How y’all doin’? I’ve heard so much good music this week that I hardly know where to start. Guess I could start with last night (Wed.) and my visit to Charlie’s Bayside to hear The Chest Pains. Byron, Chris, Jeff & Joe Mama sounded better than ever; really polished. I heard many in the room exclaiming that they’re the best band in OC. I certainly wouldn’t argue that but there are a few others to equal them. You be the judge on Sun., Aug. 22, when they perform at Fager’s Island.
    I had the pleasure last Sat. of hearing a young man who promises to be the next big star out of Nashville. His name is Mike Short Jr. Mike was a dedicated Karaoke singer until Hey, Mick at 707 Sports Bar helped him make a demo and encouraged Mike to head for Nashville. Well, that’s not far from Middle Tennessee State which Mike is attending as a freshman. In Nashville, Mike’s voice drew the attention of Charlie Daniels which may have led to his being represented by entertainment lawyer Wayne Halper, who also represents such stars as Bruce Springsteen, Martina McBride and Garth Brooks. Mike’s first CD, Blame It On Me, contains several original compositions including “Lady in Waiting” and “Just Dreamin” that he sang for the appreciative audience at 707. Mike will be the opening act for Phil Vasser on Sat. at Sunfest with his band Statewide. The band will also be playing Fri. at 707 Sports Bar & Sat. at the Steer Inn on Sunfest weekend. This 19-year-old is only just beginning and with that great voice and handsome good looks, the sky’s the limit.
    I have to tell ya that all I want to do is show you all the pictures I have of the Beatlemania Again show at Fager’s Island last Sun. but space here just doesn’t allow. So, you can view more at www.coconuttimes.com. And, of course, I have to talk about them, too. I’ve just been wallowing in Beatlemania lately, haven’t I. They style their act after the famous Broadway show with period costumes and impersonations. Leader of the group, Richard Morello, appropriately plays the part of Richard Starkey, better known, of course, as Ringo Star. He introduced me to the new George played by Jon, who along with Rich, plays music as a full-time job. I must say he is a welcome addition to the band - pretty cute. Bob, who does a fabulous job as Paul, is a computer specialist by day. And, Dave Pal, who plays John, is a radio celebrity in Elmira, NY - on the “Afternoon Drive” at 95. The Met (classic rock). Each of these players has obviously spent many hours watching tapes and listening to music to present a show that makes you feel like you’re in a time warp and actually being entertained by The Beatles. Best of all, of course, is the timeless music that we could actually hear without the screaming fans that soon made public performances impossible for The Beatles. We did have some really excited fans in the crowd, though, me among them. I didn’t sit down for the whole show - and I had the aches the next day to prove it. LOL! You have just got to come out to hear them next time they come - you’ll be very happy you did.
    I finally made it to a Lime Green Band show last Sat. at Johnny’s Pizza & Pub. Now here was classic rock at its finest from three very accomplished and experienced players. Terry Wilson is the lead singer and guitarist who not only sounds great but has a very humorous rapport with the audience as well. Bill Murdock is back there expertly providing the rhythm on the drums. And out front on the bass is smiling Eddie Saah. No really, I’ve never seen him smile so much. Guess he’s really happy to be playing with these talented guys. Be on the lookout for their next performance at a venue near you.
    I made it into The Purple Moose Tue. to hear Steve Brown & The Fallout’s last set. I was very impressed with this four-piece group out of Ringwood, NJ. They play classic rock with a lot of style and energy. “We like to put our own interpretation on our music that keeps it fresh and exciting,” Steve told me. The important thing to him is that his audiences feel like they’re at a PARTY! Brown is joined onstage by Jim DeSalvo on keyboards, Terry Farley on drums and Patrick Sussman on bass, who also shares vocal duties. You may remember Steve Brown from the early ‘80s playing at Seacrets with Sugar Belly or Trixter. I couldn’t believe he’s been playing that long - he still looks like a kid. Which proves my theory that music keeps you young. For the last five years, Fallout has played regularly at a club called the Beachcomber in Seaside Heights which, he says, is very much like the Purple Moose - right on the ocean. They also play at Bally’s in Atlantic City and Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pa. Look for them to return to The Purple Moose. This weekend will rock at The Moose with Frankie and The Actions on Fri. & Sat. and Great Train Robbery on Sun. & Mon. Sure lookin’ forward to seeing Will on guitar - he’s the greatest.
    I can’t believe we’re half way through August already. All the more reason to soak up every bit of great music we can, right? Arizona will be playing all week at the Ocean Club (in the Fontainebleau Clarion) and on the deck this weekend. Then on Mon. Synergy will be playing from the beautiful outside deck of Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill. Don’t forget to spread the word of an Ocean Club reunion on Sat., Nov. 6.
    The Steer Inn will rock off the scale this weekend with two hot bands: Gas House Gorillas on Fri. & Loud Love on Sat. The Ocean Pines Yacht Club has a big weekend planned, too, with Time Police Fri., Full Circle Sat. & Tommy Edward Sun. So much more everywhere. Get out and party safe!