Hey, y’all. Just got back from a wonderful Thursday night of music beginning with Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes at Sunfest. These guys sound so good and the tunes they play bring back so many memories. I swear their voices get even better with age - like fine wine, right? Anyway, their hour-and-a-half show had the crowd on their feet and dancing away. Even Boardwalk Elvis got his feet movin’. All the BJ’s loyal patrons came out to hear Billy & Maddy Carder with the band that also features Howard Wimbrow on guitar, T Lutz on drums, Paul Grandell on bass and Crystal Grandell on keyboards. Her ending number, “I Will Survive,” was phenomenal. Great show! I’m already looking forward to hearing them on Friday, Oct. 30th, for their Happy Hour Halloween Party at BJ’s.
    As I said, many locals turned out for this beloved band including Tommy Edward & his wife Monica. Tommy is scheduled to put on his Sir Rod show on Saturday morning. He did his one-man show for us at BJ’s last Wednesday (which was amazing, as usual), but his entire band will be on hand to back up this most talented Rod Stewart impersonator - that is if Mother Nature cooperates.
    After Teenage Rust, Batman came onstage to play from his impressive catalogue of music to keep the crowd dancing. I think this may be the first time a DJ has been given stage time for Sunfest (may be wrong). Anyway, he always does a great job. Love that Batman!
    After the show and a little hot coffee warm-up at the Cork Bar, I made my way to Adolfo’s where the Billie Carlins Blues Band was playing their last Thursday night. The combo had a special surprise for us with the addition of guitarist Taylor Knox (of Old School). Boy, he and Howard (guitarist w/ Billie) were layin’ down some really groovy jazzy runs and riffs, playing off each other and sharing leads. It was most enjoyable. The musicians are led by Leo on bass who also sings a few numbers that I just love; such as “Witchcraft.” Love those old tunes. And we mustn’t forget  Greg on the drums keeping the sometimes tricky rhythms straight and adding his own special pizazz. Billie is the star of the show, of course, with a most remarkable and unique voice and song stylings. I love to hear what she will do with a melody and it was a pleasure to harmonize with her on a few tunes. I’m happy to report that they will return to play at Adolfo’s on Saturday, October 10.
    I heard Tranzfusion at Coins last week so you would think that two nights was enough, but it only whet my appetite to hear them again - and I shall on Friday at BJ’s. These guys never fail to deliver  - amazing musicians and vocalists; each player having his own special sound to lend to a huge collection of classic hits. I’ll say it again - it’s like going to 30 concerts in one night! It’s gonna be a rockin’ weekend as the fun continues on Saturday night with Dust N Bones. They impressed their audience last time out with a great show of rock ‘n roll capped off by a most flamboyant drummer, Tim Johnston, and awesome lead vocals by Dean Clark. Aaron Bowers on bass and guitarist Mark Townsend  round out this talented group.
    And come on back Wednesday for the Deckless Deck Party and our first look at 2 Guyz & a Mama since the winter. It sure will be good to hear them again. Take three of our best musicians and put them together and you have one incredible band: Dave Sherman, Chris Button & Joe Mama. Looking forward to that one.
    Also can’t wait ‘til Sunday for the big Tipsy Turtle party at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill. I’m excited because I’m one of the lucky people  in the finals to possibly win a vacation to Green Turtle Resort Club in the Bahamas. Imagine that - it could be me! Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers will be providing the music; and word is if it rains, the party will be taken downstairs to the restaurant. The weekend starts with The Poole Brothers at noon on Friday followed by Over Time. Yes, John LaMere has left town and is already playing at Willie T’s in Key West. We’ll miss him. But meanwhile we have the talented Mr. Dave Hawkins playing on Saturday with Joe Mama (at noon) followed by Rick & Regina. This gal has an incredible voice.
    I had a great time at the Purple Moose last weekend with the incomparable Surreal. You gotta check out the Fun Fotos to see the picture I got of bass player Will. He has been a major head banger for years and quite the showman. He decided to cut his long hair but it hasn’t changed his style one bit - he’s still a crazy man onstage. Love him! Will Brian and Renee be next to cut their hair? - lead singer Walt already did a few months ago. So what’s the big deal, you may be asking? Just that they’ve been billed for years as the area’s top Long-Hair Band. We don’t care what their hair looks like, though, do we, because they are fantastic and draw the hugest crowds every time they play. Alas, that was their last weekend for this year. The Purple Moose has a remedy for that - well, Remedy is the name of the band this weekend. So come on and rock out some more at The Purple Moose.
    There’s certainly more I could ‘talk’ about; such as how good Poole & The Gang was; and Copper Sky; and Full Circle; and Randy Lee & Jimmy Rowbottom and guests; but I really should wrap it up and get to sleep (it’s only 1:30am). Heck yeah, let me mention that Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Salt Water Cowboys will be appearing in the main tent on Sunday at Sunfest. They have been a favorite with Springfest and Sunfest crowds for many years now. I hope I can rouse myself up that early to go and hear them. I’m such a nightowl.
    Listen, folks, enjoy Sunfest weekend and if it rains, don’t let it get you down; there’s plenty of great music everywhere. Have fun and party safe!