Wow! As I write this on Thur., I’m still reeling from the fantastic performance of Rubix Kube at Seacrets on Wed. This seven-piece band faithfully recreated the music of the ‘80s complete with many costume changes to impersonate the artists of the time. Their boundless energy, colorful costumes and musical expertise (while dancing and jumping around stage) combined to create one of the most captivating shows I’ve ever seen. In two 13-song sets, the group covered artists from Cyndi Lauper to Madonna to Cher (that costume raised some eyebrows as Cher always does); from Bon Jovi to Prince to Michael Jackson. Wish I had room to share the complete list; all I can say is we want them back and if you didn’t hear them - YOU MUST! It was great to have a moment to talk with guitarist Steve Brown who says he’s been with the group about eight months and is having a ball. I met him when he played a few shows at The Purple Moose with his own band and he was the guitarist for Trixter as well. Many of the audience joined in the ‘80s fun by wearing the garb of the period - I even sported a pair of day-glo organge net half gloves, courtesy of Reliable-Churchill (thank you Stayton & Sarah) who were on hand promoting their Bacardi products, including the new Bacardi Oakheart, a spiced rum that is quite tasty. What a great time - thank you Seacrets.
    Robert Eric’s Piano Man was another extremely good show at Fager’s last Sun. I recently caught a look at the Billy Joel documentary on TV and Robert does look a lot like the young Joel (even more handsome) as well as sings and performs on piano with flawless authenticity. Great show; and we’re looking forward to the Capt. Fantastic show this Sun., a tribute to the great Elton John. This may be the only show that brings in a grand piano, mirrored and as decked out as the artist himself. I was thoroughly entertained last time and can’t wait to hear this group again. Also, looking forward to heading to Fager’s Island tonight (Thur.) to hear The Klassix for the first time on the mainstage. They’re always a hit and many will flock back to hear them at the Mon. Deck party. (Sat. at M.R. Ducks.) At this performance, the band will feature Nashville recording artist Brynn Marie during the band breaks. I met and was present when music videographer Jeff Johnson  became engaged to Brynn at Fager’s two years ago. With a lot of hard work, this talented and beautiful gal is poised on the brink of country stardom with her new hit “Bandaid On A Bullet Hole.” Fiance Jeff produced the video. Brynn is currently on tour with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo/Cheap Trick, quite a feat for a self-managed artist. Don’t miss this chance to hear Brynn Marie perform, Mon. at Fager’s.
    Another act I highly recommend you see is Rick & Lennon LaRicci, playing Sat. at the Rio Grande Tiki Bar. I caught them again last Sun. at Coconuts and was further impressed with the talent of young Lennon (12) on keyboards and vocals. This time out I heard him duo with dad Rick on “Hotel California,” having learned the guitar part on the keyboards, complete with a little gadget (pitch bender or modulator) that bends the note just like a guitar. Amazing! Love them!
    It’s been fun at The Purple Moose as always, most recently with the band DIRT. I spoke with guitarist ‘Dirty’ Ralph who told me the band always strives to play what the audience wants to hear. They certainly have a wide variety of music on their set list from Stone Temple Pilots to Alice In Chains and  current songs with rap parts. They also specialize in ‘80s hits with extremely animated bassist Kevin singing most of those. Be sure to catch them next time. Surreal returns this Fri.-Sat. to wow their audiences with incredible vocals from Walt and top-notch musicianship from Will (bass), Brian (guitar), and Rene (drums).
    Here’s a good one for you - Blockstock V to be held at the Party Block Sun. Produced by Delmarva Night Life, Rob has assembled 14 bands from around the mid-Atlantic region to participate in this fifth annual event; starts at 7. Playing: Pasadena, Bong Hits For Jesus, Downtown Brown, III Luck, Sticky Longfingers and The Rusted Butter, The Substance, Cheezy & the Crackers, Saltwater String Band, Hot Sauce Sandwich, A.n.D., Higher Education, Xtra Altra, Black Dog Alley and JVMP. A  real marathon of music.
    ‘Til next week, have fun & party safe!