With so much going on in Ocean City lately, I haven’t been paying as much attention to some of the more far-flung events. Unfortunately, that means that I dropped the ball on telling you about the Peninsula Bluegrass Festival, Georgetown, DE’s annual tribute to all things plucked and picked, which took place this past weekend. Bluegrass musicians from around the region got together to jam and play outdoor shows for a crowd of hardcore fans. I gotta admire the Peninsula people for not trying to do a crossover show or sell to tourists; from what everyone says, this is a festival by and for bluegrass fans. Maybe next year I’ll check it out.

DelMarVa Now blogger Katie Weis did a fantastic job of interviewing the band Grilled Lincolns, who are based in Baltimore but do a lot of shows at OC venues like Pulse and Bamboo. They’re also part of the new Delmarva Nightlife lineup that are doing so many alternative shows in the area lately. The Lincolns are known for an eclectic sound that incorporates rapping with rock and other genres.

What I really like about Katie’s interview is the way she focuses her questions on the band’s OC gigs and their connections to the region. We learn a lot about the music, but also about the band’s history as Maryland kids and their attitude about Ocean City itself.

You can read the full interview here: http://delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/ENTERTAINMENT02/80618050/1040/ENTERTAINMENT

Growing up in suburban Maryland, I thought that Love Seed Mama Jump were big national-name rock stars. My friends all had their CDs, and they opened for bands like Beck and Matchbox 20. So obviously I was surprised to learn that LSMJ is based in Delaware, and performs in Ocean City at least every week! Currently they have a running gig on Tuesdays at Galaxy 66, performing as an “acoustic trio,” as well as other venues, including Seacrets on the 29th.

For those who haven’t checked out Love Seed Mama Jump yet, their music is feel-good rock with a late-90’s, post-grunge edge. The band is contemporary in attitude, even when listing the Beatles and Zeppelin among their biggest influences. I haven’t caught the “acoustic trio” act yet, but it’s hard to go wrong with the acoustic shows at Galaxy. Well worth wandering away from the Boardwalk on a Wednesday night!

I was kind of busy with the sandcastle contest this weekend (hey, you chase after kids in the sun for six hours and tell me if you’re ready to rock!), but I managed to run across some great parties. The new House of Rock is getting off to a great start, and Under the Influence looked and sounded awesome onstage. Everyone seemed to be having a great time at Shenanigans, where Marty McClaren was performing his signature Celtic tunes. And, guess what? I finally did get to see Wes Davis and his band, and the Caribbean Pool Par at the Plim Plaza Hotel! The were putting on an amazing show, and wow, where did he find that drummer? The sound was drawing people in from all over the boardwalk.

What was really cool, though, was the variety of music on the boardwalk itself — all kinds of buskers, students and random entertainers were around on Saturday night to provide a soundtrack for the evening. The prize for “most different” goes to the barefoot college dude playing the bagpipes — he wasn’t half bad, either!

Wow, Beach Week is definitely getting started around here. I’ve been seeing roving packs of teens all over the place, particularly buzzing around Seacrets and Castaways. Nobody’s been acting up that I’ve seen, just chilling and taking pictures for Facebook…

I wanted to see what was going on with the DJ’d party at Galaxy 66, but it turns out that it was a private affair — for the Maryland State Bar, of all people! Who sent for the lawyers, guns and money?

The Bamboo Lounge at the Carousel makes a really good Mango Mai Thai. My friend was pretty pleased with her Mojito, too. It’s a shame that with all that space, and those very nice drinks, they don’t do live music there.

I don’t know if anyone remembers my profile of Wes Davis, way back when I was just starting out as a baby blogger, but he’s still one of my favorite musicians in the local scene. Great musicianship and songwriting, and just a good guy — not a lot of ego, just a committed musician who loves what he does. If you’re into country rock or acoustic rock, or just like powerful songwriting without too many bells and whistles, and you haven’t heard him and his band yet, you should definitely check them out.

When? How about tonight? The Wes Davis Duo is playing at BJ’s on the Water, one of my favorite outdoor venues, on what looks like it’s going to be a beautiful, breezy night at the beach. And they have lovely tropical drinks. I’m actually a little bummed that I have to be in DC tonight, instead of sitting on a bar stool listening to good old-fashioned live rock music with my Ocean City buddies. If you’re going to be there, have an Island Sunset for me, okay?

This could actually be pretty cool news. The old Dutch Bar, a casualty of the condo explosion and subsequent rent inflation, has been replaced by a new restaurant, bar and music venue called the House of Rock. I know, not the least cheesy name in the world, but the idea — to display memorabilia from classic rockers and also offer performance space to young local bands — is a pretty good one for a city that thrives on both nostalgia and excitement. While the bar is promoting a happy hour featuring performances from bands like the currently ubiquitous Lower Case Blues, as a restaurant and music venue they’re hoping to attract families and not just bar crowds. With any luck, they’ll be able to do what few in Ocean City have been able to do, and showcase quality rock music in an atmosphere that you don’t have to be 22 to appreciate.

The House of Rock is located on the boardwalk between Talbot and Dorcester streets. It’s open daily from 11 am to 2 am.

This weekend, I am heading to Ocean City to escape from the truly miserable summer that is just beginning here in DC. So another weekend of partying and catching up on local bands, right? Er… maybe not so much. The catch is, I am totally bringing my mom.

Not that my mom is a total downer or anything. In the 60s, she saw Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan before he was famous, making her kind of my show-hound role model. Doing the math from there, though, you can probably imagine that she wouldn’t be super impressed if I took her to Seacrets. And I’m not sure the DNL Friday Spotlight at Booty’s would be her speed, either. So this week I’m looking at the question of which events in OC are most Mom-friendly — and, by extension, Boomer-friendly in general. Shows and parties that rock, in a classic kind of way, without featuring more decibels than the OC Air Show or hosting a rehearsal for the next Girls Gone Wild video. Check back throughout the week for what I find — and next week for my mom’s reaction!

Local bands that should totally FACE OFF!

Lower Case Blues vs Top Shelf Jazz

Tortured Soul vs Smiles Project

Bond n Bentley vs Grilled Lincolns

24/7 vs Waking at Seven

Pirate Radio vs Off the Boat

Agents of the Sun vs S.T.O.R.M.

You know how I said we’d be telling you about things you can do in Ocean City for free? Well, it would be a pretty incomplete effort without a mention of one of my favorite Ocean City traditions, Concerts on the Beach at North Division Street. Wednesday nights in July and August, from 8 to 9:30, the city provides a free concert from family-friendly local musicians ranging from folk to country to rock. Kids love the fun outdoor atmosphere, and adults get a chance to relax and unwind. It’s great for those who want to go out at night and have fun with their families, without worrying about rowdy teens, smokey bars or any other nightlife-related annoyances. Just good old-fashioned wholesome family fun, with a little rock n’ roll on the side.

This year’s Concerts on the Beach series starts July 9th, at the N. Division Street beach. Bring a picnic blanket or folding chairs, or just bring your family. It’s really pretty hard to go wrong. Updates forthcoming on this summer’s featured musicians and dates.

(image courtesy of ococean.com)