Hooray! One of my favorite bands is returning to Ocean City - Bruce in the USA set to play at Fager’s Island on Sat. night. Springsteen look-alike Matt Ryan has assembled a crew that awesomely recreates a Bruce Springsteen concert. Now those of you who have been to many a Springsteen concert may beg to differ, but I challenge you to find any fault with the caliber of the musicians in this awesome band. Matt played Springsteen for eight years in the World Famous “Legends in Concert” in Las Vegas. From smokin’ handed “Little Stevie,” played by Sully to the big guy Clarence (rest in peace) Clemence on sax  played by Keith Marlo, two keyboardists, Joey Lunsford & Atticus Finch, and with Jay Nichols on drums and Eric Runquist on bass, this tribute to the E. St. Band faithfully performs the music of one of the best singer/songwriters of our generation. As Matt told me several years ago - “it’s all about the music. We are dedicated to preserving this body of music as authentically as we can.” As Clemence himself said after joining the group onstage during a New York performance, “it was the greatest Tribute he’s ever seen.” I hope to see you all Sat. at Fager’s Island. Thanks to Kevin & Greg for getting this great band back to O.C.
    Speaking of great bands, I hope you enjoy my interviews with Coconut Times Entertainers of the Year Byron Anthony, Jeff Davis, Chris Button & Joe Mama - The Chest Pains. It was fun learning about the level of their success in the ‘80s and how their love of that music has brought them back to the forefront of entertainers in this area. Good music never dies and it’s cool that they are reviving this particular genre. Come out and hear them with me - you’ll become a fan too.
    Another band keeping a particular genre of music alive is the bigger-than-life Gas House Gorillas featuring the vocals of Rick Fink. The music? In his bio it’s said that his “song writing skills and boundless high energy performances blur the lines that separate Jump Blues, Rock and Swing, creating a mixture of American music that transcends all walks of life.” That’s a fancy way of saying these guys are tons of fun. Dean Shot is amazing on guitar and Jerry “Chicken’ Scaringe plays upright bass in a most entertaining fashion. His own band is called the Slippery Chickens; his sense of humor is most evident in his music and performance style. Out of New York, The Gas House Gorillas also bring a sax man as well as drummer Angelo Merendino, of course. You’ll never hear a better voice than that of Rick Fink and no one puts more energy into a performance than he does. I guarantee you a good time.
    You know where else you can always have a good time? Johnny’s Pizza & Pub. Tonight you can hear the great sounds of Galaxy Collective. Phil Knight (guitar), Otto Grundman (guitar/sax), Matt “Smitty” Smith (bass) & Sage Kane (drums) combine their original material with covers done in their own style to make for a very entertaining show. And Sat. night you can hear the Debbie Caldwell Band there. We haven’t heard from her in awhile but I know she’s been excited to put together a new band and get back out there. Good luck to Debbie, a very good singer/songwriter who also plays keyboards and guitar.
    There’s another talented gal out there this week you should go see - Melissa Rose and her trio project, AnacanA, playing Fri. at the 707 Sports Bar & Grille. Melissa is a wonderful singer who also plays keyboard and sax - and a mean tambourine. Most entertaining.
    Only two more weeks to party on the dock at M.R. Ducks so don’t miss Tranzfusion’s last performance of the season on Sat. Next Sat. is closing with Johnny Bling.
    And next week we’ll zero in on all the fabulous Halloween parties. Til then party safe.