Concert for a Cause: Musicians Gather to Aid those in Houston

Our fellow Wilmingtonians are putting on a show to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston! Join us in supporting this great cause! On Friday, September 8th from 8-11 PM, join us at The Queen for an incredible evening of great music performed by some of the best talent in the area!

Additional event information can be found here. Be sure to purchase your tickets quickly, they are bound to sell out! Looking for some amazing restaurants nearby to make an entire date out of the evening? Merchant Bar and La Fia are less than a block away! 

Rob Grant is excited for the community to join together to support those in need. "More than 25 musicians have rallied to come together on a very short time frame to pull this together. We have joined forces with Live Nation to make this a huge success. We hope that the music fans of the Brandywine Valley will come out to make this a great night!"

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

Wilmington, DE has Never Tasted so Good: Take a Tour of the City's Best Gems with Matt Sullivan of Good Taste Blog

When your neighboring city is Philadelphia, a place known nationally for their delicious eats, you have to step up your game and Wilmington does just that.

With some precious gems, award winning restaurants and mouth watering bakeries such as Market Street Bakery and Cafe, which serves up the cream puffs pictured above, the food critics around here are well-versed and blunt. Which is exactly why we love Matt Sullivan's local Good Taste Blog. 

Whether you are looking for the next best place for brunch, or Wilmington's newest hotspot or even some of the greatest brews and meads, Matt has you covered. With 34 posts on Downtown Wilmington you might just find yourself salivating at the pictures alone!  

As Matt proclaims, "From four-star dining to the best holes in the wall, we’ll cover it all. Come along on our gastronomical tour of Greater Wilmington, Delaware and I promise you’ll get a good taste of everything."

Photo Credit: Jim Graham

Inspired by all the local eats and ready to start up your own restaurant downtown? Downtown Vision's business resources can help get you started!

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab

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