Hey, out there, are ya with me? That little Nor’easter sure shook up our beach, didn’t it? Wreaked havoc on the flora, too. But, hooray, Coconuts is still having music nearly every day. So happy I got to visit there today (Thursday) to hear the one and only Kevin Poole with that master of percussion, Joe Mama. Kevin is such a magnificent performer, both vocally and musically. Comments from a few friends in the audience: “He’s so talented” and “I love the way he makes the songs his own.” Agreement on both counts. Kevin’s skill on guitar allows him to create intricate arrangements to familiar tunes; such as Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain” that included an absolutely inspired harmonica ending where you could actually hear Kevin singing/breathing words into the harmonica - “I don’t want to wait in vain for your love.” Amazing! And as I’ve said many times, Joe Mama adds so much on drums/percussion, feeling and interpreting every nuance of a song - perfectly in sync with Kevin. I love these guys. We have one more time to catch them together at Coconuts - next Thursday. Kevin Poole will play solo on Monday. This weekend come out to hear Rick & Regina on Friday and Saturday. That’s right, you heard it - two days, ‘cause I know you’re going to like them so much on Friday, you’ll want to come back and hear them again. Regina has an incomparable voice and Rick plays her accompaniment on guitar - a worthy duo. Sunday is the traditional end-of-the weekend party, this time with Lauren Glick & The Mood Swingers. How is it possible that Lauren & Mike sound better and better every time I hear them? They were joined by several guest singers last time; such as Jim Long, but he’s back in his Marco Island digs in Florida now so won’t be seeing him for a while - except on facebook. Anyway, we all agree that Lauren is an exceptional vocalist with bonus talent on keyboards and bass. Of couse with the band, Ted takes over bass duties and Mike B is amazing on drums and some vocals. That leaves Mike Armstrong, the crazy good guitarist who is the heart of the group. Watch and listen, my friends, and you’ll agree he’s one of the best around. The following weekend will be the last with the closing party on Sunday, Oct. 18, led by Old School. So sad to see Coconuts closing for the winter.
    Speaking of Old School, they were awesome last Wednesday at BJ’s. We always say Linda is the most energetic performer around, a musical sprite with perfect pitch and a heart of gold. Add to that the incredible and flawess guitar of Taylor,  and Erve (bass) & Ernie (drums) rockin’ the foundation and you have a most excellent and entertaining band. We can hear them the first Wednesday of every month at BJ’s. This Friday BJ’s features Monkee Paw on Friday & Dust n Bones on Saturday. Both these groups are solid classic rock bands with Monkee Paw presenting awesome harmonies from Adam and Mike; whereas Dust n Bones is a little heavier with great vocals from Dean and flamboyant Tim on drums. Of course, kudos as well to Mark on guitar and Aaron on bass. It’s definitely a dancing weekend at BJ’s. And who’s on Wednesday? It’s About Time - yes, that’s the name of the band - David, Ray & Ted.
    Where else can you go for great rock and a dance floor to get your groove on? Hands down - the home of rock ‘n roll - the Purple Moose, on the Boardwalk between Talbot & Caroline. If you haven’t heard Fuzzbox Piranha yet, now is your big chance. Performing both Friday and Saturday nights, this trio is well known here for their versatility with blistering guitar from Scott, awesome drumming from Rich and amazing vocals from Dale on bass. These guys play anything and everything and keep folks dancing all night long. Don’t forget to visit the Purple Moose in your barhopping and music-seeking nights.
    If you missed Billie Carlins and her jazz/blues group, take heart. You have another chance to hear them on Saturday night, 8 pm, at Adolfo’s, 13th on the Boardwalk in the Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel. Come early for a great dinner or sit at the piano for an up close and personal night of excellent music. I might even stop by to sing a few for you. It was great fun providing some backup harmonies for Billie last time. Don’t miss it -  might be the last of the year. But a good turnout could mean another date so come on and party with us.
    Ky West is featuring Michael Smith on guitar and piano this Friday, starting at 7 pm. Michael is a gifted performer. After many years performing on cruise ships, he was persuaded to stay here to play for us and it’s been a pleasure. He can play anything you throw out there. Amazing. And if you see a billing of ‘Pearl’, that would be Michael and his new singing partner Rita. I was really looking forward to hearing them last Saturday at Bourbon St. but the weather got in the way. Did you read the Best Bites review of Ky West yet? Many of you have and have visited for some of the best dinners in town. Please check it out.
    Next week you’re going to hear about Fat Fish from our writer, Jenny Steward. I’ve been posting a few things on facebook about the delicious food there - so fresh and organic. Also be on the lookout for their TV commercial; I was there for the filming by the WBOC crew. Meanwhile, check out Fat Fish in West OC on Sunset Ave.
    We continue to have a great time on Wednesdays, 6-9, at Johnny’s Pizza Pub with Randy Lee Ashcraft & Jimmy Rowbottom, and quite often, Kenny Roughton and CJ Benoit. Part of the fun is the number of guest players who come by to join in the jam. This week the lucky audience was treated to tunes by Tommy Edward (Sir Rod), Harry O, Jack Worthington, Sha Sha, others ... and me. Such fun. Randy Lee told us that he has reached a promotion level on Pandora where his music is now crossing over to other performers’ stations. Turn on Pandora and see if you recognize his voice. Of course, you can just punch in Randy Lee Ashcraft and hear all of his original music - pretty cool.
    That’s it for this week. Thanks for your prayers and good wishes. Heart test results are good so far. Apparently I have an extra heart beat - that’s just ‘cause I love you all so much. Keep on havin’ fun but also do your best to be a good defensive driver and always party safe.