Shine A Light Benefit Concert Returns to Wilmington’s Queen Theater with 1986 Theme

WILMINGTON, Del. — The Light Up the Queen Foundation will host its annual Shine A Light gala at The Queen in Wilmington on March 7, bringing together dozens of regional musicians for a high-energy concert celebrating the music of 1986. The event, a signature fundraiser for the organization, supports music education and arts access for underserved youth in Delaware.

A Decade of Philanthropy and Performance

Held annually since 2012, Shine A Light has become a sold-out tradition, blending live performance with philanthropy and attracting music fans from across Delaware and the surrounding region. Shine A Light features 60 to 70 musicians performing hits from a featured year.

“Shine A Light on 1986” – A Trip Back in Time

This year’s theme, “Shine A Light on 1986,” promises a night of iconic songs from a commercially successful year for music. Attendees can expect to hear favorites spanning arena rock, synth-pop, R&B, and new wave, including music by:

• Bon Jovi (“Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Deliver Love a Bad Name”)
• Peter Gabriel (“Sledgehammer”) and Genesis (“Invisible Touch”)
• The Bangles (“Walk Like an Egyptian”) and Boston (“Amanda”)
• Madonna (“Papa Don’t Preach”), Whitney Houston (“How Will I Know”), and Janet Jackson (“Nasty”)
• Prince (“Kiss”), Anita Baker (“Sweet Love”), and Luther Vandross (“Give Me the Reason”)
• Pet Shop Boys (“West End Girls”) and Eurythmics (“Missionary Man”)
• Berlin (“Take My Breath Away”) and Kenny Loggins (“Danger Zone”)

The diverse range of styles allows the rotating ensemble of performers to showcase their talents through powerful vocals, full-band arrangements, and collaborative stage moments. Eventbrite details the event as a chance to “rock 1986” and support youth music education.

From Saving a Theater to Supporting Young Artists

The Shine A Light gala is organized by the Light Up the Queen Foundation, which originated from the effort to restore The Queen theater. With the theater now renovated, the foundation focuses on community impact, directing funds to youth music instruction, after-school arts programs, performance opportunities, and instrument access. In 2025, the gala raised over $75,000 in grant money, supporting organizations such as Kingswood Community Center, Christina Cultural Arts Center, and The Choir School of Delaware. The Light Up the Queen Foundation distributed funds to seven local organizations.

Event Details and VIP Experience

Doors open at 6 p.m. For VIP guests and 7 p.m. For general admission, with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. At The Queen, located at 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE. A VIP experience includes early entry, champagne, heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, and balcony or pit viewing. Hotel blocks are available at the Hotel DuPont (awalter@hoteldupont.com, 302.425.9696) and the Doubletree Downtown Legal District, with reservations needing to be made by February 7, 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

If You Head

• What: Shine A Light on 1986 gala concert
• When: Saturday, March 7. VIP doors 6 p.m., general admission 7 p.m., show 8 p.m.
• Where: The Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE
• Purpose: Fundraising for youth music education and arts programs across Delaware

Organizers anticipate another sellout crowd, continuing a tradition of turning classic songs into opportunities for young musicians statewide.