Are you ready to party?! I’ve been doing some pretty darn good practicing already with a bunch of super bands around town lately and the season is ready to heat up, my friends; hopefully along with the weather.
    Just a few examples. I visited The Steer Inn to hear the Tommy Edward & Melissa Rose Band and the joint was jumpin’. This trio (drummer Harry), plays a wonderful variety of music with Melissa & Tommy trading off not only the vocals, but switching up on keyboards, too. But what was most surprising to me this last time out was seeing them both play sax. Incredible sound not to mention the cool visuals. Couldn’t resist the photo above.
    I caught another not-to-be-missed group when I visited Sunset Grille to hear Johnny Bling. Most of you partiers are familiar with this group from Easton hearing them on the deck at M.R. Ducks. (By the way, because of the good forecast, I hear there will be live music by The Roadies Sat. at 5.) They will certainly be playing there again this summer but Sunset Grille has given them an opportunity to play on the west side of the bridge as well; so, hopefuly a whole new group of folks will become Johnny Bling fans. This group is the epitome of what I think live performers should be. They mix it up with set lists, always throwing in new material, such as the popular new song “I’m Yours,” to keep the shows fresh and lively. You won’t find a more upbeat band anywhere, so be on the lookout for Johnny Bling.
    Loud Love will be playing at the Steer Inn this Sat. and this group is also on my list of great choices for a rockin’ good night. I heard them recently at the Purple Moose (and 707 Sports Bar) and they were hot! And I’m not just talkin’ about vocalist Kimberly either. The whole band was smokin’! The addition of Ron “Stretch” Thompson on lead guitar teamed up with Tommy Edwards, Chuck Leo and the wild and crazy Scotty LeClaire on drums has put this band over the top for non-stop musical excitement. Check ‘em out and I’m sure you’ll agree. We’ll be hearing a lot from them.
    Here’s the band receiving my top props this issue - Full Circle. A temporary change of lineup from  the Lauren Glick Band has new member Michelle Schacter on vocals and the return of David Wimbrow on keyboards joining Kathy Denk, Gary Yokous, Jeff Davis and John Heinz (who has also teamed up with Tim Landers). Well, with three wonderful singers onboard, this group is a surefire hit! I heard them at BJ’s last Friday and stayed for the entire show. One great song led to another. The first set alone featured songs from Jewel, the Indigo Girls, Alanis Morisette, Melissa Etheridge, Cheryl Crow and more. That’s just a small example of the incredible versatility displayed by these talented musicians. I loved the harmonies and I know David felt like a real rock star having Kathy & Michelle singing backup on his songs. Great sound, guys! You can hear them Sat. at Smitty McGee’s, Wed. at BJ’s. and next Sat., May 2, at Seacrets.
    Love and congratulations to the awesome Lauren Glick on the birth of her twin girls, Miriam and Sadie.
    Here’s an event that’s not to be missed. Yes, it’s finally arrived - the CD release party for the first ever recording of Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes, recorded live Super Bowl Sunday. This is destined to be a classic collectors’ item, my friends, and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society/Relay For Life. “It’s all about the fun of playing live,” says guitarist Billy Carder. And his commitment to a worthy cause. The fun begins at 2pm Sunday at BJ’s on the Water, of course. Tonight and Sat. hit BJ’s for the incomparable sounds of No Byscuyts. Howard, Elwood, Keith & Joe continue to astound us with their fabulous jazzy groove. Best wishes to Elwood for his improved health.
    We’re happy to have Pickles Pub in the Coconut Times and want to invite you all to come out Sunday, April 26, for their “Party Like It’s 1989” event. It’s their 20th anniversary and they’re bring back two very popular bartenders, Pat Pugh and Horsey, now at Harborside, as guest bartenders (around 9pm). Hard to believe those two were bartending 20 years ago; they must have been babies. You’ll also party to the music of the one and only DJ Wax at 10pm, so sounds like the place to be, huh? Danny (new owner) is busy putting together a summer lineup of great entertainment starting with DJ Wax for their Cinco de Mayo party, DJ Deogee for Thurs. Ladies Night and live bands Fridays and Saturdays. So put Pickles on your list of happenin’ hot spots and check out their great food from the new menu.
    I had the pleasure of seeing, and hearing, Pat McGee live in the Ocean 98 studio for the Live Lixx at Six show last week, hosted by Lesley and BK. What an awesome songwriter he is. His song “Comin’ Home” (hope that’s right) is so poignantly current and the songs about his two young daughters are precious. With nine CDs to his credit, Pat has been a busy musician, indeed, playing both solo and with his band constantly on the road. His latest releases are These Days that feature the songs he played for his, and Live From the Southland, recorded in Atlanta. I hope he brings his band to play for us at Seacrets some time soon; wouldn’t that be cool.
    Cool is the party that Seacrets is throwing after the Humane Society’s “Boardwalkin’ For Pets” event on Sat. DJ Batman will host an afternoon musical party beginning at 2pm featuring such groups as Opposite Directions, Sammie & the Pirates and Three Legged Dog. At 5pm stick around for the David Andrew Smith Band (D.A.S. Band) on the Tiki Bar stage followed by great reggae sounds from Rising Sun. And ... the outrageous Amish Outlaws return to the Morley Hall Sat. night. If you haven’t heard this group yet, you just don’t know what you’re missing. And if you have, I don’t have to tell you to go, right? The trees are coming soon and that will mean the return of the Beach parties with the Jim Long Band.
    The first Monday Deck Party at Fager’s Island is fast approaching - the first Monday in May - that would be the 4th. DJ Batman is again on tap to lead the party so mark your calendars and be there! This weekend a new group is lined up for Friday night called Qi-Lo; let’s check them out. Then Sat. sees the return of Animal House and, the return of Perry on lead vocals. It just wasn’t the same without him, right. Sonny Sings Sinatra will perform his last Monday night show at Fager’s and then move his act to the newly renovated Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. That should be a good fit. Have you visited yet? Yummmy!
    I have to mention that Nothin’ But Trouble is playing tonight at The Steer Inn. We last heard these guys at the Greene Turtle West and were absolutely blown away. The three front men could each have their own band and together they’re awesome. Wait til you see them play each other’s guitars, and all three playing harmonicas together. What I’m trying to tell you is they’re great!
    Hey, Micky Fins is reopening next Sat. with live music from James Gallagher and Off The Boat. I hear they’ll be playing Sundays this summer. Say hi to Chief, the new GM, and his great new crew for the season. New menu, new decor ... let’s party.
    Remember to always party safe and we’ll see you back here May 8.