Second season in OC has certainly been no disappointment this year.  I can look at this from two perspectives.
    From behind the bar it seems business has only let up slightly. A good thing in that profession because it means not as much turning and burning patrons. I can slow down a bit and get to know the good people that I corrupt on the daily.
    From across the bar room at my bass rig, I've noticed the crowds are still in comfortable numbers as well. Smaller, more appreciative crowds enjoying a little elbow room and the occasional empty bar stool.
    I was on a little downtown debauchery mission a couple weeks ago and ran into some friends old and new at the Pour House.  Lovin Cup is their new project that has just recently made it to the scene though the members are far from newbees.
    Currently a cover project, Lovin Cup down the road will certainly join a small group of original bands here I'm sure.
    Jeff Novakoski (guitar/vox) moved here in '79 from Baltimore following the path of the things he loves the most, music and surfing.  Since there ain't no surf in Baltimore, I guess Ocean City had its allure including the music scene. With unpredictable and often sloppy surf one has to find other outlets. Music was his first choice
    Adam Bilenki is the youngest member of the group but a "drum ninja" and "hired gun" in his own rights. Adam grew up in a family of musicians and was taught early of music’s life-long benefits. Adam’s a gentle giant who's every thought revolves around music (and girls of course).  
    Adam’s talents aren't limited to the drums by any means. In the two years I've known him he's played for several bands and is always present when an improvised jam session is forming. He's an all around musicians’ musician with a keen ear and a talent for guitar and vocals alike. By day Adam is keeping us all safe as a fire alarm inspector for Fire Pro.
    Troy Mawyer on guitar and vocals is the leader of this quartet and currently learning to play well with others. His career in the white collar world is left to mystery but if he ever runs for Mayor, he's got my vote. Troy has been been flying solo for most of his music career except for the jazz duo "Raw Honey" when he was a Baltimore boy.
    Troy moved to the beach to find a little more energy in the music scene. When he decided to start a band "being along for the ride" sounded a bit more fun than the lonely world of a solo acoustic artist.  He has a couple other interests such as boating, the Ravens and a yearly visit to Jamaica with his wife Olive.
    The final member of this band is a genuine bad ass among bass players in the area. Back when I first moved here 19 years ago I owned a bass guitar. I thought I knew how to play it until an after hours party at my downtown apartment one night and Joe Daddy asked to play it. It was the first time I had heard a bass being played as a musical instrument without the compliment of a full band. By the time he had gotten done showing the party his incredible skill, I personally had a new respect for the four stringer and the guy I was jokingly calling John Belushi. As a result Joe Daddy has always been a bad ass in my book and for the next 15 years I never missed an after hours party.  
    Well, kids there's a little fresh meat out there to enjoy. The music is well thought out and well played by four guys who really just enjoy playing it together. You'll find Lovin Cup at places like Johnny's Pizza, the Pour House and out at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club for now but I see them moving around a lot more over the winter. Next time you're stalking someone on Facebook search them out and keep an eye out around town for what's to be another good band to see in OC.