I can't believe it's April already! The closer the summer gets, the quicker the time flies by. Before you know it, we'll all be laying on the beach; working on our tans; and frequenting our favorite pool bars.
    I hope that everyone's first few weeks of spring have been fun so far. I know mine have been great, as there are more and more activities to take part in now that the spring season has finally sprung. This is the time of year when everyone's favorite parties take place: Opening parties!
    One in particular would be M.R. Ducks, located at Talbot Street and the bay. Ducks is one of the quintessential spring and summer spots that I like to hang out at after a busy day working or playing. They'll be kicking it all off Friday, April 6th featuring entertainment by Johnny Bling from 4pm-9pm and on Saturday the 7th, Tranzfusion will rock the dock from 4-9. The following weekend, Blake Haley plays on Friday the 13th; Galaxy Collective will bring their own upbeat blend of "funkabilly" on Saturday the 14th; and Simple Truth will entertain the crowd on Sunday, the 15th. So stop by for a cool beverage and some live, local entertainment...and be sure to stay for the sunset!
    If you're looking for something a little different from the uber-casual, downtown happy hour vibe, you can head up to Fager's Island for a taste of midtown nightlife. Feel like dancing? Friday the 6th, DJ Hook will be spinning the tunes starting at 9pm on the deck; and Trip Wire will be performing their mix of modern and classic rock on the stage inside at 10pm. On Saturday the 7th, DJ Rob Cee will be getting the party started inside at 6pm; followed by DJ Groove at 9pm on the deck; and at 10pm, get ready...because Hot Tub Limo will be getting crazy inside on the stage. What I really like about these guys is that you can tell that they all genuinely love what they do: whether they're putting their own spin on a Lady Gaga tune, or completely nailing a song by The Offspring, note for note. Their main goal is to get the crowd involved in their performances, so if you're in the mood for a high energy show, frontman Johnathan Frase and the rest of the boys in HTL will leave you satisfied. For more show dates and info about the band, visit www.hottublimoband.com.
    For the following weekend at Fager's Island, don't miss Lima Bean Riot on stage Friday the 13th; and The Loop on Saturday the 14th.
    And finally, no spring weekend (or ANY weekend, for that matter) in OC is complete without a trip to Seacrets. Let loose under the blacklights and howl at the full moon for the always popular Lunasea Party on Friday the 6th, featuring Johnny Drama from 10pm-2am in the Nite Club. On Saturday the 7th, Rew Smith will play from 5pm-9pm; followed by The Jon Maurer Band from 9pm-1am; and OC veterans, Big Bang Baby from 10pm-2am in the club. With charismatic frontman Paul, this excellent band is widely regarded as among the best of rock cover bands. The weekend of the 13th, Go Go Gadjet will be rocking the club on Friday from 10pm-2am; and on Saturday the 14th, look for Full Circle from 5pm-9pm and Captain Jack from 9pm-1am. Philadelphia-based band, Gypsy Wisdom will be in the club from 10pm-2am.
    So, until next time, make sure you snag one of those paws from the Easter Bunny. You're gonna need a lucky rabbit’s foot for that Friday the 13th coming up!