Hey, all. How’s it goin’ out there? Did you make it out to a deck party or something else fun last week? I sure hope so; I know I did and had a great time, too, until a nasty asthma attack made me slow down. But not to worry; I’ll be ready to go again this weekend.
    Anyway, that’s why I missed the big farewell party for John LaMere at Fager’s Island last Mon. night. I hear it was a wonderful night of musical fun including performances by Full Circle, Tommy Cooper, Blake Haley and others. So, that’s it for Crowded Outhouse, unless we get some surprise visits from John. I know he’s gonna miss us as much as we’ll miss him. His long-time bandmate, Chris Button, is busier than ever with Joe Mama and Walt Farozic as partners in Under The Outhouse. You can hear them again Wed. at BJ’s. I’m heading to Micky Fins to hear them tonight, Thur.
    Speaking of deck parties, M.R. Ducks was pure glory days with Poole and the Gang on Sat. and Tranzfusion on Sun. After seeing a fabulous performance from Mary Lou and the Untouchables at Springfest (the standing crowd wouldn’t disperse until she sang one more), I headed down the street to hear Kevin. Looks like his son Devin has inherited dad’s musical genes; he was adorable playing the drums. And I hear he plays a mean tambourine and harp. Good to have you back, Kevin.
    My Mother’s Day present was the Ducks Sun. party with Tranzfusion. These guys are hotter than ever making magic with dozens of tunes we all love. And the teens were back as the incredible Intravenous horn section.
    This weekend Ducks features Georgia Lee on Sat., and new band Retrolux on Sun. I heard their first performance last week at the Steer Inn. These guys are certainly not newcomers; they played as the Chest Pains a few years back. And let me tell you, they’ve still got the moves; and the chops. Why don’t you go check it out for yourselves, Sunday at M.R. Ducks.
    I hear the Sunday Funday afternoon parties at Smitty McGee’s are off the hook with Chris Button teaming up with Randy Lee Ashcraft at 4pm. Randy Lee is the star of the week there as he and his band, The Salt Water Cowboys, are also the featured Sat. band, in addition to their regular Fri. night spot. And his regular Thur. night with partner Jimmy. Randy Lee fans are in heaven this week.
    Deck entertainment should begin Memorial Day weekend at the Clarion/Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill. Meanwhile, be sure to visit the Ocean Club/Clarion this week to hear Danny Dolan and First Class, still providing first class music for the last 19 years (or more).
    The Steer Inn Tavern on Rt. 589 has an incredible weekend planned  to coincide with Ocean City’s Cruisers Weekend. Skip is calling it the 1st Annual “Rods & Rockers On Wheels” Car Show. Clambake Productions along with Loaded Gun of Selbyville, Del., will be keeping it Kool & Kustom. This low gear car show is open to all 1970’s and older Hot Rods, Antiques, Rat Rods & Bikes, Deadbeaters, trucks & specialty vehicles. An AUCE picnic lunch will be available for purchase during the event. A Lucky 13 Clothing Fashion Show at 3pm as well as a Pin-Up Model contest, custom airbrush art & pinstripe designs by Oklahoma of Air Illusions as well as various other activities will take place behind the Steer Inn in their picnic park area. DJ Bigler will be spinning rockabilly & rock & roll tunes from the ‘50s & ‘60s. Fun begins at 1pm ‘til 5pm. For a “blast from the past” and in keeping with the day’s Kounter Kulture, Philadelphia’s Rebel Rockers Full Blown Cherry will be taking the stage inside at 9pm Sat. We’ve had a blast with them their last visits here. Now that’s just the Sat. activities.
    Friday night the Steer Inn is proud to welcome Gas House Gorillas for a night of Hot Swing, Jump Blues, Gypsy Swing, early Rock & Roll, a little Cajun and even an occasional funk groove. Hailing from New York, the Gorillas are fronted by vocalist Rick Fink whose songwriting skills and boundless energy performances blur the lines that separate Jump Blues, Rock and Swing, creating a mixture of American music that transcends all walks of life. Fink has a killer voice and dangerous stage presence.
    Crusher Carmean is famous for his trademark aluminum upright bass that he designed to withstand all the kicking, spinning and tossing that goes on during one of his lively performances. He has played with Jerry Lee Lewis and was a founding member of the Crescent City Maulers.
    Guitarist Hiro Suzuki is a well known veteran of the New York City blues scene - an amazing musician and riveting performer. Sax man Tim Veeder astounds his bandmates and audiences as he take his instrument to greater and greater heights. Raised on rock & roll, drummer Angelo Merendino considers himself a student of the backbeat, playing with ferocious intensity and sweeping finesse.
    I heard a few tunes on their website and can promise you a great time tonight (Fri.) at the Steer Inn Tavern. Cudos to Skip and Tracey for bringing such excellent entertainment to the shore. I’ll hope you’ll go out and support the live music cause.
    Have you ever heard Billie Carlin sing? If you’ve heard Randy Lee, you’ve heard her do a few songs. Her husband is bass man Leo. Anyway, Billie has put together her own group, as so many have told her she should, and they’re playing Sat. at Back of the Bag. Let’s go hear what she’d got, huh?
    Micky Fins is rockin’ now with entertainment every night. Pompous Pie will play on the dock there Sat. and Wed. The John Bell Trio will play on Sun. And Thur. check out Dawn & the Williams Project.
    She’s playing at Jive on Saturday. Dawn is an incredible songstress and performer and Homer Williams is one of the best keyboard players I’ve ever heard. His arrangements of old standards lend new life to classic songs. You must get to Jive and visit Mark who has set up cool entertainment for us: Beatles on Tues. and Rolling Stones on Wed. You could win a CD or video! And be sure to sign up every Thurs. for a chance to win a Caribbean getaway vacation.
    Time for me to get away and go rest up for the week’s fun happenings. Hope to see you out and remember to party safe.