Tribute bands, theme parties, and free concerts have made their mark on Ocean City this summer. It’s been a wild ride, and it’s not over yet. Labor Day Weekend and Bike Week are just around the corner. Plenty of sonic entertainment is in the pipeline in the coming months.
    National recording artist Fuel will play in concert at the Purple Moose Saloon on Thursday, September 1. You may remember some of Fuel’s top hits like “Shimmer,” “Innocent,” “Bad Day,” “Falls on Me,” and “Hemorrhage (In My Hands).” The alternative rock band has toured with Creed, Aerosmith, Kid Rock, and 3 Doors Down.
    Like many longtime rock bands, Fuel has seen its fair share of members come and go. This week’s show features the original lead singer, Brett Scallions, who rejoined the band in 2010. Performing with the original front man certainly enhances Fuel’s stage presence. Joining the lineup is guitarist Jasin Todd and bassist Brad Stewart—both former members of the band Shinedown. Ken Schalk on drums rounds off Fuel’s rockin’ lineup. Visit www.fuelrocks.com  for more details.
    Tickets are now available for the Fuel concert on www.purplemoosesaloon.com   and at the Purple Moose Saloon on downtown’s Talbot Street & the boardwalk. Opening acts for the concert include Whitehouse Effect, Rebel Inc., PALE, and Park Lane. Call 410-289-6953 for details. Also coming soon to the Purple Moose Saloon is The Rising, a tribute to Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band on Thursday, September 8.
    What else is happening in Ocean City this week? One of my absolute favorite rockabilly bands—The Gas House Gorillas—returns to the Steer Inn Tavern on Racetrack Road in Ocean Pines on Friday, August 26. This band always packs the dance floor with swing dance enthusiasts, and its members are legendary for engaging the crowd with wild stunts, such as standing on the bar and straddling the standup bass.
    Fager’s Island booked The Chest Pains for 9:30 on Sunday, August 28. Playing new age classics and modern rock, this collaboration of hugely talented local musicians has quickly developed a regional fan following. Animal House is the band on tap this week for Fager’s world famous Monday Night Deck Party, and 2U is slated to perform its tribute show to U2 on Monday, September 5.
    At Seacrets, DJ Tuff and Jim Long continue to hold down weekly parties. On Saturday, August 27, modern rockers Thrill perform at 10:00. You may remember this band from the days-gone-by era of the Hurricane nightclub in Ocean City. I expect to see plenty of old “heads” at this show. One of my favorite local bands, Full Circle, plays to the happy hour crowd at Seacrets on Monday, August 29.
    Macky’s has been going off the Richter all summer long with Tuesday night theme parties. Next up on the calendar is a Halloween Party on Tuesday, August 30. Popular deejays emcee these theme parties and keep the party going strong until last call.
    Free outdoor concerts are still happening in Ocean City. On Sunday, August 28, Mary Lou and the Untouchables will rock the crowd with its bluesy, classic rock talent at Northside Park on 127th Street from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Also at M.R. Ducks on Sat. if Hurricane Irene passes by.) Bring your picnic basket and beach chair to this free event, and also enjoy a “Scales and Tales” presentation by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
    Have a wonderful week, everyone.