Hi everyone! What can I say ... this is another spectacular photo edition of the Coconut Times. All those snaps you thought you’d never see from St. Patrick’s Day, for example - they’re here. And from the OC Parrotheads’ Mardi Gras at the Carousel ... lots of fun and loads of pictures. The entertainment (and food) that night were totally cream of the crop with Mary Lou & The Untouchables on the big stage, No Byscuyts in the jazz lounge, the Trinidad Steel Band in the silent auction room, and the unbelievable sounds of the Rockin’ Jake Band on the main floor. What a night and more than $50,000 raised by the King & Queen nominees with a grand total to be announced later.
    Last month we were treated to an evening of solid rock from the new incarnation of Agent 99 (pic and names above) at the Steer Inn. The gals were hot, of course, and it was just too cool to see Tommy Cooper on the drums again; it’s been too long since Grass Daddy. This past week Steer Inn presented Gary Brown’s band, Bushmaster, for more of the same great entertainment the Steer Inn has become known for.
    “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12 growing up in Palmer Park (Pa.) with buddy Sugar Ray Leonard as a neighbor,” he told me. “Well, he sure made a name for himself, didn’t he, but my head was always into the music.”  Brown says his major influences in guitar style were Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn, but as he demonstrated with his playing, Brown’s style and sound is from the soul and so is uniquely his own. He has, in fact, recorded three CDs, one recorded live and aptly titled Live & Blue and the other that he is most proud of is Drownin’ On Dry Land. Personable and talented, be sure to tune in and turn up next time he appears at the Steer Inn. This weekend don’t miss the awesome reggae sounds of Zion Reggae Band and the rockin’ great makes-ya-wanna-dance music from Tommy Edward & Melissa Rose.
    There are lots of great breakfast/brunches around town - Sunset Grille, Marlin Moon Grille, Fager’s Island, to name a few - but there’s none better than at Horizons/Ocean Club in the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel. And Easter is even better with an appearance of the Easter Bunny himself to delight the youngsters, and young at heart. As always the music in the club is superb with Power Play on tap this weekend. The husband/wife team of Kay & Jay Moore are incredibly talented. Jay is the arrange,r fantastic guitarist, and he can sing like Barry White. Kay has a voice that is so absolutely appealing - velvety but rockin’ at the same time. You’ll be amazed at the versatility and sheer musical genius of this group. DJ Batman tells us that he is hosting a Thursday Ladies Night party there for a few weeks until the nightly entertainment resumes in May. So head on out to the most beautiful room in town and enjoy those great drink specials, ladies. The gents are sure to follow, right?
    I couldn’t miss a Fish Tales opening, now could I. So I was there Wednesday with the rest of OC’s party crowd checkin’ out the new  dock. Donna (Harman) says she’s thinking about setting up bayside vendors for their own little boardwalk. Kidding, of course, but it’s so wide that it conjures up the thought, ya know. Anyway, the place looks great with all the familiar faces behind the bars ready to rock ‘n roll. So, head on over and enjoy their great menu items and meet your friends for a cold one and some great music.
    This means, of course, that summer is just around the corner. Yep, ‘cause M.R. Ducks will open Friday. Hooray!! Can’t wait for the great live bands to begin Springfest weekend, which is a little later than usual, May 7-10.
    Wednesdays at BJ’s have been so much fun - to have great music early in the evening is a master stroke and last night was no exception with another audience-pleasing performance by Under The Outhouse - Chris, Walt & Joe Mama. Musician Dave Sherman was in the house and we talked about his upcoming (Wed., April 22) date at BJ’s with Chris & Joe. “Have you guys practiced together?” I asked. “No,” he replied. “Like in the movie ‘Blazing Saddles,’” he said, “we don’t need no stinkin’ badges.” Okay, so it’s true, I’m sure, that these excellent musicians will just have a great time collaborating and we’ll be on hand to check it out, right?
