July 14, 1956

Robert George Balch was born on July 14, 1956 to the proud parents of George and Lolita Balch in Pontiac Michigan.

October 4, 1956

Carl Alvin Zimmerman was born on October 4, 1956 at Mount Clemens General Hospital to the proud parents, Alvin and Delphine Zimmerman.

November 22, 1963

The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the president of The United States is a day that both boys will never forget.  It is the first time in both their lives that they have to deal with death.  Seeing grown adults, teachers, friends and parents openly crying and in fear, casts a long shadow that forever lingers in one’s soul.  The entire nation grieves, and the pall lasts until February of 1964 when four young lads from Liverpool arrive in America and our hearts.

February 9, 1964

On Sunday, February 9, 1964 The Beatles played three songs on the Ed Sullivan show in New York.  

“My mother told me that something important was going to happen tonight, and you’ll want to stay up late and watch it.”  “I witnessed something that night that changed my life.”  “My mother was right.”
Rb

September, 1966

Bob and Carl both attend Clinton Valley Elementary School in Mount Clemens, Michigan.  They meet in fourth grade in the class of teacher, Larry Cosart.

September, 1967

In fifth grade, Bob moves to Ojibwa Elementary school and joins the school band.  Bob also has his first stint at becoming an actor in the school play, “Scarecrow Dick“.  Carl stays at Clinton Valley and meets John Schubert, the elementary band teacher who has a great influence in both of their musical careers.  Carl selects the trombone, and Bob decides on the cornet. 

September, 1968

Moving back from Ojibwa to Clinton Valley for sixth grade, the boys are reunited in band, taught by John Schubert.  Sixth grade opened up a whole world of new music to the boys by this amazing band teacher.  He not only taught traditional band music, but had his students listen to symphonies, musicals and popular music of the day; this more than anything broadened and exposed the boys to a lifelong love of all types of music.

September, 1969

In 1969 for seventh grade, the boys began school by being bussed to Chippewa Valley High School for half day classes, because of district budget cuts. The middle school that was newly build, (Algonquin) was not able to be opened because of a lack of funding, so the boys were bussed to the high school for classes.  
This began their six year journey at Chippewa.

September, 1969

Being at a high school can be daunting, but when your favorite teacher moves there to instruct band, it becomes something to look forward to.  The musical pieces that the director had selected to perform were incredible, enjoyable and very challenging.  Just what two young men thirsty for musical theory and structure needed.  In CVHS band, they learned more than anything, how to “listen”, a skill that serves them to this day.

1969

While the cultural watermark of Woodstock happens in Bethel New York, Bob and Carl focus on school, band and family.  Unaware of how lasting this musical upheaval will become.

Summer, 1970

Bob attends the YMCA summer camp in Dryden Michigan as a CIT (Counselor In Training).  

From the time Bob could walk, he was part of a YMCA summer camp.  First in Port Huron and then in Dryden, Michigan, where the Mount Clemens YMCA ran a summer camp for Mount Clemens Public Schools.  At fourteen, camp was now second nature.  In the summer of 1970, Bob was learning to be the right-hand-man of  his counselor, in charge of many facets of camp life.

Danny Hayden was the counselor and for that summer, Danny took all the kids out in the woods to learn life’s lessons and how to live off the land.  It was great time to be alive.

1972

Working at the YMCA back desk, Bob and Carl met Gary Miller, who taught them guitar chords while working Saturdays.
Playing guitar opened up a whole new world to the boys.  A world they still live in.

August, 1972

Bob and Carl play horns in the band, Miles Of Smiles at Mayor Cody’s house on Elizabeth Street in Mount Clemens.  A legendary outdoor party where police were eventually called in.  This officially marks the first time that Bob and Carl play together as entertainers.

July, 1973

At the ripe old age of sixteen, Bob and Carl, got on their 10-speed bikes on a summer Monday morning and rode to Cedar Point and back.  The trip took five days.  Honest, it’s true.

PORK RINDS AND BUCKEYES

We were both fifteen, out of school and not very bright.  That’s about the only excuse that I can give for this brilliant idea.  (Although I know for a fact that it was Carl who came up with it).

Hanging around Travis Hamburgers in Mt. Clemens with our high school friends sooner or later was going to get us into trouble, and as it turned out, this Saturday was the day.  Most of our time spent within our small circle of friends consisted of immature name-calling and stories of girls and how we were going to conquer them.  For some reason, on this particular Saturday, Carl announced somewhat out of the blue that we were going to ride our 10 speed bicycles from Mt. Clemens to Sandusky Ohio and back again. 

All in a weeks’ time!  (I didn’t even have a 10 speed). 

Now announcing something totally stupid like that would not be out of the ordinary for either one of us, but to make an idle boast in front of our most trusted, and despised friends, customers and the world in general just didn’t seem wise to me at the time.  Let’s be honest, we came up with dumb ideas all the time, but we never really vocalized them to anyone.

Be that as it may, we were now faced with having to “sell” the idea to our parents, the people that knew beyond a shadow of a doubt how goofy we were capable of being.  Little did we realize just how much our parents wanted to get us out of their respective houses, no matter what we were getting ourselves into.  After a while, the idea of riding bikes from our comfortable white-bread world in suburban Detroit to the unknown and uncharted remote wilds of Sandusky Ohio’s Cedar Point theme park seemed like a simple, yet enjoyable task.  Then again, I would imagine that most disasters begin in a similar fashion.  

Anyway, it was agreed upon that if we were both going to undertake this formidable journey, we would have to seriously train like we had never trained before.  (Actually, we had never trained before). 

Carl, (being the aforementioned mastermind of this fiasco), decided that all we needed was a short tune-up ride to become “one” with our machines.  Coincidentally, Carl also wanted to buy some “bootleg” 8-track tapes from this store that his parents wouldn’t let him go to.  So on a typical Saturday morning, we set off for a leisurely jaunt down Gratiot Avenue to 7-mile road and back.  As I look back, this small excursion went exceedingly well, so in our minds, we were more than ready to tackle a simple ride to an amusement park.

What stands out in my mind about the whole thing is that fact that I never once questioned what we were undertaking, or why.  It never occurred to me at all that it might be a wee bit difficult for bike riders of our caliber.  Or even possibly a little like actual work to pedal a bicycle 70 miles.  We also had to get there in a given amount of time, and had to navigate our way on our own.  On the other hand, it was not like we had never done stupid things before, in fact that was something that we excelled at.

