Here’s my last ‘hello’ for 2012 to all my friends out there. Yes, we’ve come to the last issue of the year and while I’ll miss our ‘chats,’ I’m ready for some adventures. If I sound like Bilbo Baggins maybe it’s because I’m so excited to see the new movie “The Hobbit” coming out today. I’ll be watching it in Virginia while on vacation in Williamsburg. Ever been there? It’s a great place; espcially this time of year with all the Christmas decorations. We’re not talking about lights here; no, everything is made from plants and flowers. Colonial Williamsburg is pre-Revolution and everything, including the people, is true to that time period. So, like the one on my door at home, wreaths might have boxwood, magnolia or spruce with holly, berries, fruit (mine has apples and lemons), pine cones, etc. They’re really fun to make and look and smell really good. Anyway, it’s more the history of our nation that intrigues me and draws me back often. Of course, I’m going to miss the great music here. I’ll be listening to minstrels in the local taverns and probably singing old Christmas carols. Love it!
    Thanks to Seacrets (yummy food) who helped me throw another great Coconut Times party for our writers, contributors and friends, including our many musician friends led by the amazing Kevin Poole. Thanks, Kevin, and hope you recover quickly from surgery. From my right-hand graphics gal Melissa to all the Barhopping writers, contributing writers, wonderful cover artists and photographers, thank you all for helping to make Coconut Times the fun paper that it is.
    I’m also still on an adventure high from my trip to New York with friends Terri & Charlene. Highlight of the trip, the amazing musical show “Wicked.” Yes, Michelle, it was every bit as good as you said it would be and maybe more. If you get a chance to visit New York, my friends, make it a point to see this show. It’s a twist on our childhood favorite, “The Wizard of Oz,” really a prequel telling the story of how there came to be a Wicked Witch. Too much fun and supremely superb acting and singing. I just can’t say enough.
    But you know what, if you’re staying right here in Ocean City that’s not such a bad thing either when places such as BJ’s, the Ocean Club, 19th Hole, High Stakes, Hooters, Fager’s Island, Smitty McGee’s, Johnny’s, Galaxy 66, Seacrets and the newly open Station 7 keep providing us with excellent entertainment. You can always refer to our “Who’s Where When List” and remember to check us out at coconuttimes.com as well.
    Welcome to Station 7 who certainly paid their dues trying to get open during the summer season. But that’s all behind now and the renovations are hot, hot, hot! Be sure to see their ad in this issue and pay a visit this weekend to hear Landers & Heinz on Fri. and Randy Lee Ashcraft & the Salt Water Cowboys on Sat. I know the joint was jumpin’ with Loud Love last weekend - so, baby, we’ve got a new party place. DJ Moonshine kicks it up with some modern country every Thur. Boy was I surprised to discover that he is none other than Ocean 98’s Skip Dixxon. Didn’t know this KISS rocker liked country.
    Hooters has been a rockin’ too with Randy Lee doin’ his thing there on Rt. 50 on some Wednesdays and next Sat. (Dec. 22) plus for their big New Year’s Eve party. I hear they’re offering special rates at the nearby Comfort Inn and courtesy transportation there. That’s way cool, huh? Tonight the talented guys from Monkee Paw will be playing for the gang at Hooters. Come on out on Tuesdays and get in the Cornhole Tournament. Fun!
    The 19th Hole features two of my favorite guys this weekend, Chris Button on Fri. and Scott Glorioso on Sat. And don’t forget they have the smoothly splendid Louis Wright on guitar every Sun. morning for breakfast and you can catch him next weekend both Fri. & Sat. for happy hour. Love his voice!
    Johnny’s has Hard Drive and Lauren with The Mood Swingers this weekend and Seacrets has the always popular Jon Maurer Trio and Big Bang Baby on Sat. Superb double hitter there.
    And check out the Ocean Club for a big home run with Full Circle both Fri. & Sat. nights. I’m off on adventures. See you in Feb. Party safe! Woohooo!!