Let’s hope for good things to come in 2009. During 2008, the music world lost some greats. Bo Diddley, Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, soul music legend Isaac Hayes, and the original sex kitten Eartha Kitt just to name a few.

I’ve noticed over the years that music critics like to put out year-end lists. Most of them are the writers favorite music releases from that particular year.

Following in that tradition, I have a list of my own.

I don’t buy a lot of CDs so I thought I’d list some of my favorite live bands that played in the East Cooper area in the past year.

Better to write about something I know about. So here goes (in no particular order):

•The Rev. Dr. Johnny Mac and The BootyRanch- Known as a great guitarist, The Rev. is also one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. Along with one of the tightest rhythm sections in the world ( Chris Watts on bass and Stevie Kent on drums) he puts on an action-packed show for his faithful followers everytime.

Now I don’t claim to be a scientist but I know this — while a great deal of the planet’s mass is water, The BootyRanch is composed entirely of rock.

•Milhouse- With unique instrumentation and great songs, these guys stay busy playing most of the time. Matt Herring-vocals and guitar, Cory Jarret- Mandolin, Lonnie Root-cello and Dusty Painter on drums and percussion.

Is it an Indie rock band? Folk? Jam band?

Well you can decide for yourself and take what you want from it because there are elements of all three and more. Check them out at www.myspace.com/milhouseband.

•The Never-Hailing from Chapel Hill, N.C. these guys can really sing. They have a truly unique sound.

I would suggest you go to www.myspace.com/thenever to find out for yourself.

•Tommy Thunderfoot and The Accelerators- Smooth yet powerful, Tommy is not only well versed in blues standards but has a great repertoire of original songs as well.

Do yourself a favor and check him out when you can at www.tommythunderfoot.net

•Flood Empty Lakes- I guess the best way I can describe these guys is instrumental soundscapes. Musical and dynamic, this band has a thick sound without being noisy or ambient and light like so many bands of their genre.

I laughed when I went to www.myspace.com/floodemptylakes  and found a track called VT intro 121908 which turned out to be me introducing them.

•Richard Lloyd and The Sufi Monkey Trio- Richard Lloyd played guitar in the early new wave/punk band Television. A must see show for guitar players and active rock fans.

You can find out more at www.richardlloyd.com.

•The Whisperjets- A talented group of teenagers from Wando High School, they have made quite a stir around the Lowcountry. Great songs and expert musicianship is their trademark.

When I mixed their sound as they were opening for Danielle Howle at the Village Tavern, I became an instant fan and their CD is playing as I write this.

One trip online to www.myspace.com/thewhisperjets will tell you why.

This list is a sampling of the diverse entertainment that is regularly featured at the East Cooper area music venues.

Other great artists include Dewey Muggles, Torture Town, The Golden Palace, Carrol Brown, The Average Savage, Donnie Polk, Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent, Plane Jane, Black Eyed Susan and more.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Open Mic w/Ev at Art’s, The Lowcountry Blues Club Jam at A Dough Re Mi and the Friday Night Open Jam at Momma Brown’s.

(Contact me: sjohnson@allnightkungfu.com  or call 843-259-4507.)

East Cooper Music

•Dunleavy’s

Every Tuesday - Blue Grass - Bob Sax and the Maniaxs at 7 p.m.

Every Sunday - Carroll Brown - starts at 8:30 p.m.

•Arts Bar and Grill

Every Sunday and Monday  - 9 p.m. Open Mic with Everette Bigbee

12/31- Sol Driven Train

1/1Cary Ann Hearst & Michael Trent

1/2Babyfat

•Atlanticville

Every Saturday and Sunday    - Jazz on the deck

Every Tuesday - Annie Boxell and Jim Algar

•A Dough Re Mi

Every Tuesday - The Lowcountry Blues Club Jam

Every Thursday - Karoake w/ Pizza Dave

•Red’s Ice House

Tuesdays - Hank Futch and Friends

Wednesdays - Patrick & KB

Thursdays - 2/3Ways

12/31 - The Blue Dogsw/ Uncle Mingo & The Secrets

•Wild Wings

12/31 - Plane Jane

1/2 - Permanent Vacation

1/3 - Hot Sauce

•Yo Burrito

Every Friday night - Jim Algar

•Fiddlers Green Pub

Every Wednesday - Karoake

Every Thursday - Team Trivia  followed by DJ

•The Windjammer

12/31 - Playlist

1/2 - Soul Fish

1/3 - The Occasional Milkshake

•The Village Tavern

12/31 - As If