Hi, all. Activities have really slowed down - check out the lack of traffic - and yet the days are propelling us into holiday season with lightning speed. We’ve been lucky to have mild weather thus far but predictions are winter is just about to hit us. I don’t mind the cold so much but I do mind having to give up my flip flops. I’ll hold out until it snows probably. The bottom line  here is that there are still places to hear live music and I’m still going to listen, meet with friends, and have a few laughs - good for the soul.
    BJ’s is my main destination lately as they have chosen to stay “still the same” and promote their fabulous music - and great food too. Most of my sponsors have discontinued for the winter months but that doesn’t mean I don’t stop in to hear music and partake of yummy items from their menus. Johnny’s Pizza Pub, for instance, is loads of fun on Wednesdays when Randy Lee & Jimmy host a jam night. This week, we heard Vince Daddio, Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers, Rick, Dew, Sha Sha, and I know there were a few more I’ve missed. Last week Opposite Directions - Darin & Bob - dropped in to play a little. Love these guys so I pop in Harborside on a Sunday afternoon or Thursday night to hear them. I heard Side Project there last Saturday who will be sharing the Sat. slot with Chris Button (every other week). Now, Chris says he’s thinking of having a different guest player with him, making it more interesting and varied. Looking forward to that. Oh, and Side Project with Jeremy, Mike & percussionist (sorry I didn’t get your name) were pretty awesome. Great response from the crowd. Change is good.
    It was fun hearing the Aaron Howell Band last night at BJ’s. Congrats to Aaron who will be adding to their family in March (I think he said). A baby girl is coming to join her two-year-old brother. Exciting times ahead for this family. I’ve often called Aaron a blue-eyed boy of soul but I think I need to change that for this family man to blue-eyed soul man. He plays far more than soul but he’s just got a soulful way of playing everything - most entertaining. Also fun to watch is Chuck on drums who has a most unusual kit complete with bells, whistles and kazoos. He adds a lot of spice to the mix and Rick on bass keeps a very interesting and well played foundation going for the trio.
    I’ve been debating whether to broach this subject but I think I will. Many people have asked me who will be the Entertainer of the Year this year. Because of the transition from print to online, several elements have fallen by the wayside and that’s one of them. However, I will say that I have a short list of who I was considering. While it’s not the same as getting the award I know, hopefully these musicians will feel appreciated by this columnist. My prime candidates were Thin Ice, Monkee Paw, Aaron Howell Band and Over Time. Maybe I’ll come back to it next year with help from sponsors and you musicians too.
    I hope to see you all at BJ’s this Friday for another stellar performance by Tranzfusion. It’s the best concert around as they play the best of so many top artists - and play it to perfection! Over Time will return on Saturday night. This group has an amazing variety in their repertoire. I just wish they could bring their horns but I guess that’s only in the summer. Nevertheless, this group always keeps the dance floor hoppin’. And Wednesday for the deckless deck party it’s none other than 2 Guyz & a Mama. Dave Sherman has a fabulous voice and is super good on guitar too. Guitar wizard Chris Button opts for the bass and keyboard. Watch and listen as Chris plays some leads on bass and often plays both instruments at once. Another multi-coordinated talent is the incomparable Joe Mama on drums and percussion. He’s also amazing to watch, keeping every extremity busy. Altogether, these guys put on a superb show. Don’t miss them.
    Music at BJ’s was phenomenal last week with Thin Ice on Friday, Chest Pains on Saturday and, as I said, Aaron Howell on Wednesday. I must mention that I heard Chest Pains play in my neighborhood last Friday at OC House of Rock. You’ll see a few pictures taken by Melissa Golden. The band said they really enjoyed playing there - a real house of rock; so I think we’ll see them there again. I hear King’s Ransom will be there this Friday - another good band. And, of course, Loud Love will be back. Hoping to have more news from this venue for you in the future.
    And while I’m mentioning Melissa, I hope you’re checking out a few of her new favorite bands on our home page. She has included some videos so you can hear for yourselves. Her last concert was X Ambassadors - read about that. Next she’ll be heading to Rams Head Live to hear BøRNS promoting his new CD Dopamine. So we’ll have some interviews and pictures coming soon; maybe with New Politics too. For those of us who can’t get to these concerts, it’s fun to read about them and see the photos. Keep up the good work Melissa.
    In addition to the best cuisine around, Ky West is still providing music for their bar/lounge on Friday night with Michael Smith who plays both guitar and piano. What a wonderful way to spend your evening at swanky Ky West. Mike will also be playing Saturday at Bourbon St. on the Beach with Pearl. This duo features the vocals of Rita and I understand that Ray may be playing drums on this or other dates. And they are playing at Ocean Down Casino on Wednesday, 25th. That sounds like fun. And let me say that the performance of Reform School last week at BJ’s was outstanding. Jay on drums, Michael on guitar and keyboards, both sharing vocal duties. Excellent sound.
    There are still many fun things to get into and Christmas parties are coming up fast. I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with your families. In light of the troubles of the world, we are so fortunate to live in our little coccoon of Ocean City where we are free to enjoy life with friends and families while troubles seem so far away. I know that may not be the case for long, but it brings to mind what my husband Ronnie always said when I asked to go somewhere on vacation: “You live in Paradise; why would you want to go anywhere else?” Wishing he were still with me ... November 28th will be five years since his passing. Still seems like yesterday. Much love to all of you, and again, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Party safe!