Hi, y’all! As I write this it’s Thanksgiving eve so I’m moved to think about what I’m thankful for. First thanks goes to God the Creator who gave us life and this wonderful planet on which to live. I’m always in awe of the seemingly endless variety of plants, animals and sea life we share it with. I’m thankful for my family, and that includes Ronnie who is still in my thoughts every day. His new home is even grander than ours. I’m thankful for all my wonderful friends who I consider my extended family. And I’m so very thankful for the wonderful gift of music. You all know how much I love to go and hear our talented musicians play in all our favorite places and that’s just what I’ll be doing this weekend.
    Fager’s Island will feature Kevin Poole on the deck not just one day but Friday and Saturday both this week. Kevin is absolutely amazing - period. He makes his guitar sound like all the parts are there and he adds his own percussion as well. The music selection is vast. He knows enough Beatles tunes to play a medley lasting 45 minutes or more; just for instance. His vocals are great and he has an entertaining and easy-going rapport with his audiences. Yes, these are some of the reasons he holds the title of Entertainer of the Year 2003. You can also hear Kevin along with percussionist extraordinaire Joe Mama at High Stakes on Tuesday.
    Stick around on Friday to party with that fabulous ‘80s band The Chest Pains. Talk about great musicians - here are four more who also hold the title of Entertainer of the Year for 2011. Joe Mama displays his talents with this group as well, along with Jeff Davis on bass, Chris Button on lead guitar and Byron Anthony on vocals & rhythm guitar. We always have a total blast when these guys play. We can catch them again on Sat. night at BJ’s. Cool!! Saturday night Fager’s Island presents that ultimate party band, Animal House. Talk about versatility - these guys play everything spanning four or five decades. Yeah, really!
    Good music and a large dance floor can always be found at the beautiful Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel that is home to the Ocean Club Nightclub. We’ve had a mega dose of Power Play lately but they get a break while On The Edge takes over this weekend. Great variety of music from most excellent musicians. Power Play will return next week. Congratulations again to owner Dr. Berger who received the Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award recently. It was a real pleasure to witness and hear the many testimonials from people who owe their success to this generous man. He is indeed a true friend of Ocean City. Cudos to Dr. Lenny Berger!
    Here’s another Entertainer of the Year recipient, 2009, who will be rockin’ the music this weekend. Tranzfusion returns to BJ’s on Fri. where they always bring a massive crowd. If you can’t make it there, no worries; they will play again at Coins on Sat. night and there’s a great dance floor there too.  These guys are the very best at recreating all the classic rock that remains near and dear to our hearts. They always put on a fabulous show.
    Johnny’s Pizza Pub will be rockin’ too with Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers on Fri. night. This group is the reigning, 2012, Entertainer of the Year and well deserved, I might add. Sat. night brings Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys, the 2008 Entertainer of Year recipient. Remember, you can always hear Randy Lee playing on Thur. and Fri. at Smitty McGee’s. Such a feel-good group of talented musicians.
    Galaxy 66 is a great place to start your Friday with music from the incomparable Philly George Project. George has the smoothest voice as he and his trio (guitar, sax & keyboards) play the best R&B, soul & rock.
    Be sure to check our “Who’s Where When” for the next two weeks. We’ll be back Dec. 14th with our last 2012 issue.
    I was looking forward to welcoming new friends Station 7, on Rt. 707 in West Ocean City, but they called to tell me they have been held up yet again waiting for that final permit.  So, hopefully they will be open this coming week. Stop by and check it out and we’ll have their entertainment info next time.
    Til then, party safe my friends!