Where did September go? Ocean City’s second season is in full effect. October brings Winefest on the Beach, Restaurant Week, the 14th Annual Endless Summer Cruisin’ car show, and Halloween.
    Before we dive into the awesome autumn events on the calendar this week, I’d like to take a moment to mention a new opportunity that I’m pursuing. Thanks to my good friends, Amy Katz and Brandi Mellinger, I’ve become part of a new group called Pink Ribbon Pinups. We’re part of the Pink Ribbon Classic, which is a local nonprofit organization benefiting cancer research. It all falls under the umbrella of the American Cancer Society, but Pink Ribbon Pinups is a little different because we’re specifically targeting young women. We’ll be hosting tons of cool events with plenty of live music in the coming months. We want to make cancer awareness and education cool for young women. Best of all, you don’t need to wear pink if you don’t want to. Find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pinkribbonpinups.
    The first Pink Ribbon Pinups event will take place at the Steer Inn Tavern on Saturday, October 8. Located in Ocean Pines, the venue presents its Rods and Rockers Fall Car Show from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m.; followed by an amazing appearance by Full Blown Cherry—my favorite swing, surf rock, and rockabilly band—at 9:00. Register for the car show onsite the day of the event, and check out The Bullets performing rockabilly and rock n’ roll during the day. The Pink Ribbon Pinups will be there all day and all night, selling 50/50 raffle tickets and hosting a Chinese auction to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
    Getting back on track to what’s happening this week, the 16th annual Winefest on the beach features libations from regional vineyards and breweries, plus plenty of live entertainment for your sonic pleasure. The festival is located at the Inlet beach area from September 30 until October 1. On Friday, September 30, rock band Bumpin Uglies performs from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Pat O’Brennan Trio brings Irish tunes from 1:30 until 4:00, and Bird Dog and The Road Kings plays from 4:30 until 7:00. On Saturday, October 1, ring in the new month with 3 Penny Opera from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., and with Bird Dog and the Road Kings from 4:00 until 7:00. Breweries onsite will include Fat Tire and St. Michaels Ale, while participating Maryland vineyards include Dovley Winery, Solomons Island Winery, Linganore Winecellars, Boordy Vineyards, and St. Michaels Winery. Vineyards from Delaware, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia will also be onsite. For more information, including admission costs, please visit www.winefest.com <http://www.winefest.com/> .
    On Friday night, September 30, cruise over to Steer Inn Tavern on Racetrack Road for a performance by locally renowned Loud Love. Appearing on Saturday, October 1, at Fager’s Island is the winner of VH1 Battle of the Bands—Jumper. The unsigned party band from Philadelphia plays rock and dance hits from today and yesterday. To hear Jumper’s style, visit http://www.myspace.com/jumperphilly.
    Mark your calendar now for Saturday, October 8, when another significant musical happening will occur in our town. At Seacrets, indie star Jenny Boyle performs from 5:00 until 9:00. A talented singer/songwriter and guitarist, Jenny is from the DC/Baltimore area and has traveled the world with her band, playing sultry pop and standard rock. Check out www.jennyboyle.net <http://www.jennyboyle.net/>  for more info.
    That’s it for this week. Who says Ocean City’s second season is quiet? We have tons of live music to keep the party going all year long. Have a wonderful week, everyone.