I would like to send a huge thank you to Buddy and staff at Sunset Grille for helping me to make my sister’s birthday party a huge success. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, “the happy birthday song is the most recognized song in the English language”. The melody of "Happy Birthday to You" comes from the song "Good Morning to All", which was written and composed in 1893. The combination of melody and lyrics in "Happy Birthday to You" first appeared in print in 1912, and probably existed even earlier. None of these early appearances included credits or copyright notices so therefore I can tell you this information without quotations. However, according to Wikipedia, “The Summy Company registered for copyright in 1935. In 1988, Warner/Chappell purchased the company owning the copyright for $25 million, with thue of "Happy Birthday" estimated at $5 million.  Based on the 1935 copyright registration, Warner claims that the United States copyright will not expire until 2030, and that unauthorized public performances of the song are technically illegal unless royalties are paid to Warner. There are a lot of lawsuit seekers out there; think about that one for a second as you sing the tune at your next party. One of the most famous performances of "Happy Birthday to You" was Marilyn Monroe's rendition to U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Can you guess the number one birthday song? Of course, it was sung by the The Beatles in 1968. Prior to that, Neil Sedaka sang “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” in May 1962. I’m sure there are many more renditions and many more to come. Hopefully, they will be sung out of the courtroom. 

It has been a slow week for me personally and I will have to honestly admit, I do not have any interesting personal experiences to write about this week. My experiences in the past week and a half have been mundane but nevertheless rewarding. I have had my family and some of my best friends in town and have spent some rarely available, however “quality” time with them. This is a fortunate concept any local can relate to if given the chance in August. However, this does not mean the music did not go on. As any local knows, not many stories go untold, so I could still have a lot to tell. But I think I would prefer to tell where to go this week. 

Tonight, (8/23), I’m going to have trouble myself deciding where to go.  The options are tough. It will all depend on the mood. If you don’t head out for music tonight, it would be a bad decision.  Happy hour is an easy choice with Chris Button & Joe Mama at Rio Grande.  If you have never been there, then you are surely missing an OC landmark and should check it out.  I am debating on Friday evening and the choices are numerous. Lima Bean Riot at Fager’s, Full Circle at BJ’s, Lauren Glick & The Moodswingers at Hooters WOC, Pompous Pie at 45th St. Taphouse, Bryan Clark at Jive, Rob Fahey at Johnny’s, Tear the Roof Off at OP Yacht Club, Whitehouse Effect at Purple Moose, Innasense at Seacrets & Randy Lee & the Saltwater Cowboys at Smitty’s’ ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!  A limo would be nice, because I want to see them all. I know you can go to the entertainment section and get this line up, but I have to mention this many good choices in one night is rare.

Saturday is a bit easier, but not much and I understand the weather will be beautiful. Definitely head out to Coconuts at noon for Kevin Poole & Joe Mama. Next stop should be the Galaxy for the Elwood Bishop Trio at 4pm. The Skye Bar is a great place to be near sunset. At 5:30, Opposite Directions at Fager’s is a good bet. Keep going north because Jive should be the next stop for 2 Much Stuff with Joe Smooth. This is where it gets hard because there is Kristin & the Noise at Seacrets, Old School at Coins, & The Bo Dickerson Band at Smitty’s. And I haven’t even made it to my Sunday list. Hey, if anyone out there wants to be my driver, I will gladly accept. Keep in mind, these are only SOME of the choices.   “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music”. – Aldous Huxley