Hello, hello! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying our ‘quiet’ time in Ocean City. I keep running into folks with tans who have been fortunate enough to escape to warmer climates for awhile but I always hear there’s just no place like Ocean City. Except maybe Key West - and that’s because our own John LaMere and Kevin Poole are there for the winter. Percussionist to the stars Joe Mama paid a visit last week and sat in with the boys I hear. I’m sure he’ll have some stories for us.
    In this issue you’ll find lots of pictures going back to New Year’s Eve celebrations right on through the amazing Superbowl win for the Baltimore Ravens. This town was purple for weeks during the playoffs and fans are still jubilant. My Washington Redskins made a very good showing but we were crushed when RGIII took that hit to the leg. Look out for them next year.
    On the music scene, my goodness, I’ve been having a ball checkin’ out everybody everywhere around town. Loud Love has attracted such a huge fan base that Hooters and Station 7 are both packed whenever that band plays there. Everyone loves their high energy performance - maybe the best hard-rockin’ band around. Recently at Hooters I heard 2 Much Stuff and was impressed with their sound, particularly with the addition of premier sax man Joe Smooth. By the way, Joe, so happy to see you fit, smiling and lovin’ to play. And your vocals are better than ever. You can also hear him with No Byscuyts and Teenage Rust. My, so hard not to digress ... must thank Maddy & Billy and all the band for allowing me to sing with them and for the birthday cake. Thank you, thank you!
    Back to 2 Much Stuff. Members include John Remy on guitar who has a long history in the business and is just superb on guitar, Glenn “Honu” Mihalik on keyboards and guitar and Ed Smullens on drums. These guys pulled out some old blues tunes and rock ‘em up N’awlins bayou style that were very entertaining, in addition to lots of classic rock, of course. Check ‘em out for yourself tomorrow, Feb. 16, at Hooters.
    Another group that’s been a lot of fun is Ginger, or sometimes listed as Ginger Band because they may be solo, duo or band. Nancy Micciulla is the lovely gal who sings like an angel, plays guitar and, along with guitarist Mike Curry, guides the band through so many fun songs, both old and new. As a band they call on Dave Jarrell for bass and Dale Loeser for drums. Not only do they execute their music superbly but their song choices really touch us with memories that will forever be connected to those songs. I heard them last at BJ’s and we can hear them again Sat. at Smitty McGee’s. Nancy will be part of the Songwriters on the Bay show at Fager’s Island on Fri. night.
    Also at Smitty McGee’s, there’s been a change in the lineup on Fri., Feb. 15, as Randy Lee Ashcraft and his beautiful bride of one year, Lisa, are vacationing in Costa Rica. Filling in for them will be Linda Sears and her band Old School. Here’s another group that’s all about having fun and they sure do; so, know what? So do we! Their last performance at BJ’s turned into a jam with so many stopping by and sitting in with the group: Randy Lee, Daryl Davis, Ted Galinas (Mood Swingers), and me, too. Too much fun!
    Guess I have to (awkwardly) write a little something about myself. As you may have read on my facebook, I have revived my singing career after 40 years (the last 20 sittin’ in and writing about others) and am performing at The 19th Hole Bar & Grille in West Ocean City (corner of 611 & Sunset). Michael Smith joins me playing keyboards and some guitar, and the audience seems to appreciate the classic songs that I have pulled from my past: a little Patsy Cline, Carol King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, some other classics and standards. I sang again last night; next one will be Thur., Feb. 28. Hope to see you there, 6-9 pm. Cool! So much more to tell you.
    Come out to Fager’s Island Fri. for the Songwriters night mentioned earlier. In addition to Nancy you’ll hear Nate Clendenen, banjo man Robert Mabe (they play together as Clendenen Brothers Bluegrass) Blake Haley, Skribe & Cliff Hillis  (who plays in Rock Bottom). Starts early at 8 pm so settle in with dinner and enjoy the music of these talented folks.
    Come back Mon. to hear the incomparable Bryan Clark. I’ve seen his show many times but it just doesn’t get old to me I guess it’s because the music is timeless. Read a little more in Sonic Notes. Again an early show - 5pm.
    Garden State Radio returns to Seacrets tonight (Fri.) featuring singer Kelly Caruso (an American Idol contestant), Bobby August on vocals & bass, PJ Ziaroza on guitar & Ryan Kelly on drums. They have toured nationally and have TV credentials on FOX & MTV. Rockin’!
    It’s gonna be a great weekend - Tranzfusion & Funk-O-Licious at BJ’s. Check the listing, have fun & be safe!