BikeFest 2011 brings more than just hot motorcycles to our resort town. It also brings an awesome lineup of live music, all day and all night. Venues that normally would devote daytime hours to NFL games and lunch specials are, instead, packing their daytime calendars with regional bands to entertain the bike crowd masses.
    The highlight of BikeFest 2011 live music is slated for Saturday, September 17, at the Steer Inn Tavern on Racetrack Road. Sean K. Preston & the Loaded Pistols will take the stage at the Steer Inn at 9:00 on Saturday night. From Baltimore, Maryland, this talented band blends the best of blues, country, and Americana musical styles. According to his online biography, Sean K. Preston wears his cowboy hat, dirty jeans, and boots every day. “If it sounds like he sings about hard luck, lost love, long journeys, dark secrets, damnation and redemption like he's lived through them...it's because he damn well has.”
    Sean is known for engaging the crowd and delivering heartfelt rock-n-roll. To hear some of his addictive songs online, checkout http://www.myspace.com/seankpreston.
    Seacrets is at the top of the list for daytime and nighttime live music. Jim Long—a Harley Davidson rider—kicks off the beach party at 5:00 on Friday, September 16. Classic rock, one-liner jokes, and games and contests comprise the Jim Long Band show. Then, at 9:00 on Friday night, Seacrets presents an AC/DC tribute band called Live Wire. Another hotspot in Ocean City for rock-n-roll tribute bands is The Purple Moose Saloon on the downtown boardwalk. On Sunday, September 18, check out Led Zeppelin tribute band—Kashmir—at the Moose.
    Another hotspot for bikers and music fans this weekend is 707 Sports Bar & Grille in West Ocean City. Local and regional vendors will setup shop in the parking area outside of 707 for bikers to browse merchandise. Mike Short Jr. & Statewide will entertain the crowds with live music at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, followed by Fuzzbox Piranha at 9:00. On Saturday, checkout Tranzfusion at 1:00 and a repeat performance by Fuzzbox Piranha at 9:00. Classic rock band, Tranzfusion, will also perform at Fager’s Island on Friday, September 16.
    Johnny’s Pizza & Pub on 56th Street & Coastal Highway has a full lineup on tap for BikeFest. Lime Green performs at 5:00 on Friday w/ rick & Regina playing at 9:00, 69 Band plays at 5:00 on Saturday and 9:00 on Sunday, and Bottle & Throttle makes a special appearance at 9:00 on Saturday night.
    For a major dose of reggae vibes from the Kaleb Brown Band, stop into Surf’s Up Café on 54th Street on Friday night at 9:00. This second-level deck bar and restaurant is the perfect vantage point for watching the bikes cruise on Coastal Highway. Kaleb is a locally born and raised reggae and hip-hop artist with a stellar backup band.
    On Saturday night, September 17, Matteo’s in Fenwick Island is proud to present the Black Birds and Northernmost show. Located on the oceanside, just a few blocks from the Maryland/Delaware state line, Matteo’s Salsa Loco Restaurant & Cantina has booked both bands for a night full of rock, blues, and indie music. Also, stop into Matteo’s on Thursday, September 22, for a performance by my talented friends, Phantom Limbs.
    On Thursday, September 22, the Electric Company performs at MR Ducks. Located on a gazebo that sits over the bay on downtown’s Talbot Street Pier, this is one of my favorite venues to hear the bluegrass/country rock sounds of The Electric Company.
    Coming next week … Berlin’s Fiddler’s Convention. Happy September, everyone!