Those who know me have no doubt I have the gift of gab. So let’s talk about my favorite subject: the international language of music. An art that holds no prejudice, music touches each and every one of us. Music has the power to arouse emotions, bring back memories long forgotten or evoke motivation for the future. This beautiful peninsula hosts some of the finest musical talents ever heard. In our premier issue for 2013, I will reveal some information on just a few of the many who help keep us warm during the cold winter months.
    We start off with Valentine’s Day weekend. Whether you’re in love or love being single, the sound of Bryan Clark makes you want to grab a partner and head to the dance floor. Bryan sings the big band sounds of Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin. Later into the evening he adds Motown and Tom Jones to keep you dancing. Clark recently performed with a "Rat Pack" revue as Sammy Davis, Jr. in the Lawrence Welk Theater in San Diego. His impressionist act and classic dance moves should not be missed.  Hear Byan this Monday at Fagers's Island, 60th St. (also 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15). Look forward to Bryan appearing at Jive in April. Visit bryanclarksings.com for a full schedule.
    Get rid of winter doldrums with the familiar sounds of the local acoustic rock duo, Opposite Directions. Darin Engh and Bob Wilkinson cover a wide range of genres as well as many original songs.  Their extensive list of songs we all know and love enable them to cater to the audience. Both band members exhibit versatility by adding the mandolin and harmonica to their act. If you are interested in lessons or a musical instrument of your own, then visit Darin at Beach Music on Rt. 611. I can personally attest to thue of lessons at this unique shop. My son, Alex Gable took lessons from Darin and last year was a 2012 graduate of Berklee School of Music in Boston. Darin’s own son, Zach, is another success story who plays rhythm guitar in the band “Hot Sauce Sandwich”. Bob and Darin are also known for their humanitarian efforts. The Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Foundation named for Bob’s son Sammy was created by the National Alliance For Youth Sports (headed by Frank Engh). This foundation gives underprivileged children all over the world the opportunity to enjoy youth sports as much as Sammy did. Check out Opposite Directions Fri., 2/22 and 3/22 (9pm) at Johnny’s Pizza Pub on 56th St.; Seacrets Sat. 2/16 (5pm); Fager’s Island 3/16 (2pm); and Sundays (2pm) and Thur. nights at Harborside.
    Have you checked out the new Station 7 in West O? The renovation looks great! If not, then this Saturday is the time. Another local band, Loud Love will be rockin’ the Station with Scott LeClaire - drums, Chuck Leo - bass, Aubrey Bradley - guitar and vocals by Mark Marshall.  These guys put on an amazing high energy show. If you love rock-n-roll, this is the place to be. I took this description from their FB page since I couldn’t say it better…”Rock Band Playing Good Time Party Hard Dance Your Ass Off Bar Music That Can Help You Remember Why You’re On The Planet”. The band starts at 9pm. You can catch them again on Sat., March 9th.  
    I can’t write an article on music without mentioning the Grammys. In a week devoted to love, the words romantic and sexy are an understatement for some of the performances. Kudos to Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys and Bruno Mars for their amorous melodies. The show neared the end with a top-notch song, “The Weight,” originally sung by The Band. Sir Elton accompanied an entourage of talented artists who brought the audience to their feet. And here’s a toast to the artists we lost this year for making our world sound so much better.
    Even if you find yourself without a Valentine this weekend, get out and listen to the music anyway and remember in the infamous lyrics by Crosby, Stills & Nash, "If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you're with" (rhetorically speaking of course).