Hey, friends. So much to tell you this week. I continue to marvel at the depth and breadth of entertainment in our fair town. We have wonderful veterans such as Michael Justis who is celebrating his 60th birthday, and young newcomers such as Alex & Shiloh in their early 20s. I heard both at the 45th St. Taphouse last weekend. It’s gratifying to my generation that the new generation picking up the torch includes our classics in their repertoire. That they recognize the power of a good tune with meaningful lyrics is a testimony to their dedication to music as a whole. Shiloh has a wonderful and sometimes enchanting voice on certain tunes; and their harmonies achieved with bandmates Terrel and Alex are superb. Their performances are a great blend of old and new music that kept their audience thoroughly entertained. They certainly deserve a place in our musical community. Go hear them for yourselves Mon. at the Taphouse. Another young group heard there is the Jon Pheasant Band. Jon’s new members are Joey Saah on lead and/or bass guitar, and Josh Mengel on drums. Again their music is a combination of new and old, in this case heavily laced with Beatles tunes. Jon’s band The British Invasion is a Beatles tribute band that just played for the Airlift Music Festival opening for Quiet Riot. He says that was a great experience and that the guys were real down to earth. Jon tells me there will be more such festivals in the future for that band; next up the Crab Derby Festival in Crisfield. And happy 25th birthday to Jon!

An even younger duo caught my attention last week at The 19th Hole in West OC - The Poole Brothers. Christopher (16) and brother Conner (19) play an entertaining blend of old and new with the main attraction here being their pleasing and melodious voices. When they sing harmony it’s as if one voice has split in two - as only siblings can achieve. Although he plays guitar as well, Christopher demonstrated his gift for percussion playing the kick box and bongos; while Conner displayed surprising expertise for one so young on guitar. Of course these two have much talent in their genes as dad Mike plays (he says he really loves it when he can play bass with his sons), and uncle Kevin Poole is a well known and highly respected musician and singer/songwriter here and in Key West for many years. So here’s another young group added to the pantheon of Ocean City’s new generation of players that includes groups such as Hot Sauce Sandwich who are no longer the youngest guys on the scene. It’s going to be fun watching these new artists flex their musical muscles as they grow.

One such group that has now recorded and just returned from a promotional tour is Bond & Bentley. Actually from the Baltimore area, these guys have, nevertheless, made quite a name for themselves here in OC. I heard them Sat. at the Bayside Taphouse where again I was impressed with the variety of music: classic (arranged with originality), modern and original tunes as well. I thought it was so cool that drummer Alex had mom, dad, grandparents and extended family in the audience - all so proud of him and the band. Definitely a ‘go to’ listen when they’re playing here again.

We said goodbye to Arizona - Bea, Manny, Daniel & Tony - last night at the Ocean Club/Clarion as they played their last night of the summer season. They are off to Panama City, Fla., to play this weekend at Schooners. Guitarist Tony Rossi was still flying in the clouds after his heady experience of playing with Starship featuring Micky Thomas for two tour dates, Aug. 29 in Pittsburgh and Aug. 31 in Detroit. Tony was tapped to sub for the band;s guitarist John Roth. How exciting for Tony who also tells me he has a guitar solo CD out called Illusions Delusion available on ITunes and Amazon. It was a great time last night as Arizona called for a jam inviting members of Go With The Flo and Old School to take the stage for a few songs. Also included were Judith Cooper on guitar and Dew on drums; and even I got in on the action singing “Bobby McGee.” Good time. Arizona will return to play New Year’s Eve. Something new - DJ Dusty will host a deck party on Sat. & Mon. at 4 pm. Cool - let’s make the most of this glorious weather, right?

Another artist breaking into the professional world of music is newcomer Coletta Renée. Coletta cannot be grouped into that next generation of young performers category as she is a U.S. Army Vet who continues to serve her country by speaking around the country to other vets suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) from which she, too, suffers. Coletta Renée’s voice has been recognized as amazing, however, by those who have heard her perform the National Anthem at Orioles games and at the prestigious LEGG MASON Tennis Tournament in Washington, D.C. for the past 13 years. Tennis luminaries and others have encouraged her to record her fabulous voice with a six-octave range that has been compared to Whitney Houston. So she has taken the plunge and is working on both a CD and DVD. We can expect some R&B Aretha style, jazz, standards and Motown from this very beautiful woman. I can’t wait to hear her tonight, Fri., at Jive. Hope to see you all there.

As Cathy mentioned in Sonic Notes, Bike Week is fast approaching and that means more great music coming our way. OC BikeFest presented by Rommel Harley-Davidson is ready to roll into Ocean City with four days of exciting music and entertainment. Two stages will be set up at the Inlet (same as Sunfest) to showcase such acts as Jackyl w/ Jesse James Dupree on Sept. 12, Foghat and War on Sept 13, and America and Three Dog Night on Sept. 14. Other acts throughout the weekend will include a Jimi Hendrix Tribute by Jamiah on Fire and The Red Machine, Kashmir - the nation’s #1 Led Zeppelin tribute show, Blizzard of Ozzy, an Ozzy Osboourne tribute and The Bastard Bearded Irishmen. Organizer Cliff Sutherland, a long-time visitor to Ocean City, says he became concerned over Delmarva Bike Week’s western migration, so he met with O.C. officials and brought the inaugural rally here in 2011. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow, expecting 30,000 bikers this year. Sutherland points out that the average biker is 52 years old, makes maybe $94,000 a year and will be a big boost to the town’s economy.

“What we’ve done is create a high-end event for Ocean City,” Sutherland aays. “We do all types of music, not just your ‘traditional biker’ music. We aim to attract everyone.”

Here are some acts that are sure to attract at Seacrets next week, a huge supporter of BikeFest, that I need to tell you about now because two of them are Wed. and Thur., before our next issue. The Artimus Pyle Band returns on Wed., recognized as The Ultimate Lynryd Skynyrd Tribute. So here ya go, folks, get your fill of Skynyrd on Wed. Then on Thurs., one that I want to hear, 7 Bridges - The Ultimate Eagles Experience will perform. They also have an AC/DC tribute on Fri. (9/13) with Live Wire. Go Seacrets!

Two events you don’t want to miss this week: “Patriot’s Day 9/11/2013” to be held Wed. at Hooters on Rt. 50. American Legion Riders will dedicate proceeds from this event to our Troops and Public Safety personnel. Loud Love will provide the music; you provide the fun.

Locals, time to turn out in remembrance of our dear departed friend Michael Tracy White. Monday will be a day of music and friendship as we celebrate the life of this talented musician, gone too soon. Michael started his career at a very young age (16, I think) playing drums for the original Chest Pains. “Bam Bam” went on to establish a solid career playing solo on guitar and standup bass or drums with his group Little Professors. Multitalented singer/songwriter, his music lives on thanks to friends such as Joe Mama and Kevin Poole. Randy Lee Ashcraft will host the day, Monday at Coconuts, at which many area musicians are expected to join him on stage.

It’s time for me to get outta here and find a good seat for NFL Kickoff. Yay!!