Hi, y’all. Did you notice everyone’s Barhopping columns began with “wow, what a weekend!” Yes, wow! We were blessed with excellent weather and the crowds were here in record numbers to enjoy everything that Ocean City has to offer. What a beginning to what promises to be a fantastic summer.
    And here we go again this weekend as we’re visited by Ravens Roosts from all over the state, in addition to the many fans who live right here. In addition to the parade on Saturday, there are events happening all over town at different venues such as de Lazy Lizard, Seacrets and the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel.
    Ravens players, cheerleaders and coaches will be on hand for the best pep rally ever, right on the beach outside the hotel and Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill. Join the fun. Music will abound with one of our favorite groups, Arizona, playing on the deck at 4pm and inside the Ocean Club at 9:30. Bea, Manny, Tony & Lee will light your fire with the best in dance music.
    Here’s another event that promises to be a good time; last year’s was. It’s the Paddleboard competition at Fager’s Island happening on Sunday. In case you don’t know what it is, this latest craze has enthusiasts standing on surf boards (differently outfitted) and paddling all over the bay. Music will be provided by Hot Sauce Sandwich. This group of OC second generation musicians who won the SDHS Battle of the Bands, has kept the group going after a year away at college. With a growing number of originals and the upbeat, reggae infused music they play, everyone has a good time listening and dancing to their music. They will also play Monday night inside Fager’s Island after the World Famous Monday Deck Party with DJ Batman; I think their first time on the big stage. Members are Zach Engh, guitar, AJ Fox lead guitar, Cory Chavis, drums, and Jesse Harman, bass. Come out and take a bite from Hot Sauce Sandwich. Thanks to Nate Clendenen who last week put together a Bob Dylan tribute in honor of the master’s birthday. Contributing songs were Joey Harkum (of Pasadena), Bryan Russo, Johnny Suit, Troy Mawyer, Nancy Micciulla (Ginger Duo) and a gorgeous “To Make You Feel My Love” from Blake Haley. It was a beautiful night of music.
    The Purple Moose is rockin’ & rollin’ as they step up the entertainment schedule and present their second tribute band of the season next Thur. This past weekend was awesome with the Whitehouse Effect and the amazing Led Zeppelin tribute band, Kashmir on Mon. They always draw a great crowd; so many locals who love them. Thursday will bring the return of an awesome Journey tribute band called Odyssey Road. Fans of the band marveled at the incredible voice of the lead singer and you will too. Future tributes include Everybody Wants Some, Van Halen Tribute, June 14, Kick It Out, Heart Tribute, July 12, and my favorite, The Rising, Bruce Springsteen Tribute on July 26. Much more news to come on the many great acts coming up. For now, get your tickets for the FUEL concert on Thurs, July 5. It’s epic!
    Seacrets is also stepping it up with music on the bayside stage and beach double stage on weekends and inside the Morley Hall every night. Long-time favorites Love Seed Mama Jump will perform tonight (Fri.) and Garden State Radio will return Sat. The Jim Long Band is going strong Fri.-Sun. Soon there will be music on the beach every day beginning with Full Circle on Mon. June 11.
    Speaking of Full Circle, catch them tonight, Fri., at Coins. Party safe!