Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion is pleased to announce the commencement of a major improvement project to bring a permanent stage and an enhanced experience to the popular concert venue. Freeman Arts Pavilion leadership and staff gathered alongside representatives from construction management firm Gillis Gilkerson to celebrate the project with a ground-breaking ceremony, marking the beginning of the journey in this next phase of growth. The new stage will change the orientation of the outdoor venue and enhance the experience for both concertgoers and the wide variety of first-class performers who visit each summer.
“The ground-breaking for this phase of this project is a significant moment in our commitment to creating a world- class venue that not only elevates the concert-going experience but also supports the artists who bring it to life. We are grateful for our partnership with Gillis Gilkerson, our trusted builder and a group of world-class consultants. Together, we’re creating a space where magical moments and unforgettable performances will come to life.” said Patti Grimes, Executive Director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.
Construction of the permanent stage will be located on the south-side of the venue lawn, facing north. The 42-foot tall by 100-foot-long stage will create the infrastructure needed to support state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and will include the construction of climate-controlled back-of-house facilities to support the needs of artists. Concert-goers will enjoy a new terraced lawn with a more dramatic slope, ensuring maximum visibility for everyone in the crowd, while continuing to offer a combination of fixed seating, and more flexible General Admission sections.
The new stage and viewing orientation construction is a multi-year project and fundraising for the Capital Campaign is underway to complete it. The 2025 concert season will continue to operate as before, without impediment. Fans will be able to enjoy the Freeman Arts Pavilion this year, just as they have in the past, while the new stage takes shape to the south. For more information about the Freeman Arts Pavilion, visit freemanarts.org.
About Freeman Arts Pavilion
Freeman Arts Pavilion is a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, with a purpose of creating opportunities that elevate the human spirit. This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com. Grant support is also provided by the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, the Sussex County Council, and the state of Delaware.
Freeman Arts Pavilion Media Contact: Alyson Cunningham, Marketing Manager alyson@freemanfoundation.org 31806 Lakeview Drive, Selbyville, DE 19975 | 302.436.3006 | www.freemanarts.org
About Gillis Gilkerson
Celebrating over 40 years in business, award-winning Gillis Gilkerson has established a reputation as one of the most trusted and stable construction management, general contracting, and real estate development firms on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Gillis Gilkerson Media Contact: Jamie Heater, Director of Marketing jheater@ggibuilds.com 150 W. Market St. STE 200, Salisbury, MD 21801 | 410.430.2861| GGIBuilds.com
* Photos courtesy of Tony Weeg Photography
“FreemanArtsPav_Groundbreak1_2025_TonyWeegPhotography” – from left to right: Dale Reinhold, Gillis Gilkerson Superintendent; Tyler Barnes, Gillis Gilkerson President; Robin Steininger, Gillis Gilkerson Project Manager; Dwight Miller, Gillis Gilkerson Project Executive; Michelle Freeman, Chair & President of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Board of Directors; Mike Wigley, Board of Directors member; John Tiberi, Board of Directors member; Darren Silvis, Development Director; Melissa Rizer, Development Assistant; Katie Redmond, Deputy Director and General Manager; and John Kogler, Facilities Director.
“FreemanArtsPav_Groundbreak2_2025_TonyWeegPhotography” – not in order: all names above with full Freeman Arts Pavillion staff included.
