By Greg Ellison

(May 13, 2021) After kicking off the season last month, Berlin’s 2nd Friday returns tomorrow at 5 p.m., with downtown overflowing with artists, musical performers and children’s activities.

Berlin Economic & Community Development Director Ivy Wells said this year’s inaugural run in April was a resounding success.

“I was pleasantly surprised and it went better than I had even expected,” she said. “Coming out of covid, we weren’t really sure what to expect, but were happy to see everybody out and about having a good time.”

Formerly tagged the “2nd Friday Art Stroll,” the event has evolved into its current state as Berlin’s 2nd Friday, with an expanded focus on live music, juried artists and children’s activities.

“The artists that were there last month are coming back again,” she said.

Also in the mix this month are artists Mitzi Ash and Dee Brua at the Worcester County Arts Council from 5-8 p.m.

In March, the Berlin Arts and Entertainment District Commission surveyed residents regarding Second Friday, with a majority of respondents championing expanding music offerings and activities for youth.

The revamped event now features musical acts performing both outdoors and indoors.

“We always do music outside,” she said. “Last month we had four outdoor live music stages.”

Wells said Stevenson’s Crossroads would be returning this month and playing at the corner of Commerce and Main streets.

Matthew Van Gasbeck, who operates Cozy Recordings in the Atlantic Business Center on Old Ocean City Blvd, will be on hand at the Berlin Welcome Center.

After numerous years performing with acts such as Downtown Singapore, My American Heart and the Maine, Van Gasbeck served as a guitar tech with national touring acts such as the 1975, the Backstreet Boys, Third Eye Blind and Thirty Seconds To Mars.

LISA CAPITELLI/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Luke Zolenski of Berlin, works on one of his pieces during Berlin’s 2nd Friday event last month. The May event is scheduled for tomorrow.

“He was a guitar tech with a bunch of national acts,” she said. “He decided to come back to Berlin and open his own recording studio here.”

Wells said due to unforeseen circumstances the Seaside Dance Academy has cancelled for this month.

“We had Seaside Dance Academy performing but they decided to practice a little bit more and they’re going to join us again in June,” she said.

Despite the absence of the largely youth dance troupe, entertainment options still exist for children.

“We’ve got a free kids art project that kids can take home with them,” she said.

The open-air event begins at 5 p.m. with a number of local shops remaining open late for perusing.

“When it starts getting dark, that’s when the live music starts indoors,” she said.

Both the Globe Gastro Theater and Sisters Wine Bar will host musical performers.

“Indoor music starts later so it’s kind of a gradual Second Friday,” she said. “It’s a really fun atmosphere,” she said.

Because of covid-19 concerns, attendees are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear a mask when in congested spaces.

Road closures include Jefferson Street from 4-9 p.m. and Commerce Street from 6-9 p.m.

For more information and to preview the music lineup, visit 2nd Fridays in Berlin event page on Facebook.

Artists interested in participating in upcoming 2nd Fridays in Berlin should email a description and photos of their work to iwells@berlinmd.gov.