival a Smashing Success!

Photography Credit: Moonloop Photography

The Ladybug Music Festival, an annual celebration of women and music kicked off on July 20th and with 5,000 attendees on the first night alone, was a resounding success. Downtown Visions is proud to sponsor this free music festival annually since their very beginning 6 years ago!

The performers this year took girl power to a whole new level! Catriona Sturton drove down from Canada to perform, and even came in a day early to do three promotional performances. This picture is of Catriona singing her soul out, in 92 degree weather (with 70% humidity!)

With 75 acts and 15 venues and 300 artists submissions to be on stage, the best of the best were selected by Gable Music Ventures. From well-known headliners such as Larkin Poe and  Nadjah Nicole Pennington from The Voice; to Vocal Clave de Sol  from Havana, Cuba who performed inside the Baby Grand, there was a musical performance for everyone! 

This was also the first year the festival spanned over two days, bringing more action and performances than ever before! In addition to 25 acts on Friday, July 21st, there were also dance troupes, art and live on-site painting sessions!

Sarah Lamb, a resident that lives within walking distance of all the activity explained, "The bands were quality, it was great to see women rocking out, the crowd and performers were from all over the world and everyone was having a great time!  It was awesome seeing Market Street so alive!"

To stay on top of the action for next year's event, be sure to follow the Ladybug Concert Facebook Page!