It’s Sunfest weekend! Holy cow, where does the time go?! It’s flying by faster and faster spinning wildly out of control and I want to go everywhere and see and hear everything and it’s all happening at the same time and I can’t get the merry-go-round to slow down. Breathe! Even if I had a clone, how would we share the experiences? These and many other questions run fleetingly through my mind, which I may be in danger of losing. Teehee! Just having a little fun!. But, really, there is so much to see and do in our wonderful town. Most of what I did and heard last week is shared with you in these pictures, so maybe I’ll just focus on what choices you have for a great week coming up in Ocean City. You can follow along with the “Who’s Where When” listing.
    The wonderful Sir Rod Show starring Tommy Edward as Sir Rod is the featured band this Friday at the 707 Sports Bar. If you’re a Rod Stewart fan like me, you’re gonna love this show - a real treat I promise you!
    Another treat is hearing the fabulous voice of Lauren Glick singing with The Mood Swingers appearing this Fri.&Sat. at BJ’s. Mike, Tim & Bubba play a wonderful collection of all our favorite tunes. If you haven’t heard them, Mike Armstrong is one of the best guitarists in town and the addition of Lauren is absolute icing on the cake.
    Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill will hold its final Sunday afternoon party this weekend with music by the guys who have been oh so entertaining all summer long. Chris, Walt & Joe Mama - Under The Outhouse - are guaranteed to set you in the party mood; and talk about guitarists ... Chris Button is a bona fide phenomenon on guitar. Watch those fingers fly! Closing party specials include 1/2 price everything and they’re hoping you’ll all come out and help them clear the shelves.
    Fager’s Island is featuring a horse of a different color for their Monday night party - Kevin Poole & the OC Allstars Jam. What does that mean, you ask. Hopefully many of you have heard Poole & the Gang and that’s the core band for this gig: Kevin, Chris, Joe Smooth, Jeff Davis & Joe Mama. What’s special is that they are inviting all our local professional musicians to come join them on the Fager’s stage for an all-night jam! Sounds like tons of fun. Also, this night will usher in the new season which will include the resurrection of the famous (maybe infamous) Claim To Fame! (circa 1991?) Anyway, Kevin will host the contest inviting everyone with serious talent to come out and share with us. This is a great opportunity for artists with original (or covers) material to vie for the grand prize of recording time at The Park Recording Studio. Remember, this is not karaoke. Sound system is provided but bring your own instruments - and sorry, no drums. First night is Tuesday, Sept. 29, and every Tuesday until the finals in Dec. Check out Fager’s barhopping article for more details and stay tuned.
    One of my favorite groups with the oh-so-funky sounds will be featured at Galaxy 66 Jazz Night this Friday - the one and only No Byscuyts. You will hear the mellow voice of Elwood Bishop on bass and the soulful sounds of Joe Smooth on sax as well as some jazzy vocals from him, too. Another fabulous guitarist is featured in this band, Mr. Howard Wimbrow (also of Teenage Rust). Howard’s playing is a wondrous thing to behold - not so much flashy as just always right there in the pocket.  Now you might use flashy to descibe the drumming of Keith Brooks but he’s so unassuming, he’d just give you a shy smile at a compliment. Snappy, crisp, innovative - Keith is the consummate jazz drummer. Catch them tonight at Galaxy 66.
    Well, I can see already that I’m going to run out of room if I try to talk about everyone because there is so much good talent to talk about. Please, please come out to M.R. Ducks on Sunday for a very special performance of Tranzfusion - the ultimate classic albums cover band. Their music is an incredible tribute to every band you’ve ever loved - and still do. Of course, Sat. is gonna be another off-the-hook party at Ducks with the talented and lively Johnny Bling. I never have found out what that name means. Everyone’s always asking me which one is Johnny but neither, Mike, Joe, Cal nor Chris answers to that name. Go figure - it’s enough they’re great!
    My gal pal Mary Lou is back in town and she’s out at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club tonight from 7-11 with all the in-touch Untouchables. Talk about havin’ it all - with a three-piece horn section, great guitar from Danny, and excellent keyboards from Charlie, this group has it goin’ on. And of course, Mary Lou is a legend with her unique vocal performances. They will also appear on the outdoor stage at Sunfest on Saturday at 5pm.
    I wrote all about Jettstream last week for their performance at Coins (which was hot!) and you’ll get to hear and see them shine from the big stage at the Purple Moose this Fri. and Sat. Mario has one incredible voice that will blow you away. You’ve got to go hear them - and let me know what you think. You know you can blog me on our web site. Check it out!
    Last chance to hear live music at Micky Fins this Sat. with Landers & Heinz. Tim on guitar and John on fiddle make a great duo. John is playing fiddle with Country Grass at The Globe tonight - if you’re in Berlin check it out. Anyhow, thanks to Micky Fins for a great summer of excellent entertainment and support them as they remain open this winter.
    Full Circle is at Sunset Grille tonight, too.  Love that band!! And Power Play is at the Ocean Club and the wildly popular Amish Outlaws at Seacrets. So many choices; let’s see how you do at being everywhere. Party safe!