Hi, all. It’s been such an incredible week of fabulous music that I hardly know where to begin. And certainly this holiday weekend is slated to be another such good-time musical  offerings as well. Let’s hit the highlights of my week, then I’ll give you my best bets.
    Last Thursday (Aug. 27) locals and visitors turned out in full force for another dose of outstanding Led Zeppelin music from the incomparable tribute band Kashmir. I’ve seen these guys many times, now, and still find them extremely entertaining. We’ll get one more chance to hear Kashmir this Sunday, so don’t miss it. Also, the band who impressed us so much from the big stage, Fuzzbox Piranha, will return on Mon. & Tue. Before I leave the Moose, I must tell you that a visit there to hear Jettstream last week was well worth it. This band can certainly rival any other for musical variety and expertise - and sheer power on vocals as well from lead singer Mario. Here’s another guy who can sing Robert Plant better than Plant (and he plays guitar, too)! You may remember guitarist Roy Bush from Great Train Robbery; Roy brings a wealth of experience to the table and skills as good as any. Brian is the man who adds versatility to the group as his talents include guitar, flute, sax, harp and vocals. He plays a mean “Cross Eyed Mary” (Jethro Tull), for instance, while standing on one leg Ian Anderson style. Then snaps on the sax to blow you away. Drummer Jupiter I remembered from his time with Rich Mascari in Mascaraid - an excellent drummer whose cosmic CD Echo and Art I love. The glue who holds it all together with his unique style on the bass is the guy in the back - Frank - see, we do notice you. Make it a point to hear this band at the next opportunity - Jettstream.
    I checked out the Cowboy Creep Show at the Steer Inn last Friday - most entertaining. There were several ‘hold your breath’ moments such as snapping a flower out of Ginger’s mouth with a big bullwhip; or Molotov throwing knives at her while she spun around on a big wooden wheel. It was fun - sometimes you have to have some variety, right? This weekend is back to crank-it-up rock with Tranzfusion on Fri. and Riot Act on Sat.
    Now, I have to tell you that Tranzfusion was an absolute triumph last Mon. night at Fager’s Island. There’s something about the stage there - probably the excellent sound mixing from Greg and the professional light show, that seems to bring out the very best in their performance. Certainly guitarist Hank was at his best jumping and contorting while playing a huge selection of classic hits, each just as good as the original artist. You know, tribute bands are all the rage now, it seems, and when you think about it, that’s what Tranzfusion has been doing for years. Only instead of recreating performances of just one band, they play them all - faithful to every single note. Bob is absolutely amazing on keyboards, harp, bass and vocals. Josh covers bass, sometimes guitar and vocals and Hank, of course, does his fair share of vocals. Drumming from Bobby is simply dynamic. These guys still enjoy playing the music and it shows. That’s a big part of why we love them. You can hear Tranzfusion again tonight at the Steer Inn.
    Last Sat. at Coins was very exciting with a performance by Full Circle that drew generous applause from their audience. The evening’s fun was further enhanced by performances by several guests including Chris Button from Under The Outhouse, Linda singing a mean “Honky Tonky Woman,” Marco of Pompous Pie, Ray on drums and yours truly singing a duet with Michelle. It was an awesome night with an awesome bunch of artists and they’re going to do it all again tonight, Friday, at Coins. Then be sure to come back on Sunday during the day, 11am-4pm, to lend your support to Coins bartender Kathy Gorrera who is in Johns Hopkins battling cancer. Full Circle will be on hand to play for us welcoming guest performers including Marco & T Lutz, Tim Cyphers, Wes Davis, Bob & Darin (Opposite Directions) and more. Please join us and help this wonderful friend.
    The Lauren Glick Band has been wowing audiences at Seacrets every Mon. all summer long. This past Mon. they decided to bring the band indoors to the Tiki Bar stage and Lauren asked her friend Michelle (from Full Circle) to stand in for her. Also, Joe Mama sat in on drums for Gary. Friends around me kept asking, “who is this, who is that? You mean they can play that well when they don’t usually play together?” “Yes,” I would reply, “the mark of truly professional and talented musicians.” I’m so proud to know them and fortunate to have so many opportunities to hear them. Lauren should be back with her band this coming Mon. at Seacrets. Also at Seacrets, Sun., last chance to try for the coveted title of Miss Seacrets, girls, so get out and strut your stuff. Finals will be held Bike Week Sunday.
    It’s another great weekend of music at M.R. Ducks beginning with Crossroads on Fri., Johnny Bling on Sat. and, finally, the return of Mary Lou & The Untouchables on Sun. and Mon. I sure hope the weather holds for us as I was most disappointed to miss them last time at the OP Yacht Club. They have a rescheduled date there on Sunfest weekend (more later). We always have a blast with Mary Lou who has one of the most distinctive voices in the business alternating between raucous rock and soul to heart-wrenching and melancholy on such ballads as Ray Charles’ “You Don’t Know Me.” And Mary Lou can always get a crowd in a party mood. So leave your cares behind and come on out to hear her and the incredible Untouchables at M.R. Ducks - no better way to celebrate the holiday.
    This may be the last chance to hear No Pets For Noah at Fager’s Island this weekend so be sure to include this hot spot in your travels. And Scott’s New Band will perform on Sun. night in honor of the holiday weekend.
    BJ’s is another happening place that will expand their entertainment this weekend for the holiday. Not only can you hear the incomparable No Byscuyts on Fri. and Sat., but The Mood Swingers will return to entertain you on Sun. Plus, join the fun of the Wed. Deckless Deck Party with music by the Electric Company.
    This is the last weekend for entertainment outside on the beautiful oceanside deck at the Clarion - Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill - with music by First Class. This long-time favorite group will also play from the big stage in the Ocean Club/Clarion later at night. And Mon. night New Censation will begin another week of incredible entertainment at the Ocean Club.
    I’m really looking forward to a big-time concert this Sat. at the Convention Center to see and hear the man that Tish Michel talks about in her column - Stacy Mitchart. I’m listening to his CD now, Grown Ass Man, the title song that talks about, “The little girl games you’re trying to play, ain’t never gonna work on me. ‘Cause I’m a grown Ass Man, I don’t want no little girl, I want a woman.” Get on with your bad self, Stacy. I met with promoter Mike Diniar this week and he told me the story of a Lynryd Skynryd obscure tune, “Mr. Banker,” for which he and Stacy have a mutual appreciation. Mitchard worked it up in his own rich mix of blues/soul/jazz, that will be one of the few covers we’ll hear in this show. Our own Phil Knight will open and Stillglow will rock out the end of the show. I hope you’ll all get out and buy your ticket as soon as you read this edition. Enjoy it all and party safe!