Hi, all. What an eventful weekend, huh? And I barely scratched the surface of all the unbelievable opportunities offered for good music. I just have to rave about the Chest Pains who performed at Fager’s Island last Thurs. They totally lived up to the pre-show hype and then some. Byron Anthony was born to perform. I don’t know how he stayed out of the arena for so long. His vocals, guitar playing and showmanship were first class. And he has partnered with some of the best in the business. For those not in the know, The Chest Pains was a very popular band in the area in the late ‘80s. Go to their web site, www.thechestpains.net, to learn more about those days. Original bassist Jeff Davis continues to partner with Byron and I’ve never seen him more animated. Most of us know Jeff as the bassist for Full Circle, but we’ve never seen him jump up on the drum riser or kick it around on stage like he did that night. Not only was new member Chris Button phenomenal with his usual guitar wizardry but his vocals both as backup and on lead numbers were impeccable. That brings us to the flamboyant drumming and percussion skills of that famous ‘percussionist to the stars,’ Joe Mama. You may think that moniker is ‘tongue in cheek’ but he’s earned it by playing with several bands over the years who have been named Coconut Times “Entertainer of the Year.” Hope I don’t forget any but who comes to mind is Michael Tracey White, Kevin Poole and Crowded Outhouse. All of this is mentioned to point out that we have four extremely talented musicians in the reborn Chest Pains. We can hear them again on Wed., June 30, at Charlie’s Bayside. Can’t wait!
    It was so good to hear Surreal again last Sat. at The Purple Moose. These guys continue to impress audiences with their dead on renditions of popular tunes from the most well-known artists of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. In addition to incredible energy, Walt, Brian, Will & Renee deliver each and every song as if you’re listening to the album itself. Not many groups can approach that level of expertise. We can hear them again on Friday & Saturday June 11-12. Meanwhile, The Moose has a group called Tight Fit this weekend. We have known them for the last few years as Dixie Normus (these guys and their cutesy names, huh?) but apparently they have decided to take back their original name. So, what’s in a name ... the important thing is that they rock. And then, on Sunday night - hooray! Kashmir returns to the big Purple Moose stage. It’s no exageration to say that Jean, Andy, Paul & Casey are the best Led Zeppelin tribute band in the world - awesome! I’ll be joining the annual Cindy Beatty Bike Crawl Sun. night but you will definitely find me finishing up at the Moose for Kashmir. Hope to see you all there; Happy Birthday Cindy, Terri and all June babies.
    Hey, speaking of babies, I just saw a picture of five-week old baby Hatmon. Yep, Hatmon (Gary) and Little Hat (Jenny) are the proud parents of baby boy Reaf born April 30. Congratulations to you both and hope to soon see the little guy happily swinging in his woven hammock on the bay shores of Seacrets.
    Now, here’s a band that’s in a class all by itself - and that’s because the front man is none other than legendary (at this point, safe to say) Dr. Harmonica. The man sings in his own ballsy bluesy style and plays harp with the best of ‘em. His backup band, Rockett 88, is also second to none featuring the always flamboyant and friendly saxy Alan on the sax. We had a blast both at The Steer Inn on Sun. night and again at M.R. Ducks on Mon. afternoon. The day was also special as we celebrated the birthday of another Ocean City icon - Weso! So many visitors to Ocean City are still carrying the picture key chains he’s made for them over the years. Anyway, Weso hit the big 5-0 and girlfriend Kathleen threw a big party for him with a suite of rooms at the Talbot Inn overlooking the deck of M.R. Ducks ... and he had a ball! Wishing you many more happy years with your many friends, Weso. We love you!
    I heard our friend Bryan Russo playing last night (Wed.) at Galaxy 66. As mentioned in “Sonic Notes” by Jenny, Bryan is premiering the video for his cool song “Smokey Cafe” at Fager’s Island on Tues., June 8. The video was filmed at the historic Hotel Atlantic in Berlin. Fuse TV is putting the video into a contest with the winner receiving full rotation on their station. Bryan will play a few tunes before the showing and the video director, Cam Uhlig, will be present. Sounds like a great time and I know Bryan would appreciate our support. Hey, I should tell you his other big news: Russo will be the opening act for Philly legend Jim Boggia at the Nightcat in Easton on Fri., June 11. Bryan reports that Boggia also tours with the Fab Faux, which is widely recognized as the premier Beatles tribute act comprised of David Letterman’s bassist and Conan O’Brien’s guitarist. Just some trivia tidbits for you. So, again, take a little road trip to Easton to hear two great singer/songwriters in one night. Good luck to you, Bryan!
    As usual, there’s a boatload of stuff going on in Ocean City with the Air Show, the Ravens Roost parade and the Car & Truck show. Wow! And all the great music you could possibly ask for. I, too, want to congratulation BJ’s on the Water for reaching the 30-year mark of service to our community with the best in dining and entertainment - “Still the Same” after all these years. After the ribbon cutting ceremony (4:30 pm), Billy and Maddy’s band, Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes, will play. There’s always tons of positive energy flowing when they play for us. That’s next Wed., June 9 at BJ’s.
    Must tell you there’s a new group with a few familiar faces: Michelle Rose & husband Harry have a trio (I think) called Anacana that will be playing Sat. night at Charlie’s Bayside. Those who have seen and heard Michelle perform know that she’s amazing.
    Check the “Who’s Where When”  for so much more and remember to party safe!