Oh, glorious Fall! It’s the first day of SunFest, too, and I’m dying to get out into this beautiful sunshiny day and head to the Boardwalk to hear music. As all of you know, music is my passion and what drives me to promote live music in our town. In that spirit, I have, since 1999, taken great pleasure in recognizing the talent of an outstanding musician or band each year calling it the Coconut Times Entertainer of the Year award. This year I am happy to have bestowed that distinction on Two Guys & a Mama. Two-thirds of this trio have been honored in the past, Chris Button for his work with Crowded Outhouse (with former partner John LaMere) and for his contribution to the ‘80s retro band Chest Pains with bandmates Jeff Davis, Byron Anthony and Joe Mama; thus Joe’s first award. Of course, Joe is well known for his many collaborations such as Simple Truth, Poole & The Gang or Kevin Poole as a duo; with Chris Button as a duo, and probably more that I can’t think of now. But the all-important one-third of this trio has, til now, remained in the wings, certainly not due to a lack of talent. David Sherman, or the “Shermanator,” as Chris refers to him, has long been regarded as one of Ocean City’s premier singer/songwriters but due to the fact that he plays at places that are not part of the Coconut Times family, he has been overlooked. I am so happy to finally rectify this. Dave has been a regular as a solo at the 19th Hole Bar & Grille and with Two Guys & a Mama at BJ’s  where I have enjoyed their music so much in the last few years. Really, it’s only the summer months that we have not heard them there; we’re so glad to have them back. Their music selections are so varied and often unique from other bands around town. With their level of musicianship, Joe and Chris are able to quickly pick up on new songs that Dave wants to sing - he has a huge repertoire - and so there are additions to the set list constantly. I’m looking forward to their next performance on Wed., Oct. 23 at BJ’s and I fervently hope that they pick up some new gigs around town, too. Look for an indepth article about these three talented guys in an upcoming issue. And look for Chris & Joe to be entertaining the High Stakes crowd on Sat.
    As Patricia writes in her Barhopping article, Sun. is the end of season party (a pre-closing closing party) at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill. The Zion Reggae Band will provide the musical backdrop for that fun day. On Fri., stop in for music from John LaMere who will be returning to Key West the first week of October - so soon. Sat. at Coconuts you’ll hear the Ginger Trio, fronted by singer/songwriter Nancy Micciulla - great voice, pretty as summer sunshine. Over Time will take over at 5 pm to rock the house with their fun band, complete with brass section. Fun, fun, fun!
    Poole & The Gang was awesome at Fager’s Island last Mon. Their schedule is hot this weekend with a date on the dock at M.R. Ducks Fri. and an appearance at SunFest on Sat. at 5pm, outdoor stage. This band includes two former Coconut Times Entertainer of the Year recipients, Kevin Poole and Joe Smooth, the man on sax. Joe and guitarist John Remy are also in 2 Much Stuff together; they’ll be at the 45th St. Bayside Taphouse on Sat.
    Last year’s Entertainer of the Year, The Mood Swingers w/ Lauren Glick, are thrilled to be the band playing in the big entertainment tent at 4 pm before the Beach Boys! I’m happy that so many more people will get to hear this talented group play.
    Looking at the list (ococean.com) I see that Power Play will be on the indoor stage Sat. at noon. Recently featured in this paper on the occasion of the band’s 35th anniversary, the husband/wife team of Kay & Jay Moore front this four-piece playing a range of musical genres that spans the decades. We have enjoyed their music for years at Seacrets and the Ocean Club/Clarion. I’m happy for them, too, that so many people will have the opportunity to appreciate this wonderful group of musicians.
    Our friend Tommy Edward will present his “Sir Rod” show twice during SunFest: first was yesterday, Thur.; and Sun. at 1:30 pm at the indoor stage. This is going to be a top-rate, Las Vegas style show. The fest ends with a performance by Separate Ways, a Journey tribute band that we all loved at Fager’s Island.
    As ususal, amazing! Party safe!