    I also spoke with BJ’s owner Billy Carder and asked him the same question (pretty much) ... “Did you guys [Teenage Rust] practice for your first ever CD?” His immediate response - “No!” with a chuckle. Teenage Rust and the Fabulous Rustettes will host a special afternoon of music on Sunday, April 26, to benefit the Am. Cancer Society and Relay For Life, and will also present their CD, recorded by Steve Cirilli, that day. Steve came in on Super Bowl Sunday and recorded all 30-some songs performed that day, so all the excitement of a live performance is captured. “There are no retakes or remakes,” Billy says. “We wanted to capture the excitement of a live performance - whistles, catcalls and applause - the whole works.” The group, Crystal, Paul, TLutz, Howard, Maddy & Bill, listened to it and chose a final 15 cuts that we all may purchase. What a piece of Ocean City history, my friends. I can’t wait to own my copy; see you all there for a very worthy cause.
    Seacrets is now open 7 days a week. Hallelujah! It just ain’t right havin’ Seacrets closed. The Tiki Bar has continued to be a packed house every Saturday for live entertainment and last week was no exception. I was excited to hear the Lauren Glick Band, thinking that the very pregnant Lauren couldn’t perform much longer and I wanted to catch each and every show. I was quite surprised to see Michelle Schacter on stage standing in for Lauren who has been ordered bed rest while awaiting the arrival of her twin girls. We all wish her the very best and look forward to her return later.
    In the meantime, Michelle, formerly with Pompous Pie, did an excellent job sharing vocal duties with Kathy Denk. There will, of course, be a shift in the song lineup to incorporate the rock and blues numbers that Michelle is known for, but you can be assured of the same superb quality of musicianship from this group. Stay tuned for more news. This Sat. come out to hear the incredible Jon Maurer Trio. Jon is a fantastic vocalist and, wow, can he play the keyboard - one of my favorites.
    Dave the Fruit Guy wants to encourage everyone to come out Wednesday night for the 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention Comedy Tour with popular comedian Jim Florentine headlining. This is an important and crucial issue affecting so many families, especially in these stressful times. Please help support those who are trying to make a difference by showing up Wednesday and ya know what? In addition to feeling good  for helping, you’ll help yourself with a lot of great laughs.
    I enjoyed the music of Tim Landers & John Heinz at Whiskers last Saturday. These two really complement each other. In case you’re not familiar with them: Tim has played solo for many years and is, in fact, the composer/lyricist of “Chesapeake Heaven” that was adopted as our state song. You’ll know John from playing excellent fiddle with the Lauren Glick Band. The combination of their styles is entertaining and love of the music is infectious. You can hear them again at Whiskers on May 16th and they have been booked to play Sundays at Fager’s Island the end of May.
    This Saturday party with Troy Hanna & Dave Chappell at Whiskers, two more fine musicians who have played with the likes of Willie Nelson. And be sure to order something to eat ‘cause the food is great!
    Check out the Sunset Grille Saturday for the premier performance of Johnny Bling starting early at 7pm. We all know, and love, these guys we’ve partied with at M.R. Ducks, so this sounds like a great time, right? Next Saturday, April 18th, Doug Segree will play for their anniversary party at an even earlier time of 2pm; so I’m sure that Teasers outdoor bar will be open. Come on warm weather!
    Across the street The Shark continues to offer the finest food and great entertainment with Phil Knight returning to play for us Friday and Saturday. Harry O & Joe Smooth have certainly earned their Tuesday gig (4-8pm) as fans return again and again to hear them. Have you checked out that view from The Shark? Amazing!
    Wanna hear some authentic blues from a master? Head on up to Back of the Bag to hear Chris English Friday. I love to hear his slide guitar work and his repertoire simply defies description. Check him out. Then come back to hear Pompous Pie on Satuday night. The Wed. night Open Mic with Tungsten Groove is flourishing, too. I’ve heard some really good undiscovered talent there recently, particularly young Taylor Knox on guitar. Join the fun!
    See you back on these pages April 24th. ‘Til then, enjoy Spring and always party safe!