I’m a little bit nervous. SOJA is returning to Seacrets on July 12. The reggae band’s recent sold-out show at Seacrets was the party of the year, and I don’t know if I’m ready to have that much fun again. Just kidding. I can’t wait! Make sure to buy your tickets in advance, because it will probably sell out too.
    Pickles Pub has recently booked some awesome entertainment. I had the pleasure of seeing Qi Lo at the 8th Street bar last week, and I absolutely love their song choices. Covering songs by Incubus, Weezer, and Fidel (the now defunct band from back in the days of the Hurricane!), Qi Lo has a captivating stage presence. This week at Pickles, rock out with Colossal Fossil Sauce and Lower Class Citizens on Wednesday night. DJ Wax has been appearing on Saturday nights and $2 Tuesdays, along with Candiflip. Always on the music scene, Brandi (aka “Bandi”) has joined the staff at Pickles, and she is working hard to bring in unique entertainment.  She worked her magic to schedule King Sickabilly of Sasquatch and the Sick-a-Billys to appear on Monday, July 5. He’ll combine blues, metal, punk, country, and rockabilly—all in one performance.
    28th Street Pit-n-Pub is shaping up to be another hotspot for live entertainment. The extremely made over establishment, features DJ Jeremy each Thursday night. The new owners are committed to raising funds for the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. They’ll host a “Coast2Coast” party to benefit the Gulf Coast at 7 pm on July 15. Silent auctions and raffles will be accompanied by performances from Colossal Fossil Sauce, DJ Jeremy, and members of Bond-n-Bentley. Awesome food and drink specials are included. If you’re interested in donating or participating, please call “the Pit.”
    Last week at Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon I funked out to the sounds of Skribe. I’m a sucker for a standup bass, and this band delivers! Touting themselves as “garage folk,” Skribe will return to Buxy’s this summer. Keep reading Sonic Notes for future dates. Buxy’s has Reedo on tap for Saturday night, July 3. For a preview of the band’s acoustic and folk sounds, listen to Irie Radio (98.1 FM) “Live Lixx at 6” at 6 pm on Friday, July 2. Bond-n-Bentley are scheduled to perform an acoustic show at Buxy’s on Tuesday, July 6, and the extremely talented Bryan Russo Trio returns to Buxy’s next Friday, July 9.
    On Wednesday, July 7, I’ll be celebrating with my loyal reader, April Imparato, for her beach bum birthday at Coconut’s Beach Bar & Grill. Located at the Castle in the Sand on 36th Street, this is the only place in Ocean City where servers bring you food and cocktails right on the beach. Crowded Outhouse takes the beach stage at 2 pm on April’s birthday. Coconuts has DJ Wax at 6 pm on Friday, July 2, and Kevin Poole & Joe Mama on Saturday, July 3, and Thursday, July 8. While you’re at Coconuts, congratulate Sarah for being the only female contestant to qualify for Ocean City’s Fastest Bartender contest. Go, girl!
    Too many fireworks are going off this Independence Day to mention every event, but you must check out 2U, a phenomenal U2 tribute band, at Fager’s Island on July 4. The Purple Moose on the boardwalk presents additional tribute bands, with Kashmir paying homage to Led Zeppelin on July 4, and Everybody Wants Some giving props to Van Halen on Thursday, July 8. Also, Bruce in the USA performs at Seacrets on Monday, July 5. As I said, this town is bursting with fun events. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July, everybody.