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Smokin'
Jimmy Cliff hasn't lost a bit of his charisma or showmanship in the more than 40 years he's been a world-class reggae performer. Last weekend, he turned Trump Marina's Grand Cayman into a little corner of Jamaica, performing many of his classic hits and several new ones from his current CD, Black Magic. While the aroma of ganja wafted up from the crowd on several occasions, the security guards were polite. They did, however, insist on a "smoke-free" environment. Cliff, however, backed by his dynamic band, was smokin' on stage, presenting such tunes as "Many Rivers to Cross," "The Harder They Come," "I Want, I Do, I Get" and "Vietnam." Before singing the latter, his anti-war song, he told the crowd, "I want to say to President Bush and Tony Blair, don't let Iraq become another Vietnam."
-- Lori Hoffman
Soupy's Pie
The Ocean City Public Relations Department trekked to New York City last week to join Soupy Sales and a cast of characters at Joe Franklin's Comedy Club. The event promoted Ocean City's upcoming Doo Dah Pieasco (April 9), which will honor the famous comedian, and the annual Doo Dah Parade (April 16). At the event were Elvis impersonator Ted Prior, Linda Axelrod (Marilyn Monroe), Ron MacCloskey (Groucho Marx) and Richard Concepscion (Rapid T. Rabbit), a character promoting the use of public transportation. Soupy, who will be in town for the OC festivities next month, enjoyed a pie from Ward's Pastry that said, "Finally, a pie Soupy can eat."
-- Steve Angelucci
Soapy Studs
Awe-struck females made up most of the audience last Saturday at the Comedy Stop Café & Cabaret at The Quarter. They giggled, screamed and stood in long lines to meet, greet and be photographed with three TV heartthrobs from All My Children: Cameron Mathison, Vincent Irizarry and Aiden Turner. Although many actors are multi-talented (Irizarry is a musician), none of the Soap Stud Spectacular crew strayed far from talking and joking about the show. However, the fans loved it and would apparently again pay $55 to see their idols.
-- SA
The Art of Healing Harpist
enna Grockenberger, shown above performing at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Mainland campus back in January, will be one of several regional performers volunteering their time and talents to the hospital's Creative Arts and Healing program this spring.
Developed last November, the program brings in musicians, magicians, dancers and other entertainers to the hospital to de-stress the staff and patients and create a soothing atmosphere for an hour or so at a time. The program's Dahlia Smythe says that the numerous members of the hospital's staff have appreciated the help in lowering their stress levels. "I think the staff will benefit from it maybe a little more so than the patients only because it tones down the area wherever the performers are playing." This includes violinists at the nursing stations, harpists in the lobby and guitarists making rounds. Performances take place in several of the hospital's wings including the cancer center and heart institute. The reaction from the patients has been great so far, too. "We ask some patients if they want to hear music in their room," says Smythe. "If not, we keep on strolling." To inquire about the program, including performing opportunities, call 404-7606.
Plus, Wildwood Tattoo event, the Album of the Week and Drew Toonz.
An iron-man run of towering proportions has sadly come to an end, as Ted Prior, who’s been performing spot-on renditions of Elvis for more years than Elvis was alive, will be missing his first Ocean City First Night Celebration since the New Year’s Eve tradition began.
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