Hi, all.  It’s suppose to be winter but we haven’t seen a single snowflake. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m most grateful I do not live up north where a massive storm is underway. Normally some bad snow days would keep us from hearing music in and around Ocean City; but this year the fun hasn’t stopped and I’m lovin’ it.

Lots of fun was had around my birthday (Feb. 5) beginning with a gathering of so many good friends at Fast Eddie’s with music by Dust n’ Bones. Dean, Mark, Aaron and Kurt always do a rockin’ good job of entertaining the crowd and keeping them on the dance floor - so much fun. The next day a few friends got together to celebrate at my dear friend Sue’s house where several musician friends came to play and sing together. Thank you Missy & Erve Cassell, Michael Smith and wife Patricia and Vincent Paez. I got to sing with them for my birthday and it was so much fun.

Super Bowl Sunday I went to the tailgate party at Coins to hear Teenage Rust. Billy, Maddy, Crystal, Paul & Tom continue to draw capacity crowds whenever and wherever they get together to play for us. It’s always a blast hearing our favorite classic tunes being played by our favorite musicians and dancing with our favorite friends. A week later I was back at Coins to hear the Rockoholics. Wow!! These veteran players were terrific. Now I say ‘veteran’ not because they’re old but because they have played for a long time with many notable bands; we’re so fortunate to have them here playing for us. Now, they’ve been around OC for a few years (heard them several times at Coconuts) but this was the first time I had heard them with newcomers Ron Stretch Thompson on vocals and guitar, and Tom Chambers on drums. Along with guitarist Ken Wright and bassist Chuck Leo, these guys put on a show that is electrically hot! In fact, I enjoyed them so much that I went to Fast Eddie’s the very next day to hear them again. I believe they’re slated to play every other Sunday Funday at 3 pm through the summer. Word has it that new spinoff of Side Project, Cecilia’s Fall, will rotate with them. More on them later. You can hear the Rockoholics tomorrow, Feb. 25, too. Party!

A trip to Crawl Street Tavern in downtown Ocean City was a blast when I heard Brian Thomas’ latest collaboration of musicians called Risky Business (you’ll also know him from Shots Fired and Deviation by Design).  These guys were awesome! What is most noteworthy about this group is that they strive to play songs by our favorite artists that we do not hear from other bands, making their shows fresh and most enjoyable. Of course the performances of these songs is also noteworthy. Playing with superb vocalist Brian is massively talented guitarist Joe Sortino, Burt Rayne on bass, Warren Geiwitz on drums and Kirk Rothgeb on keyboards and guitar. Now, as you might imagine, it’s the added bonus of keyboards that enables the group to play such a wide spectrum of music - and he does it so well. Be sure to go hear them the next time you get the chance.

The Purple Moose is having live bands again. Woohoo! I made my first visit of the year last week and heard the band called Social. They were very good and it was very good to be back in the ‘Home of Rock n’ Roll.’ I checked the calendar on their website and see that live music is being offered every weekend with Thunderball tomorrow (Sat.) night and The Chucks next Saturday. You’ve got to come in and see the new expanded stage, cool DJ booth, light show and amazing sound system. Cudos to owner Bobby Taylor and his amazing crew for always providing the best in service and entertainment.

I’m off to Bourbon Street tonight to celebrate another birthday: this time it’s Lori Trattner’s. We’re excited to party with her favorite band, The Mercury Agenda. Doug, Chris, Austin, Dave & Nalen are all superb musicians and their music spans the decades which is even more special to me since they’re young players.  As we like to say, “Good music never dies!” That’s all for now. I’m going to ease back into writing; more as the season approaches. ‘Til next time, have fun and always party safe!