Tranzfusion rocks the house Friday at BJ’s on the Water.

The Purple Moose presents Til September Saturday.

Old School will perform for the closing party Sunday at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill.

BJ’s presents Rockfish Saturday.

Rick & Regina will perform Saturday at Coconuts.

Michael Smith performs Friday at Ky West.

    Hi, there. Don’t you just love October? A little nip in the air at night, some warm days still in the 70’s, the trees are about to burst into flames of color, the World Series is coming up and football is well underway. And for me what’s the main show? Music, of course!
    I want to tell you all again that Monkee Paw had the BJ’s crowd singing their praises last Wednesday. Adam, Mike, Rick & special guest Joe Mama on the drums impressed everyone with their instrumental prowess, astounding vocals and harmonies and great, danceable selections of tunes. Check them out today, Friday, at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill.
    I just came from there hearing the last performance of the season from Kevin Poole & Joe Mama. Again, I was so impressed with this duo’s extremely creative command of their instruments. Kevin can make his guitar sound like a whole band is playing and his Beatles medley is epic! Joe backs him up with just the right percussive sounds at every turn in the sometimes complicated arrangements. It’s truly a wonder to behold and hear. Thank you for a great summer of music, guys. I have to say, too, that the Mood Swingers with Lauren Glick was definitely on their game last Sunday. The music flowed all afternoon and the fans were so happy to be there for the last performanceof the season from this most talented group. I’m sure we’ll see them at places like BJ’s over the winter.
    As I said, Monkee Paw will play Coconuts tomorrow, then Rick & Regina on Saturday. I heard them last week, too, and spunky Regina has a great voice and a wonderful way with the audience. Everyone leaves feeling they’ve made a new friend. The big closing party on Sunday will begin early, noon, with Old School. Linda, Taylor, Erve & Ernie can’t wait to party with you one last time this season. Wear your purple, too, because it’s the Rockin’ Ravens Weekend at the Castle in the Sand - Ravens play right after the music. I am so sad that this amazing venue is closing for the season. Sure going to miss everyone. Thanks to Jeff Hicks & Patricia Smith and their most excellent staff for giving us daily parties with the BEST music all summer long. THANK YOU!
    Back to BJ’s where I want to tell you that the performance by It’s About Time on Wednesday was stellar. This group has really hit their stride. Guitar and vocals by Luvio are better than ever, partly due to the addition of lovely Rita to take over some of the vocal duties. Rita has a powerful and pleasing voice - not brassy or screamy, just  right. Ted on bass is lovin’ the interplay with Rita on his end of the stage; you can see it in his upbeat presentation - many smiles. And Ray is all smiles behind his drum kit, obviously enjoying the unfolding of a new band to be reckoned with. I heard many, many good comments about them during the evening.
    What’s on tap this weekend at BJ’s? It’s another big one beginning with the incomparable Tranzfusion on Friday. Most of us know how fantastic this group is but for those of you who haven’t heard them, make it a point to do so.  The last time they played there it was unbelievably crowded, more than any summer night; but don’t let that scare you away - must have been one of those full moon, Venus & Mars aligned, whatever kind of nights. Saturday night that rockin’ trio called Rockfish will play for your dancing pleasure and Wednesday I’m excited to hopefully, finally get to hear Reform School. Who are they, you ask? Simple answer is half of 2 Much Stuff. They are Jay Stinemire on drums and Michael Smith on keyboards and guitar. Both of these guys are excellent singers, too, so they are loaded with talent. Check ‘em out next Wednesday. (And hear Michael solo at Ky West tonight (Fri.) Comin’ up quickly will be the annual Happy Hour Halloween Party w/ the legendary Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes performing at 5pm. These guys amassed a huge crowd at Sunfest and gained many more fans who don’t go out and maybe haven’t heard them before. What a fun group led by BJ’s owners Bill & Maddy Carder. Over Time will continue the night of music at 9pm. More about all that next week.
    I checked in to the Purple Moose last weekend to hear Fuzzbox Piranha. What a hot trio of talent! Dale on bass, Scott on guitar & Rich on drums. I hung out til the end, anxious to hear what they would play next. What a great repertoire. They will be back to play the Halloween party at the Purple Moose, Friday, and a repeat performance on Saturday. Rock it out this weekend with Til September. I haven’t heard them yet but any band that plays at the Purple Moose is guaranteed to please.
    I hope you all enjoy this lovely weather and get out to hear music. The jam  at Fager’s Island’s last Monday Deck Party was awesome with Ocean City’s cream of the crop players: Joe Smooth, Kevin Poole, Pete on congas, Joe Mama, Bob Wilkinson, Darin Engh, Sean Loomis, a set from The Stims and guest singers Batman and yours truly. Music and love make the world go ‘round, my friends. Join the party and always party safe!