I was cruising up Coastal Highway this week when I caught a small sample of Irie Radio’s (98.1 FM) “Live Lixx at 6,” show. I didn’t know it at the time, but they were playing my new favorite song, “Sorry,” by SOJA. I thought the band sounded very similar to Jah Works, one of my favorite reggae bands from back in the day. It wasn’t until I was at the sold out SOJA show at Seacrets on Monday night, front and center stage, when I realized the song is SOJA’s original work. The reggae/rock/hip hop band from Washington, DC, finished their magnificent concert with “Sorry.” The song’s go-go beat makes it impossible to stand still. Plus, SOJA arrived in style with a killer horn section, which is always a bonus in my book. I had more fun at this show than I’ve had in a long time, and I thank Seacrets for making it possible. Even after I returned home, with blisters on my feet from so much dancing, I immediately logged onto YouTube and watched another hour of SOJA footage. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the opening act, Tribal Seeds, was wonderful too.
    Next on my musical agenda is The Phantom Limbs at 28th Street Pit-n-Pub on Friday night, June 25. Have you seen that place lately? The new owners have given it an extreme makeover. See for yourself this weekend, and say hello to the talented and friendly band, The Phantom Limbs. Comprised of year-round, Ocean City locals, these musicians play original music, like “Cellar Door,” a tribute to the movie Donnie Darko, and rockin’ covers of songs like “Waiting Room,” by Fugazi and “Red Rocket of Love,” by Reverend Horton Heat.
    Also on Friday night, the punk/reggae/blues style of GroundScore will take the stage at Pickles Pub. Based in Washington, DC, this band has developed quite a fan following in Ocean City. I know many of my friends who live in nearby Berlin and Ocean Pines will make the trip to Ocean City just to see GroundScore, and I plan to meet them at Pickles. Friday is also Winn’s birthday, from Delmarva Nightlife Entertainment, an organization responsible for booking many bands at many venues in Ocean City. He’ll be partying with GroundScore at Pickles. Happy birthday, Winn!
    BJ’s on the Water has an impressive line-up this week, with The Mood Swingers and Lauren Glick at 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, June 25 & 26, and with The Electric Company at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 30. If you like the classic rock sounds of Janis Joplin, you’ll love The Mood Swingers with Lauren Glick. And, if you like rock-and-roll with bluegrass flavor (think Johnny Cash or The Soggy Bottom Boys), you need to check out the Electric Company.
    Also on Wednesday, June 30, The Chest Pains are on tap at Charlie’s Bayside. I grew up listening to ‘80s and ‘90s new wave, and The Chest Pains bring back so many memories, while adding a touch of modern rock to their repertoire.
    Have you heard about the tribute bands at the Purple Moose? Next week features Kashmir, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, on Sunday, July 4. Tribute bands I’m particularly looking forward to this summer are a Bruce Springsteen tribute band on July 15 called Bruce in the USA, and Guns & Roses tribute band, November Rain, on August 26. Keep reading Sonic Notes for details. Have a rockin’ week, everybody!