I don’t know about you but I wish someone would stop this merry-go-round. Not that I want to get off but I just want it to slow down so I can see and do everything; know what I mean? The weeks are flying by. Everyone is talking about Halloween costumes and that’s definitely gonna be a blast as always. You’ll find party listings in the Who’s Where When list but you know what? We have an amazing lineup for this weekend, and sadly, another closing.
    Yes, the summer of 2012 fun in the sun at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill is coming to a close this Sunday but we’re goin’ out with a bang, my friends. Friends is the key word here. What a family of friends we have made this summer with the amazing musicians who play there and stop by to hear each other play there, and all the other wonderful folk and fans who have become one big happy family. Boy, am I gonna miss you all this winter. Randy Lee Ashcraft & the Salt Water Cowboys will play for the party and you know, generous man that he is, he will be offering the mic to many of his musically inclined friends. It’s gonna be a blast; you don’t want to miss it.
    The only sad note here is the passing of one of those marvelous musical friends, Linde Bakke. One half of the musical duo Blue Sky, with partner Kenny (Konstantin), Linde has been fighting cancer for some time and gave up the battle Wed. morning. Linde had a smile that mirrored his sweet soul and a voice to match. We’re all going to miss the big guy but certainly no more than his lovely wife and children. My sincere condolences to you, Marlena. God bless you and your family in this tough time. We’ll raise a glass or two to Linde on Sun. at Coconuts where he often played his music.
    Ah, music! One of God’s greatest gifts. It has the power to soothe, to uplift, to comfort, to excite, to bring us together for common causes; including dancing and just plain fun. There will be a whole lot of that happening Sat. at Smitty McGee’s when one of their most popular bands, the Bo Dickerson Band, returns to bring out the country side of music. Last time I heard them I was most impressed, not just with the music, but also with the number of young people who came out to party and dance to today’s popular country music. Join the party Sat. And every Thur. & Fri. with Randy Lee.
    It will be good ol’ solid rock n’ roll from Kevin Poole & The Gang Sun. at M.R. Ducks. Kevin usually plays solo, as he will on Fri. at the 19th Hole and Sat. at Fager’s Island. But for this gig he assembles a talented group of guys,  John Remy, Joe Mama & Ryan Mete, to rock it up. Of course, that’s the way it moves there at M.R. Ducks - always great bands. Fri. Aaron Howell will entertain the crowd and Sat. the incomparable Tranzfusion is on tap. They were awesome at Fager’s Island last week and we get the chance to hear them twice this weekend ‘cause they’re playing at BJ’s on Fri. night. Nobody plays classic rock like these guys, maybe not even the originals. Well ... perhaps I go too far, but they’re really really good! All four carry lead vocals with each singing to their individual strengths - drummer Bobby on Rolling Stones tunes for instance; keyboardist Bob on Doors; guitarist Hank on Tom Petty; and bassist Tommy on Bob Dylan. They are all so incredibly talented and dedicated to the integrity of the music. Just pure joy.            Moving on to another really really good group - again at BJ’s but on Sat. night - it’s The Chest Pains. Jeff Davis, Byron Anthony, Joe Mama & Chris Button put on one helluva great show playing all your favorite ‘80s tunes with some more recent ones added in for good measure. You can count on the dance floor being jumpin’ with fans all night long; and I mean right up to the last song and they’re begging for more. Always a great time!
    The Ocean Club is another fabulous place for great music and dancing. Last week the crowd pleasers were Full Circle and this weekend it’s the velvety yet rockin’ tones of Kay with Power Play. This awesome group can play anything and you can count on them to constantly add current hits to their repertoire.
    I caught Tommy Edward doing his Sir Rod show at BJ’s last night. Love that music and he does it so well. You can hear him tonight doing Stewart and so much more at Johnny’s Pizza Pub. So get out there and party.