Hi, everyone. Yes, we’re still going strong and thanks to Mother Nature, we still have some beautiful days to party outside. I’m thinking of places such as M.R. Ducks, Coconuts, Seacrets and the 45th St. Taphouse where the 2nd Annual Beer Fest is taking place on Saturday. The event will feature more than 50 Craft Beers for your tasting enjoyment and a cask tapping ceremony featuring the Shore’s finest brewers. Your ticket to the event includes a commemorative glass and unlimited samples (only $25 in advance or $30 at the door). For me, as usual, music is the thing and they’ve got two of the finest groups around to entertain us: Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers kicking it off at 1 pm followed by Bond & Bentley.
    We heard Bond & Bentley there a few weeks back after they had finished a tour and came home (Baltimore area) to regroup. Letting no moss grow on their rolling stone, they struck out again on their #Stay Hungry Tour. We’re so happy they have time to stop here before continuing on to St. Augustine, Fla. Bond & Bentley (named after a street intersection) formed in 2006 as a vehicle for the music of singer/songwriter Ray Wroten. With bandmates Alex Watts (drums/vocals), Jarrett Kobin (lead guitar) & Shaun Riley (bass/vocals), Bond & Bentley has recorded three full length albums, Airwaves, Take 2 and the most recent, Hold Steady (2012). They are described in their web bio as funky, bluesy, indie rock with flavors of reggae, rock, soul, blues, pop & funk. Yes, they are all that but my description would simply be ... well, can’t really use the adjective I want to, and outstanding, fantastic just doesn’t cover it. Even the covers are innovative. What comes across in their performances, in addition to the quality of their work, is just the aura of having a good time. These guys are really dedicated to their music - indeed still hungry. Stop by and check it out.
    Going on at the same time will be the end of summer customer appreciation pig roast at Seacrets with music by the Jim Long Band at 1 pm followed by Full Circle. It was so much fun last week seeing all my friends at the ‘Party Bar,’ so dubbed for all the loyal Jim Long fans who hang out at the sidestage bar. Every year they dream up a theme for the opening and closing parties and this time out was Hippie. Hope you enjoy all the pictures. Everyone did just what I said in last week’s column: fringed vests, head bands and patched jeans; and even more. Come out and join the fun one last time this season at Seacrets Sat.
    I’ve really enjoyed hearing the music of Poole & The Gang these last few weeks as they played at M.R. Ducks and at Fager’s Island. This time they’ll be bringin’ on the rockin’ fun at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill, another place where sun in the fun is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. This group boasts a wealth of talent w/ Kevin Poole on guitar/vocals, John lead guitar/vocals, Ryan bass, Joe Smooth sax and Joe Mama drums - cream of the crop.
    The Mood Swingers will be plenty busy this weekend with an appearance at Johnny’s on Fri. and the Beer Fest on Sat. Again, here’s a group just loaded with talent starting with the amazing guitar skills of Mike, already legendary vocals of Lauren, powerful percussion and vocals from Bubba and snapping bass from Ted. Come see the shows.
    Tear The Roof Off performs at M.R. Ducks on Sat. Vince does a great job on guitar playing and singin’ the blues. I love it that they keep some of the old songs alive that formed the foundation of the whole blues genre as well as later popular blues tunes. Come on back Sun. for that perennial favorite Bird Dog & The Road Kings. To know ‘em is to love ‘em - they are the best! Party safe!