You can take the boy out of the beach, but you can’t take the beach out of the boy…and I’ve got enough sand in my crevices to prove it.  You didn’t think that a little ol’ hurricane was gonna stop me from spending Labor Day in Fort Lauderdale, did you?  I’ve risked life and limb for less.  However, prior to going down south, I had some unfinished business in Provincetown – namely, the last underwear party at Purgatory, which was made memorable by a couple who live in NYC and one of those Carolinas.  I left them with memories that will keep them warm all winter long.

There were also some last-minute shows.  I finally was able to see the legendary Edie at the Post Office Café and Cabaret.  My God – that gal’s got gams!  Her high kicks rival those of any Rockette – or Hugh Jackman.  If you close your eyes, you’d swear you were watching Miss Donna McKechnie!  Dance, Edie, Dance is a fast-paced romp through Edie’s story which will leave you breathless…and wanting more.  Catch her when you can.

The best way to close out a banner season in Provincetown is with the incomparable Marilyn Maye.  I have spent the past 15 years in Ptown with Auntie Marilyn – the last 13 of which she’s been performing there.  Prior to that, we’d be there on vacation.  One day, Maye said, “I want to do a show here” – and, poof, she did.  The 95-year-old chanteuse is the last of a…well, one can’t say “dying breed”, because they all died.  She’s the last of an extinct breed of band singers who could belt, croon, and hold you in the palm of your hand.  Her two weeks at the Ptown Art House (the last two weeks of the venue) were a veritable lovefest – a sold-out lovefest.  One would expect Maye to trot out all her hits, and she did.  But, remarkably, she also sang new material.  She’s a marvel, and if you get the chance to see her, rush.  If you need proof, you can see some clips of her in action at BillyMasters.com.