Hi, guys. Hope you’re weathering the storm okay. Such a shame for the high schoolers to have their Homecoming activities postponed or cancelled; especially for the Seniors. And especially since it looks like we’re not getting hit by Joaquin. Let’s hope next weekend is good for them.
    Last weekend was so much fun at Coconuts but, NO, I didn’t win the Bahamas vacation in the Tipsy Turtle contest. Neither did other local friends Janet and Gordon. But we had one heck of a party - or parties, I should say. Thanks to them for all the wonderful food and drink and mostly for the laughs. And the music from Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers with guests Jim Long and Aubrey Bradley was off the hook good.
    For those of you who thought it was their closing party, it was - sorta - the first one. Music and fun continues through October with a few weekdays cut out. Just check Who’s Where When for the complete list. Newcomer Chris Diller performs this evening; or maybe not with this weather. Over Time is scheduled for Saturday and the big Sunday party will be Old School. Let’s hope the weather improves - Coconuts is famous for “the show must go on” attitude; a little sprinkles never stops them.
    BJ’s is lookin’ good for a rockin’ good time with Full Circle on Friday and It’s About Time on Saturday. Last Friday I swear was a record crowd with Tranzfusion playing. I’ve never seen such a crowd. And why not when the best band around is playing. They are amazing. I had planned to make it back on Saturday to hear Dust n Bones and to the Purple Moose to hear Remedy but I didn’t feel well enough. Me? Home on a Saturday night? Yeah, I was bummed but I was just not right. So ... update: I finally had all heart tests with cardiologist and I’m waiting to hear results. Hopefully the ol’ ticker is just fine and I’ve got some sort of stress-related something. I’ll keep you posted.
    Meanwhile, I can’t wait to get out tonight. Sure hope nothing is cancelled ‘cause I want to hear Full Circle at BJ’s. And I’m dying to hear some rock at the Purple Moose. It’s like withdrawal since I didn’t get there last week. Silly me, huh? Well, I love my music.
    I made it to Sunfest twice - the walk was too tough to go every day, but I got a ride right to the boardwalk so I got to hear Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes who were indeed fabulous. I just love that good time band and what a bunch of wonderful people, too. They had folks dancin’ away; even Boardwalk Elvis showed up in his white jumpsuit to dance a little - he’s an icon, as he will tell you. LOL!
    Thanks to my good friends Carolyn & Larry and Billie I got to see Wynona. She was larger than life to me. More than 20 years ago some friends introduced me to her music and I use to sing several of the Judd’s songs with King Neptune & The Squids. I use to be told I looked like her, too. In my younger days. Anyway, her voice is just as lovely and powerful as ever and it was good to see that she is happy with her drummer husband Cactus. Her song selection reflected her happy place with the many inspirational tunes she sang. And her backup musicians were terrific. That pedal steel player was fantastic. If some of her funny comments about the porta-potties outside her trailer offended some of you, c’mon; she was just being humorous about it. It would be nice if we could find a more picturesque spot for our visiting entertainers. But I suppose logistics demands that it be parked there. Anyway, I found all her stories about her mama and her sister and life on the farm to be quite funny. She’s a great talent.
    Thank you to the town for honoring Mary Lou Magee (of the Untouchables) with her beautiful picture “In Memory Of” on the big screen promos in the entertainment tent. She brought a lot of happiness to so many people with her music and sweet smile - and what a voice! There will never be another Mary Lou. I miss you.
    I missed Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys but I heard that every song drew a standing ovation and they were great, as always. Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers is another local group who had the crowd on their feet in appreciation of their wonderful talent. I’m so proud of all our local bands - Kevin Poole, Tommy Edward (Sir Rod), Funk Shue and many more. Boy, with Sunfest over and this storm hovering, it’s very clear that Fall is here. Think I should turn off my air conditioner? LOL!
    I want to send my congratulations to newlyweds Amy & Mike Manescu who were married Sunday - sorry I missed it, guys. Hope you have many happy years together. And I hope all of you out there have a great week. Avoid flooded streets but never avoid fun. Party safe!