The weather isn’t the only thing that’s been heating up in Ocean City... the music has been off the hook too. I’ve really been enjoying checking out some new acts and hearing old favorites again. The Summer Concert Series at Seacrets has been especially awesome and this week’s was no exception.

I have seen singer & songwriter, Bryan Russo perform numerous times and it is always enjoyable. Bryan opened up for G. Love Monday at Seacrets with an unsurpassed performance. I love his bluesy voice and his meaningful lyrics. It was fascinating to watch and hard to believe how much vim and vigor comes from one musician. His energy was addictive and set the mood for the entire evening. Accompanying Bryan on stage for a bit was Mike Noyes belting out some phenomenal harmonica notes. Be sure to get out and see Bryan at The Ropewalk Oyster House in Fenwick this Friday & again on Aug. 3rd. Bryan also opens up for Donavan Frankenreiter at Seacrets on July 24th which I am sure will be another stellar concert. Visit bryanrusso.com for more shows. 

As usual, G. Love & Special Sauce blew the crowd away. Their unique cross genre, combining hip-hop with blues, along with incredible vocals and deep bass lines came together with killer results. G. Love fans are devoted and likewise, he embraces his audience. With G. Love (Garrett Dutton) on guitars, blues harp & vocals, Jimi "Jazz" Prescott on acoustic bass, and "The Houseman" Jeffrey Clemens on drums and percussion, their catchy tunes are floor fillers. You can never go wrong catching one of their shows. The band has a great website to check out, (www.philadelphonic.com). 

Last weekend I was happy to accept an invitation from my good friend Buck to see Cheryl Crow with a group of fun people. The concert was at Freeman Stage. It was my first visit to this venue.  I was definitely impressed. The open air and appealing landscape on a beautiful evening was quite pleasant (not to mention an opportunity to order Lobster Mac & Cheese from Lobster Shanty on the way).  She put on a great show and I got to hear my theme song, “Soak up the Sun”. 

Lower Class Citizens recently made a return after a long break. Their 2013 debut recently took place at Burley Oak with a packed house and awesome performance. Band members Ryan Rolig (vocals, rhythm guitar), Bill Todd (lead guitar), Tyler Rolig (bass guitar), & Brandon Luckett (drums) picked right back up and better than ever.  This Saturday Lower Class Citizens will be playing during the day at Malibu's for the Malibu's classic surf contest and The Pour House later that night. I would expect unrestrained rock & roll, intense verve & maximum capacity, so be sure to get there early.

So far 2013 is going down as the year of great music. In a couple of weeks I hope to be getting a visit from my son, Alex Gable. I asked him if he would learn to play “The Battle of Evermore” (Jimmy Page) on the mandolin as a gift. If he follows through with my wish, it will definitely make this year a musical lollapalooza for me. 

“Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music”.  ~ Ronald Reagan