Hey, y’all. What’s happenin’? Everyone is talking about the end of summer and all wondering, “where did it go?” Isn’t it crazy how we wait with such anticipation and then it’s gone in a flash? I’m sure it feels even more like that to our friend Jay Hoad who will be leaving us next Friday. Jay has been a welcome fixture on the musical scene this summer, bringing us music of a different flavor. Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Jay has been influenced by more than the usual rock and R&B music to which most musicians credit their inspiration. He’s also a product of an ancient culture and a land that is far different from ours, most notably referencing Australia’s recovery from a 10-year drought. It is the plight of his country and its people that has inspired many of Hoad’s songs that cause me to tag them as thought-provoking. And then some are so upbeat and full of love and life.

In addition to the music, what astounds his audiences is Hoad’s command of so many instruments. He’s most fond of playing his upright acoustic bass as he did for most of the show at Fager’s Island last week. However, he is most adept at the Weissenborn Lap Steel and the Dulcimer, both of which give his songs such a lovely sound. And, of course, the didgiridoo that is indiginous to Australia and totally fascinates us. Jim Miller on trumpet added an alternately plaintiff sound to the tunes and an upbeat funky reggae, almost ska feel to others. His lovely wife Pam added backup vocals that were simply mesmerizing. On one song in particular, her pure sweet high tones caused me to imagine sounds of the night creatures in the Australian Outback. The rhythms and beats seem to touch the primitive soul - so creative and evocative. And love songs such as “Strawberries, Pancakes and Angels” just make your heart swell. This man is definitely blessed to have such music pouring from his soul. At Micky Fins last Tuesday, he sang “Beautiful Reggae” from his new CD Windy Creek that will be finished on Sept. 28 and released on Oct. 28. You may purchase it from iTunes, Amazon, or from Jay’s website, www.myspace.com/jayhoadband. I hope you will all come to Micky Fins Thur., Sept. 2, to wish him farewell at his last date in the States before he flies out the next morning to begin the next leg of his world tour. It’s gonna be a big farewell party you don’t want to miss. Meanwhile, sister Amy (happy birthday!) and I and a group of friends are traveling to Bethany Blues (in Rehoboth) tonight (Fri.), courtesy of Rox Enterprises Limo, to hear Jay Hoad and the full band one more time.

The Purple Moose was a blast last week, as always, as we celebrated Charlene’s (Moose mgr.) birthday to the music of Perfect Excuse. Those guys were most entertaining. I’m looking for an encore performance from them. The night before was a lot of fun, too, with Everybody Wants Some. The lead singer, Dennis (Jones) Lee Roth, is having a blast singing all our favorite Van Halen tunes and his tongue-in-cheek humor and bon vivant energy brings his audiences along for the ride. And Jeff Horton (aka Eddie) was absolutely shredding that guitar. Let’s see who’s at the Moose this week: White House Effect that I have not heard. Then everybody’s favorite Led Zeppelin guys, Kashmir, return to rock us on Sun. and Mon. Always the best at The Moose.

This is the last two weekends to enjoy music on the deck at Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill and it’s all coming from one of the best bands on the planet, Arizona. They are wonderful to hear while soaking up the sun’s rays and watching the ocean hit the shore from this second-floor deck - amazing. And great food, too. Meanwhile, the main stage at night in the Ocean Club will feature Power Play, another awesome band.  Don’t forget to keep Sat., Nov. 6, clear on your calendar for the Ocean Club reunion party and tell all your friends so they can makes plans to be in town, too.

That amazing duo, Tim Cyphers & Danny “Animal” Morgan, or Danimal, as some have been calling him, will perform tonight (Fri.) at de Lazy Lizard, that has quickly become one of the most fun places to visit on the bay for live entertainment each day at 5 pm. They’ll be slowing down soon, so soak it up while you can.

Speaking of bayside party spots, M.R. Ducks was off the hook last weekend and I made it to two out of three shows. I had to check out Jimi Smooth & HitTime as I’d heard from many sources that they pack the house everywhere they play - up in Bethany and around D.C., where they’re from. Jimi is the proverbial showman who was uncharacteriscally in all light and cool white for this gig - that sun was killer. I hear he is usually dressed to the nines in killer suits. Anyway, he could sing - man, can he sing. And he’s got some cool dance moves on him, too. At one point as he sang and danced his way through the crowd, he was singing Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and he happened to hear me singing along. Next thing I knew, we were singing a duet. So, now Jimi tells me I’m part of the HitTime family and he wants me to learn a song to do with them. Now there’s a nice compliment - and a challenge for the ol’ gal. Let’s see what happens when he returns next summer. Then, Sunday was a blast with Johnny Bling and their adoring fans. You can just feel the excitement in the air when these guys play. Is it the song selections, or just how good they are? A combination of both and a lot of charisma make these guys a winning ticket. This weekend Kevin Poole assembles his buddies for Poole & The Gang on Fri. This band is a like a poster child illustrating how much amazing talent we have in this town. Of course, I never know for sure who he’ll bring with him, but usually it’s Jeff Davis on bass, (Full Circle and The Chest Pains), Joe Mama on drums (The Chest Pains, 2Guyz & a Mama and several more collaborations), Chris Button (Crowded Outhouse, Under The Outhouse, The Chest Pains), and Joe Smooth (No Byscuyts, Teenage Rust and several duo collaborations). So you get the picture - all fabulous musicians and when they come together, it’s magical. Hope to see you there. In addition, Ducks will feature Doc Hollywood on Sat. and Tranzfusion on Sun.; and I have to tell you that songstress Marcella Peters will perform at M.R. Ducks on Thur. with Sean O’Brien providing guitar accompaniment. This gal will astound you with her vocal abilities and she’s beautiful to watch, too.

Did I save the best for last? Maybe. The much anticipated performance of The Chest Pains at Fager’s Island last Sunday was brilliant, stunning and astonishing. I must give shout-out thanks to Charlie at Charlie’s Bayside for giving them the platform from which to launch their electrifying stage show. Lights, camera, action! It was non-stop hits played during two long sets that had the crowd on their feet all night long. From the crisp, driving force of Joe Mama on drums, to the heart thumping bass from an amazingly animated Jeff Davis, to the incredible jaw-dropping, blazing guitar riffs of Chris Button, to the amazing vocals from charimatic front man and guitarist Byron Anthony, these guys showed us what a rock band is all about. Their long months of rehearsals showed in their extremely tight performance and their showmanship was from the soul - not contrived as some do, running back and forth on the stage. These are mature, talented musicians who love the music and love bringing it to us. Can’t wait to hear them again. There’s talk of a return date in October.

Another very special happening is taking place Sat. at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill. Joe Mama and Kevin Poole are dedicating their show to the memory of our beloved Michael Tracey White. Come out and celebrate the life of this great friend and most talented musician who entertained us singing and playing guitar, drums and stand-up bass in several bands during his too-short career. Taken too soon, we still miss him. Happy Birthday, Michael. Well, I’m off to have a great time hearing some more great music - maybe some Jim Long at Seacrets, huh? Wherever you go in this cool town, remember to party safe!