Hi, all.  Springfest is in full swing despite the fact that the weather did a big swing indeed; beautiful on Thursday and gloomy, windy and cold Friday and today. The weather is party to blame for my lack of inspiration in settling down to talk to you all.  However, I’m happy to say, I message from Tish who is in Berlin for the Jazz, Blues, Wine & Brews festival has perked me right up.  Remember I told you last week that Jake Banaszak, guitarist with Lower Case Blues, was expecting their new CD to drop any day?  Well, the first shipment came to them today, just in time for their performance at The Globe as part of the Berlin festival.  I’m so happy for them and can’t wait to hear the tracks on Take It For A Ride.  Jake, BJ Munz and Tristan Gilbert on drums are absolutely fabulous!

I’m so glad I went to Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill on Thursday for 2024 opening day. The weather was perfect and the band playing has become one of my favorites.  Homeskool Dropouts is such a clever moniker for the two young people who front the band: Vada and brother James Fegeley. Their dad Bruce along with drummer Craig Wilkinson rounds out the band who play a crazy repertoire of classic rock tunes that are all crowd pleasers.  As if it were not enough that this great music is being kept alive by yet another generation of musicians, these two, even at such young ages, are consummate players.  Yes, they’re both still school age (maybe 15 and 17) so one can guess that even home-schooling is a drag when all they want to do is play.  But don’t be concerned; their folks keep them grounded.  I’m so impressed, not only with their accomplished and confident playing skills, but also with their performance style.  James, who is a massive shredder on guitar, ditched his cap to flip his gorgeous long curly locks and Vada sports hot pink strings on her bass guitar.  Both are excellent singers as well.  They have all the equipment necessary to become full-fledged stars; they already are to me.  I’m hoping the weather improves for Sunday’s show at Coconuts: Rogue Citizens,

Last night I made it out to Lighthouse Sound to hear one of my favorite duos, The Bilenkis.  George & Patricia have been playing together nearly all their lives.  Is that part of the secret to their many happy years of marriage?  Perhaps.  That’s certainly one of the reasons I love hearing and seeing them; you can see and feel the love they have for each other and their music.  Their song selections are so diversified running the gamut of country, classic rock, folk rock, pop, some blues and many that fall somewhere in between.  Some examples: Stevie Nicks, Tina Turner, Tracy Chapman, Elton John, Stephen Stills, Sheryl Crow, The Beatles; and songs such as Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence,” “Dancing in the Moonlight,” “California Dreaming,” “Midnight Special” and “Walking In Memphis” by Mark Cohen.  George told the appreciative audience that he and Pat have just returned from a wonderful vacation that took them to points south, around North Carolina and to Memphis.  Their time in the south, he told us,  inspired them to learn some new songs.  They were, and are, wonderful.  George has such a powerful yet soothing tone; sometimes his speaking voice reminds me of Jimmy Buffett.  Wife Patricia is a perfect match not only when they deliver such beautiful harmonies, but on her solo songs as well.  Plus, they are both accomplished guitarists.  Take a listen next time you get the chance and I guarantee you’ll be fans too.

In last week’s column I feel I was remiss in not mentioning the excellent shows I have seen at Papi’s Taco Joint over the last couple months.  I returned there last Saturday and had the pleasure of hearing Lauren Glick play her amazing original songs. I stayed on to hear the new duo of Ocean Wind featuring Lynn Litzinger and Michael Smith.  Now, many of you know Michael from his gig hosting Open Mic at Bourbon St. with Reform School partner Jay Stinemire. Along with veteran bassist Eddie Saah, they continue to entertain us fans as well as welcoming newcomers to the stage - in fact that’s where we first heard Homeskool Dropouts.  Michaels incredible expertise on keyboards and guitar make him the ultimate musical partner - as I can personally attest having enjoyed a partnership with him some years back.  Lynn has an excellent voice with great tone quality and pitch perfect while singing a wide variety of popular tunes by such artists as The Motels, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Pat Banatar and even Miley Cyrus.  I love her new song “I Can Love Me Better.”  Be on the lookout for this entertaining duo at a venue near you - that’s Ocean Wind.

Springfest may be a bust for me but I’m gearing up to go to Beach Barrels where 33 RPM will perform and it’s bass man Rock’s birthday! As if we need a reason to party, right?  I hope you all enjoy your week.  Be kind and remember to party safe!