Hi, y’all. Another eventful week has come and gone, and with it, July. Bring on August, but please slow down. Last Friday was high on the list as favorite of the summer - Heart, at the Freeman Stage. Ann & Nancy Wilson are still the undisputed hot, hot chicks of rock n’ roll. The audience was on their feet for most of the concert that featured many of their classic hits as well as a few from their most recent album, Fanatic, 2012, that proved they have not mellowed with age. Read more about their performance with some great pictures in Concert Reviews by Gary Crouthamel (under “Crack the Coconut” on the home page). Saturday paled in comparison, no doubt because of having seen and heard fabulous Heart; but I did enjoy the music of Allie Cats at BJ’s, Rockfish at Johnny’s and White House Effect at the Purple Moose.

    Speaking of the Purple Moose, can’t wait for tonight to hear Apple Scruffs. I told you about them last week; looking forward to seeing all my fellow Beatles fans out there. Friday & Saturday the Purple Moose will feature a band called Thunderball that boasts a “wide variety of music from ‘80s pop and rock to ‘90s grunge to modern pop and hard rock.” After reviewing their music list, I’m confident it’s a boast backed with a punch. Will Carter is the man up front with the vocals while Matt Bedsaul on drums, Kevin Baker on guitar, Any Griglock on keys, guitar & vocals and Patrick Wilkins on bass “offer a combined 120+ years of experience.” Sounds like the Moose is backing another winner; let’s go party!
     I surprised this ol’ rock ‘n roll gal by really liking the Canaan Smith show at Cowboy Coast Country Saloon last week. Well, first of all ladies, he’s pretty nice to look at (see his picture in fun fotos) and even better, he sounds great and is a true country rocker. I’m lovin’ how the lines between country and rock are so blurred these days. These musicians loved getting down with the music and dancing around onstage. From singing his #1 hit, “Love You Like That,” to the poignant “Bronco” (from the cd of the same name, Mercury Records) about the death of his brother, Smith put on a show worthy of a CMA music awards show. In fact, he has toured with big names Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley and Florida Georgia Line, so I won’t be surprised to see him up there one day soon. Although he now calls Nashville home, Canaan and I found something in common as we talked about his hometown of Williamsburg, Va., near my hometown of Hampton. He recently returned there to play a special concert for his hometown fans. I hear he’s off the market now, girls as he was recently engaged. Oh well.
    Let’s talk about who will be at Cowboy Coast tonight - the Sam Grow Band. Grow is a Charles County native who resides in Mechanicsville when not on the road. He began his career at 16 singing at the Charles Hotel for tips. His first album, Ignition, was released in 2009, and now at 25 he has added two full-length albums, a live album, two LPs and a Christmas album to the list of his accomplishments. While he is primarily a solo artist, Grow groups up with the same guys for recording and performing so I’m assuming this is who we will see tonight: Gene Quade (bass/vocals); Mike Stacey (guitar); Joe Barrick (drums). The band has opened for such groups as Boston and Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks & Dunn). Come out and hear tunes from his lastest album, Reveal, with such songs as “Get Up” and “So Good” that have a rock edge and  “Shot of Crown” that’s more R&B or soulful tunes “See What I’m Seeing” and “Lay You Down.” Sounds like there’s something for everyone and we’re in for another great night of music at Cowboy Coast Country Saloon. Come early and chow down on a juicy steak ‘cause the food is good too.
    Lauren Glick and I had a ball singing with Heather Vidal at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill on Wednesday. It happened to be Jeff Hicks’ (F&B GM) birthday, too, so it was doubly fun. Heather has the most beautiful voice with an incredible range and is equally good on guitar. Her “Over The Rainbow” is exquisite. She was joined this time around by her mentor, Freebo. In case that doesn’t ring a bell for you, look him up. I thought he looked familiar but it’s been many years ago that hubby Ronnie and I attended a Bonnie Raitt concert in Wilmington, Del., and her bass man sported a huge fro-like head of hair and also played tuba on a few tunes. Yes, it was the same guy, albeit a few years older - still with hair a bit long but no longer the big fro. In addition to Raitt, over the years he has played with such well-known artists as John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, CSN, Maria Muldaur (remember her? “Midnight At The Oasis”), Ringo Starr, Michelle Shocked, Neil Young, Loudon Wainwright III, Dr. John and others; and has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Midnight Special, Muppets Tonight, and in concert with the legendary Spinal Tap. It’s no wonder that he is known as a Folk-Rock-Blues icon; now also a singer/songwriter with albums Before The Separation and The Courage To Change The Things You Can, each of which have garnered immense critical acclaim. There’s so much more to say about him that you can find online; but just let me say that this talented man has a special message and a special place in the hearts of his fellow musicians, such as the lovely Heather Vidal. We look forward to having her back again and maybe Freebo will join her as well.
    Joe Mama Day was a big success. I know Wayne Littleton and the staff at Childrens House by the Sea will be thrilled with the funds raised this year. Kudos to Joe and his fan club and volunteers who make this possible each year. The music was great, too, from veterans Joe & Kevin (forgive that word) to the youngsters (again, forgive that word) Parental Guidance who really impressed me with their talent and set list. Zoe, girl, you’ve got a great set of pipes.
    This week at Coconuts will be exciting, too, with perennial favorite singer/musician Darin Engh leading off, followed by John LaMere. Saturday check out Cool Change and our friends in It’s About Time. Sunday is a change of pace with Reform School on the schedule. I believe this group features the multi-talented Mike Smith (also performing every Thur. at Longboard Cafe); I’m looking forward to hearing this new lineup of talented musicians. Then let’s check out Angeline & Joey. I haven’t heard them yet this summer: Angeline has a fabulous voice and Joey is amazing on guitar so it should be a great combination. They play frequently at the new Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs. Every day of the week is fun at Coconuts. Be sure to check “Who’s Where When” for the complete listing.
    We sure do miss our Wednesday evenings at BJ’s, don’t we? But they will resume in September. Until then, great bands play every Friday and Saturday. This weekend it’s Thin Ice on Friday and No Byscuyts on Saturday. Thin Ice, with Jay on guitar, continues to impress me each time I hear them. Each member has their own special contribution to the sound, highlighted (for me, anyway) by the vocals of Crystal Grandel. And you won’t find any finer group of musicians than No Byscuyts. Drummer Keith, bassist Elwood and sax man Joe were tagged by bluesman Tom Larsen to play the concert on the beach in OC recently (see Sonic Notes article). Howard Wimbrow is the most excellent guitarist who rounds out No Byscuyts who play a mix of R&B, rock and soul for a memorable night of music and dancing.
    Sunday nights at Longboard Cafe continue to be most entertaining, last week with Byron Anthony (Chest Pains). This week Joe Mama brings back those awesome ladies of song Kathy & Michelle of Full Circle. We loved their performance last time and I’m really looking forward to this one.
    I think I’ll start out my Sunday afternoon on the deck at the Dunes Manor Hotel where Randy Jamz will be jamming starting at 2. Then off to Coconuts; then Longboard Cafe. Sounds like a plan. Hope to see you all out having fun. Now I’m off to the Purple Moose for Apple Scruffs! Yay! Party safe!