Captain Dave's Bad Boys Beach Bar was the scene of this years rip roaring 4th of July celebration. Our own Cowboy John smoked an enormous pig and dozens of local folks contributed their favorite potluck side dishes, creating a fabulous feast. J.J. and the Nasty Bastards shared their stage with the rest of Playa's best musical talent. The house band from The Jam Session, Bad Brad and the Culture Orphans, Barefoot Skinny and a host of visiting musicians all joined together to make this day so special. The Peanut Pet Shelter's raffle brought in an amazing $4600 dollars with prizes donated from generous local businesses. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the day, was the return of Playa's beloved Michael Grady. Singer, songwriter and entertainer extraordinaire, Grady returned to the United States last year and his departure, while necessary for his health and mental well-being, left a hole in the local music scene and in our hearts as well. It was wonderful to see him back in top form, happy and healthy and doing what he loves best.

Here are some pictures from the party. Apologies to those of you whose names I've botched or forgotten.


Rob (BuyPlaya), Derek and Chief Brian (Bomberos)


Bad Brad Ryan


The prettiest Culture Orphan


Miss Edie and Birdie



Rick (Babaloo) and Susie (SusieQRoo)


Food going fast!


Mimi (Blah, blah, blah Ginger) , Lisa (Living the Lisa Loca) and Rob (Bric International)


Tyra and Andy (Peanut Pet Shelter)


Mark (PlayadelSoul, Harmon Hall) with and Tony and Cheri (Luna Blue Hotel)


Tyra and Joe Colada


Steve (Baked) and Deb (OregonDeb)


Barefoot Skinny, Derek and Tony


Marlin (Big Fish) and Cynthia(?)


Jez (The Beer Bucket), Annabelle (Mrs.Bigfish) and her son


Kim and Kaj


Keersten and Claire


Kim and Noreen


Heather (playa.info) and Jez


Leasa (Ginger)


Jay (jaydoil) and Mr. Grady


J.J. (JPlayaJ) and friends


Kim and Cheif Brian (Bomberos)


Captain Dave (Bad Boys Beach Bar)


Sharkey brings down the house of the rising sun!


Mr. Michael Grady

A special thanks to Captain Dave for once again providing us with a place to gather and have a great time. Hats off to all the musicians, bartenders, waiters, local and visiting chefs and Cowboy John for their contributions to this event. The following businesses and individuals generously donated goods and services to the raffle benefiting The Peanut Pet Shelter, the Riviera Maya's only no-kill animal shelter, finding families and forever homes for loving dogs and cats. Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone!!

Off the Vine, the Bomberos, Luna Blue Hotel and Bar, Joe Colada, Kool Beach Club, Harmon Hall, Fusion Hotel and Restaurant, Tango Taco,  ATV Explorer, La Tortuga Hotel and Bistro,  Babes Restaurant, Dr. Jorge Armenta, Manne's Biergarten, www.intheroo.com, The Beer Bucket, www.playamayanews.com , La Famiglia Restaurant, Geofish Dive Shop, Ultralight, Barry Launius, the Fat Cat Catamaran, Reflex Massage, Fast Blast Speed Boats.