The plan was to leave bright and early on Monday morning and ride straight down Gratiot Avenue until we either died of exhaustion, were run over, or actually made it to Toledo Ohio.  We would sleep over-night at rooms provided by the Toledo YMCA.  Tuesday morning we would again mount our bikes and travel to Sandusky Ohio where we would stay the night at the Sandusky YMCA branch.  If alive, we would spend all day Wednesday at the Cedar Point Park, enjoying the amusements and fine food, as well as the ambiance of one of the midwest’s premier theme parks.  Thursday morning would see us jump on our bikes, renewed and refreshed for a wonderful ride back to the fine city of Toledo for another night’s stay.  By Friday if all things go as planned, we would be back home safe, and sound all the better for the experience.

That was the plan; however, the reality was somewhere in between.

     On a crisp Monday morning we assembled at Carl’s house all bright eyed and ready to go.  And as a sign of how times have changed, Carl’s mother and my father told us to enjoy ourselves and please be safe.  And with a quick picture taken by my dad, (“to identify the bodies”), we turned right out of his driveway and were on our way. 

I really don’t think that it could have been possible to have a better summer day to ply any endeavor, but this one seemed somehow a cut above them all.  The birds were singing, the squirrels were squirrelly and there was a song in our hearts as we raced down the road to our new adventure.  Actually the day went quite well with us stopping to have lunch in Trenton I believe feeling quite up to the challenge stretched out before us.  As the end drew near to the first day of our trip, it was evident that we would arrive in Toledo ahead of schedule.  (Carl’s schedule that is).

We arrived at the Toledo downtown branch of the YMCA and registered ourselves into one of their deluxe 5 by 5 rooms with a view.  (Of the back alley garbage dump).  However, as we went on a self-led tour of the building, one of the staff recognized my t-shirt that had emblazoned on it the logo from our local Macomb YMCA and stopped us in our tracks.  Startling us beyond our 15 years he yelled . . . “Macomb YMCA . . . do you guys know a Fred Wallace?”  Well we did in fact.  My father had given him his first job as a program director at our local YMCA, and I had known him for years.  Unknown to us, he was now a director at that Toledo YMCA, and we soon found him and caught up on old times.  Fred told us that he would find a better place for us to stay than the room we were given, and he was right!  He took us down to the Members private locker-room, and made us at home there.  It was the most perfect place in the entire world for two weary 16 year olds.  We had deluxe showers; message tables our own private sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room.  Not to mention that when they closed the “Y”, we were the only ones there!  We enjoyed playing in the shows and everywhere else like we owned the place.  The best part was that when it came time to go to sleep, we were introduced to the greatest place of slumber in the entire world.  (For the living anyway).

The ”Nap Room” as it was known was one of the undiscovered wonders of the modern age.  I am quite sure that whoever invented the concept, just as quickly learned to keep the knowledge to only a select few trustworthy people.  If any news of this heavenly vestibule were to leak out to the world at large, all work and commerce would immediately cease and desist.  Here was a room about twelve feet long by about 8 feet wide that had nothing but comfortable cots for snoozing and relaxing.  When you closed the door, every thread of the outside world was cut.  Looking back I now realize that it was an early form of the sensory deprivation chambers that would become popular in the 80’s, and we had it all to ourselves!  What a nights’ sleep!  We awoke refreshed, renewed and refocused on our little quest to the “Pointe”. 

We knew that the second day would be a little more difficult because we would still be a bit fatigued from the previous ride, (and saddle sore), but we were young and ready for another challenge.  However, the one thing that Carl in al his infinite wisdom did not plan out meticulously was:  the weather.  We dressed, grabbed our trusty 10 speeds and exited the YMCA in preparation for another joyful jaunt, when we stepped outside into 42-degree weather and a steady cold rain.  This is the type of weather that ducks normally stay indoors and play cards in, but hey, not us, we were on an adventure!   A $^&(*&_))(*+%^ng adventure!.

This day would soon become one of the longest, nastiest, most singularly uncomfortable and annoying days that we have ever endured.  Tooling down some forgotten Ohio roads that stretch into infinite, we did our best to stay on track and schedule while the rain pelted us and the wind  assailed us.  And on top of that, every four minuets, we would be almost blown from the road every time one of America’s finest tandem rigs would roll by us at seventy miles per hour.  The only thing keeping us going at that point was the thought of something hot and warm at the end of our painful journey.  On top of that, with the elements impeding our forward progress, we were making terrible time, and might not even make it to the Sandusky before it closed.  Since we did our own planning for this trip, and not taking the weather into account, I had NO bad-weather gear.  All I had was a garbage bag that I cut a hole in for my head.

Exhausted, beaten and drenched, we sat under a tree in a yard across the street from a tiny country store.  Too tired to do anything other than stare, we watched with vacant expressions as powerful cars and trucks whooshed past us on their way down the road to rest, warm beds and ultimate happiness.  We were still about seven miles from Sandusky and the YMCA that was about to close for the night

 After a time, we struggled to our feet and ambled over to the store to at least get out of the rain for a few precious moments.  We sought temporary sustenance as were going to have to assemble what little strength we could muster and climb back into the saddles to ride to our destination, before the dark and the rain totally enveloped us. 

Standing in the small country store, I am quite sure that we looked truly pitiful.  So bad in fact, that a complete stranger approached us and generously offered to by us food.  However the aforementioned food turned out to be – a huge bag of genuine, lightly salted, pork rinds.  While I am not knocking pork rinds as a rule, and I am certain that a large demographic of our population truly enjoys them. There are some parts of animals that even the American Indians did not indulge in.  Sometimes you just have to say no!  Ah, apparently, this was not one of those times.  In our weakend, diluted state, the thought of dining on a diet of unused animal fat did not seem to slake any type of hunger that we had acquired.  That being said, we now considered ourselves men of the world, and as the worldly travelers we had instantly become, we did both carefully sample them.  After spitting them out and throwing the bag away, we dragged ourselves back to our place under the tree to die.

At our darkest hour, as if sent by some higher power, a mysterious stranger in a Chevy pickup truck pulled up in front of us, leaned over and after surveying our hopeless plight, asked if we would like a ride to Sandusky. Once again, something I am very sure you would never do in this day and age, we bolted to our feet, threw our useless bicycles in the back and jumped into this complete stranger’s truck.

I do believe at that point, it wouldn’t have really mattered where he was taking us, or what he was likely to do when he got us there, at least we were out of the unrelenting rain, and on our way to somewhere that we didn’t have to pedal to.  As it turned out, he drove us right up to the front door of the Sandusky Family YMCA, waved and drove off into the night, like the temporary miracle he was.  Once inside,  we found out that there was a group staying overnight in the YMCA, and we would have to sleep on our sleeping bags on the floor with all the other kids.  No problem, just let it not be in the rain!

