While I was channel surfing a few weeks ago, a blonde-haired beauty in a schoolgirl uniform caught my eye. Her name is Orianthi, and she is an Australian singer and electric guitarist who opened the season finale of American Idol with Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out for Summer.” Something about the way she played the electric guitar captivated me, and I ended up watching the entire show. Although I wasn’t familiar with the contestants, I couldn’t believe the old school line-up that performed that night: Alice Cooper, Chicago, Hall and Oates, the Bee Gees, Joe Cocker, Janet Jackson, and more. It was quite a trip to see these artists sharing classic favorites after all these years. Some of them look pretty good, others not so much, but it was so entertaining to witness an over-the-top blend of rocker generations.
    Living at the beach, I’m lucky to be exposed to a blend of new and classic rock on a frequent basis. Younger musicians, such as Hotbox, Can’t Hang, and Tim Cyphers primarily focus on “college rock,” similar to the sounds of Sublime, Dave Matthews, and Jack Johnson. Granted, most of these bands have been around for nearly a decade or more, but other local bands take it way, waaaaay back. For instance, you’ll hear bands like Tranzfusion, Joey Saah, Opposite Directions, and Lower Class Citizens covering such rock classics as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Thanks to my ultra hip parents who raised me on rock-and-roll, I love it all.
    If you love classic rock as much as I do, options abound in Ocean City this weekend.  Joey Saah & Whiskey River will be very busy. First, they’ll rock the deck at M.R. Ducks at 4:00 pm on Friday, June 11, and then they will cross the bridge into West Ocean City to please the crowds at 707 Sports Bar & Grille at 9:00 pm. You won’t believe your eyes when Joey Saah plays his electric guitar with his teeth. For real. M.R. Ducks will keep the classic rock vibes going all week with Electric Company on Saturday, June 12, Bird Dog & The Road Kings on Sunday, June 13, and Tranzfusion on Tuesday, June 15. All shows begin at 4:00 pm.
    Other sets that are heavy on classic rock around the resort this week include Opposite Directions at BJ’s on the Water on Friday and Saturday nights, Surreal at the Purple Moose on Friday and Saturday nights, and Woodstok Nation at the Steer Inn Tavern on Friday night. Also, check out Loud Love at the Steer Inn on Saturday night, June 12.
    Looking for modern rock? Ocean City offers plenty of sounds for the younger generation, too. Seven Days Wasted is slated to perform at Whiskers Bar & Grill in Ocean Pines on Saturday, June 12. Seacrets has Lost in Paris on Friday, Star 69 on Saturday, and Crushing Day on Sunday. For the latest Top 40 hits and hip-hop hotness, Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill is the spot. DJ Casper, DJ Cowboy, and DJ Yummy keep the dance floor bumpin’ on Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday, respectively. And, Crooked Finger is on tap for Macky’s “Band Night” on Sunday.
    One of my favorite spots for catching live music during the early afternoon is, hands down, Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill at the Castle in the Sand hotel. What could possibly be better than listening to acoustic rock at a true, beachfront bar? Stop by on Saturday for Tim Cyphers at 2:00 and Earth Bound Groove at 5:00.
    Other cool events this week include reggae band Jah Works at Seacrets on Friday and Saturday nights, and the Surfrider Foundation party at Fager’s Island at 6:00 on Friday night. It’s also the Maryland State Firemen’s Association Conference & Parade this week, so grab a firefighter and take him (or her!) to the dance floor. Have a great week, everyone!