I would have to do some digging to give you an exact count of how many times I've mentioned Wyatt Garey in my column over the past couple of years. I'm sure it's been quite a few times. And it is true that Wyatt's dad (Ranny Garey) and I have been friends for over 30 years. But what is also true is that Wyatt is one heck of a guitar player. I've seen and heard him play since he was about 13 years old.

You can see The Wyatt Garey Band this Friday (7/23) night at Iacofano's in the Moultrie Plaza. And although he may be in the audience, the aforementioned soundman will not be handling the sound. That duty goes to Comar Blanchard, longtime local sound engineer, who takes care of the sound systems at both Iacofano's and Buddy Roe's Shrimp Shack. So expect a great performance with great sound!

On Saturday, July 24, in the same shopping center is another band that has received considerable mention in this column, Milhouse. They will be playing at Wild Wing Café. With such a distinct and energetic live show, Milhouse draws on a unique combination of instruments and influences to create a sound that is unclassifiable. Composed of four best friends Matt Herring, Dusty Painter, Cory Jarrett, and Lonnie Root this quartet manages to intertwine the evolution of classical music to the sounds of modern music with influences of My Morning Jacket, Keller Williams, The Blues Brothers to Jason Mraz and Damien Rice. With such broad influences and instruments not consistent to the rock music genre the creative efforts of the songs and arrangements become an influential strength to the eclectic sound.

Comedy isn't something that I usually write about, but there are really no rules for this column. And when it's a friend (who lives a block down the street and will come to my house to slap me around if I don't mention his show), I feel obligated to show some support. Wednesday night, July 21, it's the fourth annual Food And Beverage Comedy Jam at The Windjammer. Featuring Co-headlining acts Dave Ugly and Brian T Shirley (author of the book "Make Love Not Warts). With special guests Donald Cady, Clint Nohr (From the Bob & Tom Show), Greg "Big Daddy" Patterson, and Pasquali. Dave Ugly (Dave Evans) is a lifetime resident of Mount Pleasant and a good friend. We run into each other at the Piggly Wiggly just about every other day (usually in the meat department) and I find myself laughing all the way home. Evans is funny; he looks funny, he even smells funny. But don't take my word for it. Check him out with five other comics for only $5. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. but if you show up at 8 p.m. you'll get a chance to hear Josh Thompson.

In Thompson, working-class country has found its most authentic spokesman in a generation. A compelling singer, he is an artist whose songwriting reflects both the gritty realities of blue-collar life and the beer-fueled release of the Friday-night honky-tonk. There is no doubt about his work ethic, which was perhaps most evident in the days when he was juggling the publishing deal he earned just seven months after moving to Nashville and the trade he had worked at since he was 12. "I was still pouring concrete three days a week," he says. "A lot of times I'd start at 7, then wash off with a garden hose and head to a writing appointment. Some nights I'd write songs until 2:30, get up at 6, splash some water on my face and do it again." That work ethic, the honesty in his writing and the energy in his performances have combined to make Josh a powerful new voice in country music. Thompson's Columbia Nashville debut, Way Out Here, showcases the man who has lived the music he makes.

I was lucky enough to help Awendaw Green sound engineer Nat Mundy with the Save Our Seas Benefit at The South Carolina Aquarium on Saturday 7/17. First up was the Red Top Ramblers from John's Island. Dale Osborne-banjo; Andrew Norman-bass; Jamie Coan-fiddle; Werter Willis-mandolin; Keith Philbeck-guitar/vocals; Penny Beal-vocals, combine to create a wonderfully full acoustic traditional bluegrass sound and it has always been a great pleasure to work with them as they are seasoned musicians as well as just a nice bunch of folks.

Up next was local country/rock/jam band Henry's Attic. A country rock band with a beautiful singer who also plays guitar, accordion and washboard, their sound ranged from great Zydeco tinged country to psychedelic jams reminiscent of The Velvet Underground. On bass guitar was the not so beautiful John Autwater (just kidding John) who is not only a good player but always fun to hang out with. Filling in on drums was Whisperjets drummer Josh Hoover who, after only one practice, was right on time.

Then. Hootie and the Blowfish guitarist Mark Bryan introduced the crowd to singer/songwriter Emily Hearn. Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Hearn entertained with some of her songs (including one she had written that very day) with Bryan accompanying on mandolin. To end the night, Bryan was joined by Gary Greene (Cravin Melon) and Doug Jones(solo artist and Cravin' Melon singer) for a mix of tunes penned by Bryan, Cravin' Melon as well as songs from Jones' 2009 release, Doug Jones, Everybody, Doug Jones.

Organized by the folks from The Seewee Outpost in conjunction with The South Carolina Aquarium, food by Krewe Catering and beer from Palmetto Brewery, Save Our Seas raised money for and awareness about the great work the aquarium does nationwide rescuing endangered animals. And with the production handled by Eddie White and crew from Awendaw Green (along with Stage Presence Stages) it was an event with a vibe that I'll remember for quite some time.

(Stu Johnson can be contacted at sjohnson@allnightkungfu.com).