The actual visit to Cedar Point itself was enjoyable yet somewhat anti-climactic.  Nothing really memorable happened.  We awoke on Wednesday morning, got there early, (we had to walk), and we also had to find the best route and remember it, or suffer the consequences.  If we didn’t the “Y” would be closed when we returned and we would be on the outside looking in.  We spent the entire day there, and didn’t miss riding on anything.  We even had the pleasure of having a young couple change their baby right next to us on the picnic table as we tried in vain to eat our lunch.  Soon the park was closing, and we set off for the YMCA through the dusk and the impending fog.  Carl decided (as he has a habit of doing), that we should attempt a “short-cut” which sounds like a great idea when you are tired at the end of a long day.  Yet as it turns out, wandering through a strange graveyard in the dark wasn’t the best of ideas in retrospect.  However, I will say this, the YMCA was right where we left it, and right where he said it would be.  

Thursday morning we awoke surprisingly enough with lots of vigor and determination to start the long trip home.  While dressing in the locker room to head out, the Sandusky YMCA executive congratulated us on our quest, thanked us for staying and gave Carl a token to remember them by.  It was a “Buckeye”.  A nut indigenous to the Ohio area, and a very memorial souvenir and keepsake.  I can still picture it today, one of life’s great moments.  It was an unlooked for treasure that to most people would not mean much, but to us it was if it was made of gold.  

The ride Thursday was hot, but for the most part, we were now getting stronger and stronger by the mile so it did not even phase us.  We relaxed that evening at the Toledo Downtown “Y” once more, and took full advantage of the Nap Room to refresh and renew us.

Friday morning was mostly a blur with us wanting to be back at home with our loved ones.  We rode with hardly any breaks or rest stops, and zoomed alone mile after mile without tiring.  In fact I remember riding past the spot that we stopped on the first day to have our lunch in Gibraltar, and thought to myself, “I don’t even know who those guys are anymore.”  The young immature, naive 15 year olds that had lazed about on that spot several days earlier, were now replaced with older, wiser, stronger, worldly men.  

Our last stop was downtown Detroit in rush hour.  Driving faster than the normal traffic, we were a blur whizzing along at about 20 miles an hour between lanes of traffic, and getting even stronger with every mile.  I didn’t stop until I rode all the way back to the countryside of Mt. Clemens and home 

Fueled by our transformation, we rejoined our friends on Saturday at Travis and related our story.  It was easy for us to tell them exactly what we did on our journey, but it took almost thirty years to realize how we were forever changed by the experience.  

That summer we reached our destination.  A journey forever etched in our hearts.

Rb

Fall, 1973

Bob and Carl who have been working at The Macomb YMCA have learned how to play their instruments.  Bob has learned bass guitar and Carl keyboards.  They are asked by Gary Miller to join his band, Superman that practices at the YMCA.  The band now consists of Bob and bass and cornet, Carl on keyboards, Gary Miller on lead guitar and his brother Ray on rhythm guitar.  

Since the band being formed, they had heard about a legendary lead singer, packed with charisma and showmanship named Cordosh, apparently he even showed up for one practice that Carl was part of.  The band never actually played anywhere, as Miller’s equipment was stolen and Carl went to college.  It was however, a great experience learning how to jam and improvise with other musicians.  Another good thing came of the experience, I bought my very first acoustic guitar.

June 9, 1974

Carl is the class salutatorian, and Bob somehow graduates.  They are asked to solo at the Baccalaureate.

August, 1974

Bob, Carl, Wayne Craycraft and an unknown drummer play at a graduation party.  Classmate and all-around good guy, Kenneth Thoel hires us to play at his high school graduation party.  The gig was somewhere at 24 mile and Romeo Plank Road.

August, 1974

After meeting Jim Lee and Steve Puntuiere at Macomb County Community College, they decide that Bob should replace Vince Puntuiere who was retiring from the band Emotion Ride that was currently recording music and playing live gigs.

The first gig they play as the new Emotion Ride is Gabe’s on Gratiot  East Detroit, Michigan.

September, 1974

Carl attends Michigan State University studying electrical engineering

September, 1974

Bob attends Macomb County Community College music program and meets Jim Lee and Steve Punturiere.

December 13, 1974

For the Chippewa Valley High School Christmas dance, the band Golden Emperor plays in the cafeteria.  
The band consists of Carl on keyboards, Bob on bass, Scott Anderson on guitar, Rich Belmont on drums with special guest star, April McNealy on vocals.  A group of musicians from Honolulu Conservatory Of Music in Mount Clemens.

June 28, 1976

Bob and Carl work all summer for the Macomb YMCA as day camp counselors.  The camp goes to Stoney Creek Monday thru Wednesday and Thursday to Lake Port State Park, coming back Friday afternoon.

The boys have many adventures and learn a slew of life lessons working as counselors for the YMCA those summers.

July 4, 1976

Sanctuary is asked to play a concert in the park at Shady-Side Park in Mount Clemens, Michigan as part of the city celebration of the country’s Bicentennial.

Set up and tear down take 13 hours and after all that effort, a faulty rental PA snake dooms the show.  The band only plays one song but cannot continue without the sound of the vocals and instruments being heard.  A very first lesson learned in being a rock star.

July 31, 1976

Steve, Carl, Bob and Larry McKeen on drums play a Bicentennial concert outside of Mount Clemens.

September, 1976

Jim Lee invites his cousin and Algonac area virtuoso Adam Prebzylski, AKA (Adam Allen or Adam Bomb)to join the group and play lead guitar.

October, 1976

The band Sanctuary is formed with Steve Punturiere on guitar, Robert Balch on bass, Gary Burlak on Keyboards, Jim Lee on drums.

December 31, 1976
Sanctuary plays New Years Eve at Imperial Lanes In Clinton Township, Michigan
Steve, Gary, Adam, Jim and Bob.  Sanctuary has been playing five nights a week through the fall for $99.79 each, after the Musician’s Union and Mike Goody take their cut.  In fact when we got paid by the president of the union, he thanked us for working so hard, quote: “Thanks boys, now I can get a new pool for my house”

July 20, 1977

In the summer of 1977, Steve Punturiere, Carl Zimmerman, Robert and George Balch all travel to New York to try and sell their music to several record companies.  The record companies in New York were big, powerful and formidable, but since disco music was currently all the rage, they were offered polite rejections.

Summer, 1977

In the late summer of 1977, Sanctuary was invited to play a house party.  The whole gang was there to rattle the walls and blow out some country windows!  The band was beginning to find their groove.

Summer 1977

During the summer of 1977, when work was done on the recording of the Magic Apple Round sessions, we needed some pictures for the printer to come up with the artwork for the cassettes and 8-Track tapes.  We got together and my father took the pictures.

Fall, 1977

During the fall of 1977 Bob is asked to play cornet in the Macomb Community College String Ensemble in Warren, Michigan.  Carl played in a symphony about this time as well.

It was a great experience for both of them to be asked to join the ensembles.  

December 31, 1977

New Year’s bash at The Colony Bowl in Algonac, to ring in the new year.  Sanctuary plays one of their last shows with Adam as he would leave to form his own band.  Steve, Jim, Carl and Bob from Sanctuary would go on to form The Boys.

