Hi, everyone and happy Sunfest to you. Please join me in praying for good weather to welcome all our visitors and ensure that all the outstanding music that is scheduled will be enjoyed by all. There are some really big names, such as Kenny Rogers, but the one I’m most looking forward to is the return of Mary Lou & The Untouchables. Fans will be happy to know that not only can you see and hear this awesome band at 3pm on the outdoor Sunfest stage, but following she and the guys will hurry to M.R. Ducks to play for us there.
    As I mentioned before, M.R. Ducks has been kind enough to allow me, and auctioneer John LaMere, to conduct a live auction of a few cool items to help raise funds for Mary Lou’s medical expenses. This amazing trooper has undergone eight different surgeries over the past several years and she comes back singing every time. It would be so wonderful if we would show her our love by, first of all, just showing up to see her; but also to help her financially with the overwhelming medical expenses. Please join us for an evening of great music and the opportunity to help one of our beloved musicians in her time of need.
    Fager’s Island was again a hot bed of great talent last week beginning with the amazing Tranzfusion on Fri. night. There’s just something about the stage, lights and excellent sound that make these guys even better when they play there. I went back on Mon. for the Deck Party and stayed to hear Formerly Known As. I was party curious about their name because it was reported to me that it was Formally Known As. Well, that just didn’t sound right to me. I began to wonder if they were a Prince tribute band, but then they would have billed them as such. So, who better to ask than the band themselves. Working out of Philadelphia it was their first time in O.C. I was most impressed with their show; five members and all sang. Lead singer Rich says it’s not uncommon to have their name billed incorrectly and they often just go by FKA. This guy worked a microphone better than a juggling act in the circus. And he danced all over the place too. What energy! They played an incredible variety of music crossing genres and generations; even some ‘80s funk presented in a medly. We were all surprised to hear them do a few hot female songs of the summer such as “The Deep” by Adele, and some Lady Gaga. Lots of fun. They remind me of another young group of musicians who have played there and at M.R. Ducks, Hot Tub Limo. Be sure to check them out when they return this fall.
    Also, don’t miss the last performance of Shaun Hopper this coming Wed. I think Shaun will be heading for a Florida tour after visiting home in Georgia, so we won’t see him again ‘til next summer; that is if some big recording mogul doesn’t snap him up. If you think Shaun is just another guy with a guitar doing all the usual songs, you’re wrong, wrong, wrong! All ten fingers fly across the frets and strings, sounding more like three guitars with melody, rhythm and base line all being played by Shaun - no looping. Plus, he has been adding more vocals to his act and I absolutely adore his singing. He has such a gifted soul for music. Please don’t miss him Wed., 7pm, at Fager’s Island.
    Wasn’t last weekend a total blast with all the unbelievable music for Bike Fest/Bike Week? My favorite was Kashmir (Led Zeppelin) last Sun. night. Being a singer myself, I am just so crazy impressed with Jean Violet’s (yes, that’s his real name) voice. He hits cosmic notes so effortlessly and says he never has throat problems. Unbelievable! Andy on guitar is equally amazing and Paul on drums just blows us away. They had Felix from Zebra on bass and keyboards; and I could just go on and on but I’ve got to go. Maybe I can catch Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes at Sunfest. Check the listing for much more and always party safe!