Hi, friends. Okay, you can call me a slacker.  That’s right ... because I haven’t written this column/blog since July 12.  Mainly it’s because I haven’t been out too much due to weather issues, both rain and heat; but also because I’ve been processing the alarming diagnosis my daughter Colleen received recently of a brain tumor pressing on the optic nerve.  Yeah, scary stuff.  While we have not been to see the neurosurgeon yet, her neurologist has allayed our fears somewhat by telling us that it is rather common, not malignant and is small.  It does, however, need to be removed so we’re anxiously awaiting how she will be proceeding with treatment.  You may have seen this news on facebook already.  I would like to thank everyone for their kind and encouraging remarks.  So please forgive me for being off my game.

As I said, I haven’t been out much but I did make it to Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill last Sunday to hear The Bilenki Duo.  George and Pat are both excellent guitarists and vocalists with an incredible repertoire of so many favorite tunes spanning several decades.  Pat is impressive with her command of lyrics and impressive range; George is equally proficient with a bit of grit to his voice that is so appealing.  Together their harmonies are sublime.  I encourage you to go hear them, returning to Coconuts on August 25.

I stayed to hear a new act for me, Moonstone.  The duo of Pamela and Rich was also very entertaining.  Pam has a sweetness to her voice with a smooth vibrato that is most pleasing to the ear.  I researched them and found that they often play with a full band called FIREKITE in the Baltimore area and also play around northern Virginia.  Ironically, they will also return to Coconuts again following The Bilenki Duo on August 25.  Sign me up!

What’s going on this weekend?  You know there’s so many venues and so many excellent musicians that you can’t go wrong no matter where you choose to go.  This evening you can hear Beg To Differ at Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill.  I have not heard them either so I’m going to make an effort to go, maybe after the temp has cooled a little, right.  Rule G will rock Coconuts on Saturday and locals Colossal Fossil Sauce will be on hand for Sunday Funday at the coolest spot on the beach, Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill.  

Lauren Glick and her recording band were sensational last week at Sunset Park.  Playing nearly all of her originals from LUSH and MAYBE I’LL RUN, she was joined by bandmates Bobby, Sarah, Will and Scott.  You can catch the mega talented singer/songwriter Lauren Glick solo tonight at House of Sauce and Sunday at Papi’s Taco Joint.  And get this ... after years of great house music, Fish Tales is having live music that featured Full Circle Duo last week; and Lauren Glick will perform there on Monday.  Glad to have Fish Tales presenting live music.

That’s it for now.  Get out there and enjoy, my friends, and remember to be kind and always party safe.