By Mike Finney

DOVER — John Bunts, also known as singer/songwriter Johnny B., promises to bring some laughs and stir some emotion this week, as First Friday kicks off the capital city’s Fourth of July weekend on Loockerman Street.

Raised on an eclectic mix of country, classical, Motown, bluegrass and rock, Mr. Bunts took a couple years of piano lessons as a child and would eventually teach himself to play the guitar.

He continued to play various gigs at local bars and parties after high school, working a number of basic jobs to support himself.

“I’ve played guitar, keyboards and done lead vocals for a number of bands, but I always seem to find my way back to my singer/songwriter roots as a solo acoustic performer,” Mr. Bunts said.

Fans of the singer say that he combines the soulful introspection of a James Taylor, the storytelling of a Jim Croce and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, all filtered through an Appalachian sensibility in a fresh and totally distinctive way.

Mr. Bunts said his original songs “can make you laugh out loud or gently touch your emotions with rare honesty and power.”

This Friday, he will also play his unique, entertaining versions of cover songs and include a few celebrating Americana. For more about Johnny B., visit here.

To enjoy Johnny B.’s First Friday performance, people should bring chairs and their cornhole boards, as he will be playing alongside family-friendly activities including backyard games and sidewalk chalk.

Other performers scheduled to play at this week’s First Friday event include Rick Hudson, blues, old-time country and contemporary pieces (The House of Coffi); Kathy Doyle, Stu Welch and Jim McGiffin, blues (My Roots); Grady O’Connor, jazz (Taino Studios); Ty & SKyyZ band, R&B, neo-soul, pop and originals (Comb DE.) and Joey Fulkerson (Grey Fox Grille & Public House).

Other things to see and do during First Friday

Throughout Friday’s event, from 5-8 p.m., there will be Coney Island hot dogs and hamburgers available to purchase, as well as smoothies, food vendors, kids’ crafts, a scavenger hunt, red-white-and-blue giveaways, arts and, as always, participating shops open later in the evening.

Artist Jim Rehak will also be providing free caricatures on a first come, first served basis.
“People line up for their portraits by Jim, some in pairs,” Downtown Dover Partnership Executive Director Diane Laird said. “They can bring along a special memento or tell Jim of a favorite hobby, and he will incorporate right into the picture.

“He’s really amazing. Most of his line portraits take only about 10 minutes to complete.”
Kids and adults can also enjoy a scavenger hunt on First Friday, as the Dover Public Library has begun its animal-focused “Tails and Tales” Summer Reading Program. For more details, visit the library’s Facebook page or contact Rosie Mujica (rosie.mujica@lib.de.us).

Downtown shop windows will be decorated in the “Celebrating American Heroes” theme for this season’s merchant window display contest.

Delaware State Police mounted patrol troopers and horses also will be on-site to welcome visitors, and, barring any emergencies, the Dover Fire Department will have a firetruck on display at the corner of Loockerman and South Bradford streets.

Ms. Laird said people can also take time to say hello to the owners of the new Rebel Cove Bar & Grill at 33 W. Loockerman St. or find out more about the reemergence of the Dover Art League at 26 W. Loockerman St.

Visitors are welcome to stop by the Downtown Dover Partnership table at the intersection of South Bradford and Loockerman streets for Independence Day trinkets and specially priced T-shirts, to pick up a Capital Key for downtown promotions and to learn more about the activities taking place.

First Friday is on rain or shine, though some activities may be curtailed in the event of heavy downpours or lightning.