Boy Howdy Music Fans!
    Welcome one and all to October at the Beach! This month is always a welcome milestone in time around these parts. Octoberfest, Halloween, football weather and good surf fishing are among Ocean City’s favorite things this season.
    Until actually going to Munich for Octoberfest a few years ago, I always wondered why ‘their’ Octoberfest in Germany is in September. This makes sense when I learned the celebration was the count down ‘to October’. The Prussian/Germanic origins of the festival are an anniversary of a Royal weddding which literally married together two different regions of Germany offering political unity to the country for the first time. This festival seemed like Mardi Gras, New Year’s Eve, Halloween and St. Patty’s Day all rolled into one. Big crowds, (6 million), big beers and big appetites gather all over the city for the biggest party you’ve ever seen! So roast up some bratwurst and tap your toasting glasses together and say “prost”!
    Recently announced Fager’s Island has revived the Claim to Fame talent competition on Monday nights. These open microphone events got their origins in the early nineties. My memories of these nights always reflect fun and musical commeraderie. Fager’s ended up being a breeding ground for quite a few new bands around the Shore. We all loved that it shook things up in the local industry and introduced like minded people who might not have otherwise even met! This round is hosted by Kevin Poole. All performers must do live music, no pre-recorded tracks, no karaoke, no kidding! The brass ring for the winner is pre-paid studio time at The Park Recording Studio, and bragging rights! Come on out to 59th St. and let out your inner rock star. Original music is widely encouraged so it’s no time to be shy. Let’s go, campers. Rock On!
    Thanks to Bill and Maddie Carder for a fun ‘Rust’ filled Thursday night down at Sunfest. The after party at The Inlet Lodge was a blast. I haven’t laughed quite that hard in quite a while. After Teenage Rust played the big stage, we all did some ceremonious ‘piggin’ out and took over the Inlet Lodge. Speaking of the Carders, look for great live tunes this weekend from the boys of No Byscuyts at BJ’s on the the Water (75th St and the Bay) on both Fri. and Sat. nights at 9pm.  Always a good call, check out Joe, Howard, Keith and Elwood for some funk infused jazzy dance songs with flavor of their own! The midweek madness also continues this Wednesday at 4pm for BJ’s deck party featuring the Time Warp Blues Band. It’s that time of year to get out and catch up with your friends about town!
    Local anglers, don’t forget about Fish Tales Rocktoberfest tourney. The rockfish are ruunin’ and the prizes are just waitin’ for that skilled (or lucky) fisherman or woman!
    Pompous Pie will be out of town this weekend. We play Jake & Als in Lusby, Md. tonight and The Brick House in Shadyside, Md. on Saturday. We’ll be back next week for the ACS breast cancer event dubbed ‘Jammin for a Cure’ at Seacrets. This starts 5pm in de club with Chris English, Pompous Pie and Fuzzbox Piranha! Hope to see you there on Friday, 10/9. Saturday 10/10 we’ll be back at M.R. Ducks with the big band! Thanks, enjoy your Coconut Times and have a great week.
    Til next time, Tah!! – Marco Ink