Hi, all. How’s it goin’? Fall baseball has been exciting lately with the Baltimore Orioles in the playoffs, right? As I write this, I’m hearing that Thursday is a ‘do or die’ situation against the New York Yankees. Sure hope the Orioles win. I’ve been watching a few of the games at my very own neighborhood bar, that is a very nice restaurant, too - and that’s Hooters on Rt. 50 & Keyser Pt. Rd. in West Ocean City. Another thing that has drawn me to this comfortable location is ... you guessed it ... live music. That’s right, folks. Several of my favorite bands, Randy Lee Ashcraft, Old School, Aaron Howell and Monkee Paw have been playing either Wed. nights for the weekly Bike Night fun, or Saturdays. Next Wed. Hooters will feature Monkee Paw. Now, I ventured out to the Pour House last week and happened to catch drummer Adam Ask playing ... but he wasn’t playing drums. No, he was playing a rippin’ song on guitar and singin’ up a storm. Wow! I had to talk to Adam and ask him about this change up. Turns out he and his bandmates have been working on a lot of new material (some originals too) and the members are able to switch instruments to better cover whatever tune they’re working on. Bassist Rick Smith has brought in keyboards which has considerably expanded the number of songs they can cover, and guitarist Mike Givens can also play the drums, freeing Adam to come up front and belt out a few of his favorite tunes. This versatility and superb musicianship will certainly enable this band to kick it up a few notches and become even better than before. If you want to hear what I’m talking about, join me next Wed. at Hooters and we’ll listen in together. Stay tuned for news of Hooters’ first Halloween party, too. The gang over there is getting really excited to throw us a big party.
    Speaking of big parties, Scunnypalooza at Seacrets last Sunday was the most incredible gathering of devoted friends and colleagues I have ever seen. It was a most emotional day of ups and downs, grieving and celebrating a wonderful life that touched so many people. Scunny’s favorite band, Dr. Harmonica & Rocket 88, came down from Delaware to play for Scunny’s friends and he had some stories to tell, several of which have ended up in his songs. Pompous Pie put on a rockin’ show, too, in tribute to Scunny. And later in the Tiki Bar the party continued with Opposite Directions. Cudos to Seacrets’ A/V crew for putting together the incredible slide show that brought back so many wonderful memories for Scunny’s dear friends. If only more of us could love and be loved the way he was, the world would be a  better place. Let’s try, huh!
    As the month flies by toward Halloween’s big parties, there are several closings coming up faster than we want, right. Macky’s is holding their Closing Party Sunday night with DJ Cowboy presiding over the fun. Of course, you don’t have to wait ‘til Sun.; DJ Blade on Fri. and DJ Sub Divizion will be providing the music for the weekend’s dance parties. So get over to Macky’s and thank them for yet another wonderful season.
    Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill will give it one more week with their closing party planned for Sun., Oct 21 with music by Randy Lee Ashcraft & friends. This means that many musicians will be dropping by to add their songs to the show. Heck, you might even see a repeat of the duet with Lauren Glick and myself that we performed last week at Hooters. That was a fun night for Lauren’s birthday. Congrats to her for passing her nursing exam. She’s officially Nurse Glick now. But I digress.  This weekend at Coconuts catch Aaron Howell on Sat. and Simple Truth on Sun.
    M.R. Ducks is stretching their party time out a little longer with their closing party scheduled for Sun., Oct. 27 and Johnny Bling wrapping it up. This weekend it’s Blake Haley on Fri. and Kenny Jones & The Jaded Angels on Sat. Let’s hope our October weather continues to be as beautiful as it is today.
    There are two or three on my must-see list this weekend: bouncing between Fager’s Island for Tranzfusion and BJ’s for Funk-O-Licious on Fri.; Full Circle at the Clarion’s Ocean Club; and Old School at Smitty McGee’s on Sat. de Lazy Lizard is still presenting live music too; Keith White Duo on Fri. And Johnny’s has Rick & Regina on Fri. Still lots of great music so check our list, make your plans and always party safe!