Hi, all! It’s the weather on everyone’s mind (as if it hasn’t been with all that snow, right?) because our beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade is in danger of being cancelled. Say it ain’t so! It won’t stop us from partying, though. This is one of the most popular weekends of the year when everyone claims a little o’ the Irish. Didn’t Marco say that, too? Because it’s true!
    I love this time of year when the promise of Spring is oh-so close and hopes are high for a prosperous season. Everyone is sprucing up or remodeling and new businesses are looking for a piece of the pie. There’s excited talk about the coming of Lazy Lizard in the old BJ’s South location, 1st St. on the bay. We wish them clear sailing as they traverse the murky waters of construction and permits.
    Welcome back to Buxy’s Salty Dog which opened for business in 1999, the same year that I became the owner of Coconut Times. This neighborhood bar at 28th St. has undergone several renovations over the years but great music and food have always been the norm. And this year it’s even better with the arrival of Chef Andy Gmitter to the friendly staff. The new menu is awesome! You’ve gotta come check out the food; and music this weekend is the Aaron Howell Band tonight and DJ BK Sat. night. Party on!
    Everybody’s been buzzing all winter about the closing of the Marlin Moon Grille and where would top chef Gary Beach practice his culinary magic, if at all. Happily he and his crew have landed on the docks of the OC Fishing Center at Micky Fins. Can’t wait ‘til the outside bar is open but I have already been in to try the food and, of course, it’s the same superb menu you would expect from Chef Beach, which now also includes lunch fare - I had the Fish Tacos. Yum! This Sunday is a big event at Micky Fins with their annual “Irish Christmas Bull & Oyster Roast” featuring music by James Gallagher & Off The Boat. A portion of your $35 donation will benefit the Worc. Co. Youth & Family Services. So, a great time for a great cause - it’s a win/win party.
    The St. Pat’s party begins early at Seacrets with DJ Batman leading the festivities from the Morley Hall at noon. Meanwhile, out on the Tiki stage, Irish music fills the air from the String Dusters. Everyone’s been waiting for the return of the Jim Long Band and Sat. the wait is over as Jim, Gene & Mark take the stage for a blowout party beginning at 5pm. It’s just incredible how much music is offered at Seacrets. After the String Dusters, the OC Pipe Band will thrill the audience while the Jon Maurer Trio sets up on the Tiki stage to play at 4. Then later Storm will entertain and Fuzzy Bunny Slippers will rock the Morley Hall at 10pm. Wow!
    Who is more Irish than Smitty McGee’s in Fenwick? No one! They have a great lineup for Sat. partying with DJ Wax at 1, Randy Lee & the Salt Water Cowboys at 4 and the incredible Lower Case Blues at 8pm. The party is even bigger on Wednesday ‘cause owner Dawn McGee shares a birthday with this Irish holiday that we Americans have so readily adopted. So, happy birthday, Dawn. Hope you come back from vacation for all your well wishes and a good time with music from Randy Lee at 4pm and Murphy’s Law at 8pm.
    We had such a wonderful time last weekend with Full Circle and their special guests Agent 99 at the Steer Inn. It’s truly a treat to hear these three beautiful women sing together - Marla Dixxon, Kathy Denk, Michelle Schachter. Add Casey on bass and this is a group to be reckoned with. Of course they had help from the talented guys of the group, Dave, Gary, Jeff & Steve. Thanks to Skip & Tracey for bringing us such great music as they’re doing again this weekend with Under The Outhouse on Fri. and Riot Act on Sat. Good to see Walt back from his wrist surgery. And ... we may have another preview of the Chest Pains if Byron & Jeff stop by. We’ll see, right? Steer Inn also offers some post-parade music with Nate Clendenen at 4pm on Sat. Party!
    Sat. night was another great time  at the Steerr Inn with Tranzfusion. Tonight, Friday, we can hear them playing at Fager’s Island with the complete five-piece group. Yes, Tommy on bass is back from his rocketwork travels and Josh (guitar) will be there as well, along with Bob on keyboards, Hank on guitar and Bobby on drums. It’s a blast to watch them perform on the big stage with the whole package of lights and smoke effects.
    Also at Fager’s Island on Sat., stop in for some fun-time St. Patrick’s Day music with Opposite Directions beginning the party at 2pm. Between DJ Rob Cee at 6 and DJ Groove at 10 it’s great music all night culminating with that ultra party band Animal House. Look for some great events upcoming at Fager’s Island.
    Wednesday ‘Deckless Deck Parties’ have been a blast at BJ’s and next week’s promises to be an especially good time with an appearance by Teenage McRust & the Fabulous McRustettes. It’s gonna be a gas. Sat. post parade they always have a visit from the Chesapeake Caldonis Bagpipe Band that is stirring to the soul - mine, anyway. I come from good Scottish stock, don’t ya know. Tonight, Friday, it’s the fabulous music and delightfully funny banter from Opposite Directions and tomorrow night, Sat., we have a chance to hear Full Circle again. Love it!
    Before I leave talking about BJ’s I want to tell you that I ran into our friend Tommy Edward there on Wed. watching an electrified performance by Pompous Pie.  Tommy (better known to some of you as Sir Rod) is proud to announce the release of his latest CD, Adventures of a Rock Star - from SoHo to WeHo, that is his first containing all original material. Let me tell you, it is rock star music. Tommy plays all instruments and the vocals are the real Tommy Edward. I am blown away and I’ll talk about it more next issue when I’ve had a few more listens. Be sure to ask him about it when he plays at BJ’s again with Melissa Rose on Wed, March 31. Way to go, Tommy!
    We had a ball at the 4th Anniversary party for Galaxy 66 a few weeks ago - check out the photos. The Philly George Project returns this Friday for another fun-filled evening of music. And... Bryan Russo is back with his Wednesday Jam.
    Coins is bringing in an Irish band for your listening and partying pleasure on Sat. from 1-6. They are the Craythur Irish Band. Coupled with some of the best Corned Beef & Cabbage around, this is a good bet for post-parade partying.
    And Whiskers Bar & Grill is celebrating the big day, Wed. St. Patrick’s Day, with a special appearance of Landers & Heinz, 4-8pm. My goodness, great parties everywhere. We certainly have enjoyed having Open Mic Thur. with Livin’ The Dream, who will return to their Thur. slot at Pickles after their renovations are complete. Meanwhile, look for Mike & Joey to pick up Open Mic on March 25.
    I’ll close by mentioning the Washington, D.C. vacation I took with daughter Melissa and her son Matthew. I encourage you all to rediscover our nation’s capitol - the art and architecture of our White House and Capitol building and the idealism represented by the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials,  inspires us to remember the principals of a representative democracy that our forefathers fought so hard to establish. Let’s not let our liberties be stolen by a bureaucracy that worships money. Have fun & party safe!
    Have fun, my friends, and party safe!