Well, the “dog days” of summer are upon us. It’s interesting to know that phrase goes back to the Roman Empire. It refers to the hot, sultry days of summer. More specifically it is a period of time that begins July 3rd and ends August 11th which coincides with Sirius, the Dog Star rising at the same time as the sun in the northern hemisphere. Traditionally, it also marks a time of inactivity and apathy… but not around here… we are in full swing!

TONIGHT, don’t miss “Jam for Sam” starting at 5:00 in the Seacrets Morley Hall. This is a fun event benefitting The Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Foundation. SWMF provides support to youth sports all over the world. It gives children in underprivileged communities the equipment to participate in sports they may never have had the chance to. This is a terrific event with raffles & auctions, but the best part is many local bands and musicians will be playing for the cause. Yes, all ages are allowed. Be sure to read next week’s issue for a special treat.  Local boys and huge music fans, Alex & Sam Ingersoll will be writing Sonic Notes. An event for youth being reviewed through the eyes of youth will prove to be a great read.  Visit www.iays.org/sammy-page or nays.org/product/2010-jam-for-sam-benefit-party for more detail & tix. Their motto is "change the world, one ball at a time...!" 

A good musical bet for this week is modern rock band that go by Lima Bean Riot. With six band members, they are sure to be energetic. Their band members include Kate & Rayvon on lead vocals with an incredible stage presence. They also include Mike on guitar. I understand his rendition of Sweet Child of Mine is not to be missed.  Matt (Bonez) and Matt (Tricycle) add the funk and percussion to round them out. They will be performing at Fager’s Island tonight and Saturday, then again on August 23rd.

If you are headed towards Fenwick Island and love country & southern rock, then check out the Bo Dickerson Band at Smitty McGee’s on Saturday. The band not only presents Bo Dickerson on lead vocals, David Hastings & Jordan Harper on guitars, Brian Licinski on bass, & Rick Adkins on drums, but it adds W.D. Whaley on the fiddle & mandolin & Chuck Workman on harmonica & banjo. Gotta love it! If you can’t make it Saturday they will be back at Smittys on August 24th. While you’re up in Fenwick swing into High Stakes Bar & Grill and catch Chris Button & Joe Mama. It’s always a big party when these two perform there - definitely worth the trip. 

Country comes to M.R. Ducks on the bay at Talbot St., too, with the Bo Dickerson Band performing there today, Friday. And Sunday they will feature Bird Dog & The Road Kings playing their own special blend of country, rock Americana good time music.

Congratulations go out to Lauren Glick. She will be auditioning for “The Voice” In NYC on July 27th. Wish her luck!

“As I play the game of life, I try to make it better each and every day.

And when I struggle in the night, the magic of the music seems to light the way.” – John Lennon