July 1, – August 23, 1978

Bob is selected as one of the seven members of the YMCA World Ambassadors from America to attend and work in Hokkaido Japan for two months.  The program has teens from Australia, The Philippines, and USA working together as counselors at Camp Chimikeppu, Hokkaido Japan.

September 22, 1978

Bob begins working at JCPenney’s at Lakeside Mall, Sterling Heights Michigan as a stock clerk where he meets Kelly McCarty who becomes Brad Savage.  

October 31, 1978

Sanctuary might have been a lot of things, but one of them was never DULL.  Adam, Bob, Carl, Jim, Steve and even Joel could play when push came to shove.  The bar was rocking until 3:00 am most nights, when they would have to turn on the lights and yell, “GO HOME, YOU CAN’T STAY HERE!”

Fall 1978

A some nameless Bingo hall, probably in Algonac, Sanctuary entertains at a wedding. It is like looking into a time capsule in the lifespan of the band.  It was a wondrous time to play in a rock band in Michigan, there is no doubt of that; and the folks in Algonac KNOW rock music.

May 8, 1979

Carl and I have a photo shoot on the tracks near 16 Mile road and Groesbeck highway.  Carl grew up on that spot and we spent many an hour walking those railroad tracks, plotting how we would take over the world.  It seemed only fitting to capture the moment in time.  A moment that would last forever.

June, 1979

Carl graduates from college and officially joins Sanctuary.
Carl Zimmerman on keyboards and guitars.  Jim Lee on drums.  Steve Punturiere on guitar and Robert Balch on Bass.  Playing in Algonac and other bars, taverns and roadhouses in the Metro Detroit area.

July 15, 1979

We decided early on that we were destined to be rock stars, and as such, we had to do a “Rock star photoshoot”.  Well, since we really didn’t have an photo equipment, (like a white screen or any type of background for that matter), we thought that the next best thing we could do was to go to the local YMCA and take pictures in the racquetball courts.  Ok, so what did we know?  You have to remember, that back then, we were even stupider than we are now.

July, 1979

Carl is hired to work in the fuel injection division as an electrical engineer for the Ford Motor Company.

February 9, 1979

Sanctuary plays at Richmond High School valentine’s dance and fills the gym with song.

February 6, 1981

Sanctuary gets together for a photo session in a professional studio.   The photos immortalize Jim, Steve Adam, Carl and Bob forever.

March 12, 1981

Sanctuary is asked to entertain in the court at Lakeside Mall.  It’s a “Sock-Hop night”.  The court was packed as Sanctuary entertained at the height of their rock & roll powers.

1981

As Recalled by Kelly McCarty: 

“Me, Larry, Jerry, and DJ bought musical equipment back in 1980, and formed a basement band called Tilch!
DJ and I wrote a song called Johnny. That was the first song I ever wrote. Other than that we just were playing cover music while trying to learn our instruments.

However DJ was not all that into it, and that’s when the idea to rename the band to The Cockroaches with me Jerry and Larry, started in 1981.

Jerry penned: Three Stooges, Rock ‘N’ Roll, and I wrote, Cockroach Party.

The three of us began writing and practicing in the basement for several months. Jerry and I are almost every day, Larry and my mom‘s bingo nights on Thursdays and continue to practice in learn songs that we wrote.

When we hit 20 or 30 songs that we had written, we kept practicing until we thought that it would be a good idea to record.”

Km

May 1981

Jim, Steve, Carl and Bob got together in their friend John’s basement and did their own professional photoshoot.  It because a coming out party for The Boys, who shed the name Sanctuary and never looked back.

July 11, 1981

Bob and Carl are asked to perform at The Macomb Theater rededication.  They perform Beatles and country songs to the delight of the sold out patrons.

September 7, 1981

Sanctuary was asked to entertain at the Felice’s Quality Market Annual Picnic.  All their employees gathered to play games, eat drink and have a great time while being with their fellow workers.

September 12, 1981

Sanctuary plays a wedding at Geisz hall in East Detroit.  It’s a beautiful night and time for some youthful high jinx.  Eventually the boys pose for some of their soon to be group-defining photos.

July, 1982

Sanctuary plays at Clinton Gables in Mount Clemens, Michigan.
On the big stage the party was a huge success as Sanctuary was able to show their command of Country, Oldies as well as classic Rock & Roll hits.

August, 1982 – February, 1987

Bob and Carl begin playing Vinnie’s Bar & Grill on Hayes in Clinton Township.  Most every Friday night for five years.  Our friends and fans from JCPenney’s would come and share their evening with us.  Teresa was the owner’s wife and patriarch of the family.  There was Vince, Vinnie and the two daughters.

1983

In 1983, Jim, Steve, Carl and Bob drop the name Sanctuary and become The Boys.  With the emergence of “New Wave” music, the boys embrace the newest style that more closely resembles their true musical roots. They begin playing weddings, fairs, city music festivals and house parties as well as bars.  1983 sees them entertaining several nights a week at The Wooden Nickel.  The band takes off and is in demand all over Metro Detroit.

August, 1983

Bob Balch, Steve Punturiere, Carl Zimmerman, Ron Patlawitz, Jerry & Kelly McCarty enter Super Lix Recording Studio in East Detroit to record Their debut album, Cockroach Party.

Songs include: Cockroach Party, Swimming In The Secretarial Pool, Three Stooges Rock & Roll, Bad Reputation and more.
All songs are recorded in one day, with a return to do some overdubs and re-mastering.

March 17, 1984

Having just begun playing Irish music, it was both an honor and a challenge to play Irish music on Saint Paddy’s day in Detroit at one of the most venerable Irish pubs in the city.  Somehow we pulled it off.

July, 1984

Bob and Carl play The Wayward Princess, out of Toronto on the Detroit River.  We somehow were hired to play a party on The Wayward Princess on The Detroit River, and did a great job.  The captain of the ship then hired us for a few more gigs.  However, it all came to an end when we were detained in Canada for not having work permits.  The ships’ captain had to post our bail and put up a bond for our employment.  It lasted one more gig after that and then became too much of an international incident.

December 31, 1984

One of the highlights of our musical career was playing new years eve at The Warren Chateau.  The huge room was alive and jumping with each song seeming to take on a life of its own.  The Boys were nothing short of magnificent that night.  Memories of our vocal talent on display.

May, 1985

Bob, Carl and Paul participate in the Wolverine 200 Bike Endurance Race.
For years Bob, Carl and their great friend Paul Burkel participated in the endurance race, and this year, they traveled 223 miles in the 24 hours that the race allows.  8:00 am Saturday until 8:00 am Sunday.  They boys showed up for the race for many years, but always had to play music on one of the nights of the race.  This year, they set a good to finish the 200 miles, and they surpassed their expectations.  It was another of their life defining watermarks.  Nothing easy about it, but in the end: Goal achieved!

