Fundraisers and tribute bands seem to be the recurring theme in the music scene around Ocean City this summer. If you haven’t checked out the new 28th Street Pit and Pub, stop in on Thursday, July 15, for the Coast2Coast benefit for relief efforts along the Gulf of Mexico coast. The event is a wonderful way to make a small difference in response to the oil leak. In addition to raffles, auctions, and amazing food and drink specials, you can catch live performances by Colossal Fossil Sauce and members of Bond and Bentley. DJ Jeremy will also spin tunes for the charitable crowd, and you can compete in a rib-eating contest. The Pit hosts live bands on Friday nights, DJ EJ on Saturday nights, oldies with The Colonel on Wednesday nights, and locals night with DJ Jeremy each Thursday.
    I just love all the tributes across town. Bruce in the USA played at Seacrets last week, and 2U appeared at Fager’s Island. I’m a huge Springsteen fan, and I’m counting down the days until the Purple Moose hosts Bruce in the USA later this summer. In the meantime, the Purple Moose has Cygnals paying tribute to Rush on Thursday, July 22, and Apple Scruffs playing all the Beatles’ hits on Thursday, July 29. Fager’s Island presents Eclipse, a Pink Floyd tribute band, on Sunday, July 11. Do you love the Dave Matthews Band? Check out an impressive tribute to them during Fager’s Island’s Monday Night Deck Party on July 12.
    Hey, bluegrass fans, I’ve got breaking news just for you. Robert Mabe, a banjo master from North Carolina, is teaming up with The Electric Company’s front man, Nate Clendenen, to perform “brother duo style” at Pickles Pub on Friday, July 9, at 10 pm, and at Davey Jones Locker Room on Sunday, July 11, at 3 pm. On Friday at Pickles, Chester River Runoff will join these two diverse musicians to collectively deliver a unique blend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass. I’m delighted that Ocean City will be exposed to this incredible genre of music.
     On Sunday night, plan on steering in to The Steer Inn Tavern in Ocean Pines for the return of original rock band The Fustics. This award-winning band combines southwestern rock, bluesy guitar, and a dynamic rhythm section to produce gritty and dramatic rock and roll. I’d like to send a big “thank you” to the Steer Inn for once again booking a unique band the likes of which the Eastern Shore rarely sees. You won’t want to miss it!
    Monday, July 12, will be nothing less than epic with SOJA at Seacrets. Buy your tickets now because this show will sell out. The Movement will open the show getting you revved up with the reggae beat. Then, dance the night away to the infectious sounds of SOJA. Blending reggae, rock, and a little bit of go go, SOJA provides a performance that you must experience for yourself. Even though the last show sold out, I thought the crowd at Seacrets was the perfect size. It wasn’t unbearably crowded, and everyone in attendance genuinely appreciated being part of the event.
    DJ Yummy spins the hottest tunes each Tuesday at Macky’s Bayside. This week’s theme is an 80’s Party, which means I’ll probably sing along to every word of every song. Also, Macky’s hosts a local band each Sunday night. Crooked Finger returns to Macky’s this Sunday, July 11, for an encore performance at 10 pm. Earlier that day, check out the Steel Drum Bloody Mary Bar on the bayfront beach with Jimmy G.
    Goodness. This town is popping with musical talent. Get out there and enjoy it. Have a wonderful week, everyone.