Hi, everyone.  Hope life is treating you kindly.  The weather hasn’t been too kind this week; it has really put a damper on me going out.  Although it’s still gray and gloomy out today, this year’s Oceans Calling is now underway with an incredible lineup of artists.  You’ll recall that last year’s inaugural event was cancelled due to bad weather.  Well, this year, I’m happy to say, even though it is dreary today, the next two days for the star-studded concerts will be filled with sunshine.

Two events got me out of the house last Sunday.  First was the culmination of a summer-long contest at the Castle in the Sand’s Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill.  Each Tuesday visitors entered the contest and each week’s winners were treated to a free stay at the hotel and a chance to win a vacation in the Bahamas at the Castle’s sister resort, Green Turtle Cay.  It’s always such fun to have folks from near and far return to see whose turtle will be the last one left in the ‘pond’ to win the trip.  This year’s lucky winner is Emily Roney of Danville, Penn.  See her picture in Fun Fotos.  Congratulations, Emily!  It’s that time of year that outdoor venues are winding down and this is true at Coconuts as well.  Their entertainment calendar is now reflecting closed Monday through Wednesday but the other four days are still chock full of great entertainment at noon and 4pm.  Take a look at Who’s Where When, and remember that you can click the little ‘Next’ button to see who’s playing for the next few weeks.  The closing party with music by Monkee Paw is scheduled for Sunday, October 22, with many of our favorites playing ‘til then; such as, Aaron Howell, Colossal Fossil Sauce, Kevin Poole & Joe Mama, Lauren Glick Band, Full Circle, Rick & Regina, Endless Ember, The Dunehounds and Lime Green Band.  Yes, you read correctly - Lime Green Band is slated for Saturday, October 21; which leads me to my next note.

Early in the season I got word from Lime Green songstress Angeline Leech that guitarist Terry Wilson had suffered an aneurysm and would be out for the summer.  We’re all thankful that he is recovering  and is looking forward to playing again.  Last Sunday, friends and family gathered for a benefit in his honor at Fast Eddie’s.  It was heartwarming to see all the folks who came out to support him, and the music was off the charts.  I got there in time to hear three of the bands who donated their time and talent for Terry.   I’m rather chagrined to admit that I had not heard any of them; so I was grateful to have this opportunity.  First I heard Front Page News who did a most excellent job with classic rock.  Next up was Pistol Whipped who describe their music as the “crossroads of country and rock;” I agree.  Their lead singer was multi-talented playing sax, flute and harmonica which all contribute to the variety of their song selections.  Lastly was Live & Dangerous with leader Chris Hill on the drums.  What an awesome singer they had.  I apologize for not having more names, etc., about these bands; but I do highly recommend that you go hear them when you get the opportunity.  And look at this: Pistol Whipped will perform Saturday night at Fast Eddie’s.  Also at Fast Eddie's tonight (Friday) is the debut performance of The Vans featuring amazing guitarist Jimmy Rowbottom.  It's gonna be a party!

Saturday’s entertainment has me in a quandary of where to go with just a few of the many choices: Full Circle at Bourbon St.; Lennon and the Leftovers at the Angler; and Cecilia’s Fall in the afternoon at Harborside.  Oh my, how am I going to choose?  So much fun in our fabulous town.  Get out there and enjoy these early golden days of Fall.  Second season in OC is the best!  Remember to always party safe, my friends, and treat each other kindly.