Hey, y’all! I’ve had a great few weeks off. Relaxing I would say, if not for all the events I’ve been to; not to mention the usual array of rockin’ good music. So, what do you think of all these Halloween pictures, huh? You guys are amazing with your creativity and sense of fun. As usual the sexy girls took a lot of prizes but Trey’s Transformer at Seacrets was most inventive. I still go for the ghouly guys and gals like that Beetlejuice the true essence of Halloween. The idea was that the dead don’t drag you back with them when they return to their graves. It was good to see everyone get into the spirit, right?
    Then, everyone came together for the annual Pink Ribbon Jammin’ for a Cure and it was a blast too. Amy had lots of help from her dedicated committee plus the Pink Ribbon Pinup Girls; the affair was amazingly well organized. The theme was cool, too, with three bands rockin’ across the decades starting with The Chest Pains who did songs of the ‘80s; then Oh Boy playing songs of the ‘50s  and early ‘60s, Buddy Holly style stuff; and lastly, new band Groovement who most definitely got down with the funky groove of music spanning several decades. Groovement is Steve Martin (guitar), Chuck Long (vocals), Kristen Pantalone (keyboards/vocals), Ken Luck (bass) and Bobby Holmes (drums). They had the crowd dancin’ ‘til Seacrets was scootin’ us out to make way for their Friday night band. I’m sure we’ll hear more from them next summer. It was a great time for a most worthy cause. Many thanks to all who came and contributed.
    As you all know, many benefits are held under the Seacrets roof so it was most fitting that owner Leighton Moore was honored last week with the Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award at a special dinner/cocktail party in the Clarion’s beautiful Crystal Ballroom. I wish all of you could have been present to share in Leighton’s moment in the spotlight, though he probably would rather keep it all under wraps. The presentation in his honor was both hilarious and inspiring. Cudos to emcee David “Bulldog” of WOCM Ocean 98.1 and the staff of both Seacrets and the radio station for the film highlighting his life of accomplishments and quiet giving. Way to go, Leighton. And thanks to my table companions for a wonderful night of cameraderie.
    Can’t wait for the semi-annual Winterfest Gala tonight, returning to its original location at the beautiful Coconut Malorie. A new twist this year will be the continuation of the gala to Fager’s Island for the band Quake on the main stage and jazz upstairs. I think this is an excellent idea; just hope the weather is better than it is today (rainy Thursday).
    Everyone’s been asking me, when is Shaun Hopper coming back? Good news - he’ll play again at Fager’s Island on Mon., Nov. 28. We were all captivated by his playing, incorporating melody, harmony, bass and percussion with no looping involved, just Shaun’s incredibly nimble fingers. In the week or so he’ll be here, he will also perform at The Globe the following weekend and the Cultured Pearl in Rehoboth. He plays early, 7 p.m., so don’t miss this most gifted musician.
    I’ve seen several shows of another gifted performer lately – Bryan Clark. This man could have held his own with the original Rat Pack. Singing Sinatra songs is only a small part of his vast repertoire. I heard him at Mio Fratello last Fri. when he had his friend Allen Dale play drums along with his  “twelve-piece” orchestra. Clark has an excellent voice but almost more important is his sense of timing and phrasing. And then... man can he dance. When doing his Michael Jackson tunes, he really shakes it up. Of course, the Elvis and Tom Jones songs get him shakin’ it up, too. And Motown?? Well, I could go on and on. Catch him at Java Bay Café Dec. 9, again at Fager’s Island on Dec. 5; and every Tues. at Mio Fratello. By the way, welcome to this fabulous Italian restaurant on Rt. 54 where I have recently enjoyed several excellent meals.
    Time to go. Heading to the midnight showing of “Breaking Dawn - The Twilight Saga” with pals, Terri, Char & Gary. I may not have been ‘bitten’ but I’ve certainly been ‘nibbled.’ See ya Dec. 16. Party safe!