Oh, how it pains me to say that we’re coming to the end of the year. Yeah, I know, it’s officially Second Season and the bikes roaring through town are a sure indication that September is here; plus Crusin’ is coming and Sunfest ... what pains me is the drop in music choices. Outdoor venues will soon be closing and we just don’t have the numbers during the week to support nightly entertainment everywhere. But let’s call the glass still more than half full when you can enjoy this glorious weather on the patio at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill for musical entertainment every day of the week! That’s right - still every day, and some of my favorites, too. John Remy & that amazing Joe Smooth on sax will perform Saturday at noon with Kevin Poole & The Gang to follow. You’ll perhaps know that several players are the same - most of you already know, right? John & Joe will both join Kevin Poole, Ryan Mete & Joe Mama to form Poole & The Gang. I think you’ll agree that this is one of our best home-grown bands; just loaded with talent. Then Sunday Nancy & Mike as Ginger Duo will perform at noon followed by another duo, Copper Sky, at 4. Heather & Dave have really won over a whole new group of fans around here, added to the many fans from Pa. and Key West who travel just to hear them. Come out and listen and you’ll see/hear why. One more Tuesday left to register for the Tipsy Turtle vacation in Green Turtle Club Resort in the Bahamas. The big party during which the winner is chosen will be Sunday, September 27 - Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers will be playing. Much more at Coconuts such as Monkee Paw on this last Tipsy Turtle Tuesday. Come out and have a good time with the band that rocked ‘em out crazy last night at BJ’s.
    Yes, folks at BJ’s second Wednesday Deckless Deck Party were entertained by Monkee Paw: Adam, Mike, Rick and sitting in on drums, Ray. These guys play a wide variety of popular tunes with precision wailing guitar and soulful thumping bass with great vocals from Adam & Mike featuring some wonderful harmonies. I heard many favorable comments from the audience including the fact that the instruments were well balanced - not too loud - and the great vocals could be heard. Way to go guys. Hope to see you Tuesday at Coconuts.
    What else is happening at the always happening BJ’s? Another great home-grown band, Thin Ice, is on tap to play Friday night. Guitarist Jay heads up a group that includes Paul (bass), Jim (keyboards), Wildcat Kelly (drums), Crystal (guitar/vocals) & new to the group, Dave on horns & percussion. As I’ve said before, Dave lends that extra touch that allows for a broader scope of musical choices to the already great repertoire of this band, rich in instrumentation and vocals.
    Fast forward to Saturday night, and we have another super popular home-grown group in Full Circle. Multi-talented Dave plays keyboards, guitar and sings, Kathy is sensational and sexy on guitar & vocals, Michelle is the bomb on vocals & acoustic guitar, Jeff is the coolest on poppin’/rockin’ bass and Brian pulls it all together with his dynamic drumming. Ask anybody and they’ll tell you that Full Circle is one of the best around. There has been a schedule change for the coming Wednesday to Sir Rod. Yes, Tommy Edward is back with his amazing impersonation of Rod Stewart in his one-man show where he sings and dances like Sir Rod, plays sax & mandolin, all to the accompaniment of tracks that he laid down himself, playing every instrument. Incredibly talented man. And don’t forget BJ’s is your Red Skins headquarters. Join us in cheering on our favorite team.
    Look out! Here they come! Last time this year, SURREAL will perform at the Purple Moose both Friday and Saturday nights. Coming to us from the Baltimore area, these guys are in a class by themselves. They pack the Moose each and every time they perform. Incredible vocals from Walt (as good as anyone in the business), zinging, flashy guitar from Brian (the girls just love his long blonde hair), mad gyrations and head-banging from Will on bass, and outrageous drumming from Renee. I guarantee a good time with Surreal. Fuzzbox Piranha will be back on Sunday night so let the rock continue.
    I waited to wrap up this week’s column until after the Gregg Karukas performance at Longboard Cafe tonight (Thursday). What a pleasure to watch this gifted composer/keyboardist in action. Karukas played Wednesday night at the Rams Head in Annapolis with his full band, The Rippingtons; but came to us playing solo with his band’s recorded music backing him - band in a box, he called it. He played selections from several of his CD’s including his latest, Soul Secrets, which contains two consecutive #1 hits. “Elegant Nights” hit the top of the charts in January and now “Rio Drive” sits at the top spot on The Billboard and Smooth Jazz Top 20 charts. Taken directly from his web site: “One of urban contemporary jazz’s most versatile and acclaimed artists for more than 25 years, Gregg won the Grammy for producing, composing, arranging, playing all keyboards and engineering Echoes of Love (a collaboration with Omaf Akram), which won Best New Age Album at the 55th Grammy Awards in February 2013. He has had a diverse career in music with a long list of credits in all media. Gregg arranged and played all keyboards on the theme songs to Disney’s Ducktales and Chip and Dale’s Rescue Rangers and is a veteran of lots of TV/Film music sessions, (Cheers, Stand and Deliver, Life Goes on, Mr. Wrong). Always in demand as a musical director and keyboardist, Gregg has received multiple Best Keyboardist nominations at the Oasis and National Smooth Jazz Awards. His best-known songs, “Elegant Nights (#1), “Rio Drive” (#1), “Girl in the Red Dress” (#4), “Nightshift” (#1) and Jessy J.’s #1 hit “Tropical Rain” showcase Gregg’s funky, melodic compositional style familiar to his fans.”
    “People say my music sounds romantic and uplifting - and I look so happy on stage,” he says. We were certainly uplifted by his dynamic presence and total command of the keyboard. His melodies are perfection and his style of delivery filled with bubbling energy. His love of music emanates from his soul in his total abandonment to the groove and his smiles draw you into his world.  I know the intimate audience in Longboard Cafe tonight will never forget this performance and indeed long for him to return; maybe over the holidays, he said. What a fabulous night of music. I encourage you to read his full biography on his official web site; his rise from playing in clubs in Baltimore, Annapolis and Ocean City to world renowned status is quite interesting.
    By the way, if you prefer to avoid all the bike traffic in town, you might consider heading to Berlin for the annual Fiddlers Convention. Sounds like fun. Hope you have a great week and remember to always party safe.