Hey, all. Thanks for your many kind words, thoughts and prayers helping me to cope with this health crisis called asthma. I’m astounded at how many people out there have the same condition. Before it struck me, I had no idea how awful it feels. My sympathies to all who are suffering during this heavy pollen season. So, what’s goin’ on this weekend? The big car & truck show at the Convention Ctr., the Mako Tournament (lots of fun to see the weigh-ins at Fish Tales/Bahia Marina), and lots of great music everywhere.
    But there’s entertainment of a different kind being presented at the Steer Inn Tavern Sat., a show that will shock, thrill, amaze and astound. Professor Ouch Auditory Oddities will appear in person to present Dr. Zanzibar’s Olde City Sideshow, performances that encompass the “Old City” stylings of Vaudeville Sideshow acts mixed with Philadelphia’s cutting edge counter-culture influences. You’ll view odd and miraculous acts such as Sword Swallowers, Human Blockhead, Fire Eaters, Electric Girl, Insectivore, Freaks & Geeks & Rock n’ Roll, enough to make your jaw drop and your blood run cold. Can you picture a girl who can contort herself to slip through the tiny opening of a tennis racket? A man who will drive a steel spike into his head? There’s so much more in this crazy, amazing and astounding show. You don’t want to miss a big city show like this right here in our town. Come on out!
    I’m so excited ‘cause I see that Bruce In The USA will return to Seacrets on Thurs., June 11th. If you saw these guys last time they were here, I don’t need to tell you just how good they were. It’s almost as good as a real Bruce Springsteen concert. Please don’t take that as irreverence for the Boss. Matt Ryan, who plays his part, would be the first to tell you how much he admires and respects Springsteen. That’s probably why he pours every ounce of energy he has into each and every performance, recreating the high-energy musical experience of an E. St. Band show. Matt Ryan, from the World Famous “Legends In Concert” cast, played the Springsteen character for eight years in their “full scale” Las Vegas show. The great success with “Legends” evolved his character into the Bruce In The USA show. His amazing portrayal of “The Boss” (not to mention his jaw-dropping resemblance) is as close as you can get to seeing the real thing in concert. Backed by a strong, powerful Clarence “The Big Man” Clemence ... and a smokin’-handed “Little Steve,” Bruce In The USA takes this genre of performance art to a whole new level, making it the world’s #1 tribute to the E. St. Band’s legacy. You’ve gotta see this show, Thursday at Seacrets.
    M.R. Ducks was totally of the hook both days last weekend. Johnny Bling had the crowd so rockin’; always an incredible show from them. You can hear them this Sat. at Seacrets. That’s right - they’ll be down by the water at 6pm for what I think is their first appearance at Seacrets. Looks like we’ll be hearing lots more from them. Sunday’s party with Dr. Harmonica & Rocket 88 was amazing. The good doctor, Mark Kenneally, has returned to the top of his game and he brought along Darryl Ray Jenkins on sax this time out. They are always so welcoming to our OC musicians as Eddie Saah & Marco joined in for a few. We can hear Dr. Harmonica next at the Steer Inn on Sat., June 27. This weekend at M.R. Ducks will be another great one with Nothin’ But Trouble on Sat. If you haven’t heard them yet, I highly recommend them - great music from consummate musicians. Then on Sunday, we’ll all flock to the dock to hear the fantabulous Tranzfusion. As I’ve said before, performances by this group have become major events on the music scene. If you’re one of the few who still haven’t heard them, come on out and enjoy the show.
    Roger Hernandez returns to Whiskers Bar & Grill this Sat. Roger is a veteran performer recently returned to our area. He presents a wonderfully varied musical show full of songs from several decades and plays both guitar and keyboard - yep, he’s a talented dude.
    I see that Smitty McGee’s will have a double feature on Sunday with Randy Lee Ashcraft playing from 4-7 and Crowded Outhouse coming in at 8 - a big Sunday Funday. And Saturday night’s band is Crooked Finger. As always, a lot happening at Smitty McGee’s.
    I hear the new pool at the Clarion is a big hit. It’s open to the public, folks, so come in your swimsuit and have a good time listening to the sounds of Arizona and enjoying cool drinks and hot juicy food from the grill - all outdoors at Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill. Later at night, come back to hear Bea, Manny and the boys (Arizona), in Horizons/Ocean Club Nightclub. You’ll be duly impressed by the fantastic voice from Bea who can sing absolutely anything in any range - amazing vocalist. Don’t forget Horizons superb All You Eat Buffet as well as the scrumptious food off their most excellent menu.
    Fager’s Island starts the weekend off in true party fashion with Kevin Poole on the deck at 6pm. Kevin plays a huge selection of all your favorite tunes and always has a great rapport with his audiences. Stick around for the band on the big stage at 10pm - this week it’s Trippin Carla. Cloudbreak returns to play for us on Saturday - really enjoyed them last time out. Sunday Brunch will feature a performance by Sonny Sings Sinatra. You may have heard Sonny over the winter at Fager’s Island or more recently at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. He does an excellent job recreating the music of a bygone era from such greats as Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and more.
    If you want to hear a true songstress in the sultry blues style of a red hot mama, check out the Billie Stevens Carlins group at Micky Fins on Sunday, 2-6. Billie is the wife of bass man Leo who plays with Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys. I mention this fact as many of you may have heard Billie sing a few with this band and always asked her, “why don’t you have your own band?” So, now she does. You’ll enjoy a great aftenoon of music with her at Micky Fins. Joe Smooth (sax man w/ No Byscuyts) will perform on Fri. with new partner Remy. I hope to have more on them next time. Also, a good time will be had by all listening to the music of Tim Landers, John Heinz & Mike Piccirilli at Micky Fins on Sat. Check out Pompous Pie on Wed. and Under The Outhouse Thurs. A full week of great entertainment on the dock at beautiful Micky Fins.
    Wednesday night was a blast at the Fastest Bartender Contest at Macky’s. This week’s qualifiers are Adam Paskevich (Macky’s), Jake Legenfeld (fish Tales), Evan Dittler (Macky’s), Gina Fanugao (Seacrets) & Brent Umphlett (Castaways). Next week a new group will vie for the next five positions and the ten will compete in the finals for a big $1500 on June 17th. If you think you’re fast, come try your luck. It’s a great show!
    That’s it for this week. Hope to see you all at OC’s hot spots and always, party safe!