I was thrilled to see SOJA’s encore performance at Seacrets last week, and the show surpassed my high expectations. Not only was I reunited with my long lost friend, Chatty Kathy from New York City, but also I recognized many familiar local faces on the dance floor, singing along to every word of every song. Tammy and Nate from Galaxy 66, Riley and the Fish Tales crew,  Elizabeth from OC Wasabi, and many more are staples at every SOJA show. The opening band, The Movement, was equally awesome and did a wonderful job of getting the crowd fired up for SOJA. The band’s lead singer also joined SOJA on stage later in the night. The Movement returns to Seacrets for headline performances on Sunday through Tuesday, July 18-20.
    Seacrets has many nationally recognized acts on tap for summer performances. As part of the venue’s Summer Concert Series, Tribal Seeds and Rebelution with Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad will spread good vibes at Seacrets on Monday, July 15. Collie Buddz is getting irie at Seacrets on July 26, and SOJA returns with Mambo Sauce on August 2. Two major events that I’ve marked on my calendar are Rusted Root on August 4 and Passafire on August 9. Third World will conclude Seacrets’ Summer Concert Series on August 16. Thank you, Seacrets, for bringing a diversity of fantastic music to Ocean City.
    Is there such a thing as too much fun? I’ve been having a little bit too much fun at Coconuts lately. I saw Crowded Outhouse rocking the crowds on Sunday Funday last week, and the band returns on Wednesday, July 21. DJ Wax kicks off the weekend at Coconuts with his hip-hop dance beats on Friday at 6 pm. A year-round local celebrity, Wax seems to be everywhere. He’ll spin tunes at Dead Freddie’s on Saturday at 3 pm and 11 pm, and on Wednesday at 9:30. Wax also appears at Pickles Pub each $2 Tuesday, along with rock band Candiflip.
    Sunset Grille is an ideal spot for enjoying live music on the water in West Ocean City. Bringing his diverse musical talents from Australia, Jay Hoad appears at Sunset Grille on Friday at 6 pm. (The Jay Hoad Band will play Thur. at Dead Freddies). Under the Outhouse performs Saturday at 6 pm, and Beach Bumz reign on Sunday Funday at 4 pm. Later in the week, Opposite Directions perform on Wednesday and Zion Reggae Band is booked for Thursday. Both shows begin at 6 pm.
    Ocean Pines Yacht Club is open to the public every day, and features some excellent local music. Check out Full Circle on Friday night at 7 pm, Mario Rocco on Saturday night, and Time Police at 5 pm on Sunday. Bring the kids for family fun night on Wednesday and dance along while a deejay spins family-friendly tunes.
     I was pleased to see the handsome DJ Hook at Fager’s Island last week, along with the Tim Cyphers Duo. Tim presents his captivating original music and cover songs, such as “Hey, Soul Sister,” by Train. Catch his next show at Dead Freddie’s on Saturday at 7 pm, and at Fager’s Island on Sunday at 3 pm and Tuesday at 9:30. One of my favorite bands, Can’t Hang, is on tap at Fager’s Island on Thursday night, July 22, too.
    Everyone knows that the Party Block is the place to be on Monday nights with weekly performances by Mr. Greengenes. Mark your calendar for July 22, when Pasadena and Jackmove will rock the masses at the Party Block. A ska band from Virginia Beach, Jackmove is definitely on my list of top favorite bands.
    It looks like we have another eventful week lined up in Ocean City. I wait all year for these summer nights. Have a wonderful week, everyone.