Hey, there everyone. Wow, what a glorious Sunfest weekend, even if it did get a little cold Sat. night. Mary Lou & The Untouchables did their usual great job with an assist from local drummer Keith Brooks (No Byscuyts). Mary Lou got a taste of blustery cold wind the night before at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club where the audience continued to dance ‘til the end. The band had more protection from the elements on the covered stage at Sunfest. It was the audience who froze waiting for the Sir Rod show to go on. (It was well worth the wait.) For those of you who didn’t figure out why they were late, they had to wait for the sound check to be completed in the main tent for the Rick Springfield show, which was sold out and absolutely fabulous, I’m told. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend. I would have loved to get a picture of our own Julie Beach on stage with her idol while he sang “Jessie’s Girl.”  Hey, Jules, if anyone got your pic, send it to me and I’ll share with our readers. I also caught Randy Lee Ashcraft & the Salt Water Cowboys who received a standing ovation at the end of their show. Randy Lee has way of touching our hearts with his music, most especially with his latest composition, “The Chapters of My Life.” My friend Tish Michel attended many more musical acts and raved to me about Rick K & The Allnighters, Poole & The Gang and their tribute to our dearly departed friend Michael Tracy White, and Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes. We’ll get to hear Teenage Rust again soon when they play for their Happy Hour Halloween party Oct. 30 at BJ’s. This weekend BJ’s features No Byscuyts.
    And Poole & the Gang welcomed area musicians for an awesome jam last Mon. at Fager’s Island. At the risk of leaving someone out, I’m going to mention all I can remember who put on one heck of a show for us. In addition to the Gang, Kevin Poole, Jeff Davis, Joe Mama & Chris Button, we heard John Remy, John LaMere, Wes Davis, Byron Anthony (Retrolux), Aaron Howell, Dave Sherman, Nancy Micciulla & Eddie Saah. We’re all hoping that it will happen again soon - it was a magical night of excellent music.
    Kevin Poole is hosting the weekly Claim To Fame Contest at Fager’s Island every Tuesday now. The first night was terrific even though there were only four contestants. That just meant we were treated to double the amount of wonderful original songs from John Remy, Aaron Howell, Tim Cyphers and the lovely Nancy Micciulla. Tim Cyphers, who returned to his native Fells Point today, was the first winner. He’ll be back for the finals in Dec. and the others will return to play and compete again. The grand prize is recording time at Steven Cirili’s The Park Recording Studio. Even if you’re not coming to perform, you’ll want to come to listen to these excellent singer/songwriters. Where else can you hear such incredible original music. Kevin Poole will play a few more weeks on the deck Friday at Fager’s Island and long-time local favorite duo Opposite Directions will play the main stage Monday night after Batman’s World Famous Deck Party. There’s also a really cool new band I need to check out called Famous By Monday playing Fri. at Fager’s Island.
    On to a very special evening last Sunday with Tranzfusion at M.R. Ducks. It’s no secret that I’ve long considered this band to be one of the very best of the best. I’ve called them the ultimate tribute band because they recreate songs from some of the best albums ever recorded and do it note perfect, time after time. More and more people have been exposed to their music these past few years as they have expanded their schedule to include the 707 Sports Bar, The Steer Inn Tavern and most recently, Fager’s Island, where they received a most awesome reception from an awe-struck audience. For these reasons I was so proud to award them the Coconut Times Entertainer of the Year Award. Congratulations to Bobby Malaby (drums), Bob Davis (keyboard/bass), Hank Koenig (guitar), Josh Davis (guitar/bass) and Tom Malaby (bass) who is away doing work for NASA. I am gathering information to write an indepth article about this talented group and hope to have it for you next week. Meanwhile, we get to enjoy them again when they play this Sun. at M.R. Ducks.
    I’m sorry to see that the Ocean Club has cut back their entertainment to Friday and Saturday but I guess it’s that time of year - I really hate to see the summer go. Our favorite First Class will be on hand this weekend. Danny, Sadik, Adrian & Dennis always do a fine job of making sure everyone has a good time, just dancing the night away.
    Seacrets was so much fun Monday night for the Believe In Tomorrow benefit. There was an unprecedented eight winners splitting the $20,000 - 5 in one group and 3 in the other. As always, Power Play did an excellent job of entertaining us. This weekend’s entertainment at Seacrets (also cut back) includes our local reggae masters, The Zion Reggae Band, playing both Fri. and Sat. nights. And the Morley Hall will be rockin’ with Sub G and Joe Bachman & the Crew, Fri. & Sat. respectively. Don’t forget, this is a great place to watch football on the huge screen. Sunday and Monday. Only a few more beach parties with Jim Long.
    Before signing off, I want to extend my sincere condolences on behalf of myself and my husband Ronnie to the family of Karen Klempner Benner. Karen was a dear friend to so many. I’ll remember her bright, sunny smile and the way she always lit up with pleasure when she greeted you. She was a devoted mother to Caitlyn, wife to Phil Benner and sister to Joe Klempner. We’ll miss you, Karen.