Hey, y’all. We’re riding the wave of tribute bands this summer and I’m lovin’ it. Last week’s performance of 2U doing U2 tunes was absolutely fantastic. And fans enjoyed hearing Joe (guitar) & Gene (vocals) doing an acoustic act on the deck Monday, showing that they are superb musicians at whatever they play. Fager’s is putting the tribute theme over the top this weekend with not one, but two incredible groups. First up will be a band called Eclipse (gotta be a popular name with the new Twilight movie-no connection) performing as Pink Floyd. Apparently this band has mastered the recreation of this legendary group as Greg, Fager’s sound man, was very impressed (read his Barhopping article). Sounds like one we don’t want to miss. And then get set to come back to Fager’s Monday night; come early for Batman’s Deck party and stay to hear a Dave Matthews Tribute Band. How ironic that our roving concert reporter, Gary Crouthamel, has submitted his piece this week on the real thing - check it out, page 28. So, all you DMB fans, if you missed the real deal, here’s the next best thing.
    To backtrack a bit, I hear the band playing Friday at Fager’s Island is a winner, too. They’re called The Monster Band and I can only surmise it’s because they have monster talent. I heard some tune clips on their web site and they sound real good. Lead vocalist Dari is bound to impress with her strong and edgy voice; with Jason (guitar), Sean (keyboards), Paul (drums), and Markus (bass). Check ‘em out Friday. And, again, come early to hear one of our favorite acoustic acts - Steve Ports will be playing on the deck. This time out he will be joined by David Bell (guitar) & Tom Sabia on drums. A little trivia here: David Bell played formerly with the Ravyns (with the song “Raised on the Radio”) and Face Dancer (“Red Shoe”). He has also been playing with Never Never, and performing in the studio. Fans take note and be there!
    This past Monday I heard two of my favorite tribute bands. First, the one I had been so anxiously anticipating, Bruce In The USA. Matt Ryan has been doing The Boss for so long now that he says he doesn’t know what he really sounds like singing as himself. All I know is he’s terrific. He and the incredible band blew through hit after hit keeping the audience in a frenzy of adoration. I just can’t say enough about this amazing band. I can only thank them most sincerely for keeping the music alive. Sure wish we could hear them more than once a year - it’s a long wait ‘til next time.
    After that show I hurried to the Purple Moose where Kashmir was playing and paying tribute to Led Zeppelin. Again, for content, performance and superb instrumentation, you just can’t come any closer to the real thing. Honestly, like being at a Zeppelin concert. This weekend The Moose has brought back the Green Day tribute band, Christie Road, who will be playing a variety of great music this time out on Fri. and Sat. Check this out - fans of Great Train Robbery will be happy to hear that they will return to the Purple Moose stage Sun.-Mon. Get ready to rock! Always great music at the Moose.
    The Steer Inn Tavern on Rt. 589 has always given us the best bands around and this weekend is no exception. The weekend starts out with Loud Love on Fri. - rock ‘til you drop! Sat. will be the extremely talented and versatile Fuzzbox Piranha - what a voice that Dale has. Then Sun. get ready for a real treat on a special night of music - The Fustics are coming to town. Hailing from North Carolina, they have been voted Wilmington’s “Best Original Rock Band.” Singer/songwriter Brad Heller writes politically and socially-charged songs about life, love, injustice, and the state-of-things. Calloway Ritch’s gritty and bluesy guitar work adds a distinct texture and sophisticated humbleness. Add the dynamic rhythm section of Paul Castagno and Ron Pifer to the mix, and you have a sound that is as indefinable as it is intriguing. With the release of their new record, Beyond This Life, the band has reached new heights sonically with an array of musical styles interwoven throughout the album. We’ve gotta go hear them and catch what all this hype is about, right?
    Here’s some more music news that you may have already read about in “Sonic Notes.” Local musician Nate Clendenen, front man for the Electric Company, is bringing some old friends to town to play a few shows. Some of you may not know that Nate has a strong background in Bluegrass. And if you think that’s just country, you’re mistaken. So check it out. Robert Mabe, a North Carolina native and banjo master, will join Nate on Fri. at Pickles Pub and Sun. at Davey Jones Locker. Mabe has performed with such greats as Johnny Cash and Tony Rice and partnered with Clendenen brings an immense wealth of music culture to the Shore.They will be performing traditional and original material; and Fri., they welcome the Chestertown bluegrass group called Chester River Runoff who play a unique blend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass and old time music. This is a rare opportunity to hear a different genre of music that is as American as apple pie - and a whole lot of fun.
    Mary Lou & The Untouchables are back for maybe their last OC date of the summer - Sat. at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. And ... The Chest Pains will play again Wed. at Charlie’s Bay Side. Yey!! Party safe!