Brrrr! I sure picked a bad winter to stay home instead of visiting sunny Florida as I usually do. But then again, the weeks I would have been there were cold, too, and I would have come home to this ... so, guess I’ll just have to say, “gee, it’s beautiful,” and live with it, right? Two Saturdays  in a row (and several Wednesdays at BJ’s), of partying in fabulous Ocean City were lost to the ravages of Mother Nature. I’ve just had to party close to home; so I’m looking forward to visiting my favorite hot spots in north OC as soon as possible.
    Such as Fager’s Island where the fabulous New Year’s Day party saw the return of John LaMere playing with his group, Crowded Outhouse. Several guest performers were welcomed onstage as well, such as Lauren Glick and Jon Maurer. And, Byron Anthony took the stage to perform with the new version of the Chest Pains, which includes fellow former member Jeff Davis on bass and new members Chris Button on guitar and Joe Mama on drums. It was a sensational preview of their debut show scheduled for May at Fager’s Island. I’ll let you know more later. This weekend rock out with Vinyl Rhino and that quintessential party band Animal House on Sat. These guys never fail to deliver a first rate show that keeps the crowd dancing all night long. There will be a special appearance of Everett Spells on his magical sax for Valentine’s night to serenade all the love birds. And, of course, you can still enjoy a great Sunday Jazz Brunch with Everett.
    Hey, speaking of magical saxes, there are two, actually three, more who come to mind. First, maybe Joe Smooth will show up to play with Opposite Directions as he did when he played with them at the Steer Inn recently. Always a pleasure to hear him; and you can do just that every Tuesday with Harry O at The Shark.
    Next, I’m thinking of Danny Dolan playing with his band First Class at the Ocean Club in the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel this weekend. I missed him last time due to the weather.  I gotta tell you, when he plays songs such as “Europa,” I think I’ve died and gone to heaven. The only thing that would improve this band is to hear more of Danny on the sax. Next weekend we’ll enjoy the music of Power Play.
    Now what got me thinking of those sexy men on sax was a blast from the past from our old friend Wayne Sulc who played with Jr. Cline and the Recliners for many years in several clubs here. Most of you know that Darryl (aka Jr.) had some health problems that prevented him from performing but he’s back and better than ever. Wayne told me they have played a few dates and are working on a return to Fager’s Island - maybe. Let’s hope, right? Anyway, Wayne has continued playing with several groups over the past few years doing everything from jazz to salsa, and now has assembled a group of superb musicians to produce a CD of Urban Funk titled Heroes and Legends. I can tell you I am really enjoying this collection of songs,  most of which are arranged by Wayne Sulc with vocals recorded by another person with whom we are quite familiar, Tommy Lepson. The CD opens with the jazzy cool instrumental “Urban Phunk,” one of the originals on the CD, composed and arranged by Steve Long, that immediately captured my attention. Next is “Josie,” by Walter Becker & Donald Fagen, a superb arrangement by Mr. Sulc that is mostly instrumental with vocal tags by Lepson and Jennifer Smith. Following is “Mercy Mercy Me,” composed by Marvin Gaye, that is another combination of arranging genius and musicians’ triumphant performances. Another highlight for me is “Lourdes From Heaven” written by Wayne Sulc. So, you get the picture. Homage is paid to artists who helped shape the preferences and styles of these musicians; hence the name Heroes and Legends. This is a magnificent studio collaboration that spanned a few years to its completion. I doubt that we will ever hear these musicians assembled live, so go to saxman productions or request it from your local music store to hear what I’ve been happily listening to.
    Just got an e-mail from Tammy Cebula at Galaxy 66, where I had a great time on my b’day dancing to the music of Dawn and the Williams Project. Anyway, this came in too late to make it into our “Calendar of Events” so I’ll tell you about it here. The Society of Women Leaders of the Lower Shore Red Cross are declaring a Fashion Emergency!! Actually a great way to raise funds with a Fashion Show & Art Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at the Convention Ctr., 10:30 am. The fun includes Designers & Saltwater Style Spring Fashions, Chinese auction and a juried art show by the Art League of Ocean City. For tickets ($40) call 410-725-6171, 443-880-7795 or contact madalaineh@gmail.com. Sounds like a great time for a great cause.
    Besides the fact that you can get a magnificent meal at many places in Ocean City, there are a few who are offering entertainment as well. I already mentioned Everett Spells at Fager’s Island. Another good choice would be BJ’s on the Water where Dawn and the Williams Project will be playing Sun. night. I mentioned that they were at Galaxy 66 last Fri., but let me tell you, this is without a doubt one of the quality jazz/pop/rock trios to hit this town. Dawn has incredible vocals with a fabulous range and a sound quality that just soars. Her interpretation and inflection is superb and she’s very funny to boot. I had not heard them before with drummer Darryl Jones who certainly added a lot of personality and umph to the performance. But who suprised me was Homer Williams on keyboard who was most animated - really into his performance, particularly on his rendition of “Purple Rain.” We were totally blown away. A gifted pianist, Homer also sings backup vocals with Dawn, but he let his light shine with more solos (while Dawn took over the keyboard) of his own. Get down, baby. Can’t wait to hear them again.
    Seacrets brings back that love song crooner Tommy Edward to perform the music of Rod Stewart on Sunday night. This show begins at 8pm in the Morley Hall with Sir Rod performing hit after hit and snazzy costume changes as well. Again, another excellent choice. I’m hoping I can get my Valentine to go to both places. You know me ... I don’t want to miss a thing.
    Time to wrap up this first edition of Coconut Times for 2010. Hope you enjoy the full color throughout. Hard to believe this little paper has been around for 25 years. In the 17 years I’ve been involved, the last 10 as the owner, I have focused on the readers with lots of pictures (I like to call it the “people paper”) and my great love of music, striving to promote live bands everywhere. With all the fabulous restaurants and so many fun things to do, I know we all agree that Ocean City is the very best place in which to live and play. As always, please remember to party safe!
    See you March 12 for our St. Patrick’s Day issue! Pray for sunshine.