June, 1985 – May 29, 2017

The Boys began a long history of playing Great Oaks Country Club.  What began as a gig at Gowanie Country Club in Mount Clemens, turned into a thirty year run of playing at Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester, Michigan.  Brian the course manager at Gowanie, loved us when he heard us and so brought us to Great Oaks when he became manager there.  Brian eventually moved down south and left us a string of managers to work with over the years.  After a few years, The Boys retired and Bob and Carl entertained for years before they decided to save money and hire DJ’s.

July, 1985

I suspect that the good people of Washington Township didn’t have much in their city budget for music, but still wanted their folks to have a great show; that’s how we go the call.  We hadn’t played much as a duo at city parks back then, but we sure came through to make certain everyone had a wonderful evening.  We even stopped at The Octagon House on the way home and had it “christened”. 

June, 1986

Carl Zimmerman marries Kimberly Beard in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Summer, 1986

It was a magical summer for so many reason, one of them being asked to stroll at Trapper’s Alley in Greek Town, Michigan.  We walked up and down the three levels of shops and fun for the entire weekend, singing with two acoustic guitars to the delight of the awe struck shoppers.  It was an amazing experience, and an even more amazing memory.

September 6, 1986

Robert Balch marries Rebecca Bloom.

June 17, 1987

Sarah Zimmerman is born to the proud parents of Carl and Kim Zimmerman.

August 22, 1987

The Boys Play The Bud Lite Sight & Sound Music Series on the waterfront in Mount Clemens.  A huge crowd watches The Boys play an amazing concert and then enjoy fireworks.

August 30, 1987

Robert and Rebecca Balch are the proud parents of Kaitlin Alyse Balch.

March 12, 1988

It became one of our early traditions to gather a week or so before Saint Patrick’s day and practice the Irish music that we only played once a year.  We began this ritual at the home of one of our dear friends, Colleen Widlak.  One of our earliest, fondest memories were gathered around the living room, in song, while sharing the Irish tunes we had so carefully learned.  Those were precious memories were the best of times.

June 26, 1988

While still playing with The Boys, Bob and Carl was becoming a thing.  Several venues wanted a musical act that could play between headline acts, and save them some money; that was us.  We were just coming into our own as far as a duo, stretching our legs and playing bigger events for more and more people.

June, 1988 – June, 1993

Bob and Carl Play The Ryan Roadhouse most every Friday night.  The restaurant was our home each Friday night for about five years.  We shared many an amazing night with fans, friends and family.

July 1, 1988

The Boys Play The Bud Lite Sight & Sound Music Series concert along the waterfront in downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan.  23,ooo turn out to watch the concert and enjoy the fireworks display.  After the show, the Mount Clemens city counsel proclaims the concert as “The best the city has ever seen!”

July 4, 1988

On Independence day in 1988, The Boys played a concert at Freedom Hill, Michigan to officially, “Welcome Home” our Vietnam war veterans.  It was very emotional as people made speeches and poems welcoming home those who gave so much to our country.

July 22, 1988

The Boys, featuring Adam Allen played a concert in Centerline, Michigan, to the delight of all in attendance.  When Adam would join us, we would just start the classic rock song and let him take over.  A natural talent coupled with unmatched musicianship. 

August 11, 1988

The Boys open the concert at Dodge Park, in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  They play an electrifying set that sets the staged for The Sun Messengers.  It was an amazing summer evening where the crowd was cheering for encore after encore.

June 31, 1989

On June 31, 1989, Robert and Rebecca Balch welcome a second daughter into the world.

July, 1989

The Boys play The Pontiac Silverdome Parking lot.  A festival complete with midway and amusement  games is the setting for this summer event. 

Summer 1989

One of the most memorable moments in playing with The Boys was our gig at The Detroit Boat Club, on Belle Isle, Michigan.  While the event was fun, and we totally ruled the dance floor, what will forever stand out was our hi jinx after the show.  We always had a blast, even if no one was around to witness it. 

August 12, 1989

The Boys play a Hawaiian dance at Black River Country Club Port Huron, Michigan.  It’s a fun gig full of lots of surprises including a festive dance show.

September 1989

For their annual company picnic, Felice’s Quality Market invited The Boys back to entertain their troops event.  A great time was had by all, although it was one of the last gigs that Steve played.

September, 1989

After more than fourteen years together, Steve leaves the group to start a family.

December 6, 1989

Andrew Zimmerman is born to proud parents Carl and Kimberly Zimmerman.

December 27, 1989

The Boys play a wedding at Club Monty Carlo in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  At the height of their showmanship, every gig that was played was musical magic.  Every wedding, show or concert, The Boys did not disappoint.  Here they took the time to pose for Christmas cards that went out to fans.

May 7, 1990

The principal of Chippewa Valley High School asked us to put on a show of the history of rock & roll.  We spent a week practicing and writing a script, then did a performance that illustrated the many different  affects and styles that made up the roots of the American popular music.  Students filed into the auditorium and showed their approval with thunderous applause.  Mr. Positive, AKA, Gregory Baltiff was the emcee of the show.

January 19, 1991

Jake Robert Balch is born to Robert and Rebecca Balch.

March 17, 1991

Our agent Rick Paul called us and asked if we wanted to bring some Irish cheer to the Millender Center in downtown Detroit on St. paddy’s day.  We jumped at the chance, and left with some wonderful memories of music, smiling faces and even some green alligators.

June 12, 1991

Some of the members at Great Oak’s Country Club in Rochester Michigan contacted the people at the Meadowbrook Mall who were looking for entertainers to showcase one of their fun summer events.  Our name came to the top of the list, and soon we were dodging beach balls and playing all the summer hits that the happy shoppers could tap their toes to.

July 4, 1991

The Boys with Adam Allen play a concert in the park in Huntington Woods, Michigan.  Families from 9 to 90 enjoy each and every song on this perfect summer night.  The fireworks at the end of the show give the entire evening an exclamation point!

August 22, 1991

The city of Mount Clemens asked us to perform a concert at the newly created fountain in the down town area.  People came and sat and listened to the music while the city streets bustled with music lovers.  Having our children in attendance only made the day even sweeter. 

February 22, 1992

Bob and Carl perform at the Eastpointe Community Center Concert Series.  Playing Irish Favorites at the old church.  Lots of wonderful seniors come out to fill the venue.

April 2, 1992

The Boys do a show called, The Roots Of Rock & Roll.

August, 1992

Coleen Widlack who ran the YMCA women’s fitness camp at Camp Copneconic in Flint asked me if I would like to entertain the women on a Friday evening.  I did some classic rock songs, ballads and even a few old camp songs so they could sing along.  I was a fun-filled evening around the old lodge.

