Jesse Malin, Craig Finn and Tommy Stinson will perform Aug. 29 at The Queen during a benefit for Donate Delaware honoring state Rep. Debra Heffernan.

WILMINGTON — Three prominent rock musicians will take the stage at The Queen on Saturday, Aug. 29, for an evening designed to turn the energy of live music into support for Delaware families.

The Queen Jeans Ball will feature Jesse Malin, Craig Finn and Tommy Stinson while raising money for Donate Delaware, a nonprofit that helps recover, restore and distribute medical equipment and other essential resources.

The annual event also will honor state Rep. Debra Heffernan for her public service and contributions to Delaware.

Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50.

Rock music with a Delaware mission

Organizers describe the Queen Jeans Ball as a high-energy rock ’n’ roll benefit bringing together Delaware’s business, civic, nonprofit and music communities.

Proceeds will support Donate Delaware’s work helping individuals and families obtain medical equipment and other resources they may otherwise struggle to afford or access.

“The Queen Jeans Ball represents the very best of Delaware — people coming together through great music to help neighbors who need us,” Donate Delaware founder Dave Tiberi said. “Every ticket and sponsorship will help Donate Delaware recover, restore and deliver critical medical equipment to families across our state.”

Tiberi thanked event co-chairs Brian and Megan McGlinchey, The Queen, the participating musicians and event sponsors. He also said he was proud to recognize Heffernan for what he called her “extraordinary lifetime of public service.”

Tiberi, a former professional boxer and longtime civic leader, founded Donate Delaware to connect usable resources with people who need them. Its work includes collecting and distributing medical equipment and assisting Delawareans facing other critical needs.

“Brian and I are honored to serve as co-chairs of this year’s Queen Jeans Ball, which supports the crucial work of Donate Delaware and our friend, Dave Tiberi,” Megan McGlinchey said. “We can’t wait to share an amazing night of music at The Queen with the Wilmington community.”

A notable rock lineup

Malin will headline the concert, bringing a musical career shaped by New York’s punk and rock scenes.

Known for personal songwriting and energetic performances, Malin began his career as the frontman of the punk band Heart Attack before leading the rock group D Generation. He later established a solo career built around songs that blend punk urgency with character-driven storytelling.

Finn is best known as the frontman and principal songwriter for The Hold Steady. His lyrics frequently follow complicated characters through nightlife, relationships, mistakes and attempts at redemption. He also has released an extensive collection of solo work.

Stinson brings decades of rock history to the lineup. He joined The Replacements as a teenager and played bass in the influential Minneapolis band. He later performed with Guns N’ Roses and led his own bands and projects, including Bash & Pop.

Together, the performers give the benefit a lineup rooted in punk, alternative rock and narrative songwriting.

Heffernan to be honored

The evening also will recognize Heffernan for her years of public service.

Heffernan represents the Bellefonte, Brandywine Hundred and Edgemoor areas in the Delaware House. During her legislative career, she has worked on issues including health, environmental protection, children and families.

Organizers said the tribute fits the broader purpose of the Queen Jeans Ball: celebrating people who serve Delaware while encouraging others to help neighbors facing difficult circumstances.

A night out with an impact

The concert offers attendees an opportunity to see three established rock artists in one show while supporting a Delaware-based charitable organization.

It also reflects the role The Queen plays in Wilmington as both a performance venue and a gathering place for community events. Located on Market Street, the historic venue hosts national touring artists, local performers and nonprofit benefits throughout the year.

In this case, the night’s impact is intended to continue after the final song, helping Donate Delaware place essential equipment and resources in the hands of people who need them.

To Go Box

• What: Queen Jeans Ball featuring Jesse Malin, Craig Finn and Tommy Stinson
• When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m.; concert begins at 8 p.m.
• Where: The Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington
• Admission: Tickets start at $50
• Benefiting: Donate Delaware
• Honoring: State Rep. Debra Heffernan
• Tickets: Ticketmaster
• Sponsorships and host committee information: Contact Brian McGlinchey at [email protected]
• Learn more: Donate Delaware or The Queen

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