Hi, all! In the midst of dazzling holiday parties I’m just dizzy with good cheer. Ho-Ho-Ho!! I had a marvelous good time at Dawn McGee’s annual party last night just caroling away beside the incomparable Randy Lee Ashcraft and a host of good friends with the incredible Elsworth Wheatley on piano, I must add. And I’m looking forward to Skip Dixxon’s annual 12 Bands of Christmas playing tonight at Seacrets. Hope you didn’t miss it.
    We’ve included the next few week’s entertainment in the ‘Who’s Where When’ so you won’t miss what’s coming up - lots of fantastic opportunities to hear great music in our fair town. My mind is just fluttering with all the things I’d like to say in this last issue of 2009. For instance, the culmination of weeks of great performances took place this past Tuesday night at Fager’s Island’s Claim To Fame ‘09. GM Kevin Myers put his head together with Kevin Poole and put a twist on the old competition, namely having the contestants perform their original material. And it was awesome! I always say we are blessed with incredible talent; and to hear such wonderful songwriting really showed how much. All the finalists are winners: Blake Haley, Dave Sherman, Nancy Micciulla, DO & the G.O.G., Nate Clendenen and Natalie West. Congratulations to the top three: John Remy (3rd), Bryan Russo (2nd), and Tim Cyphers w/ Daniel Morgan (1st). Please continue to support live music and ask to hear their originals when you see them next time.
    As usual, my pictures tell the story of where I’ve been but I’ll try to recap a little for more comments. First, the Gregg Karukas concert at Seacrets last Friday was everything I hoped it would be. Of course I knew the music would be awesome, but I was pleased at the concert set-up that the Seacrets staff provided and the sound quality was excellent. Karukas was joined by vocalist Shelby Flint who added a joyous touch of Christmas inspiration with her lovely voice. I’m happy to have picked up their Home for the Holidays CD and Karukas’ latest CD simply titled GK, all songs composed and arranged by GK, quite possibly the most gifted jazz pianist of our age. And to think he got his start playing clubs around his native Bowie, Md., and right here in Ocean City at the Talbot St. Cafe. In fact, former owner and early fan Bill Federoff was there celebrating his 70th birthday. The affair was the inaugural concert to benefit the Ocean City Cultural Arts Project, raising money for a performing arts venue. Again, please support the cause by attending future benefits. Thanks to Peck and Patti Miller and the entire organizing committee for getting the ball rolling.
    Thanks to Laurie and Guy Sosnowski for inviting me to their first party on the bay - so beautiful. The food was superb with music to match by the popular group  Johnny Bling. They’ve been all over the map this summer expanding their venues from M.R. Ducks to include Sunset Grille and Seacrets where they will be one of the featured bands for their New Year’s Eve bash.
    It was a pleasure to attend the Christmas party at Coins and a greater pleasure to have the opportunity to visit with Barhopping writer Cathy who, as we all know, has been battling cancer. Her determination to laugh and enjoy her friends who love her so is an inspiration. God speed to you. Hope to see you at the New Year’s Eve celebration there with music by Full Circle!
    My own party held at Seacrets was an incredible night of friendship and music. Many of these folks only see each other a few times a year because they’re always working. It’s also a chance for the musicians to jam with each other, much to our benefit, of course. Onstage were Kevin Poole, Chris Button, Joe Mama, Jeff Davis; joined by Byron Anthony (look for Chest Pains this summer), Joe Smooth, John Heinz, Kathy Denk, Michelle Schachter, Marla Dixxon, Bobby Malaby and maybe others I can’t remember now (forgive me).
    I owe a huge debt of gratitude for the contributions of so many wonderful people who make the Coconut Times what it is - what I like to call ‘the people paper.’ At the risk of missing someone, I’d like to thank them all here. First, all the wonderful Barhopping writers who submit their articles each and every week. I know locals and visitors alike have fun ‘getting acquainted’ with you. Our contributing feature writers: Pete Wimbrow, Jenny Samuels, Marco Hiemenz, Tish Michel, Sean Rox, Bob Ruthrauff and Charlie Flagiello on the what-ru-looking@ puzzle.
    Thanks to OC Johnny for all his great pictures which delight our readers; to Eddie “Mercy” Sobieski for Ocean Club Halloween pics; and most recently to Jacob Ennis for his photos. Coconut Times is proud to support the arts by continuing to publish original artwork on the covers, giving these talented artists a forum for their art: Bonnie Prezioso, Kathy Denk, Eric Millen, Bonnie Majka, Denise Caffo, Dean Lo, Mick Williams and Christine Dubrava. Thanks to my sales staff: my wonderful sister Amy Morgan; and Cathy Germann, who also helps with production and photos. And last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to my talented art director, Melissa Golden, who has her hands full dealing with her crazy mom on this labor of love.
    It’s been an amazing ride these last 10 years that I have been blessed to own the Coconut Times and I’m looking forward to the future as we continue the journey celebrating our 25th anniversary of this awesome little paper with the first edition of February 12, 2010. Wow! 2010!! Hope to see you all out having fun. “God bless us, every one!”