Hey, out there. What an exciting weekend we had with the amazing Air Show. I decided to wait ‘til Sun. and beat the crowds and so glad I did. I’ve never seen traffic backed up so far on Sat. It was a thrill to watch the parachute teams drop in on Macky’s beach on Fri. evening. The Army’s Screaming Eagles and the Navy’s Leap Frogs were outstanding and the men so handsome and friendly. Hey, girls, love a man in uniform, huh? Anyway...hope you enjoy the incredible pictures on page 28 from our talented photographers ocfotoguy (aka Bob Ruthrauff) and Ed Chambers.
    On the music scene - welcome to the legendary West Ocean City bar, Trader Lee’s. Rod Vara (gen. mgr.) wants to get the word out that he is bringing in some awesome entertainment for us this summer. Already several local bands are on tap including Lime Green every Thur. and Nikki Watson (Gene Watson’s (bassist for Jim Long) daughter) is hosting an Open Mic every Sun. And Berklee School of Music graduate Taylor fronts Back Street Becky every Mon. Because of his connections with the music scene in New York (Rod is a drummer), some great acts are coming such as Clarence Clemons, Jr. (yes, son of the late great E-Street Band Clarence) on Sat., June 23rd. Next month legendary guitarist Dick Dale will return. I’m remembering many stories about Trader Lee’s Beer Garden in the ‘80s and how packed it was. Let’s make some new memories through the power of music at the new and improved Trader Lee’s.
    I’ve been talking about the great tribute bands we’ve been seeing at Purple Moose lately such as Odyssey Road last week doing killer Journey. Bubba’s voice is incredible! Tonight (Thur.) I’m heading there again to hear the Van Halen tribute, Everybody Wants Some; and next Thurs. is The Who tribute from Bargain. Well, my friends, Fager’s Island is jumping back into the tribute game with their first one to start the Sunday Concert Series being Sounds of Society, a Chicago tribute on June 24. The Neil Diamond tribute, One Hot Night, will be Sun., July 1, and the awesomely amazing Set The Controls, our favorite doing Pink Floyd is slated for July 8. This weekend Fager’s will feature favorites Lima Bean Riot and one I haven’t heard yet, Klepto Radio. I must say I enjoyed The Rockets last Mon. This Mon. is Funky Fontana. Rockin’ at Fager’s.
    We all love to hear great rock on the dock at M.R. Ducks - last week with Tranzfusion was fabulous, as usual - and this week will be great as well. The Tommy Edward Trio starts the fun on Sat. and Bird Dog & The Road Kings will return Sun. with their own special brand of rock with a country flair and a lot of excellent originals thrown in. On Tuesday, in honor of the firefighters being in town, M.R. Ducks will present the Jim Long Band to entertain as only he does. Of course, a lot of us know that we can hear Jim every Fri., Sat. & Sun. at Seacrets but for those who don’t, there you go... a chance to hear Jim at another venue.
    Happy 23rd anniversary to Smitty McGee’s! Can you believe it?! A special party is planned on Thurs., June 21, featuring two live bands - Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys beginning at 4pm and the Bo Dickerson Band at 8pm. Wow! I’ve gotta get done early next week and join the fun. The Smitty McGee’s crew is excited to have Bo Dickerson back this Sat. as well.
    It was a pleasure to see and hear Ray Pittman again playing on the lovely deck at Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill at the Clarion. If you talk to Ray, you’ll notice his lovely and laid-back Virginia drawl (my home state). Being from a southern state he has every right to call his music “funky southern soul.” I don’t know who came up with that, but it’s perfect and featured on the cover of his latest CD, Live Tonite, (recorded live at Shenanigans in Richmond, I think) with his other band, Julius Pittman & The Revival featuring a full horn section. Yes, a man of many talents and several names with a distinctive voice that can move you to tears on a love ballad or get you dancing in the aisles to a classic like “Shotgun.” Check ‘em out this weekend!
    And make sure you get over to the Marina Deck on Dorchester & the bay for a Burley Oaks promo featuring music by Phantom Limbs. Next Sun., June 24, will be the Hot Wing Cook-Off with DJ Jeremy. Love the food and the amazing view! Party safe!