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    As we all know, St. Patrick’s Day was a bit dampened as a rainy day caused the cancellation of the parade. But it sure didn’t slow down the partying. Venues were packed everywhere I went. My first stop was Fager’s Island where Opposite Directions w/ Sean Loomis were entertaining the crowd. They graciously invited me onstage to sing “Danny Boy” for all the Irish and Irish-for-a-Day folks. That was a thrill and thank you to all for the fine response.
    I then stopped in Barn 34 where Randy Lee Ashcraft & Jimmy Rowbottom had drawn a standing-room-only crowd and owners Mike & Maryanne offered a delicious buffet. Thanks to them. Can’t wait til the regular music begins again. Sunday brunches are awesome. All the food is scrumptious.
    Next I rode out to the Pines where Pat O’Brennan & friends entertained a packed house, again with a fabulous buffet dinner. Pat can always be depended upon to deliver all our favorite Irish tunes and so much more. The Cove will return to our pages soon, but til then, I have kept in their music lineup for you loyal readers in Who’s Where When.
    Hooters was jumpin with Push on that Saturday night; I stopped in again on Sunday to hear Marcella & Joey. What a phenomenal voice she has; and everyone who’s heard Joey knows what an excellent guitarist he is. Good matchup there. They will return on Sun., April 12. There’s going to be a change at Hooters for Tuesday Poker Run Trivia. It has become very popular - I’ve certainly enjoyed it - with host DJ Bigler. Well, happily, Bigler will begin his new job being the ‘voice’ of the Shorebirds starting April 9. Congratulations! Taking over for him will be DJ DomDig. Do you remember Dom from his years at Seacrets as the sound director. He’s been in Miami doing high-end jobs in that field but has returned to be near family. So glad to have him back. This guy has incredible energy and beautiful smile. Coming up tonight, April 3, at Hooters is a young group I heard at Greene Turtle West a few weeks back ... Funk Shue. You’ll definitely get your ‘chi’ in a good place listening to these guys - and a gal. Then our old friends First Class return to town to play Sat. night and Sun. afternoon. Can’t wait to see Danny, Shannon & Sadik; and Danny’s family, too.
    I finished up my St. Pat’s night at the new House of Rock in West O where Tranzfusion was the inaugural band on the new stage. I will have all their information, ad and music list for you, as soon as they get it to me. You’ve got to stop in and check it out. The old Trader Lee’s has been given a major face lift and is truly a House of Rock. Lots of great music coming our way in the weeks ahead.
    On the actual day of St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, I ventured out again (of course), making my way to the perennial Irish bar, Shenanigans, for some authentic music from James Gallagher. I was a little disappointed that his regular troupe of players were not to be seen (or heard) but they were good nonetheless. And it became better when the OC Pipes & Drums corps showed up. There’s something about a bagpipe that stirs my soul. It must be my Scott & Irish blood.
    Then I headed back to West O to the Full Moon Saloon where St. Patrick’s Day spirits were running high w/ music by O’Bigler - LOL! And who turned up, but a few of the OC Pipes & Drums folks to give us a few lively tunes. All in all a great year for the wearin’ o’ the green.
    I’ve had my usual good time with fab music all over town. Just check out the photos in Scrapbook ... so easy to view. And remember, they are archived under the issue date so if you missed any, you can go back and catch them. Cool, right?
    My music week actually starts on Wednesdays: first BJ’s, then Johnny’s, then on to Bourbon St. on the Beach. Just saw Old School at BJ’s this past Wed. Check out Meet The Band where Randy Jamz has an interview with Old School guitarist Taylor Knox. Excellent young player. I’ve been calling him young since I first heard him before he went to Berklee. He was impressive then, but now he is quite accomplished, well beyond his years, so I suppose I should stop referring to his age, 25. Anyway, he is a welcome addition to the band. I believe they will return to BJ’s the first Wed. in May. This weekend start your Friday night off with It’s About Time at BJ’s, the newly formed band featuring guitarist Dave Tarlecki, bassist Ted Galinas and drummer Ray Perrone. I was quite impressed when I heard them at their last gig there and I think you will be too. Then, Sat. night, it’s perennial favorites No Byscuyts with Elwood, Keith, Howard & Joe Smooth on sax. I’d like to write a song called “It’s All About That Sax.” LOL! If you missed the new Sir Rod show last time, come on out Wed. to hear Tommy Edward, a dead ringer for Rod Stewart. Tommy is a master musician who has played all the parts on his backup music and plays along live on a few instruments too; such as sax and mandolin.     
    Johnny’s has been so much fun of late; perhaps because owner John Hofman has joined in the fun playing lead guitar with Randy Lee & Jimmy on Wednesdays. It’s a laid-back night of fun and music with the best pizza in town. I love the cheesesteaks, too. Come out and join in. Tomorrow night the Baltimore Boyz will appear, a duo of Randy Jamz and Jay Vizzini. They play a great song selection, bring in a large group of friends, and are always so friendly. Saturday night, being the first Saturday of the month, is Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys night. Randy Lee has the full band with him including drummer Ken, bassist Leo, guitarist Jimmy and himself. Plus, always a few numbers from the incomparable Billie. She has the most captivating voice; so smooth and low ... kinda velvety. And, as always, you never know who this gracious and talented man might call up to share their talent. Next weekend, It’s About Time will make their first appearance at Johnny’s and One Night Stand will play on that Sat.
    Back to Bourbon St. on the Beach. Just stopped in last night to hear Randy & Jay, Baltimore Boyz, and they had a nice crowd with several guest singers including 9-year-old Aliyah. I’ll have a picture of her next time. That was fun. The Baltimore Boyz also play every Sat. afternoon (4pm). Stop in for the fabulous food, too. I had the Gumbo and it was delicious. Everyone around me was enjoying yummy Lobster Tail; and the burgers always look so juicy. They have a great well-round menu and delectable deserts, too, like the Bread Pudding ... homemade.
    Word is out - M.R. Ducks is opening early this year with a Locals’ Party Friday led by DJ Batman. Hooray! Saturday Lauren Glick will be on deck early, 2:30. Let the games begin! Party safe!