July, 1995

The Detroit Zoological Park hosted a wonderful event featuring celebrities, dancers, athletes musicians and more.  We played and mingled in the historic venue while friends and families enjoyed the various animals and events.  Carl and I even got to meet one of our childhood TV personalities, Mr. Sonny Elliot!

August 12, 1995

A friend of ours wanted to have us play at his house on the river, so we cobbled together a make-shift band and had a great time doing so.  Jim, Carl, Adam and I played all afternoon with the pure joy of playing with other great musicians.  You can see the fun in each picture.

August, 1996 – November 30, 2002

Bob and Carl begin playing Kokomo’s upscale restaurant in downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan, most every Friday night for about five years.  Co-owners, Joyce, Kelly and Linda create a wonderful atmosphere not before scene in downtown Mount Clemens for more than seventy years. 

August 17, 1996

Bob and Carl entertain at the second annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Huntington Woods, Michigan.

1997 – 2000

One of the most memorable gig we ever had was our first foray into entertaining at an art fair.
Playing under the trees with people milling about listening on a beautiful summer weekend, would be one of the memories we will always cherish.

July 1, 1998

Bob and Carl perform at Spindler Park in Eastpointe , Michigan.  Thousands enjoy at night of rocking, rolling and dancing to the classic country, rock and pop favorites.

July 3, 1998 – July 1, 2003

Through the years, Carl and I played Willow Metro Park enough times that we knew the park like the back of our hands.  First with The Boys and then as Bob and Carl, to the delight of the fully-entertained patrons.  Each time unique, each time a success.   Those concerts are memories that we hold onto, as a hallmark of our musical career. 

July 24, 1998

The city of Auburn Hills asked if we would entertain the people with country and variety music.  It was a beautiful day and a wonderful crowd.

September 3, 1998

Jerry and Kelly McCarty enlist Bob in the writing of the musical “Archie” Movie.  The movie screenplay was written by Jerry and Kelly McCarty and the music was written by the three.  Songs were written and recored by the McCarty’s and Bob and Carl.

This is how it began . . .

Thursday, September 3, 1998    10:29 PM

Hey Bob,

How’s things??

I got back to school this past week so, officially, my
vacation is OVER!!!! I’ve spent the last week putting some finishing
touches on some music I was writing for Jerry. I was wondering if you
or you and Carl could check it out and possibly play 2 or 3 of them.

I
could record it on cassette tape and send it to Jer. Let me know if
that is possible and if so, when and where could we do it.


It’s been a wild week also in that the mini van was broken into right on
our driveway. They broke out the back window and stole about $650 worth
of stereo equipment. Unfortunately, we didn’t have and extensive
coverage on the van for the loss of the stereo and it cost us 500 bucks
to replace the window.
But, a new week starts. Margaret and I are celebrating our 14th
anniversary on Monday.

Should be fun.
take care,


-k

December 18, 1999 – 2020

Bob and Carl are asked to entertain the kids at Cherokee Elementary School in Clinton Township Michigan.
Since Carl’s son and daughter attended the school, the music teacher asked Carl if he could entertain the kids at the Christmas show.  They shared the stage with Dr. Zaranick, The National Guard Tots For Tots program, the PTO and others.  The show became a tradition that lasted many years and many schools to come.

September, 2000

Bob and Carl begin entertaining at The New Baltimore Steak Out Fundraiser and play for thirteen years.

March 17, 2001

We began the day In Farmington Michigan at a venerable old Irish pub, named Cowley’s.  The snow greeted us in what was to be the longest Irish performance of our career.  We played at Cowley’s from 6:00 am, until 10, and then headed to Rosy O’ Grady’s where we played sets from noon until 4:00.  Then we moved on to Kokomo’s where we played until 2:00 am.  That’s a LOT of green alligators.

May 12, 2001

We got a call from our agent about a guy who was turning 50, and was a HUGE Beatles fan.  He wanted to celebrate his birthday at his house with all of his friends listening to a band that plays Beatles songs.  We set up on the balcony between the second floor, looking down on the living room.  The house sat on Orchard lake and was the perfect setting for a birthday celebration.  After the guest of honor sat in with us, (He was a member of the Bugs Beddow Band), he called down to the guests to have Karen come up and sing with us.  She called back, “The only song I know is the national anthem!”  It was of course, Detroits’ own Karen Newman.   She did sit in with us, and sang, “Crazy” by Willie Nelson.  It was an magical evening.

September 7, 1997 – September 15, 2001

Bob and Carl entertain families at the first Marshbank Park campfire.  Complete wilderness bliss as they perform songs of the early American country and classic camp-fire sing-A-longs.

September 22, 2001

Bob and Carl at play The Saint Hubert’s Fall Festival in Harrison Township, Michigan.

October 20, 2001

Dodge Park, in Sterling Heights, Michigan hosted a family-friendly event where children and their parents took part in an all-out Octoberfest for kids with games and events that brought the fun back for all involved.  We provided the soundtrack.

December 7, 2001

Just a snapshot from one of the many nights at Kokomo’s restaurant in downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan.  Now just a warm memory.

December 8, 2001

The city of Sterling height Michigan invited us to perform at the annual Tree Lighting ceremony at Dodge Park.  We played Christmas Friendly music during the event, adding some fun to the family event.  There were games, artists and musical performers, all adding their own bit of holiday cheer.

May 29, 2002

The Novi Car show called and needed to guys who could entertain people with classic songs about cars and America.  We were just the guys to do it.  

August 4, 2002

Gross Pointe Parks & Recreation concert series was the perfect place to bring our best mix of classic summer enjoyable music to the banks of the lake.

August 29, 2002

Carl and I were invited to entertain the best of Mount Clemens at their annual summer picnic.  It was a fun and laughter filled afternoon filled with great memories. 

November 8, 2002

We were asked to add music to the cultural diversity program at Grosse Pointe High School in November of 2002.  The students and staff filled the gymnasium as we offered songs that blended the lines between cultures and shattered stereotypes.  The students were very polite and appreciative of our involvement.  There was a luncheon afterwards where we met the students and answered questions.

March 14, 2003

Iroquois Middle School called a couple times to have us bring some Irish flavor to the school kids before Saint Patrick’s Day.  There was song and fun and some history and even a wee bit of teacher’s trying to do some Irish dancing.  Oh my!

March 17, 2003

Cowley’s Irish Pub in Farmington Michigan was one of the places we played that day. Cowley’s is a traditional Irish pub that plays host to Irish music and talent 365 days a year. It was a huge honor to be entertaining there on such a great day.

July 23, 2003

We were invited by there Oxford Chamber Of Commerce to entertain at the William E. Scripps Estate in Oakland County Michigan.  During their Arts Autos & Architecture event, we provided a relaxing background to the historic site.

