“There’s a time a for joy, a time for tears, a time we’ll treasure through the years, we’ll remember always graduation day” (Beach Boys). Last week was stellar! I pulled off a perfect backyard grad party for my daughter. The weather was custom ordered. It also entailed good friends and family and an outstanding performance by Hot Sauce Sandwich. These 4 young men are SDHS graduates also. Band members are Aj Fox on lead guitar & vocals, Zach Engh on guitar & lead vocals, Jesse Harman on bass & Cory Chavis on drums. Everyone loved the music. I informed all my neighbors ahead of time there would be live music. Those who didn't join us all commented on how much they enjoyed listening from their own back decks. I never would have thought all guests, young and old would be up dancing on the grass. If you need a band for your private party, I highly recommend them. Later in the weekend I heard them play again at MR Ducks with a great crowd. Their style is unique with influences from various genres. According to the band, “each member has their own favorite type of music that they bring together to create a style you can’t really put a name too.” I would say it’s an intoxicating blend of rock, funk & reggae with talented vocals. Hot Sauce Sandwich is definitely the hot new band on the block and sure to go far.  They play gigs all over town and can be seen tonight at Sunset Grill.  Visit their FB page for more info and a sample of their sound.
    On the subject of graduates, the town is ‘buzzing’ with them, otherwise known as "June Bugs." OC is a great place to celebrate with plenty to do. I wish them all the best in their new endeavors. To all driving around town, remember just because they are adults now, doesn't mean they have lost their imaginary invincibility. Keep your eyes peeled for the super hero teens who think they can make it across. Also watch for those behind the wheel who cross 3 lanes to get a better look at the ‘hottie’ in the bathing suit. If any “June Bugs” are reading this I have some advice; “you just completed 12 years of education so don't be stupid & use the crosswalks; some old person put them there for a reason. We want you back after your college graduation too.”
    I stopped into the new Taphouse on Wednesday. It was very impressive. The atmosphere is very pleasing and the view is great. I was able to catch a set of Tim & the Animal. Just as the name implies, there are 2 band members, Tim on guitar and the Animal on congas/bongos. They may only be 2 people, but don’t be surprised by the amount of sound that they create. They are fun to watch too. They definitely have a lot of energy.  They play with rhythmic structure and enough extra thump to get all listeners moving. They will be playing Wednesdays at 45th Street Taphouse & Thursdays at The Lazy Lizard all summer, so there are plenty of opportunities to get out & hear them.
    Hopefully the storm stays away for the weekend because the Air Show is my favorite OC event. I love when the F-14’s pass over the ocean. It makes me shudder. The best way to describe it is “really cool!” 
    “I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning” – Plato