Seems like everyone started their Barhopping columns with something like, “Can you believe it’s Memorial Day weekend?” No I can’t! Traditionally falling on the last Monday of May, it had to be the 25th; but many like me realized that late.
    The people at The Purple Moose were certainly on top of things, though, ‘cause they have booked two of the very best bands to ever come to town, and on the same weekend. I’m very excited. Surreal, those long-haired ‘80s rockers from Baltimore, will be blowin’ into town tonight to play both Friday and Saturday nights at the World Famous Home of Rock ‘n Roll, The Purple Moose. This legendary Boardwalk club has been presenting the finest in classic rock music for 40 years! There were two previous owners, with John Fager being the first in 1969, and present owner Gary Walker now in his 35th season. Walker has certainly perpetuated the legend, for not only is the music always the best, but you’ll see Purple Moose T-shirts no matter where you travel around the world. Amazing!
    Anyway, Surreal will blow you away. Walt is quite possibly the best vocalist I’ve ever heard. His performances often surpass the original versions; and instrumentally the band is super tight. Guitar riffs are impeccable from Brian on lead guitar and Will is a total mind-blowing bundle of energy on the bass. Add to that the heartbeat of the sound, Renee on drums, and you have a band that cannot be surpassed - they are totally Surreal!
    And the second great band I mentioned - Kashmir returns to the Moose Sunday and Monday nights, superbly covering Led Zeppelin. Just close your eyes and you’re at a Zeppelin concert. Well, wait a minute; open your eyes and you may believe you’re seeing a young Robert Plant in the person of Jean Violet singing his heart out, song after song. He’s got the swagger and the hair - but most importantly, his voice is astounding. I’ve never heard him hit a bad note; he’s always 100 percent on. Andy Urban on guitar covers the role of Jimmy Page with uncanny accuracy and mesmerizing flair. Paul Cooper is an incredible drummer who amazes me every time I see him do his open-handed solo bit. I understand there’s a new bass and keyboardist man coming so I’m anxious to hear and meet him. Hope to see you all at one or more of these incredible shows exclusively at the Purple Moose.
    The Clarion is opening Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill this weekend with music by First Class on the deck. You won’t find a more beautiful setting than this beach-front bar with an ocean view, gorgeous green palms, tasty libations, excellent food hot off the grill, and the best staff headed up by old friend Chuck. Stop in and say hello. First Class returns in the evenings to play the Ocean Club inside and you can take this to the bank - they are always top-notch entertainers. I know people want variety but if I had my wish, Danny would play sax every single song. The club begins seven-nights-a-week entertainment Monday with the return of the ever popular Arizona.
    Welcome back to the Rio Grande Pool Bar opening up this weekend with music by Chris & Joe, Kevin Poole and The Stims, Fri.-Sun. What a wonderfully relaxing way to spend an evening. Check it out (145th St.).
    Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill is rarin’ to go with entertainment by the ocean this weekend from Aaron & Chuck on Sat., and Crowded Outhouse on Sunday. Now if you’ve been paying attention to previous columns you’ll know that John LaMere will not be here this summer but the music goes on with Walt on vocals and guitar. They choose to go by the name Under the Outhouse, but for now, visitors may only recognize the other name ... so you’ll hear both for awhile.
    Here’s another cool happening for you. Lauren Glick will rejoin former Chameleon partner, Mike Armstrong, whose band is now called The Mood Swingers. Not sure if she’ll do all their dates but she will be singing with them all weekend, Friday-Sunday, at BJ’s on the Water. Glad to have her back on the scene. She and Kathy as the Lauren Glick Band will return to Seacrets Mon.
    It’s gonna be a big weekend at M.R. Ducks, too, with Pompous Pie playing on Saturday and Mary Lou & The Untouchables on Sunday and Monday. Just heard Pompous Pie again last night at Micky Fins, and really enjoyed the groove. Marco is offering up some really cool guitar sounds (thanks for “Purple Rain”) and sometimes he and bass guy Joey trade guitars and Joey takes off on a lead bit. Entertaining. Joey, by the way, plays lead with Nate Clendenen in Electric Company, Fridays at Dr. Unk’s.
    Mary Lou, Mary Lou! That’s what the crowd was chanting at Springfest where she and the boys played to a standing ovation. It’s always a blast when they play at M.R. Ducks. Nobody can get a crowd excited like Mary Lou. And I think we all thrill to the sounds of a brass section, right? The total package is sheer rockin’ madness.
    I just mentioned Micky Fins - gotta check out Full Circle there tonight if you can. This collaboration of Michelle, Kathy and Dave is most impressive. The depth of talent among this trio of excellent vocalists opens up a boundless variety of song choices. Come back to the beautiful bar on the docks at the West OC Fishing Center on Saturday to hear Landers & Heinz. Talk about great combinations. John’s fiddle and harmonies lend an enchanting tone to Tim’s classic troubador stylings. Wes Davis, a master of keyboard and guitar, will play for us on Sunday; DJ Wax on Wed.; and Under The Outhouse back on Thurs. Party!!
    Seacrets is throwing its first Miss Seacrets Contest Sunday and Power Play will return with their wonderful show at 5pm, hosted by the irrepressible Jim Long. The Fireworks display will go off at 9 pm.
    I had a good time at Jive last night listening to Rolling Stones music and visiting with friends and bartenders Mark & Kim. It was guest bartender night and Kevin Sesada came in to do the honors. I still haven’t made it for Beatles Happy Hour on Tues. and it’s killin’ me ‘cause I love the Beatles ... and would love to win Beatles prizes. Anyway, for some really soulful rockin’ music, visit on Sat. night to hear the Philly George Band. You’ll love ‘em.
    Last weekend at the Steer Inn was incredible. The Gas House Gorillas on Friday night were totally off the Richter scale - dynamite! Can’t wait to hear them again. Tonight they have a group from Wilmington, N.C., called The Fustics. Voted Wilmington’s “Best Original Rock Band,” they are noted as poets of the underclass, their songs chronicling everyday life. You’ll enjoy their high-energy live show incorporating an array of musical styles in addition to original tunes - 3rd cd out soon.
    Steve Ports will pay a visit to Fager’s Island Sunday on the deck. Always a pleasure to see and hear Steve and partner Dave. Last week’s Mon. night band, Tranzfusion, blew past all expectations putting on one incredible show. So good to see these guys getting the adulation they so deserve. Fager’s features Animal House Fri.-Sat. and Scott’s New Band Sun. and Mon.
    Lots to see, hear and do in fabulous Ocean City. Just remember to party safe!