Hey there, everyone. Well, as you all know, that ol’ nor’easter hung around the whole weekend and ruined our outdoor entertainment at M.R. Ducks but hopefully that scenario will not be repeated this weekend. Tranzfusion has been rescheduled to play Sat. and the super fun group Johnny Bling will play the very last Duck party on Sun.
    Of course, I still got my Tranzfusion fix ‘cause I went to hear them Friday at Fager’s Island (just can’t get enough). As before they were super dynamic in this setting. One great classic hit after another had the audience on their feet dancing ‘til closing time; and then they were begging for more. This group never fails to deliver.
    This week Fager’s Island presents another local group that is always awesome featuring some of our area’s finest musicians. I’m talking about Poole and The Gang. Kevin Poole, who Fager’s goers usually hear playing solo on the deck all summer, has assembled players Chris Button (guitar/Under The Outhouse), Jeff Davis (bass/Full Circle), Joe Mama (drums/Under The Outhouse) and Joe Smooth (sax/No Byscuyts) ... as I said, some of the best in the business. This is gonna be hot, folks.
    Like last week, I’ll probably start at 7pm for Jazz Night at Galaxy 66. We heard the Philly George Band last week who were totally amazing. It’s so much fun to hear a different band with a completely different song selection. Lots of good R&B. You’ll be impressed this week, too, with the incredible vocals of the lovely Vessa. This lady pour so much heart and soul into her singing that you can’t help but feel every note along with her. Yes, Friday Jazz Night is a hit at Galaxy 66. With very little weekday music around town now, it’s good to remember that Bryan Russo is still at Galaxy 66 every Wednesday inviting musicians to come jam with him. Every performer needs listeners and that’s where you come in.
    Of course, the choices are always difficult because we are blessed with so much fine music. For instance, one of my very favorites, Opposite Directions will be performing Friday night, also, at The Shark on the commercial harbor in West OC. And The Mood Swingers, featuring the ultra talented Ms. Lauren Glick, will be playing at BJ’s. However, they’ll be there Sat., too, so plan accordingly. Then Landers, Heinz & Picirrilli will be performing at The Steer Inn Friday, too.
    Now, I heard these guys again at Whiskers Bar & Grill last Sat. and they are most entertaining. Tim Landers has been performing solo around these parts for a long time and has an incredible repertoire of music from which to pull. When he partnered with John Heinz on fiddle this summer, a whole new sound shaped up and John sings a few, too. Then Tim’s old friend Mike Picirrilli came on the scene ... what a talented fella he is. Mike mostly plays keyboard and sings wonderful harmonies (plus a few songs on his own; good voice); and also plays guitar and bass. The end result is a well-rounded trio with lots of talent and a collective great sense of humor - all adding up to a fun time. And I’m not just saying that because they invite me to sing with them, okay. Don’t forget the Locals’ Party with DJ Rupe every Wednesday night at the Steer.
    I had a ball at Seacrets hearing the Sir Rod show on Wednesday night. Tommy Edward does such an amazing job of impersonating Rod Stewart and keeping his music alive. I don’t think you remember how many hits he had until you hear them in concert form like that. It was great! And congratulations to Melissa Rose and Harry (drummer) who were married recently. Sorry I missed your wedding, but I wish you all the happiness in the world. You certainly have a lot in common as you’re both wonderfully talented musicians and singers. Harry, that drum solo was magnificent ... and Melissa, you sure know how to ‘work’ that keyboard ... and tambourine. Hot stuff, Missy!
    I see Joey Saah has put together a band to play at Pickles Pub tonight. Don’t know who’s in it so you’ll just have to go check it out. The place was jammin’ Tuesday with DJ Wax. What a party!
    And Aaron Howell returns with Earthbound Groove Saturday at Ponzetti’s Sports Bar. Yeah, that’s right. Great pizza (and other stuff) and great music too.
    Be sure to check out the ads and pay attention to what the Barhoppers are telling you so you find out where all the Halloween parties are going to be. Some are happening on Fri., the 30th, a few earlier in the week; but most on Sat., Oct. 31st.
    I want to honor the memory of another dear friend who departed this world most unexpectedly last week, with a few words here. Harriett Cropper was one of those people who always called it as she saw it but did it with such wit and humor that together you would laugh at everything. She and her husband, David “Little Man” Cropper, were together more than 30 years and this was no ordinary marriage. They did everything together from hearing their favorite band, The Rolling Stones, at every opportunity, to traveling all over the country to watch their beloved Ravens play football. Harriett made sure she and David always had the most colorful and outrageous costumes for these games and they loved to attend Renaissance fairs, too. I guess they were blessed to have that many years together but we can’t help but feel she left us too soon. We’ll miss you, Harriett.
    Take care, friends. I love you all. We have one more weekly next Friday ‘til we go to our monthly issues. Always party safe!