Hi, all. So much is happening already at this early stage of our ‘09 season that I hardly know where to begin. Of course, Springfest has begun as I write this and the talent, as usual, is terrific, including a performance by one of our favorites, Mary Lou & The Untouchables at 5:30 on Sat. at the outdoor stage. Mary Lou is just as excited to return to the Springfest venue as we are to have her. There’s talk of a future date at Fager’s Island so stay tuned.
    Congratulations to my friends Stacey & Jason (DJ Jawz) who were married last Sat. You’ll see plenty of pictures from their awesome reception held at Galaxy 66.
    Also, congratulations to two very special couples who were recently married and both of whom work at the Clarion/Ocean Club. My dear friend Richard Heubeck, who has been a most wonderful host at numerous dinners in Horizons Restaurant, has married his friend Zoe, who is the banquet manager there. I wish them every happiness. And ... Ellen and Brian, both bartenders, have been very secretive about their marriage but the secret is out now, my friends. Congratulations and many happy years together. I’m sending happy thoughts out to Danny Dolan’s (First Class) mom Lori for a speedy recovery from a recent heart attack. I know you won’t let it slow you down too much, right? Love ya! The big news is our dear friend from the old Ocean Club days, Chuck Bryant, has returned and will be managing the outdoor bars. The brand new outdoor pool area is approaching completion and I know this is going to be a real popular spot this summer, especially with the great music that is offered there. I had a ball last visit to the Ocean Club listening to the fabulous Power Play and this weekend’s offering is just as good - New Censation, featuring the awesome voice of the very friendly Cindy.
    The first Fager’s Island Monday Deck Party with DJ Batman was a blast. I was happy to see that Mike (aka Batman) was up and about after a nasty collision on his scooter. A little bruised and banged up but nothing could stop him from being there to start the season off right. Next Monday will be special as well, as following Batman, the Monday night band will be Crowded Outhouse. Now, most of you who keep up with the news know by now that John LaMere has decided to return to his native Long Island to be closer to his children. And by the way, he has quickly reestablished himself in the music scene there. So, Mon. will be his last performance with Chris Button, Joe Mama and Jeff Davis. It should be a special night.
    Meanwhile, life goes on and Chris and Joe have teamed up with Walt who, under the name of Under the Outhouse, will play Thur. at the newly reopened Micky Fins. Best wishes to Chief, the new gm, who has promised us a wealth of musical entertainment this summer.
    Welcome home to DJ Joey Cappo who has been in St. Thomas all winter. He will again host the afternoon Rockin’ Trivia Show at the Purple Moose on the Boardwalk. And welcome back to the Purple Moose. This weekend’s rock action will be Frankie and the Actions. Can’t wait to hear all my favorite bands at this legendary ‘Home of Rock ‘n Roll!’
    I just received a note from Mark Stewart who plays under the name Woodstok. His new group, which he calls Woodstok Nation, will be playing Sat. night at Whiskers Bar & Grill. Cool name, huh? “Woodstok Nation is the culmination of 27 years in the music biz,” Mark writes. “I’d been playing as a solo artist for the last 2 years,” he continues, “and it was sugested to me that I might do well in the ‘new country’ music market. I always thought of myself as an acoustic rock artist but after I found our pedal steel player and brought him in to record tracks on my new “Splitting Image” cd, I realized that I had strong influences from country music. It is this ‘awakening’ that led to putting this band together.” Mark calls the music new and refreshing, a meshing of genres and styles, old music and new ... the rock side of country and country side of rock. Sounds intriguing and I know all the musicians are the real deal. You’ll even see our friend Judith singing backup vocals. So, head on over to Whiskers and check it out.
    The Steer Inn will feature a new band that is reformed from an old group that many of you may remember - Chest Pains. They’re back and ready to rip it up calling themselves Retro Lux. We all know Jeff Davis who has remained quite active playing bass for the Lauren Glick Band (among others). Joining him again will be Byron Anthony on guitar/vocals, Marc Bergmeuller on drums and Kevin Wolf on guitar. I’m sure we’ll hear some luxurious retro sounds from these guys.
    Speaking of Lauren Glick ... she’s back in action and playing with Kathy & Gary tonight, Friday, at BJ’s on the Water. Fans will want to come out and hear this talented new mom who will be playing select dates throughout the summer. Opposite Directions will entertain (and amuse) on Sat. night, and the Wed. Deck Party is still going strong with Time Warp Blues Band coming up next week. The one and only Kevin Poole has returned from Key West and was in fine form last night at BJ’s with an assist from Joe Mama on drums and Joe Smooth on sax. And get this - Kevin’s wife Bethany sang a Johnny Cash duet with him, “Goin’ Back to Jackson,” (hope that’s the correct title) anyway, they sounded great together. It was a pleasure seeing them and their darling little boy Devin, plus Kevin’s folks, Pat & Jimmy. We can catch them next today (Fri.) on the deck at Fager’s Island. Yes, all the signs of summer are falling into place.
    Here’s another one - music on the pier at Talbot Street. Hooray! And starting off in fine fashion, another dose of Kevin with friends playing as Poole and the Gang. The deck will be rockin’ at M.R. Ducks as they begin another season of fabulous music to go along with friendly faces behind the bar and scrumptious light fare from the cafe. Sunday come on back for the first appearance of Tranzfusion at M.R. Ducks. These performances have achieved ‘event’ status - in my book, anyway. And I’m sure their fans will agree. These guys consistently deliver performances that are album-note perfect. Next week it will be a pleasure to hear them again from the big stage at Fager’s Island, Monday, May 18.
    Jive (next to Fresco’s) has reopened and I want to wish all the best to new gm Mark Wagner. I’m lovin’ the Tues. Beatles night and Wed. Rolling Stones night. Each one features terrific prizes and giveaways, but Thurs. is the bomb; sign up to win a chance for an all inclusive island vacation. This weekend listen to the sounds of Dawn & The Williams Project. And every Wed. is ‘Guest Bartender’ night. Last week we had Stella from Seacrets and next week will be a bartender from Fager’s Island.
    Gotta run - dodging rain drops. Hope you all have a great week. See you here, there and everywhere. Party safe!