We asked for it and we sure got it. Call me a wimp, but I can’t take the extreme heat, so I’m bummed that I’m missing some great outdoor music. But believe me, I make the most of it when the sun dips down. Last night, Wed., I got a nice surprise when I stopped in Hooters in West OC to hear Lauren Glick & Mike Armstrong and got a blast from the past. Michael Justis had joined them on guitar. That name should be familiar to many locals and especially in musician circles. I had to be reminded of our connection because it’s been such a long time; Michael left here in ‘97 and has lived and performed in St. Croix since. We reminisced about him playing in a band with Kevin Poole called The Disappointed Mothers. Remember them? Anyway, it was a pleasure. Michael has such a pleasing and versatile voice, enabling him to cover anything from a quiet love ballad to a raucous rock number. And his guitar playing is superb, too. Practice makes perfect, right?! You should see the picture he showed us of his ‘office’ - on a beach looking out toward the beautiful blue/green waters of the Caribbean. Sigh! Not a bad gig. Sorry we don’t get to hear him more this time around, but he’ll be back again next summer for a longer visit. Great to see you, Michael! Meanwhile, Hooters is rocking this weekend with Monkee Paw on Fri. and Loud Love on Sat. Rock on!

Speaking of Lauren & The Mood Swingers - they are everywhere this weekend as you can see by the cutline under their picture so I won’t repeat myself. But I want to wish Lauren the best of luck as she travels to New York next weekend to audition for The Voice. How exciting, right? I know she’s gonna blow them away.

I really enjoyed the music of Haleytown last week at The Pour House. Even though I don’t listen to country music stations, I found my foot tapping and then really getting into it - infectious; especially watching all the folks around me who were havin’ such a good time. Blake really knows how to rock a song. They have recently brought Josh Green on lead guitar into the band and I’d say it’s a great fit with Kasey Briggs on bass, Skip Dixon (DJ Moonshine) on drums, Danielle Hall (soon to be Mrs. Haley in Sept.) on vocals and, of course, Blake Haley on vocals and rhythm guitar. Great job, guys. Your fans want to hear more from you.

This Sat. at The Pour House promises to be an unforgettable event with a rare appearance by Chainsaw Riot and Lower Class Citizens on Sat. night. Both these bands have a way of getting their audience pumped into a frenzy. Amazing talent. I can’t wait to see what’s new with them as it’s been a long time. Save me a seat, guys!

Did you know there’s a place you can go and actually sing with a real live band? Well, yes there is. And the band is so friendly and eager to back you up on whatever you want to sing or play. The place is High Stakes every Thur. and the band is Go With The Flo. You should check it out. Everyone has a blast!

My friends from Annapolis, The Klassix, are finally returning to Ocean City, playing this Sat. at M.R. Ducks. This group features several great vocalists including beautiful Holly and they play all the popular classic rock we love to dance to.

Klassix bass man Steve Ports will also be playing on the Fager’s Island deck tonight (Fri., 5:30) with drummer Tom Sabia. And on Mon.  The Klassix are finally getting a chance to play as a group at Fager’s. That’s right, The Klassix, live on the deck at Fager’s for the Mon. deck party. And... they will return in August to play on the mainstage at Fager’s. 

Let’s talk about who’s up for the tribute scene this week: Fager’s Island presents one of our favorites, Separate Ways, performing all the hits of Journey to perfection. Dan Gagliano not only sounds just like Steve Perry but looks like him too. He and his five amazing musicians recreate the music of Journey Sun. night at Fager’s. There’s more: Dave Matthews tribute Crossing Streets on Mon.; and Jimmy Buffett tribute Parrot Beach on Thur. Also check out Bryan Clark on Wed. singing hits from yesteryear.

Next Thur. at the Purple Moose we’ll get a rare treat from the group Cowboy as they pay homage to Kid Rock. Heading out there tonight to hear AC/DC tribute show High Voltage. Party safe, y’all.