The Scripps Mansion 7-26-03 – 11

August 30 and 31, 2003

Bob and Carl play the Algonac Music & Art Fair along the water in Algonac, Michigan.  A beautiful, memorable day like no other.

August 31, 2003

On the canal in Harrison Township is a great place for a back yard party, and we were more than up to the challenge.  Carl and I gathered our gear together and hoped for the best from the rain clouds.  In the end, we did get poured on.  What are you going to do?  Its the life of a rock star!

March 12 – 17, 2004

Apparently the word was out that Carl and I brought the Irish cheer wherever we went, and this year, we sprinkled the green just about everywhere!  We entertained young children at The Dooley Center and Salk Elementary at Fraser Schools.  We played a huge party down river, and a small private party in New Baltimore.  Then culminated the season a The Bath City Bistro, in downtown Mount Clemens.  A night that we will never forget.

June 16, 2004

The city of Farmington had us back to entertain their residents on this little hill overlooking the picturesque gazebo we were lucky enough to be able to entertain from.

Each time we played there, the reception was unmatched and over the years provided so many warm memories that we can scarcely count.

June 23, 2004

The Omni Hotel nestled not he Detroit river asked us to entertain their staff  as they were having a celebration of another great year.  The setting was picturesque as we provided background music for lunch and drinks by the river.

August 6, 2005

Eastpointe, Michigan and a huge concert lawn filled with happy, smiling, dancing people.

August 13, 2005 – 

Bob and  Carl begin playing at The Shelby Art Fair.  They begin a legacy of cool, calm pleasing relaxing music that has lasted ever since that first performance.

August 21, 2005

The city of Madison Heights graciously invites us to entertain before the fireworks display.  A beautiful day of people milling about enjoying all the joy a Michigan summer day can bring in the park.  Plus our old pal, Rosco the clown.  “Everybody into the pool!”

January 8, 2007

Kelly, Jerry, Bob and friends visit Jay Leno and watch the tonight show live and in person.

March 17, 2007

On this day in 2007, we entertained at Rosie O’Grady’s at two locations: Hayes and Canal in Clinton Township, and on 23 Mile Road in New Baltimore, Michigan.  We also played another private party, and enjoyed every green alligator that was uttered.

March 31, 2007

In March of 2007 Carl retires from Ford Motor Company and vows to travel the world.

June 27, 2007

Carl and Bob perform at the historic Henry Ford Estate.  A concert attended by a select few lucky friends and fans.  Carl was amazing at the piano and the excitement even escalated when the tornado sirens demanded everyone take cover in the basement tunnels.

July 5, 2007

Memorial park was a new city venue that had a beautiful wooden stage built in a newly minted park.  Lots of people who attended the concert series we were lucky enough to be part of.  On this particular evening, the beautiful sunny skies gave way to a torrential downpour before anyone could even notice.  As the storm approached, we invited them to take shelter under the roof of the stage and finished the night have a concert-in-the-round.  It was truly one of the most memorable concert events we ever played.

July 7, 2007

One of the members of Great Oak’s Country Club hired us to entertain at their house in Rochester Michigan.  It was quite the party with lots of splashing guests enjoying all the wonderful memories a beautiful summer day can offer.  Playing while overlooking the entire scene was pretty sweet!

July 11, 2007

On a beautiful evening in July, Carl and I played one of our career signature events in a sprawling park in Marysville, Michigan.  Everywhere you looked, you would see what is amazing about summer in Michigan.  The people, the laughter, the kids, the beach balls!  The kids and old ladies playing with beach balls.  Oh my!

July 14, 2007

Our great friends Diane and Chuck McCauley celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and were kind enough to let us share in their joy.

August 30, 2007

The Holsbeke family invited us to entertain at their birthday celebration.  It was on a ship on the Clinton River.  The afternoon and evening was a wonderful memory for everyone involved.  Music dancing and a celebration of life like no other.

March 17, 2008

Rosie O’Grady’s became our unofficial home on Saint Patrick’s Day for many, many years.

April 9, 2008

Entertaining at Cloverleaf Pizza, where the owner and operator made us feel right at home.  The big room was the perfect place for us to mingle with the crowd while playing all their classic music favorites.

May 9, 2008

Carl and I played several times at Cloverleaf Pizza in Eastpointe, Michigan.  Each time had its own charm and satisfaction.  The owner, staff and patrons were so very nice, we both felt great enjoyment after every song.

June 10, 2008

In June of the year, we thought it to be the perfect time to revisit the same tracks that we had sat on years earlier.  So many thing in our lives and changed, and yet, as we sat together in that same place, the years melted away.

March 14 – 17, 2009

Our celebration of Saint Patrick this year had a few stops.  There was Younger’s in Romeo, Thee Office Pub, right next door and of course, Rosie O’Grady’s.  It was great to connect with old friends and gather new ones who would become family.

March 20, 2009

Bob and Carl are asked to take part in the Assembly Line Concert.
A concert who’s goal was to break the Guinness WORLD Record for longest running music concert.

Bob and Carl played an hour, and enjoyed the once-in-a-liftime experience.

• Published: Aug. 21, 2009, 1:16 p.m.

  A.J. O’Neil, owner of A.J.’s Music Cafe in Ferndale, just found out that he officially broke a Guiness World Record when he hosted his first “Assembly Line Concert” this past March.

  The concert consisted of 288 hours of consistent live music playing that lasted 12 days and included more than 300 performers. What was his reaction to the honor? Next year he’s going to do it again and break his own record, he told local media.

  The little cafe is known for marathon music sessions of all sorts. In 2008, A.J.’s hosted a 50-hour “Danny Boy” marathon that started on St. Patrick’s Day.
  
  But the “Assembly Line” marathons are about more than just breaking records. O’Neil told the Detroit Free Press that it’s about promoting the Big Three car companies, too.

  He even had people sign a pledge to buy American cars through his “I Promise America” program. He’ll continue the drive with next year’s marathon.

  According to the Oakland Press, Gov. Jennifer Granholm and other dignitaries stopped by during last year’s marathon to support the cause.

   

   

  Jessica Nunez

  
  

   

   

June 28, 2009

A beautiful night in June where everything about it was perfect.  The atmosphere, the food, the adult beverages, the friends, family and music was an antithesis of a summertime celebration in Michigan.

July 25, 2009

Back in our old stomping grounds from the 70’s and 80’s, Carl and I somehow got ourselves invited to play at the Club Capri in Algonac.  It’s  nestled right near the Colony Tower and has all the old school charm of most Algonac watering holes.

It was a fun night, complete with a fish-fly sendoff that is traditional in those parts.

December 31, 2009

Well for some reason we were at Little Lorraine’s in downtown Mount Clemens on New years Eve.  I don’t remember much about that night, except for the long way carrying equipment up, and then back down the stairs.  My back hurts even now thinking about it.

