Hi, guys. The roaring in my ears has finally stopped. But it was not so much from those awesome loud machines we had in town as it was from continuous loud music. I’m not complaining, mind you, just saying ... boy, did I have a good time last weekend!
    Starting at Hooters for Wed. Bike Night, I as astounded at the number of bikes a day before the crowds arrived. We all enjoyed music by Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys who will be there again next Wed. Good times.
    Then Thur. I started at de Lazy Lizard trying to catch up with the elusive (to me anyway) Jesse James, I heard Tim Cyphers and Danimal, as we have come to call him. Danny plays those congas like he’s going after every playground bully from his childhood or, as how he acquired his nickname, like the Sesame St. character Animal who is crazy crazy on the drums. Anyway, their act is most entertaining and you can hear them again next Thur. at de Lizard. Also, going on there tomorrow (Sat.) is a benefit dubbed Music for Autism starting at noon with many area bands donating their talents for the cause. Check in and help out.
    Friday was awesome as I got to meet one of my rock band idols, Grand Funk Railroad, from the ‘70s when I was in a band in Norfolk/Va. Beach. As I wrote in my article about them last week, there are songs from this group that bands are still playing today. Well, they put on a crazy rockin’ show and, yes, Don Brewer still has all the power and chops on those drums as he did 30 years ago. Amazing!
    I also ran into Felix Hanemann backstage  who plays bass with Kashmir (they had just performed on the Boardwalk stage). Felix was proud to tell me that his band Zebra will be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on Oct 18. Wow! I remarked that a lot of good musicians have come out of Long Island - we have two right here in OC ... John LaMere and Chris Button. He named off a few: Pat Benatar, Billy Joel, Simon & Garfunkel; plus several who will be inducted the same date as his band but I can only remember Lovin’ Spoonful. Way cool. Congrats, Felix.
    From OC Bike Fest I headed up to 45th St. Taphouse to see who the surprise guitarist would be for Old School this week. They’ve been looking for a new player and sitting in this time was David Tarlecki from Rehoboth. He did an excellent job both playing and singing so maybe we’ll hear him again. Meanwhile, Chris Button has been filling the bill whenever possible and sometimes Michael Smith. Seems to me they have no problem at all.
    Next, I headed into Coins for a Tranzfusion of pure classic rock from the best tribute band around. Tribute you say? Well, you might call it a cover band but the way they play several of the best songs of so many excellent bands makes them mini tribute concerts at every performance. Check in to BJ’s tonight to hear the amazing Tranzfusion. Come on back to BJ’s on Sat. to hear the area’s up and coming excellent band called Funk-O-Licious. They have a particular sound that stays in the funky groove and believe me, you can’t help but dance.
    Trader Lee’s was off the hook all weekend. I stopped in late to hear Loud Love and they were loud and they were showing the love and getting it right back from their audience. I hear lead guitarist Aubrey is working on an acoustic duo act. Hope to hear that soon and report back to you.
    Saturday it was back to Bike Fest to hear a bit of Kashmir and then hurry backstage to meet the incomparable Charlie Daniels. I hope you all read the article I wrote last week. If you didn’t, please look for it at coconuttimes.com under features. There’s so much to know about this American music success story ... a down-home boy who discovered his love of music and followed his dream while staying true to his ideals of love of God, family & country. He’s an extraordinary human being and you know what, despite his age (he’ll be 76 next month), he still plays with spirit and precision and his voice is as strong as ever. Amazing!
    I finished the weekend with two of my favorites - Surreal and Kashmir at The Purple Moose. Both groups have singers who just amaze me every time I hear them - Walt with Surreal & Jean with Kashmir. Such power and perfect pitch. Outstanding as always.
    I missed one of my favorite groups last week but I get another chance this weekend - that’s The Mood Swingers with the incomparable Lauren Glick. They’ll be playing at Smitty McGee’s and I hope you’ll all join me to hear this rockin’ group.
    Seacrets is throwing their annual end-of-season customer appreciation Pig Roast on Sunday beginning at 1pm with music by the Jim Long Band. Maybe I’ll finally get to hear them before he takes off for Florida. My how the summer has flown by. Power Play will continue the music at 5pm; and of course, football will be showing on the many big screens inside the Morley Hall. Love this season. Party safe!
    I know I haven’t said much about what’s coming - still plenty. Just check the Who’s Where When and remember to party safe!