Lead Singer Jay Thomas looks out into the crowd to wave to fans
By Andrew DeCredico
Saturday night in Sea Isle City is always the best night of the week. With bands and DJs at every club and bar Sea Isle is the place to be. La Costa’s Deck Bar was the first stop of the evening. An Irish rock band named Blackthorn was playing outside as the sun went down.
Crowds were all out in the beautiful afternoons weather at The LaCosta Deck Bar
Blackthorn is a band from Delaware county, but every one of the members has very recent Irish heritage. One member of the band, John McGroary the accordion player, was actually born in Ireland. Other members of the band are sons of first generation immigrants. “We’re inspired by Irish music, so it’s good to get out here and have fun playing the music we grew up with while adding in our own style!” says Mike Boyce, one of two brothers in the band. “ We have our roots in Ireland, but we take the liberty to extend the music we love to Americans” You can follow their band on their app by searching “Blackthorn” in the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store.
Casba O'Callaghan of Ireland, and John Boyce, Mike Boyce, John McGroary, and Robby Dunleavy of Delaware County, PA. all make up the band Blackthorn
There are always new people to meet at The Deck Bar. In a short time frame Sea Isle News met a Bachelorette Party, a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, and 3 men and coaches who were celebrating their daughter’s achievements on their softball team. Their team won a prestigious softball tournament in Gloucester City, New Jersey. Congratulations to the Cabana Water Ice Team!
from left to right: Atley Aaron, Beth Sowden, Sam Gillis, Alex Torroni, and Liz Torroni all enjoying a drink in The Sand Bar
When you’ve finished eating, The Sand Bar behind the Ocean Drive is always a good place to start off a night of fun and relaxing. With a casual feel and great drinks, you can’t go wrong. If you’re sticking with the hint of Irish theme for the night The Dead Dog saloon is a great place to grab a drink. After just a few minutes you’ll notice this isn’t your average saloon. The music is great and the line is down the block by 1 o’clock in the morning.
From left to right: Kelly, Emily, Brendan, Lauren, Kevin, Sarah, Pat, and Chelsea are all happy to be out at The Dead Dog on a Saturday night
If clubs are more your style you have a few to choose from. Whether you choose to go to Shenanigans, The Ocean Drive, LaCosta Lounge, or Kix McNutley’s you are bound to have a blast. Shenanigans is a fun place to spend some time, even if the DJ hasn’t started doing his thing just yet! In fact, the last few minutes before the DJ comes on are always a blast. Shenanigans plays Disney music for a few minutes while the entertainment for the night gets set up and it is some of the most fun that anyone has ever had with Disney tunes. Plenty of people come for their childhood songs and will put their heart and soul into acting them out for people to watch. After the humor, the night starts off with a bang and their DJs always love to have fun.
Shenanigans was exciting when the DJ played everyone's favorite songs!
The Ocean Drive (or “The OD” as it has come to be known) makes a great hang out spot. With a pub style bar inside as well as an entire dance floor complete with changing lights. The OD has any style you are looking for. To add to that The Sand Bar is attached to The OD so you only need to pay one cover charge.
From left to right: Kelly Smith, Erica Bronsteim, and Leigh Musselman from Towson, Maryland all enjoying their time away from home at The Ocean Drive
If you are on your way back to LaCosta’s Lounge, you can bet the stamp you got when you walked into The Deck Bar will gain you access into LaCosta’s night club. With more live performers, any music lover will be happy to listen to the amazing bands that LaCosta brings in. This Saturday night the band Split Decision was playing and they have always brought in huge crowds. This Saturday night was no different. With only enough space to walk through the crowd or join them and dance, LaCosta’s Lounge was an amazing place to be.
Lead Singer Jay Thomas looks out into the crowd to wave to fans
“We love coming here,” said Ray Pierson the guitarist for Split Decision. “This is like our home away from home. We play here every holiday weekend and starting next week we will be playing at LaCosta almost every other weekend until the end of the summer!” You can check out more of Split Decision or when they’ll be back at LaCosta by searching “Split Decision” in the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. If you don’t have a smart phone you can check them out on the web at splitdecisionphilly.com.
