Hi, y’all. It was Ravens Purple everywhere last week; the color is sky blue this weekend as we gaze into the blue to watch the amazing aerobatics of our visiting flyboys and their fantastic aircrafts. Who can forget the sight of the Thunderbirds flying their jets so close together, with one upside down, that we feared a mid-air collision? Or the precision parachuters, some of whom will touch down on the beach at Mackys Fri. evening. It’s gonna be an exciting weekend.
    Alway lovin’ the music, there’s lots going on in that department too. Smitty McGee’s will be rockin’ Sat. night with the first appearance of Witches Brew, featuring the incredible vocals of Susan Witchy. The girl can really belt ‘em out - a bona fide rocker. This show, however, promises more from this many-faceted performer. Let’s see what she has up her musical sleeve.
    M.R. Ducks will venture into the world of modern country rock Sat. with the Nathan Pinchak Band. I heard this band last time they were here and I must say they were very good. The crowd was certainly into it - amazing how many young people are into the country sounds - hey, they’re rockin’ it, too! Nathan has an easy manner, a smooth melodious voice and pretty sexy too, ladies. He’s backed by a group of seasoned professionals for a sound that’s tight, pleasing and lots of fun.
    I stopped in Bahama Mamas (132nd St.) last night to hear Johnny Mojo and was blown away by the number of Seniors who were feasting on crabs and crab cake sandwiches and jumpin’ on the dance floor to Johnny’s music. Chris Button stopped in to play a few with him, too. If you haven’t thought of Bahama Mama’s as a place to enjoy live music, get clued in. Johnny Mojo is there every Wed. and Tony Vega on Thur. You don’t have to be 21 to enjoy great eats and live music in a lively, happenin’ atmosphere. Bahama Mamas at the south end of town will open their bayside deck this weekend. Music coming soon.
    The Clarion is also a happenin’ place this weekend with the return of the Ray Pittman Project playing the beautiful oceanside deck of Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill. This is the ultimate experience, taking in the lush tropical foliage (they even have a section called the Hibiscus Garden) and watching the waves hit the shore while drinking your favorite cold beverage. And music too?! I have been a fan of Ray Pittman for many years since he fronted the Kingpins and played at the old Ocean Club (sigh). Ray plays keyboards and sings some of the most soulful songs you’ll ever hear. Roger Carroll provides the accompanying soulful sax with Wilbur Anderson on bass, Chris McIntyre on drums and the accomplished Greg Sullivan on guitar.
    Stick around for dinner in the beautiful Horizons Restaurant until the room transforms into the Ocean Club, because that hot and exciting group, the Tommy Edward Band, will be onstage tonight and Saturday. We all love Tommy doing his Sir Rod act but there’s much more to this talented performer. He also plays keyboards, guitar and sax, although he will bring in a guitar player for this job along with drummer Harry and the amazingly energetic Melissa Rose. You will never see anyone play the tambourine the way this girl does. But let’s not focus on that alone - she has an amazing voice, plays keyboard and sax and dances up a storm while playing. What a show! Be prepared to dance the night away.
    Speaking of energetic singers - no one comes close Kristen with her band The Noise. She will perform Sat. at Seacrets. So many places, so little time: Full Circle at BJ’s; Tranzfusion at Coins & M.R. Ducks; One Night Stand & Simple Truth at Johnny’s Pizza Pub; the rockin’ Alter Ego at the Purple Moose Fri.-Sat. and Everybody Wants Some (Van Halen) Thur. Can’t wait to head out to the Moose tonight to hear Journey tribute Odyssey. Great stuff happenin’ at Coconuts featuring an evening appearance of Over Time on Sat. and the return of Blue Sky on Sun. And have you enjoyed the bayside deck parties at 45th St. Taphouse w/ Rupe and more? Wow!