I can’t believe I’m finally wearing shorts! Yes everyone, after a few teasers of warm weather, it appears that spring is officially here to stay! The boardwalk is finally populated once again; full of people bringing their families to enjoy the nice weather in Ocean City! Now that everyone’s back in the mood to go outside, we are just in time for the 24th Annual Springfest! On May 1-4, Ocean City’s way of celebrating the first warm weather of the year brings four massive tents in the downtown Inlet Lot full of crafts, food and music for all to enjoy. While there are certainly plenty of reasons to be excited for the arts and crafts as well as the food, what I’m really pumped for are the many music performances by several nationally-touring bands. From country, to classic rock ‘n’ roll, to a Rod Stewart tribute band, Springfest has music for the whole family to enjoy! Alright, I’ll admit what I’m truly excited for are Springfest’s three headliners, The Fabulous Hubcaps, Merle Haggard and Loverboy. In case you’re not familiar with one, a couple or all of those acts, I’d like to share some information about the band’s style of play, a little bit of their history, and why you should be just as excited as I am for Springfest 2014!

The Fabulous Hubcaps
Playing: Thursday, May 1
    The Fabulous Hubcaps have brought their oldies act to every corner of the country for almost 40 years. The seven-piece band performs several genres of the past such as classic rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly and R&B. Some examples of classic artists and bands that would be covered include James Brown, Cher, The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra. The Fabulous Hubcaps have performed at several big public events in the nation such as political ceremonies and have also sung The National Anthem in Camden Yards. In 2013, the band was inducted in the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame, so you know they put on a good show.

Merle Haggard
Playing: Friday, May 2
    Country singer, songwriter, guitarist and fiddler Merle Haggard is a GRAMMY Award Winner and legendary artist who has recorded an impressive 76 studio albums throughout his longer than 50-year career. Haggard is well known for the unique playing style of using his Fender Telecaster guitar to create a twangy country sound.  Merle Haggard and his backing band, The Strangers, were influential in the creation of Bakersfield sound, a sub-genre of country that was created in the 1950s. At the 1984 GRAMMY Awards, Haggard was named that year’s Best Country Male Performer for his song “That’s the Way Love Goes” off the album of the same name. He has also been inducted into both the Oklahoma Music and Country Music Hall of Fame. Plus, he was presented the Crystal Milestone Award at this years ACM Awards on his 77th birthday. Although Haggard took a bit of a break from the business in the 90s, he came back in 2000 and has been touring and putting out albums since then. After a killer performance by Haggard, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson at this year’s Grammy Awards in January, the trio of renowned country artists has announced that they will be making an album together. Let’s hope we get a preview of what’s to come at his show in Ocean City!

Loverboy with Special Guest: The Reagan Years
Playing: Saturday, May 3
    While Merle Haggard will be the highlight of many who come to Springfest, it just wouldn’t be right without a lively, fun and 80s-filled farewell to Springfest. First, The Reagan Years will open the show with their performance of songs that were popular…well…back when President Reagan was in office. The five-piece band hands over vocal duties as the songs change and play several styles of the decade. They even take requests!  Now the real headliners, Loverboy, continue to tour after more than 30 years of producing four multi-platinum albums and selling millions of records to fans of their fun and upbeat pop-rock music. Although almost everyone knows the band solely for their huge single “Working for the Weekend,” four multi-platinum albums means their other stuff is pretty damn good too. Better yet, the band’s lineup consists of four of the five original founding members, save for bassist Scott Smith, who tragically was lost at sea while taking his sailboat out back in 2000. Loverboy has been consistently touring internationally since their reunion in 1991. Having released only two albums of new material since their 90s reunion (the most recent record released in 2007), the band seems to either have not much time to record, little interest in recording new material, or a combination of both. Hey, if I’ve been touring around the world for more than 30 years, I can’t really say I’d feel differently.