COCO NIGHTS 100623

How ya doin’ out there?  I’m slowly getting back to normal from an attack of the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster virus or VZV) that stole my summer.  Still hurting some with nerve pain.  Outbreak can occur anywhere on your body and as no two people are exactly the same, doctors cannot predict how long it will last (since June for me).  Maybe I shouldn’t be rehashing this but I am because I want to encourage you to get the vaccine.  Believe me, you don’t want this to happen to you.  Okay then ... moving on.

Even though the weather was rainy and drizzly (Sunday was fine), attendance at Oceans Calling was overwhelming.  People came from all over to attend the three-day event, and bonus - they became acquainted with our great town, too.  I was not able to go myself, but several friends sent me pictures which I’m sharing in Fun Fotos on this site. Coconut Times photo journalist Gary Crouthamel was onsite and he’s putting together a photo spread which I’ll be sharing soon.  I’m excited to see more pictures of the amazing artists who performed there.  

Cecilia’s Fall at Harborside was the extent of my musical entertainment last weekend.  The effort to get out was well worth it as this group is so talented.  Fearless leader Jeremy (co-owner Ocean 13) plays acoustic and electric guitars and sings along with the impressive Tess on lead vocals.  This gal can sing anything from heavy metal to pop rock to country - yeah, anything.  She has the range and power to do it all and she delivers with a sassy attitude.  So good and fun to watch.  Keeping it all in the family, Jeremy’s son Gavin is one of the best guitarists you’ll ever hope to hear and he’s right here in Ocean City.  At 16, this young man is already being noticed and admired by really famous artists with whom he has played, and guitar companies as well.  The sky’s the limit for Gavin.  Mike is superb on drums.  Someone reminded me that Mike Hughes played with Randy Lee Ashcraft some years ago.  Phenomenal bass player Jeff Davis (of Full Circle) was filling in, and will again, for regular bassist Mike Rogers when he is away performing with Jimmy Charles.  It was fun to watch Jeff’s smiles as he watched in awe of Gavin’s prowess on guitar.  The Rookie and the Veteran; and I must say, well matched.

Are you ready to hear Teenage Rust and the Fabulous Rustettes?  I sure am and we can all party with them this Sunday at M.R. Ducks starting earlier than usual at 2 pm.  It’s always a good time when these players get together.  Their music selections are all our favorites that keep folks on the dance floor from beginning to end, when Crystal (keyboards) sings “I Will Survive!”  Her hubby Paul is on bass and vocals, T Lutz in on drums and Howard wails on guitar.  Billy also plays guitar and sings and wife Maddy is Queen of the tambourine and back-up vocals; and she’s always so fashionable.  Let’s pray for good weather.  The next gig for these wonderful performers will be October 27th at The Globe in Berlin (6-10pm).  Wow!  On the big stage.

Wishing for good weather also goes for the Lauren Glick Band at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill on Sunday.  They start at 4pm so you could go to both, right?  I love it that we still have a few weeks of entertainment at Coconuts, even though the weather can be iffy in October; really when isn’t it.  This time out Lauren will be joined by Dane Williams (Klassix) on guitar, Ted Galinas (Chest Pains) on bass and Mike Beavan (33 RPM) on drums.  Their shows are always electrifying, not only with their combined musical talents but also with the vocal phenomenon who is Lauren Glick.  Blues and rock are her forte and her collection of originals are so well written - great hooks and inspirational lyrics.  Her album LUSH continues to get air play and rave reviews from several industry magazines; especially “Don’t Add Up” from that CD.  She has been busy writing and recording the next collection of dynamic and   introspective tunes that will be titled “Maybe I’ll Run” (what a great song).  Lauren tells me that another song from the album, “Set Me Free” (“I’m not the girl I used to be”) has dropped today.  The album will be available for the holidays.  You can hear her music on all platforms.  I love it!  Go to laurensings.com to learn more.

It’s that time of year when the Cruisers come to town to show off their beautiful vintage cars; so we have a lot of visitors in town again this weekend.  Remember to obey the “event” speed limit through town and, please, folks watching along Coastal Highway, pick up your trash.  Ut-oh!  I’m on a soap box but it’s important - the right thing to do.  Okay, the right thing to do for me right now is sign off.  Wishing you a fantastic week.  Remember to be kind and party safe!