“Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December, but the days grow short when you reach September. When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame, one hasn't got time for the waiting game. Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few… And these few precious days I'll spend with you” Those lyrics from September’s Song were originally sung by Walter Huston. He sang them in a play about an older person’s plea to a potential younger lover that there is no time for the ‘waiting’ game. It is a very symbolic theme that I think everyone can relate to; not just in courtship, but other avenues in life as well. Various renditions of September’s Song were subsequently recorded by Nat King Cole, George Shearing, Jimmy Durante, Maurice Chier, Pat Boone, Mel Tormé, Andy Williams, James Brown, Willie Nelson, Lou Reed, and Bryan Ferry and twice by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. In addition, female vocalists recorded versions such as Eartha Kitt, Ella Fitzgerald, Patty Page, Edie Gormé, Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney, & the original artist’s granddaughter, Angelica Huston to name a few.
    So September is here and almost gone. The warm days that end with crisp, cool evenings are often the best of times here at the beach. Last week’s biker extravaganza turned out great. Other than one evening shower, the weather worked out perfectly and extraordinary first-rate music was everywhere. I was behind the bar at Trader Lee’s all weekend and had a blast. I was able to be right in the heart of the action and listen to some of the praiseworthy bands such as Lime Green, Lower Case Blues, and Bird Dog & the Road Kings, to name a short list.  I also had time to stop into Hooter’s for Loud Love with an old friend. As usual, their energy was exceptional. Their fans love them and I always feel like I am at a concert when I see these guys play. You can catch them again at Hooters this Sat. night.
    This weekend should prove to be just as remarkable, however, with a polar opposite group of visitors. Thousands will flock to the inlet parking lot for the biggest event of the year with tent after tent of all the crafts & collectables one could imagine. It also attracts music lovers and the line-up is primo. Aside from the ticketed, headline acts, some of our best local talent will be taking one of the stages. Sunfest presents N.O.M.A.D, The Diamonds, Patty Reese Band, Mockingbird Sun, Jimmy Charles Band, Lady Invidia, Power Play, Groove Train, Lauren Glick & the Mood Swingers, Poole & the Gang, Groove Train, Quiet Fire, Weird Science, Sir Rod, U.S. Army Field Band and Separate Ways (a Journey tribute). Check ococean.com for the schedule. Once again they anticipate the weather to be glorious all weekend. Hope “they” are correct. If so, it is a perfect opportunity to hit up some outdoor happy hours such as Galaxy 66 to hear Island Boyz on Friday and Aaron Howell on Saturday. John LaMere will be strumming over at Coconuts at noon today (Fri). With the warm sun high in the sky and the sound of waves behind him, this is an ideal way to get the party started. Don’t forget to visit Jim Long on da’ beach at Seacrets before the season ends. As stated before, our DJ’s can be just as entertaining as live music. Getting the crowd up and moving, DJ Zman will be at High Stakes Bar & Grille Fri., CK the DJ at Lazy Lizard Fri. & Sat.,  DJ Joey Capo at The Purple Moose on Sat. DJ RobCee at Fager’s on Monday & DJ Dusty at the Clarion all weekend. As always, type in coconuttimes.com or hang on to this issue for a complete schedule.
    “Do you remember the 21st night of September? Love was changing the mind of pretenders while chasing the clouds away.” – Earth Wind & Fire