Hi, y’all. Aren’t we enjoying this glorious weather? We keep saying we love this time of year, the second season when the traffic is lighter, the weather is cooler, etc. But there’s one thing I don’t like - and that’s saying goodbye to some of my clients and also to some of the outdoor music venues that close after Sunfest.
    For instance, Bahama Mamas on the bay by the inlet, Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill on the ocean at the Clarion and the Reel Inn Dock Bar  & Grill on the water at Harbour Island. Happily a few are betting on continuing good weather and staying open a little longer this year. Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill will keep those crazy parties going til their closing party on Oct 21 w/ Randy Lee Ashcraft & Jimmy Rowbottom with skads of guest appearances from area musicians. Everyone had a great time at the party last Sun. as they chose a winner of the Green Turtle in the Bahamas vacation from the summer’s Tipsy Turtle Tuesday finalists. Zion Reggae Band provided the music and the crowd had a great time dancing to their music.
    M.R. Ducks is gonna try to make another week longer than that planning their closing party for Sat., Oct. 27 with Johnny Bling. How appropriate is that, huh, the ultimate party band for the last hurrah (a sad day, my friends). This weekend is loaded with great music from the Aaron Howell Band on Fri., Johnny Bling on Sat. and Tranzfusion on Sun. Let’s party while the sun shines.
    Sadly, we’ll be saying goodbye to Jim Long at the last beach party this Sat. I know Jim’s anxious to be back with his family in Florida, though, so I’m happy for him. The Party Bar crowd will be sure to send him off in style with their annual dress-up party. I’m going to keep the theme a surprise - you’ll just have to go to see what these crazy folks will cook up this year. Next week, Oct. 6, the party will move inside to the Tiki Bar with Full Circle playing at 5pm.
    Before you go to Seacrets, stop by the 19th Hole Bar & Grill in West OC and say goodbye to John LaMere at his last OC gig before heading to Key West for the winter. Yep, he’s leaving already. We’ll miss you, Johnny; the summer has flown by way too fast.
    The 45th St. Taphouse will continue with music outside as long as the weather permits. I heard Dave Sherman w/ Joe Mama & Chris Button (2 Guys & a Mama) there last night. This Sat. Chris will be back partnered with Johnny Mojo. Friday’s music will be provided by Pompous Pie and next Wed. will be Tim Cyphers & Danimal. Mark your calendars for Sat. Oct 6 for the Taphouse’s 1st Annual OC Beerfest. Scheduled performers are The Mood Swingers w/ Lauren Glick, Willowbrook and Pompous Pie. Several area breweries will be on hand to let you sample even more than the incredible number of beers that the Taphouse routinely offers. Check their ad and/or go to ocbeers.com for all the details.
    I had the great pleasure of awarding the annual “Coconut Times Entertainer of the Year” last Sat. to a most deserving group, The Mood Swingers. The crowd at Smitty McGee’s cheered their approval and the band members were most surprised. And I, of course, loved surprising them. I’ve known Mike and Lauren for 20 years, Bubba almost as long, and I can think of no more deserving musicians. I will be running a full article about them next week but I want to say here that when Lauren Glick rejoined Mike Armstrong, is was as if she had come home. They complement each other so well. The Mood Swingers, with Mike, brother Tim on bass, and Bubba on drums, were a solid entertaining band for many years. When Lauren returned (they use to be called Chameleon), it was as if the crowning jewel had been restored ... and she’ll be most uncomfortable being referred to that way because she’s so humble; but her talent knows no bounds, and we are so fortunate to have her right here in Ocean City. So, congratulations to Mike Armstrong, Lauren Glick, Mark “Bubba” Phippin and newcomer on bass Ted Gelinas - The Mood Swingers. You can hear them again this Sat. at Smitty McGee’s. Check ‘em out.
    Fager’s Island is another venue that will continue with their deck parties with Kevin Poole on Fri. at 5pm and Opposite Directions on Sat. at 5pm. This is such a great spot because it can be open to the sunshine and closed up if the weather is bad. Either way, the party goes on. We’ve got a couple more Mon. Deck Parties with Batman, too (I’ll keep you posted). And Everett Spells is definitely an appreciated music staple at Fager’s Island, playing every Sunday for a Jazz Brunch that can’t be beat. This talented guy plays sax and sings like a dream and is just about the nicest guy around. Treat yourself to a fabulous brunch at wonderful Fager’s Island.
    Music continues at the Tiki bar at de Lazy Lizard, too. this weekend stop by to hear Willow Brook on Fri., Rick & Regina on Sat. and Tim Cyphers & Danimal on Thur. Rumor has it they will take the music indoors when the weather turns cold. That will be cool!
    Enjoy the sun and party safe!