Located in Lewes, The Listening Booth has carved out a spot in the local arts and events scene for the First Town in the First State.
It is a place where you might catch a live show one night, sign up for a music lesson the next, or join neighbors for a community jam night with tunes for everyone to enjoy.
Run by the nonprofit We’re Listening, the venue has also become a go-to stop for those keeping an eye on what’s happening in Southern Delaware’s cultural landscape.
A Cultural Haven in Lewes
Nestled in at 18388 Coastal Highway in Lewes, The Listening Booth is more than just a venue. It is a mission-driven cultural hub committed to addressing the modern loneliness epidemic.
In a time when digital connections often lack depth, The Listening Booth offers face-to-face shared experiences through original music, songwriting, and storytelling.
Founded by the now local singer-songwriter, Marissa Levy Lerer, who traded the fast pace of Brooklyn for the charm of Southern Delaware, the space has quickly earned a reputation as a sanctuary for creativity and a must-visit spot for visitors enjoying our area for a live local musician show.
Marissa’s vision is rooted in her own journey, having performed alongside artists like Matt Nathanson and Lisa Loeb before dedicating herself to cultivating an authentic original music scene around the Delaware beaches.
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A Calendar Full of Connection
From intimate concerts to interactive gatherings, The Listening Booth hosts a lineup of events designed to bring people together.
The calendar blends emerging talent with established performers, giving audiences a unique mix of styles and stories.
They host weekly events like Sunday Night Jams, Acoustic Open Mic Nights and Group Classes that bring local musicians and audiences together in a casual, welcoming setting.
Upcoming highlights include:
- Friday, August 15th — Eric Hutchinson: Solo Acoustic Residency
- Friday, August 29th — Goldpine with Cathy Jane
- Saturday, September 6th — In the Round with Sol Knopf, Tre Myers, & Timberjack
- Saturday, September 20th — Sonia Disappear Fear
- Sunday, September 21st — Willy Porter with The Fritz Gambit
Learning and Growing Through Music
The Listening Booth offers a robust music education program open to all skill levels.
Private lessons are available in guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, drums, clarinet, flute, saxophone, voice, and recording.
Whether a child is picking up their first ukulele or an experienced musician is refining their technique, instruction is tailored to the individual.
Lessons are offered in both private and group settings at $35 for 30 minutes or $70 for an hour.
Additional educational opportunities include songwriting workshops, jam sessions, adult rock band camps, sing-alongs, and open mic nights.
A Venue for Life’s Moments
Beyond music, The Listening Booth has a versatile event space available for rentals, accommodating up to 100 guests in either row seating or café table arrangements.
It is suitable for team building sessions, board meetings, social gatherings, bachelorette parties, and musical-themed birthdays for children.
Amenities include a skilled sound technician, a professional-grade sound system with microphones and monitors, and optional services such as bartending, catering, photography, videography, and additional entertainment booking.
The venue is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. when not hosting its own events or private bookings.
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A Year of Activity
In just twelve months, The Listening Booth has:
- Sold more than 3,500 tickets to live performances
- Hosted 51 open mics and 75 concerts, including 14 sold out shows
- Welcomed over 150 ukuleles in the Rockin’ Ukes program
- Gathered for 28 Song Circles and 33 Sunday Socials
- Taught 423 hours of private music lessons
Visitors have also enjoyed 537 flatbreads, 180 charcuterie boards, and 890 cookies during events, according to their website.
Supporting the Mission
The Listening Booth is run entirely by the nonprofit organization “We’re Listening,” which relies on community support to keep its programs thriving.
This year, they’ve set an ambitious fundraising goal of $100,000, with donations going directly toward organizing live events, providing educational workshops, and expanding outreach efforts throughout Coastal Delaware.
In addition, gift cards for live event tickets are available, making it easy to support the arts or share the experience with someone special!
Have you attended a performance or taken part in a workshop at The Listening Booth? Share your impressions in the comments and let us know what you think about the arts and culture scene in Coastal Delaware.