Delmarvalous Dolls to bring Andrews Sisters’ music to life in Ocean View

By Lilly Blomquist

The Delmarvalous Dolls will be performing at the John West Park in Ocean View on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m.Offering free entertainment for the Ocean View community, introducing a glimpse into the World War II era and eliminating the musical barrier among different generations, the Town of Ocean View this week will present the Delmarvalous Dolls, an Andrews Sisters tribute band, as its fifth concert of the summer.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, the band of seven musicians will perform a variety of music from the 1940s, such as swing and jazz, in front of an audience of about 300 people.

While Pam Miller, Rhonda Apple and Ev Cook sing, David Zipse will play the bass and keyboard, Dean Haemal will play the drums, Jim Miller will play the trumpet and Cody Leabal will play the saxophone.

Town Clerk Donna Schwartz said the songs from the Delmarvalous Dolls’ performance will educate younger folks about the music of that time period while creating a nostalgic experience for individuals from that generation.

“It’s a lot of whatever was around in the World War II era,” Schwartz said. “There’s a lot of patriotic songs. They did a lot of songs that boosted the war efforts.”

Speaking on behalf of the Delmarvalous Dolls, Pam Miller said she loves exposing younger generations to music from the 1940s to create a shared musical experience and form a sense of community among listeners.

“The younger generation is intrigued about the dancing and the harmony from the Andrews Sisters,” Pam Miller said. “It’s nice to introduce that era of music to another generation.”

While presenting seven original songs from Glenn Miller and 15 songs from the Andrews Sisters, Musical Director Zipse will also offer a narration to inform audience members about the World War II time period and its famous vocalists. At the end of the performance, the band will finish with a salute to the armed forces.

As the Delmarvalous Dolls perform in the gazebo in John West Park on West Avenue in Ocean View, people of all ages are being invited to set up their chairs and blankets along the grass to enjoy the performance.

Accompanying the live concert, Boy Scouts will be selling hotdogs while Rita’s Italian Ice will be available to purchase. Schwartz said the concert attendees may also bring their own dinner or snacks, continuing the summer concert series’ mission of providing free fun.

Before the Town of Ocean View planned this upcoming concert, Pam Miller had performed at the park earlier this year with her other band, Delmarva Big Band. Since Miller enjoyed the experience, she contacted the Town of Ocean View to secure a spot on the calendar for the Delmarvalous Dolls, too.

After discussing with Pam Miller, the Town of Ocean View employees agreed that the band would provide a unique performance for concert attendees.

“They were something new and different,” Schwartz said. “We have a lot of retired people in Ocean View, and we thought it would be something entertaining for them.”

Pam Miller said she found herself wanting to return to the park because the Town of Ocean View and the audience members support fellow locals in their musical endeavors.

“It’s a lovely park, and as an arts presenter, it’s so important for people to come and support the arts,” Schwartz said. “I really appreciate they are stepping up to the plate and listening to the full band.”

Three years ago, the Delmarvalous Dolls formed a band to put together an Andrews Sisters show in Chincoteague, Va. After a successful show, the band members decided to continue playing.

“I really feel like it was sent from above,” Pam Miller said about the Delmarvalous Dolls. “Our voices just blend together so nicely.”

The band plays several times each month throughout the Eastern Shore, sharing its passion for popular music from the World War II era.

The Delmarvalous Dolls’ performance in Ocean View is part of the Town of Ocean View’s mission to appeal to locals and visitors and try to make their experience as enjoyable as possible.

“Everybody is at the same place and at the same time, enjoying the same thing,” Schwartz said. “It’s one of those community events where everybody feels good.”