Hi, all. As I write this on Thursday it is 78 degrees outside - and very windy. Years ago we called this Indian Summer. Perhaps that is not politically correct now but it is a time of year we always looked forward to - that last hurrah of summer that quickly gave way to the onset of winter. But for now, don’t you love the burst of color in our trees? Golds, yellows, burnt oranges and near reds all a shimmering palette in the Fall sunshine. I do love the change in seasons - the awe-inspiring variety of God’s handiwork. And as I’ve said before, perhaps God’s greatest gift is that of music.
    What’s made me so reflective today? Maybe his other gifts of love and friendship; celebrating birthdays while listening to our favorite bands and songs. Another happy birthday to Tesa with whom we celebrated Wednesday at BJ’s to the music of 2Guyz & a Mama (these guys are truly amazing). You’ll find pictures in Fun Fotos. While on the subject, happy birthday to Terry on Saturday (party tomorrow at Bourbon St.) and Linda on Wednesday when her band Old School plays at BJ’s. Cool - gonna party all over again.
    Another event this past week that was all about love was the beautiful 40th Anniversary and Renewal of Vows ceremony between Joyce & Tommy Phillips. These two lovely people can always be seen dancing away, eyes locked in love - what an inspiration. They have five grown children who are a credit to their parents and who have children of their own. It was wonderful to join with all their friends as we basked in the love they still have for one another. Yet another example of God’s blessings when we hold true to the course. Yes, I was (am) missing my Ronnie. Check out those photos, also in Fun Fotos.
    On to the business of music and fun times - IT’S HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!! I know there are many, many places to enjoy the fun of costume parties this biggest party weekend of the year (maybe second to St. Patrick’s Day?); but I am just going to tell you about the parties at my most honored sponsors.
    Let’s visit the Purple Moose first. The weekend won’t be complete without hitting the Boardwalk to party at the world famous Purple Moose. Perennial favorites Fuzzbox Piranha will be playing both Friday and Saturday and if you get out early on Saturday, stop in to party with CK the VJ/DJ in the afternoon. You can count on him to play the best music with contests and giveaways. The costume party is Saturday night with gift certificate prizes given for 1st ($100), 2nd ($50) & 3rd ($25) best costumes. See their ad in Best Places. Let me say again that you will be amazed at the sound of Fuzzbox Piranha, a trio that sounds like they could be a five-piece band ... excellent and friendly musicians. And also I want to say that it has been a great pleasure to have the Purple Moose as one of my sponsors. I can always count on the bands to be top-notch thanks to Charlene and owner Gary and his staff are the best. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for us in 2016. THANK YOU!!
    You’ll find me tonight at BJ’s wearing my Professor Minerva McGonagall hat (from Harry Potter) taking pictures of all the great costumes. It begins early, 5pm, with music by lengendary band Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes featuring BJ’s owners Billy & Maddy Carder. Other members include Cristel & Paul Grandell (Thin Ice), T Lutz (Pompous Pie) and Joe Smooth & Howard Wimbrow (both No Byscuyts), some of the best musicians around. We always have a blast when these guys play, which is only a few times a year, so don’t miss it. You can stick around to keep the dancing going with the music of Over Time at 9pm. It’s another great night at BJ’s. Hey, their nightly half-price specials are back. Check out the ad in Best Places. Coming Saturday night is Vince Daddio and his blues buddies in Tear The Roof Off. If you like the blues, these guys are for you, often featuring the trumpet of Vince McCool. Not sure who will be on tap with Daddio this outing but that’s always part of the surprise - excellent musicians guaranteed.
    Then the Wednesday evening deckless deck parties continue with music by Old School. As I said in the beginning of this article, it will be lead singer Linda’s birthday so come join the party. Taylor on guitar, Erve on bass and Ernie on drums always deliver a great show with your favorite rock tunes, old and new, and plenty of smiles and great musicianship. Remember you can see what else is coming up in November by checking Who’s Where When.
    Still having a blast on Wednesday nights after BJ’s partying with Randy Lee Ashcraft, Jimmy Rowbottom and Kenny Roughton at Johnny’s for a jam session. You never know who might show up to play and/or sing. Randy & the Salt Water Cowboys, that also includes Leo Carlins on bass and songs from Billie Carlins as well, will be playing Saturday night and also Saturday, Nov. 20. You can catch Randy Lee & Jimmy on Sat., Nov 13 at Bourbon St. Just check his ad or the Who’s Where When list.
    I really enjoyed the music of Michael Smith last Friday at Ky West and also with Jay Stinemire as Reform School at BJ’s. Michael is such an accomplished musician playing guitar and keyboard and he has an inexhaustible repertoire from which to choose; it’s hard to ‘stump the band’ with him. Jay is a wonderful drummer who also has an excellent voice so the two of them together are outstanding. Again, check his ad and/or the WWW listing. Michael will be back tonight (Friday) to play for you. I hope you have been to Ky West to enjoy their excellent cuisine; read all about it in Best Bites on this site. Tell GM Mark Wagner that I sent you.
    They may not have live entertainment but good tunes are always being played along with some of the best and healthiest food in town - that’s at Fat Fish on Sunset in West OC. They now have the NFL ticket, too. Check their ad and also Jen’s Barhopping to read more about specials - love those sake creations.
    I guess that’s about it for this week, my friends. It’s going to be two weeks before we ‘chat’ again but remember you can always refer to coconuttimes.com that will be updated each week. Have fun this Halloween weekend and remember to always party safe!