Spring is in the air! When you flipped through the last issue of Coconut Times, you may have noticed a few new advertisers. I’m stoked to welcome the Sunset Grille, Java Bay Café, and Giuseppe O’Leary’s Pub to our entertainment magazine, who will be back with us soon. Each of these venues will bring plenty of live music to our resort town in the spring and summer seasons.
    Located in the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, the Java Bay Café is the stage for Tommy Edward at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 25. In West Ocean City, Giuseppe O’Leary’s Pub hosts Troy Mawyer at 6 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, March 26, check out the cozy pub atmosphere and best pizza in town at Johnny’s Pizza on 56th Street, where Randy Lee Ashcraft will perform.
    Blake Haley has been attracting crowds at Micky Fins Bar & Grill on weekends. Catch him on the enclosed deck on Saturday, March 26, at 4 p.m. On Sunday, stop by Pickles Pub to see an array of live bands, including Kaleb Brown, the Phantom Limbs, and many more. The Tim Cyphers Duo and DJ Wax continue to unite for a winning combination on $2 Tuesdays at Pickles Pub, too.
    The Steer Inn has always been one of my favorite hotspots for rockabilly and surf rock that is hard to find in our region. This week, Sean K Preston & The Loaded Pistols will rock the house on Friday night, March 25. Local favorites, Loud Love, will keep the party going on Saturday night, March 26.
    Last week, I met two of my best girlfriends, Stacey Payne (Town of Ocean Pines and Casino at Ocean Downs) and Kelly Quinn (Mann Properties), at Seacrets for happy hour and a daytime performance by Coconut Times’ Entertainers of the Year 2010—Full Circle. Covering songs by Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow, and much more, Full Circle returns to Seacrets for a 5 p.m. performance at the tiki bar on Saturday, April 2. I must give a holla holla to Full Circle’s Kathy Denk, who stunned the crowd with her version of Journey’s “Loving, Touching, Squeezing.” Not only is she a talented guitar player, but also the lady has amazing lungs. I wish I could sing like Kathy. Attention Amish Outlaw fans: The party band is on tap to return to Seacrets on Friday, April 8.
    Have you seen the newly expanded stage and dance floor at BJ’s on the Water? It premiered last week, and is sure to be packed this weekend when The Mood Swingers and Lauren Glick perform on Friday, March 25. BJ’s weekly “deckless” deck party is in full effect, and Time Warp will entertain the happy hour crowd this Wednesday, March 30, at 5 p.m. Also, BJ’s On the Water will host a Cancer Society benefit featuring live music by Teenage Rust on Sunday, April 17.
    Several events are slated to fill the spring air with music in the next few weeks. One event that you definitely want to add to your calendar is Brewgrass 2011 at Fager’s Island on Saturday, March 26, from 1-5 p.m. Sample crafty creations from three breweries, enjoy a Southern style BBQ, and dance the day away to Chester River Runoff and the Saltwater String Band.
    Remember that Coconut Times is published every two weeks; so pick up your free copy on Fridays. With Springfest and hot rod shows just around the corner, you’ll find all the entertainment information you need in our magazine. Happy Spring, everyone.