Summer is NOT over! Not for the kidless, like myself, anyway. Technically, the autumnal equinox isn't until September 22nd, but as long as the weather holds up we will always get our second season, even if only for the better part of a month.
    What the second season means varies from local to local, but this one enjoys everything that there is left open to him. There is more time for golf, the swell picks up with passing storms and the night life becomes a bit sweeter.
    No longer are the bars packed with folks   that forget how to behave outside of their own element. Now is more like a reunion of town folk that haven't gotten to see each other in months. This includes our west side folks that don't mind driving over the bridge even if it means taking a cab home.
    I consider Tim and Dan locals now. They've certainly put in their time and caught up to the rest of us with total booze consumed, be it during their own gigs or out and about supporting others.
    I met Tim Cyphers a few years ago during the spring at an open mic that Skip Dixxon and The Phantom Limbs were sponsoring at the Steer Inn. He was new in town but definitely not new to the scene. Normally, I reserve solo acoustic acts as an opportunity to take a nap.
    As I was dozing off in the corner, Tim slapped me in the earhole with a funky little version of Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues." I live for the moments when someone takes me by surprise and reminds me that, in fact, I haven't seen it all.
    After a very impressive and energetic set, Tim and I sat, drank and talked like Irishmen that had known each other for years. He had asked me if I knew of any bartending gigs available in town until he could get on his feet musically. I assured him that with an act like that, he would never need a real job in this town. If I am to consider bartending a real job.
    Now I'm not saying I was the first to discover Tim Cyphers in Ocean City and get him his first gig here. Oh wait... Yes, I am. It was just by luck on my part, though, because sooner or later someone else would have had the same experience. Fortunately, it was me and I had made a good friend.
    So that summer came and went with us both busy and only catching up at one another's gigs. By catching up I mean trying to out drink each other. After September, Tim returned to his native land of Baltimore and winter ensued.
    As the next spring approached Tim returned to OC but this time with a partner: "A conga player," as he put it, was a gross understatement of the wild man he was about to unleash upon us.
    My first impression of Dan Morgan was of a gracious and very appreciative soul who took nothing for granted, especially the crowds that Tim had already established around town. My second impression was, "Damn if he doesn't look exactly like a young Robin Williams."
    Dan plays a full compliment of congas like nobody I have ever seen. At last count there were about eight pieces to his kit including three cymbals and a snare. The energy he displays is indescribable in any way other than this: If you try to take a picture of it, all you end up with is a blur. Trust me, I've tried and as a result we have all nicknamed him "Danimal."  I trust we have all seen the Muppet movie.
    There's really only one way to experience the Tim Cyphers duo and that's to go and party with them. Be sure to take the rest of the day off because party you will. They have a considerable list of songs to please any crowd so if you have a request, it will only cost you one measly shot of Jameson.
    Their current fall schedule is every Thurs at De Lazy Lizard 5-9. Happy second season 'erbody.