Hi, y’all. What a rainstorm Wed./Thur. As I write it seems to be over but the sky is still completely overcast. Hopefully this all will pass on before the weekend; we want sunshine for our fabulous outdoor venues, right?
    The fireworks may be over but there are mighty explosions of entertainment in our forecast. I know I used practically my whole column last week to write about American Pink Floyd but they deserved it. This past Sunday was a blast from the past with great Neil Diamond hits from Tommy Lynn and his band One Hot Night. Tommy did an amazing job as he channelled the voice of Diamond and his slightly different nuances over the years of his career. It’s always a pleasure to hear a band with a full horn section and these guys were superb. We’ll be treated to a radically different genre of music this Sun. with the return of locals’ favorites 2U performing all the ground-breaking hits of U2. And Fri.-Sat. No Pets For Noah will return to the Fager’s stage playing all the best in rock from the last few decades.
    I want to address the subject that Cathy writes of in Sonic Notes; that is, horns. I agree that nothing amps up a song like the sound of a  sax or horn section, whether background or solo bit. There are several songs on which we hear two saxophones played by Will & Levy with Tranzfusion (playing Sun. at M.R. Ducks). Bob always does a great job of synthesizing that sound on his keyboard when the boys aren’t around, but there’s nothing like the true sound.
    Also, consider Over Time, who will be playing Sat. at BJ’s. This talented group of guys includes sax & trumpet and their performance always raises the excitement level of the crowd. They have been extremely busy of late (great performance at Ducks last weekend) and we can hear them Sat. at BJ’s. I know they’re gonna rattle the new windows there. And check out the superbly talented group Full Circle at BJ’s on Fri.
    I’m also looking forward to the return of Rick & Lennon LaRicci playing Sun. at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill. Last time there I, along with the rest of their audience, was astounded by the talent of young Lennon (12), and, yes, he’s named after John Lennon. Dad Rick is a huge Beatles fan but adding son Lennon to the group has really broadened his set lists. And Chuck DeMartin on drums adds an engaging rock beat as well as backup vocals. Lennon is so adept on the keyboards, you might think you’re hearing Jerry Lee Lewis with his fast-paced boogey-woogey numbers. But Lennon brings with him some current music, as well, such as “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. Not only can he play but he can sing and with such passion that transcends his age. We’re all going to enjoy watching and listening to this young man as his talent matures - truly a force of nature.
    Country fans, it’s your weekend to do some boot-scootin’! Haleytown makes a rare appearance at The Pour House on Sat. We’ve enjoyed the wonderful vocals of Blake Haley for years and I’m so glad to hear him backed by a band that has opened up the ‘box’ for him. Lots of hits by country female artists are performed by his fiance Danielle to broaden the scope of their repertoire. Check ‘em out.
    And in Fenwick, the Bo Dickerson Band will pack the house, as usual, at Smitty McGee’s. It’s so great that we have such a variety of music from which to choose.
    Welcome to our new friends at The Angler, Fenwick Oasis and Ropewalk Oyster House, all of whom are offering live music and DJ’s. It was a pleasure to hear Chris Ferron at The Angler who will return this Sat. to sing for us. He has such a warm and melodious voice and he impressed me with his songwriting as well. Stick around and you can hear a trio called The Break play at 9pm. Jay (drummer for North Point who play at BJ’s) is the singer/drummer in this group. “I’m a singer who happens to be a drummer,” Jay says. All three offer vocals. They love the Beatles’ music so if you’re a fan, you’ll love these guys.
    Local singer/songwriter Bryan Russo is playing Fri. night at the new Ropewalk Oyster House in Fenwick. Earlier in the day hear Pat O’Brennan who will also play every Wed. there.
    As always so many fine entertainers in our area - how blessed we are. Party safe!