Hi, y’all. Hope everyone is well and ready to party. Whoever says it’s slow here in the off-season is just out of touch. I’ve had a hard time keeping up with everything. Take just this last week for instance. I had a blast at the Rolig Fest at Seacrets last Wed. with seven fabulous bands. I was so impressed with each one of them and hesitate to single out any one but thinking back I have to say I was so impressed with Matt on drums for Lower Class Citizens. He was flashy but precise, playing with a style and conviction that belies his years. Of course, he has been in bands since high school so the experience is certainly there. His enthusiasm is a perfect match for the other musicians, Bill, Ryan & Tyler. All the musicians from Bryan Russo to Rock Bottom did an incredible show for a great cause - to help save our friend Bill Rolig.
    Five places were on my agenda last Friday and I hit them all starting with Micky Fins for Happy Hour then up to Galaxy 66 for jazz music from Phase III. Owen Lans on keyboard and Elwood Bishop on bass have a smooth blend when they harmonize - both have excellent voices. And Dave Gladding on percussion is a master at accompanying these fine musicians with a funky beat and not too loud. Look for another excellent group tonight at Galaxy 66 - the Philly George Project. They have become one of the most popular groups around. Check ‘em out there on Friday or at BJ’s on the Water Sat. night.
    It was time to go celebrate with the folks at Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon - their 11th anniversary! Congratulations and best wishes for many more fun times. Buxy, Annie and the crew were all on hand to lead a festive night (Sat. night too) with music by the Aaron Howell Band. Aaron has a terrific voice and a great lineup of all your favorite tunes. They return Fri., April 23. Meanwhile, check out the Bryan Russo Trio at Buxy’s tonight. Locals are familiar with Bryan’s talent; whether on keyboards or guitar, he has a distinctive sound and lots of great original material along with superb renditions of cover tunes.
    Next stop was the Ocean Club in the Clarion Hotel. Old friends Danny Dolan and First Class were on stage keeping the dance floor hoppin’ with all their great classic rock music. Danny tells me the guys have been rehearsing hard and have 14 new songs to add to the show soon. We can hear them again on Fri.&Sat., April 23-24. This weekend put on your dancin’ shoes for the return of New Censation with sensational vocals by husband and wife team Roy & Cindy and a cast of great musicians.
    A quick trip across the Rt. 90 bridge took me to The Steer Inn where the house was really rockin’ with Fuzzbox Piranha. Smokin’ Gunnz will be doin’ the southern rock thing tonight, Fri. Back by popular demand on Sat. night is The Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow featuring death-defying stunts by hosts Tyler Fyre & Thill Kill Jill. You’ll see how they came by their names when you view their compelling acts - even when the boa comes out, it’s hard to look away. This husband/wife team have become masters of Sword Swallowing, Snake Charming, Fire Eating & Knife Throwing. They travel the country performing in circuses, sideshows, state fairs and theaters. Tyler Fyre holds the World Record as the Fastest Fire Eater in the World. For chills and thrills, check out the show Sat. at the Steer Inn Tavern.
    Last Sat. after hearing Under the Outhouse at Harborside and Blake Haley at Micky Fins, I headed to BJ’s to hear one of my favorite bands, Full Circle. Everyone I talk to raves about this group with good reason. The vocals of Kathy, Michelle & David are absolute world class. And the music is tight, clean and dynamic. Hear them again on Fri., April 23.
    Also an important date to mark on your calendar is Sun., April 25, when Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes will play for the annual Cancer Soc. benefit. The fun starts at 3pm and will include a special 50/50 raffle to benefit Deb & Bill Rolig. I’m gonna have to miss this one this year as I’m off on an adventure next week for the Jazz Festival in New Orleans. People have been telling me for years that I just have to go; so when Lauren Glick was organizing her annual trip, she talked me into going. Wow, I haven’t even been on a plane in 12 years. Can’t wait to experience all the sights and sounds of this musical party town - right up my alley, right?
    I finished my Sat. night with a visit to Fager’s Island to hear Poole & the Gang. Kevin Poole, just returned from his winter gig in Key West, has added new guitarist John Remy to the lineup which also includes Joe Smooth on sax, Joe Mama on drums and Jeff Davis on bass. (I hear they rocked Smitty McGee’s last Sat.) These are all familiar names to those of us who keep up with the music scene here. You can hear them playing with other bands such as: Jeff with the Chest Pains and Full Circle; Joe Smooth with Harry O, No Byscuyts, Teenage Rust and duo w/ John Remy; Joe Mama with the Chest Pains and Under the Outhouse sometimes and with Crowded Outhouse when they play here again this summer. That’s right, the town has been buzzing with word that John LaMere is returning from Long Island - he just couldn’t stay away from our wonderful musical community. I hear he’s doing some solo work, and rejoining bandmates Chris Button & Joe Mama for a few dates such as Wed. at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill. And coming full circle, John will also play at Charlie’s Bayside where I first heard him 17 years ago! (I’ll have more to report from Charlie’s Bayside next issue.)
    Fager’s Island will feature more great music this weekend; just check the “Who’s Where When” for the full lineup. The big news is that the first World Famous Monday Deck Party at Fager’s Island is coming up real fast - May 3! Batman will be back on the deck and that fabulous U2 tribute band, 2U, will play on the mainstage later. These guys absolutely nail the U2 act - it’s gonna be a huge party.
    Welcome back to Macky’s who will be puttin’ on a big opening day party on Thur., April 22, with DJ Jammin’ Jeff playing from 4pm-2am. Brian and the crew have been busy lining up all the entertainment and special theme night parties for the summer so stop in and say hi!
    Davey Jones Locker Room on the Boardwalk is a cool place to hang out with great food, great view and cool music - this Sunday Funday it’s Kevin Poole.
    Welcome back to 707 Sports Bar & Grille and best wishes to new owners Carey & Bev. They promise to continue with the same great music and food. Congrats on 2nd place honors at the “Best Cheesesteak Around” competition. Here’s a new band for ya, Hot Line Rock appearing at 707 tonight. Let’s check ‘em out. good to have Matt back writing their Barhopping article.
    And don’t forget to check out Whiskers Bar & Grill this Sat. for the Landers & Heinz Project featuring vocals from Linda Sears along with Tim on guitar, John on violin, Mike on keyboard/guitar & Eric on bass.
    Sat. will be rockin’ at Seacrets, too, with the return of Love Seed Mama Jump. Of course, now open 7 days a week, Seacrets is always a hot spot. Just remember that wherever you go, to always party safe!