The
bandstand was first made a concept by the late Mr.
William Hayes in 1963. He was a wonderful man who could
"play all instruments", said his late wife, Mrs. Ruth
Hayes.
His love of music and the community prompted him to take
action and convince the City of Rehoboth Beach that a
musical venue was needed in the town. His wish was
granted and he was allowed the opportunity to bring in
local bands to the grass portion of what is now the
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Since there was no structure
as of yet, this performing area was deemed performing
'on the green'.
In later years, the City of Rehoboth Beach allocated Mr.
William Hayes the opportunity to design a beautiful new
bandstand. As described by Mrs. Hayes, "Bill designed a
beautiful bandstand, however the City of Rehoboth Beach
could not afford it." Instead, the City of Rehoboth
Beach was able to provide the performers the bandstand
structure that stood for over 40 years.
Mr. Hayes continued scheduling and operating the
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand until his passing in 1994.
Following
his passing, his duties were passed to his late wife,
Mrs. Ruth Hayes. Continuing the legacy that her husband
started, she continued to schedule and run the Rehoboth
Beach Bandstand. Her love of the performers kept her
spirits up and allowed her to keep her husband's memory
close to her at all times.
Mrs. Ruth Hayes was a legacy who kept the audience
coming back year after year to see her as well as the
performers. She was well known for her love of music,
love of performers, and love of animals. Until her
passing, she continued to attend every event and
introduce each and every performer with her well known
introduction.
We thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, for all you have done,
and all your spirit will continue to do for the City of
Rehoboth Beach, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, and
performers nationwide.
Following the passing
of Mrs. Hayes, the duties of the bandstand were
passed on to Mr. Corey Groll. Corey stepped into
the role of bandstand program director at a pivotal
time with the reconstruction of the bandstand venue. Corey Groll had worked
with Ruth Hayes since 1991, when an internship as sound
engineer eventually led to a job spending summers
running the sound system. The first summer after
Hayes died, Corey ran the bandstand using the schedule
she left behind. Since then, Corey has continued
to work hard maintaining the structure of the bandstand
and providing entertainment in many musical genres for
people of all ages.
It is with great honor
that the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand has brought so many
performers the chance to showcase their talents as well
as provide the visitors of Rehoboth Beach with something
FREE to look forward to summer after summer. It is
no small feat to be able to keep this tradition alive
and Corey Groll is thankful to all of the regular
patrons to the venue who continue to lend their support
to the programs. |
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Mr. William Hayes
1919-1994 |
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Mrs. Ruth Hayes
1923-2005 |
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Corey Groll
Program Director |
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