Kick off your shoes, slather on the sunscreen and head east. Beach season is here at last and the North Beach Oasis will announce its arrival on Monday with its Summer Kick-Off Bash from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music and - with a little cooperation from Mother Nature - lots of fun in the sun.

Entertainment will start at 1 p.m. when Ruckus takes the Oasis stage with its original/alternative music. They will be followed by the classic rock of Southern Fried Pickin', and last, but not least, an invitational jam session that will run from about 4 to 8 p.m. The jam session will be led by saxophonist Al Groth, bassist Gary Lekas, keyboard player Eddie Muniz and Milwaukee-based guitarist "Jammin Jimmy."

"Other musicians will join in throughout the afternoon and evening," said Paul Curtin, who marks his eighth season operating the North Beach Oasis this summer.

Oasis concessions, which feature everything from sandwiches, pizza and beer to juice and ice cream novelties (priced from 75 cents to $7.75), will be available throughout the day. And, this year, the formerly cash-only Oasis will start accepting credit cards as payment, Curtin said.

As always during the summer season, visitors can also take advantage of area amenities during the celebration, including the beach volleyball courts, the nearby Kid's Cove playground, the Lake Michigan Pathway biking and hiking trail, and park picnic grounds - all at no cost.

"North Beach really is a place for all ages," Curtin said.

Only the beginning

If you can't make Monday's party, have no fear. The fun will continue at North Beach throughout the summer, with live music Wednesday through Friday evenings (6-9 p.m.) and Saturday and Sunday afternoons (2 to 6 p.m.) at the Oasis. Coordinated by Gary Lekas of Gary's Music World, the entertainment will feature a variety of musical styles, with a little bit of something for everyone, Curtin said.

The beach will also host special events including the EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament (June 27), the annual Fourth of July celebration and the Spirit of Racine Triathlon (July 19). And, as the temperatures rise, visitors at all such activities can cool off in the waters of Lake Michigan.

Swimming season, with lifeguards on duty, officially opens the first weekend in June and runs through the first week in September at North Beach. Lifeguard duty runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. according to the City of Racine Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.

In addition to the security lifeguards provide, swimmers can take comfort in North Beach's designation as a Blue Wave beach by the Clean Beaches Council. Blue Wave is an environmental certification program that recognizes responsible beach management practices relating to water quality, beach and intertidal conditions, habitat conservation and more. North Beach has been a Blue Wave certified beach since 2004. For more, go to http://www.cleanbeaches.com

North Beach has also not been closed any day, due to water quality, since July of 2006, according to Julie Kinzelman of the city's Health Department. For daily water conditions at North Beach, call (262) 636-9233, during the lifeguard season.

Play ball

Sports fans can enjoy the return of the City of Racine's co-ed volleyball league games to North Beach this summer, Monday-Wednesday. And, in the works for this season is a men's sand soccer league, which will play just north of the sand volleyball courts.

Also returning to North Beach will be Victor Nino's Saturday morning Zumba dance classes, which were a big hit during their debut last summer, according to Curtin.

"The Zumba classes were HUGE last year," Curtin said. "There were over 100 people on the sand doing Latin aerobics together - it was very cool."

Free Zumba classes will run from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in August. Check the NBO Web site for details, http://www.northbeachoasis.com

Those looking for a more personalized day at the beach are invited to book a private party at the Oasis, during which an area of the grounds is set aside for a specific group and can be decorated with one of several themes. Everything from birthdays and class reunions to weddings and company picnics have been held at the

beach-front venue, Curtin said. And there is no charge for use of the facilities.

Partygoers are welcome to bring in their own food for such events, or have their party catered. "All we ask is that all beverages are purchased through the concession stand," he said.

If, during your day at the beach you want a break from the sun and sand, you can hop on the Downtown Trolley and ride it to the Racine Zoo for just 25 cents. The trolley, which is operated by the Belle Urban System from May 26-Sept. 6, runs a circuit route that includes stops at various Downtown locations, as well as the beach and zoo. For more about the trolley, go to http://www.racinetransit.com

If You Go

WHAT: North Beach Oasis opens for the season

WHERE: 100 Kewaunee St.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.

COST: Admission to the beach and live music are free.

INFO: For a complete schedule of events, as well information about concessions, water temperature and weather, go to: http://www.northbeachoasis.com