You know it’s really summer when they’re rockin’ at The Retreat’s outdoor patio.
The popular dinning and drinking establishment on the corner of Vine and First streets hosts Prime Time with soulful singer Paul Valentino, who lives in Liverpool, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, and again on July 7.
Multi-instrumentalist Mark Macri returns from Orlando on Saturday, June 27, and will also rock the patio on July 1 and 5. Macri, who possesses a pleasant personality and a passionate singing voice, has released two full-length CDs, “A Day at the Human Races” and “A Better Place” as well as a five-track EP, “10 Hands.” Those recordings showcase Mark’s original compositions but at the patio he’ll play an amazingly diverse array of pop tunes covering everyone from Afroman to Van Morrison.
Dancin’ on the patio
The Golden Novak Duo makes its Retreat patio debut at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, performing blues, rock and originals on guitar, percussion, violin and voice. Brian Golden and Jess Novak return to The Retreat on July 6.
The duo Elephant Shoes featuring John Lerner and Joe “Biz” Bisignano, both of whom live in Liverpool, plays classic rock at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 29. Tavern troubadour Michael Crissan takes the stage on Tuesday, June 30, and groove-meister Jamie Notarthomas makes the scene on July 11.
Admission is always free at The Retreat. For info, visit retreatrestaurant.com, or dial 457-6358.
Harmonious Sunday brunch
Meanwhile, down at the Barking Gull, 116 S. Willow St., at the corner of Lake Drive, live bands are enlivening Sunday brunches, according to new manager Tony Prince.
Guitarist Michael Crissan tunes up at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 28, followed by the Noisy Boys on July 5 and veteran performer Dave Hawthorne on July 12.
The Gull, which speed-bakes delicious wood-fired pizzas, is the latest endeavor by the Gormel family which has run The Retreat since 1972 and The Cobblestone since the mid-1990s.
The Barking Gull, which features a unique open-air bar on its rooftop, is open Tuesday through Sunday; retreatrestaurant.com/pages/gull/gull.html; 457-2780.
Judy, Judy, Judy
Can you believe that Judy Butler is a septuagenarian? Me neither!
The longtime owner of Judy Judy Judy’s unisex barbershop at 329 First St. looks fit as a fiddle and lovely as usual.
The energetic brunette has owned the shop at the corner of Tulip Street since 1988, but she honed her craft at Bayberry Plaza under the tutelage of longtime local barber Joe Frank.
To schedule an appointment at Judy Judy Judy’s, call 457-6128.
Steve braves the branches
Happen to have some kind of arboricultural emergency? Steve Lashomb, who lives in Liverpool, can help.
Steve Lashomb’s Tree Service can take down all kinds of trees and haul away the wood. He also grinds stumps and provides emergency service after storms.
Fully insured, Steve offers free estimates and senior discounts. If you’ve got tree trouble, give Steve a buzz at 516-9020.
Just Joe at Limp Lizard
His name is Joseph Altier, but everyone calls him Just Joe.
The talented keyboardist-singer from Manlius has released a disc called “Live at The Lost Horizon,” showcasing originals from all phases of Joe’s career, including songs like “Sad Wings” from Brand New Sin, “Pray” from Elephant Mountain and, of course, Just Joe’s own compositions like “The Captain.”
When he plugs in at 9 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the Limp Lizard Barbecue, 201 First St., Joe mix in tunes from his disc along with tasty covers such as the Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See” and Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
Admission is always free at the Limp; 451-9774.
Just Joe will also play a free concert at 7 p.m. Monday, June 29, for the 30th Anniversary Summer Concert Series at Johnson Park; liverpoolistheplace; 457-3895.
The columnist can be contacted at [email protected].
