By Greg Ellison

(Aug. 20, 2020) After hitting the pause button on live music last month because of covid-19 health concerns, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club struck a full chord last weekend, with further shows scheduled through Labor Day.

Matt Ortt Companies cofounder Ralph DeAngelus said performances last Friday by Over Time, followed by Great Train Robbery on Saturday were well received.

“It went well and everybody cooperated with social distancing,” he said. “Everybody felt comfortable.”

After announcing a full slate of shows running Thursdays-Sundays until Labor Day, following a performance by Beatlegacy on Sat. July 18, those plans were cancelled.

DeAngelus said based on mixed feedback that evening from patrons concerning covid-19 concerns, the company decided to halt shows starting on July 19 with intentions to reevaluate the situation by roughly Aug. 10.

Unlike what proved to be a closing performance last month by Beatlegacy, the concert scene last weekend went comparatively smoother.

“It worked out perfectly and the bands enjoyed themselves,” he said. “Obviously, the crowd was smaller but that’s OK, because it went well.”

Music lovers mostly abided by the health regulations in place at the yacht club, DeAngelus said.

“My managers weren’t caught in the middle of anything,” he said. “No one was trying to bring in their own chairs.”

Despite gloomy skies on Saturday, even Mother Nature failed to stop Great Train Robbery from delivering the goods.

“The band played their full set,” he said.

The live music continues this weekend with Tranzfusion on Friday and Kittyback on Saturday, with both shows scheduled from 6-10 p.m.

DeAngelus said acts on tap the following weekend are Full Circle on Aug. 28, Mike Hines and The Look on Aug. 29.

“Fridays and Saturdays, except for Labor Day weekend when it’s Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

The holiday schedule includes return visits by Tranzfusion on Fri. Sept 4, Over Time on Sept. 5 and Great Train Robbery on Sept. 6.

While still tentative, live shows could continue through the end of September if the circumstances allow it.

“We do have entertainment scheduled and we’re going to see how the rest of the month goes before we commit to it,” he said. “For now we’re running through Labor Day Sunday.”

For more information visit opyachtclub.com/live-music