Hey, all. Here we go again. How can one not talk about the weather when a cold nor’easter is blowin’ outside my windows. I don’t mind a little rain if it’s a day I can snuggle up with a hot bowl of soup next to my honey and watch movies; but when it threatens the weekend’s music events - then I have a problem. Let’s hope it blows out of here fast, right? ‘Cause we gotta party!
    It was a lovely party for the ever vivacious and big-hearted Eunice Sorin at BJ’s last night. She was honored by the Chamber of Commerce for her philanthropic efforts on behalf of her community by dedicating our Chamber building with this new name: The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and Eunice Q. Sorin Visitor and Conference Center. Stop by and see the new pictorial display that encapsulates the life of this amazing woman. We had a great time dancing to the music of Dave Sherman, Chris Button and Joe Mama. Boy, that Eunice can still dance circles around most of us younger folk.
    More on the band. Dave Sherman usually plays solo and does an excellent job, but I must say, this combination of players really hit the mark. With Dave’s and Chris’s combined material, they came up with a set list that was extremely crowd pleasing. In other words, we loved it! I think they’ll return in early November - and I’ll be there! This weekend BJ’s will feature Mark Daffer & the Piranha Brothers, another trip that is guaranteed to have you dancing. And Wed. Chris & Joe Mama along with Walt will be back as Under The Outhouse - another favorite at the very popular Wednesday Happy Hour Deckless Deck Party. (FYI: Under The Outhouse plays tonight at 707.) Speaking of Happy Hour parties, BJ’s will hold its annual Happy Hour Halloween party on Friday, Oct. 30, with music by Teenage Rust & the Fabulous Rustettes, followed by The Mood Swingers. Put that on your calendars.
    Gotta tell ya, I loved, loved the band at the Ocean Club/Clarion last weekend. Turns out Level IV is four members of the popular Smitty On The Edge. Guess Smitty couldn’t make it and the band plays some gigs as a foursome. Well ... great combination. Michael, the fabulous guitarist, was out front singing more and the vivavious Tina was incredible on one after another totally crowd-pleasing numbers. She and Michael really got into it in the last set with some real ‘get down’ numbers that had the crowd goin’ on the dance floor. Hats off to Michael, Edgar (keyboards), Tina & Roger (drums) for an excellent show. Check out a Virginia Beach legend at the Ocean Club this weekend - The Rhondells. I know this is not the same band that we thrilled to at Rogue’s Gallery in my youth (remember Bill Deal anyone?), but I have heard this new collaboration of artists and they are very good and lots of fun. Check it out.
    We get another chance to hear the Philly George Project tonight at Galaxy 66. We were there Sunday for the Skye Bar closing party and they were appropriately out of this world! We went into orbit when they played Prince’s “Purple Rain” for us. This Friday Jazz Night at Galaxy 66 has already become a very popular stop for weekend entertainment; but don’t be late. It begins at 7pm and goes ‘til 11pm. And remember you can be a part of the show every Wednesday night jamming with the talented Bryan Russo. This one begins at 9 pm.
    Oh, m’gosh! Tranzfusion is back at Fager’s Island tonight! I hope you’ll read my profile of this outstanding group of musicians on page 11. You’ll see why they were chosen for this year’s “Entertainer of the Year” award. They were absolutely awesome for their last performance at this venue - lights, sound, action! Tomorrow night come hear the popular Scott’s New Band. This cool cat can really belt out a song, folks. And don’t forget, if you have a song you want to sing, grab your guitar, or a friend who has a guitar to play for you, and head to Fager’s Island on Tuesday night for the “Claim To Fame” music competition. Of course, you can play any instrument you choose (except drums, sorry); flute, sax, mandolin, violin, and even ukelele, Darin. Come on out and join the fun. Maybe you’ll be the grand prize winner and get to record your music at The Park Recording Studio.
    Smitty McGee’s is gonna be rockin’ this Saturday with music from The Mood Swingers featuring Lauren Glick. “Claim To Fame” reminds me of the original one back in ‘91 (was it?) when Lauren wowed us with her original tunes played on keyboard. Can it be 18 years ago?! That’s 18 years of maturity and improvement, like a fine wine, for this multi-talented performer. She’s awesome, as you all know. She’s not the only one in this group who is a highly accomplished musician. Mike Armstrong on guitar is one of the best of the best. He also sings a selection of songs as does brother Tim who adds the bass line with Bubba pumpin’ it up on drums. A fine show.            It’s gonna be a tough choice this weekend with so many good acts everywhere. The Steer Inn features Crossroads on Friday night. Billed as the band “where Rock and Blues collide,” these guys always deliver the tops in entertaining danceable music. And Saturday night looks like a winner, too, with the first appearance of Jettstream at the Steer Inn. Jettstream features a combination of players who have a ton of performances under their collective belts with such groups as Great Train Robbery, Train Gang, Mascaraid and the Texas Flood. These guys play everything from classic to southern rock. As I’ve told you before, Mario has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard, guaranteed to ‘knock your socks off.’ Roy is a fantastic guitarist and fellow guitarist Brian allows the band to stretch its muscles as he also plays sax and flute - yes, that means some Jethro Tull! Frank on bass and Jupiter on drums round out this group that you must go hear. And don’t forget that Wednesday nights are fun again at the Steer Inn with party music played by ‘party meister’ DJ Rupe.
    One of the reasons I was going on about the weather is that there are two great bands at M.R. Ducks this weekend, if Mother Nature will allow. Dr. Harmonica & Rockett 88 on Saturday and Tranzfusion on Sunday. This will be the last for both this season and we love both these bands. M.R. Ducks will close next weekend with Retrolux on Saturday and Johnny Bling on Sunday. Boo hoo! We’re certainly gonna miss these parties set on the water with the breathtaking sunsets. Guess that’s one of the reasons we so look forward to April, right? So pray for good weather!
    It’ll be hot inside Friday night when Fuzzy Bunny Slippers takes the stage at Seacrets. This band always plays with such unbridled energy that the audience is totally drawn in. I’m sure the floor will be shakin’. Then Saturday night a group called Snackbar Jones will appear. I’m wondering if this is the same group I heard years ago at Peabody’s in Virginia Beach. We’ll see. And remember, now that the beach is closed, there’s a great party at the Tiki Bar every Sat. at 5pm with great bands - this Sat. it’s Rew Smith.
    And don’t forget Whiskers has excellent live entertainment every Sat. night - this time out is Landers & Heinz, that great combination of guitar, violin and great harmonies.
    Just got a call from Lefty, Purple Moose mgr., who invites one and all to come party with him Mon. night when he will be guest bartending at JC’s Northside Pub. Sounds like fun, and when you do, remember to party safe.