Hello, everyone. How ya doin’ out there? I’m dying to get out and enjoy this first day of Springfest. Guess you can tell by all the pictures that I’m continuing to have a great time in this wonderful town of ours; from the ribbon cutting for the beautiful new 45th St. Taphouse to a very entertaining birthday party for two special young men, Connor & Carson whose parents, Tammy & Roger, put on a Rockstar party for them at Galaxy 66, music courtesy of DJ Wax. It was so much fun to watch all these preteens get in on on the dance floor - and I’m talking boys, too. Remember when we were young that the guys just hung out around the walls and wouldn’t dance. That’s why we started dancing with each other, right girlfriends?
    While I’m on the subject of Galaxy 66, we got a little preview on b’day party day, but this Sunday is the big grand opening of the all new Skye Bar, complete with its own kitchen, huge bar and music! Yep, they will be presenting live music under the stars starting with Crazy In Stereo at 1pm and continuing into the night hours with DJ Wax. It’s gonna be an event not to be missed. Congratulations and thanks to Tammy & Roger on this magnificent new party hotspot. And don’t forget about the fabulous Philly George Project playing every Friday Jazz night.
    So, where am I jonesing to be? Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill is now open and my friend John LaMere, just back from Key West, is playing as I type this (Thur.). Welcome home, John. Sat. will also be big fun as the amazing duo of Kevin Poole & Joe Mama return for another fun-filled season at this patio bar on the beach - love it! Kevin has also just returned from Key West and you can hear him tonight and almost every Fri. night at the early Fager’s deck party. I had the pleasure of welcoming him home last week and wishing his super friendly and still beautiful mom, Pat, a happy birthday. No one will believe you’re 70!         Back to 45th St. Taphouse - catch music there all weekend with Marc & Friends Fri., our long-time singer/songwriter buddy Pat O’Brennan on Sat. and, (is he old enough to be called legendary? nah) DJ Rupe on Sun. I’ve tried several selections on the menu there and liked everything and you can’t beat the view over the bay. Beautiful!
    Speaking of on the bay, M.R. Ducks at Talbot St. on the bay will be jumping this weekend with three great acts - can’t wait, can’t wait! Mary Lou & The Untouchables are returning for one show only, folks, so don’t miss it. I know she has missed all of you and is so looking forward to performing for us again. You can catch her at Springfest on Sat., too, but it’s not the same, right? Only 45 minutes - just a tease. Love you, Mary Lou!!
    Saturday, our old friends Bird Dog & The Road Kings will return to M.R. Ducks playing their own special brand of honky tonk rock with a little country thrown in and lots of great originals from Bird & Charlie. These guys will always put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.
    Then Sunday a band who is everywhere will show up on the dock at the Duck - Simple Truth. Just saw them last night at BJ’s and we always enjoy their show. These guys are busy, busy with their summer bookings packed; especially for guitarist Chris Button who plays with several bands - Two Guyz & a Mama, Chest Pains, solo and maybe some I can’t remember. Johnny Mojo, Joe Mama & Chris will also be at Matteo’s on Saturday night as this most excellent Mexican cuisine restaurant celebrates Cinco de Mayo. Try their Margaritas, voted #1 in the nation by Margarita.com.
    You know who else is everywhere? The Mood Swingers w/ Lauren Glick. This gal is power-packed with talent - keyboard, bass - and has a voice second to none. We all just quiver with goosebumps when she belts out a bluesy number or a soft ballad. Hear Lauren with her bandmates Mike & Bubba again at Smitty McGee’s on Saturday where good times are just waiting to be had. Check out the Sunday Funday with Randy Lee Ashcraft & Chris Button - great music and constant laughs. Randy & The Salt Water Cowboys will perform at Springfest again this year. He always packs the tent.
    Jive is onboard with Coconut Times again - nice to have you - and the entertainment is superb. Frank Curreri is there tonight putting the polish on classic standards from the Frank Sinatra era with panache & pizazz. And what a beautiful place to enjoy a sunset and refreshing martini, too. Plus some great food since their part of that fabulous Italian restaurant, Fresco’s. Saturday we’ll be treated to the music of singer/songwriter Sol Knoph from Delaware. No room for his complete bio but recently Keaton Music Ventures in Nashville is representing his original music catalog with interest from some major country stars to record his songs. He has fronted bands in his long career but mostly has performed solo, developing his songwriting with friend and collaborator Doug James (best known for co-writing 1990 BMI song of the year “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” with Michael Bolton. Cool! Check out his music Sat. at Jive. And every Wed. enjoy the incredible Bryan Clark. Love him!
    Tranzfusion was, as always, amazing last week at Coins. I went on Saturday and was so captivated that I actually stayed in one place. If you know me, you know I like to move around. LOL! Anyway, Tranzfusion returns to one of their new venues, BJ’s, tonight (Fri.). If you haven’t heard them, come check out what a lot of us have been raving about for years - the best and most entertaining album quality cover band around.
    Have I saved the best for last? Some would say, yes! Full Circle is performing tonight and Saturday night at the Ocean Club in the Clarion Hotel. With three lead singers, Michelle, Kathy & David, this band boasts a versatility that covers a wide range of music.
    Get out there and live it up; party safe!