Hello and welcome to summer ‘09.  Certainly after the last two very busy weekends we should be encouraged that this is going to be a blockbuster summer. Phooey on all that economy talk - havin’ fun is important, too, right? And boy did we have fun last weekend. I’m told the Talbot St. pier was totally packed for Mary Lou & The Untouchables at M.R. Ducks on Sunday. Sadly, I was stuck in the ER still trying to get a handle on this allergy/asthma problem - much better now, thank you. Anyhow, I was there with bells on Monday and enjoyed my 15 seconds’ fame singing with Mary Lou & Delegate Jim. Fans noticed that a few band members have changed so let me enlighten you all about that. Guitarist Sean O’Brien is now touring with Beyonce as the guitar tech and drummer Brad Kines is doing studio work with an up and coming country music singer/songwriter. Original guitarist Danny Lough has returned to the band and that was Mark St. Pierre on drums and Bobby Peters on bass. The horn section features Mo Goldman and Alan Dahlstrom on sax (both back after a hiatus) and Brian Sanders (a music teacher) back on trumpet. And of course, the fabulous keyboards of musical director Charlie Hamilton. Mary Lou & The Untouchables put on a fabulous party show, even in the rain. They will appear for the first of the Sunday Concert Series at Fager’s Island on Sunday June 28th. Can’t wait to see and hear them at their old regular venue.
    This weekend at M.R. Ducks should be off the hook with Johnny Bling on Saturday and Dr. Harmonica & Rocket 88 on Sunday. The guys from Johnny Bling were here in April playing at Sunset Grille and they sounded better than ever, always adding new material. Mike Endue (guitar), Joe Singer (bass), Cal Morgan (drums) & Chris Dingler (keyboards), have an obvious true love of music - it just comes out in their performances and audiences respond to their enthusiasm. Don’t miss this fun party.
    And Dr. Harmonica? Well, he’s an Ocean City legend already but definitely not ready to retire. I heard them recently at 707 Sports Bar and they were smokin’ hot. Mark Kenneally (aka Dr. Harmonica) is healthy and strong and sounding better than ever. Alan Yandziak is back on sax - what a charismatic player he is. Ron Price on bass and Brad Fish on drums keep the rhythm line strong, and last time out there were two really strong guitarists: Mike Petrillo and Rob (Funky Star Child) Perma. It’s gonna be a blast at M.R. Ducks this weekend. Be there!
    Here’s another group about which there have been many questions posed to me lately - Full Circle. I have addressed this in earlier columns but let’s talk about it again. Full Circle was formed from a few members of the Lauren Glick Band while Lauren was expecting her twin girls. Jeff (bass), Gary (drums) and Kathy (guitar) added Dave (keyboards) and Michelle (vocals) to the group and have been appearing as Full Circle. You can hear them Saturday at the Steer Inn and I’m sure you’ll agree that they are fabulous. How could they not be with all that incredible talent - three excellent vocalists for some really fine harmonies. The best! Now - the Lauren Glick Band is still playing as well, which includes violinist John Heinz, when he’s not otherwise engaged playing with Tim Landers as Landers & Heinz. You can hear LGB on upcoming Mondays on the beach at Seacrets. Lauren is also singing with The Mood Swingers. So, you have all your favorite performers out there entertaining us in one collaboration or another - it’s all good!
    The Steer Inn has a new talent in the person of Tim Cyphers. Owner Skip McGarry describes him as a John LaMere-type entertainer on acoustic guitar. Tim is playing on Tuesday nights and is hosting the new Acoustic Open Mic Night on Thursdays. We’d like to encourage players to bring their guitars and share your music - no drums, no bands - just enjoyable entertainment to please everyone. Friday night if you’re looking for some rockin’ bluesy sounds, you’ll be there to hear Crossroads. And mark your calendars for the Prof. Ouch presents the Olde City Sideshow Sat., June 6th.
    It’s time to get out in the sun and visit the folks at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill. It’s gonna be crazy there this Saturday after the Ravens parade. If you want to meet your favorite players, this is the place to be. They host a big party on the beach and the purple will be flowin’. Friday you can hear perennial favorites Opposite Directions - that’s Darin & Bob for you newcomers - the ultimate duo. Now here’s a pair who love to add new music all the time keepin’ it fresh and lively. Saturday parade goers will party to the music of Kevin Poole & Joe Mama - always a party pleaser. And Sunday, Chris Button & Joe Mama continue to rock with Walt as Under The Outhouse. This is such a great venue: lounge on a beach chair, play a little volleyball or just enjoy the fabulous libations and excellent food off the grill.
    I couldn’t believe the crowd gathered at the Rio Grande Cafe & Pool Bar last Saturday to hear Kevin Poole. It was a party! Kevin is lookin’ good after his Key West winter and sounding great. You can hear him this Friday at Fager’s Island for the early deck party. Chris Button & Joe Mama will bring it on for the Friday party at Rio Grande and The Stims will play on Saturday.
    Are you into the blues? There’s no finer group around than Lower Case Blues and you can hear them Saturday at Smitty McGee’s. Jake Banaszak just blows people away on lead guitar. He plays with an intensity that reaches down into your soul. BJ Muntz on bass is the bluesy soulful singer and an incredible player as well. If the drummer looks familiar, you may remember him playing with Tom Larsen some years back. Rick Webster brings a boatload of talent to this dynamic trio. Smitty McGee’s is always a good place to party, have some really good food, and catch all your sports action on their numerous TVs. Randy Lee and Jimmy play every Thurs. and they bring in the rest of the Salt Water Cowboys for a full band sound every Friday. On Sunday Funday join the fun crowd as Randy Lee Ashcraft & Chris Buttom team up for some lively afternoon party music.
    It was a pleasure visiting the Ocean Club and Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill last Saturday. The new outdoor pool is beautiful and open to the public. This is incredible news. Excellent music on the deck - this weekend with Arizona, great food from the grill, tasty cocktails and now a dip in the pool. Or you can go out on the beach and get blanket-side service. You can’t go wrong.
    More good news - BJ’s has decided to extend their Wednesday Happy Hour party through June with music by Tommy Edward coming up. Never a cover, always good music - this Friday hear Kenny Jones & The Jaded Angels and Nothin’ But Trouble (nothin’ but awesome) on Saturday.
    Awesome describes last weekend’s music at the Purple Moose. Surreal and Kashmir were both outstanding. Surreal will return on June 12-13 and Kashmir will be back on Thurs., June 25. Lead singer Jean tells me that they have hooked up with a manager who is booking them in theatres up and down the coast so they’re very excited about that.
    Don’t miss a rare appearance of No Pets For Noah Fri.-Sat. at Fager’s Island. Monday Deck party going strong with Batman, then Animal House later. Party on and party safe!