Hi, everyone. Last weekend in September - where does the time go? Wasn’t that a glorious Sunfest weekend? What a great time we had. As Tish said in her article, it may have been the best ever. Both headline acts were reported to me to be terrific (I was busy covering local music). Mike (Batman) Beatty told me he was thrilled to again be tapped to introduce the Beach Boys. (Remember when they played at the Convention Ctr. w/ the addition of John Stamos? Yes, I would have gone to see him again.) Anyway, as Mike tells me, Bruce Johnston personally thanked him for the excellent introduction and, of course, Mike is still thrilled as they are his favorite group. I did, however, see the ‘opening’ act for the Beach Boys; or, as Mike Armstrong put it, the act preceding the Beach Boys in the main entertainment tent - The Mood Swingers! Yes, the Coconut Times Entertainer of the Year recipients of 2012 were called on to play the main stage Saturday and they did an excellent job. Who wouldn’t be impressed with the easy and smooth power of Lauren Glick’s voice on Janice Joplin covers, or her emotional rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.” With Mike Armstrong on guitar and vocals, Bubba (Mark Phippin) on drums and vocals and Ted Galinas on bass, The Mood Swingers delivered a show that garnered them a standing ovation from the standing-room only audience.
    I also attended the Patty Reese concert in the main tent and agree with Tish that she is the new jewel of Sunfest. It’s probably been 18 years or so since I heard Patty when Jr. Cline invited her and keyboardist Tommy Lepson to play with them at Fager’s Island. She has a distinctive and beautiful voice that soars above the instrumentation - so pleasant. I hope to hear her again soon. By the way, Patty tells me that Jr. (Daryl) Cline is doing well and playing again in DC and surrounding areas. I sure do miss him and The Recliners. Wonder if they’ll ever do a reunion? Hmmm...
    Gotta make it out to Seacrets tomorrow, Sat., for the final Jim Long Band beach party. Don’t be alarmed if you see a bunch of people in hippie gear. Why not join in? The Party Bar folks always choose a theme for the first and last Jim Long performances and this time out it’s Hippie! So break out your headbands, fringed vests, and patched jeans (yes, we always sewed cool patches on our torn jeans; such as, butterflies, ankh symbols, peace signs. Now kids are buying jeans with holes already in them…go figure) and join in the fun.
    Coconuts was a blast last Sun. at their pre-closing closing party w/ Zion Reggae Band. I have to say that reggae is not my favorite genre of music but these guys play such an entertaining mix of traditional and dance hall reggae with so much positive energy that you can’t help but be drawn into the vibe. I found myself among the crowd calling out for ‘just one more song.’ Be sure to come out today to catch John LaMere’s last performance before he heads south to his winter gigs in Key West. John says so many Ocean City friends come down to visit him that he hardly has time to miss us. Hopefully, I’ll be one of those visitors this year. As the days wind down at Coconuts, let’s pray for good weather to enjoy Ginger and Kaleb Brown tomorrow and the Chest Pains Sun.
    Speaking of the Chest Pains, they will be rockin’ out at BJ’s on Sat. following a Fri. show by The Mood Swingers w/ Lauren. Remember, Wednesdays are back w/ Sir Rod show up next. He did a great job at Sunfest.
    I attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Longboard last night at the new Town Center. What a cool place! Owner Rick and his crew did a great job of serving the many people who flooded the establishment with well wishes. I stuck around for the entertainment when I saw Chris Button and Dave Sherman in the crowd. It was a pleasure, as always, to hear these two massively accomplished musicians play. I believe Rick intends to continue entertainment throughout the winter and I will keep you informed.
    Can’t wait to hear Rob Fahey & The Pieces again at Johnny’s on Sat. but I’ll have to split my time ‘cause I want to hear 2 Much Stuff at the Bayside Taphouse and Old School at Jive, too. Geez, and I just mentioned Chest Pains at BJ’s. Wow, we are so blessed with an over abundance of great talent. Party safe!