Hi, ya’ll. No, this isn’t Paula Deen but I do hail from Virginia and I think it says it well because all of ya’ll is who I’m talking to. Has the business of the week addled my brain. Maybe ... or maybe it was the heat last Saturday at the OC Air Show. Wow! That was most impressive, wasn’t it. I had the privilege of sitting at the broadcast stand where I met several of the pilots who came up to talk with DJ Batman, who did a fantastic job of playing an incredible song mix appropriate to each and every aerial display. I think we’re all still reeling from all the activity with the Ravens parade and everything else going on last weekend. Now, we welcome our 2010 Graduates and the many firefighters who converge on our fair town for a parade and well deserved appreciation and recognition for all they do. Some special music is being offered at a few places around town just to entertain these heroic public servants. For instance, M.R. Ducks is presenting a special performance of Tranzfusion on Tuesday, a day before the big parade. And the lineup for the weekend is no less impressive: the Joey Saah Band on Fri.; Electric Company Sat.; and Bird Dog & The Road Kings on Sun. We don’t get to hear Bird Dog very often so this is a very special treat and I pray Mother Nature will keep the skies sunny.
    Fager’s Island is having a special band on Sunday for our firefighters, and of course, anyone else who is ready to rock out with Poison Whiskey starting at 9:30pm. Get there early because there’s loads of music all day starting with Jazz Brunch with the incomparable Everett Spells at 11am. Then Waking at Seven will play on the beautiful beach area at Fager’s at 6pm. There’s always a party going on at Fager’s Island. In fact, the Surfrider Foundation is having a party on Sat. around 6pm with music by the Diamondheads and fun demos. Check it out. And ... the OC Parrotheads are having their annual birthday day party on Sunday at 3pm. Has it been another year already?!
    Cudos to Bryan Russo who premiered his video for “Smokey Cafe” (off his CD Next Big Thing) at Fager’s Island last Tuesday. The video, filmed at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin and featuring faces of several locals, was very well done and I understand it is being shown on Fuse TV. Cool, right? Bryan and director Cam Uhlig and his production company, Imagine Designs, are busy planning Russo’s next video featuring his song “Repetition.”
    Check out the pictures of the 40th birthday party for Joe Mama at Rio Grande Tiki Bar last Sat. We love you, Joe! The schedule called for Joe with Chris Button but you know those other Chest Pains guys just couldn’t stay away, particularly since it was Joe’s b’day. So ... Jeff came to play bass and Byron joined in on vocals for a few songs.  I heard that before I arrived, John LaMere sang a few which would have made it Crowded Outhouse. I just love our musicians. It was a great party and they’ll do it again this Friday; plus you can hear John Karahasan on Sat. Now for those who may be confused by this, I’m thinking that Simple John may not be so simple anymore and wants to be known by his given name, so way to go, John. Same guy and same great music.
    I stopped in to hear Wes Davis at Charlie’s Bayside and was pleased to hear Bob Hayman playing with him. They complement each other well so give them a listen next time you see them in the lineup. This weekend Walt Farozic leads off at Charlie’s Bayside on Fri. You can also hear him with Chris Button every Sat. at Harborside. And with Under The Outhouse Sat. at Charlie’s. Danny Shivers finishes the weekend on Sun.
    I’m still reliving the great time we all had at BJ’s 30th anniversary party. The buffet was incredible and the flowers and fruits decorations absolutely beautiful arranged by none other than Madlyn Carder herself. Not only is she talented at food presentation (and recipes) but Maddy displayed her talent onstage with Teenage Rust as she debuted her new number, “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” complete with sexy thigh high red boots. It was a smashing energetic performance and we all say, “you go, girl!” Thanks to Billy and Maddy for a fantastic party and for providing us with a comfortable and friendly place to dine and hear some of the best entertainment around. Here’s wishing you many more years of health and happiness among your many friends in the community that you so tirelessly support.
    Opposite Directions is on tap this weekend at BJ’s, both Fri. and Sat. So, yes, as I mentioned before, they will not be on the deck at Fager’s Island Sat. We always have a great time with these two guys; excellent music and funny banter. Love ‘em! And next Wed. Deckless Deck party will feature the Aaron Howell Band. Speaking of decks, you should see how beautiful BJ’s bayside deck is. Glorious with all those flowers.
    You can’t miss all the pictures from the annual Cindy Beatty Bike Crawl. All the hats were so cool but I’d have to say Kevin Poole took the ‘prize’ with his KISS figurines and disco ball. Eddie always triumphs with his “Sex and Candy” hat, and Jay (of Sahara Cafe) had a really cool Mad Hatter hat. Anyway, the rain only stalled us for a bit at Fish Tales and we made a nostalgic stop at old BJ’s South location where De Lazy Lizzard will open soon. I must confess that after the M.R. Ducks stop (where I enjoyed Tranzfusion earlier in the day), I hurried on to the Purple Moose to hear that incredible Led Zeppelin cover band, Kashmir. They were awesome, as usual! And that awesome band Surreal will return this weekend to the Moose to entertain us and the visiting firefighters. Then Sun. & Mon. Jettstream will rock out on the big stage and Tue. & Wed. it will be Fuze. Yes, the season is upon us - finally!
    Join me in checking out First Class on the poolside/oceanside deck at the Clarion this weekend - such a beautiful place. And have loads of fun whereever you go. Just party safe!