March 17, 2010

Our Saint Patrick’s celebration in 2010 began in the morning at Rosie O’Grady’s in Clinton Township where longtime Detroit radio personality, Ken Calvert broadcast their show remotely, and ended at Limelight in Rochester, Michigan.  It was a full day of Irish favorites, I can tell you that.  So much fun!

July 28, 2010

On our return to Marysville we had a bit more time to savor our evening there.  Each song, each smile each beach ball will forever live in our memory.

April 24, 2010

Alpena is a long way away, but totally worthwhile.  We had the honor of entertaining at the Alpena Policeman’s Annual Ball.  Everyone so nice that we had to come back

March 12 – 17, 2011

Our celebration of the green this year began early at Thee Office Pub, in downtown Romeo on March 12th.  When the 17th arrived, we found ourselves entertaining at a new/old bar in Clinton Township, Michigan: Clancy’s Irish Pub.  Actually, Clancy’s is what Rosie O’Grady’s used to be, with the owner Vince now the sole proprietor. We would typically begin at 7:00 am and play until 1:00 Pm.  Then pack it all up and move to Limelight in Rochester for the remainder of the day.  A great time to be alive.

June 12, 2011

One of Carl’s wonderful friends who worked at Ford Motor Company with him had a son who was graduating from high school.  Martha thought that having entertainment that could also play the occasional Irish tune would be the perfect cherry on top of a perfect day.

April 5, 2011

Jerry McCarty contacted me about doing the soundtrack for a movie currently being filmed by a local film maker.  The working title was simply, “Morrow Road“.  I imagined the story of a ghost who haunted an area for over a century, so the soundtrack would need to reflect songs from specific decades.  I wrote eight songs beginning in the fifties and spacing decades after. I also wrote a song encapsulating the entire legend, called “The Ghost Of Morrow Road“

March 17, 2012

Our fantastic day began in Clinton Township at Clancy’s Irish Pub, where so many friends and family did their part to share in the day.  Beginning the day at 7:00 am you really get to enjoy every moment of the “wearin’ of the green!”  After getting Clancy’s off to a great start, Carl and I headed to Rochester to set up at The Limelight Pub. The pub was nestled in the heart of the downtown, right on the banks of the water. The weather is a perfect 80 degrees and the pub is packed with happy revelers enjoying a classic celebration of Irish songs and stories.  Of all the Irish celebrations we enjoyed over the years, this one will forever be my favorite.

April 1, 2012

Jerry McCarty approached Robert Balch about writing a Theme for actress Sean Young‘s Podcast.  I’m Not Crazy is written.

September 22, 2012

When a house party in Bloomfield is a gathering for Michigan football, you know it’s serious.  Top it off with a car collection in the extra garage, and of course it’s going to be memorable.   Oh, it was.

October 6, 2012

Canton Park & Recreation hosted an event out in the woods with artists and animals and somehow, Bob and Carl in-the-round.  It was a very memorable day as people milled about and drank hot cider while listening to their folk favorites.

January 25, 2013

On Friday January 25, 2013, we met Jay Leno and had a personal tour of his garage.  After that we attended a taping of The Tonight Show at 3:00 Pm and then had dinner after at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  

Jerry McCarty, Jim Matczak, Carl Zimmerman, Kelly McCarty, Rodger Jack and Paul and his wife  all attended.  We went to the garage, attended the show, had dinner and then went to see Bob Cowsill and sat in the sing with him.

March 17, 2013

On this day in 2013, Carl and I entertained at our long-time St. Paddy’s home, Clancy’s Pub.  So nice to have everyone that mattered to us show up to support our long, enjoyable day.

June 22, 2013

Who doesn’t enjoy a house party that boasts a wedding celebration, swimming, eating, drinking, a band AND a mechanical bull?

That’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout!

July 3, 2013

What began in East Detroit at Kennedy park, and then Spindler Park years before has transitioned to another new venue in Eastpointe, Michigan. Situated just off of Gratiot avenue the new park offered us another era to entertain the fine folks in that area.

June 29, 2013

One of the most wonderful elements of being a musician is being asked to share in some spectacularly important events in a person’s life.  Like a marriage between two nice people, with all their friends and the banks of Lake Saint Clair on a beautiful day.   The floating lanterns over the lake; nice touch.  Absolutely enjoyable,  totally memorable. 

August 14, 2013

The mighty Cockroaches gathered together for the unofficial Thirtieth annual Cockroach Reunion in an unnamed backyard in Macomb, Michigan.  Most of the original characters were there: Jerry, Kelly, Larry, Bob, Lance, Carl, Steve, Todd and more brothers than you could shake a can of raid at.  With Kaitlin DeWinter and the one and only Shayne on backup vocal harmonies and solos.  The warm-up band was Timmy, Don’t Be A Hero, featuring Tim Gregg on lead guitar.  

November 1, 2013

Bob and Carl begin playing at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in downtown Mount Clemens.  Driving through town on your way to a high school friends’ funeral, we see the construction of a new Irish Pub in downtown Mount Clemens.  We stopped in and talked to the owner, (Bad Brad), and told him that we played Irish and other popular music, and that he needed to hire us when they opened. We began that fall for their “soft opening” and played for seven years after that, until the pandemic halted all entertainment. 

March 17, 2014

Saint Patrick’s 2014 was nothing short of a whirlwind for us both.  We began the day as we usually dis at Clancy’s Irish Pub in Clinton Township, playing from 7:00 am until around 10:00.  At that time, we loaded a second set of musical gear into the van and headed downtown to WDIV’s studio in Detroit.

It was time to guest star on WDIV‘s Live In The D for Saint Patrick’s Day.  We met Karen Drew and company, got a tour of the station, and show-prep for our performance.  Did the show and jumped back into the van to return to Clancy’s. Upon finishing, we drove to Mount Clemens to entertain for the rest of the day at The Three Blind Mice until 10:00.

June 28, 2014

Carl and I were lucky enough to be asked to entertain at this beautiful house on Orchard Lake.  The house was being worked on at the time, but still an architectural masterpiece.  What a beautiful day.

July 10, 2014

The Trenton Days Festival was always a great place to play.  The ride down in the van was always enjoyable with good time to talk and discuss the band, where we were and where we wanted to go.  The street was teeming with folks checking out the vendors, the music and the adult beverages, among other things. Maybe we’ll see you again there next year!

July, 2014

Bob and Carl begin playing Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township.  While we were playing at The Three Blind Mice in Mount Clemens, Shelby who was doing the booking, reached out to DJ Jimmy-Jammy at Bumper’s Landing and told him that he had a duo that could fill in there when they needed.  We began playing Bumper’s that summer and are playing there still.

August 15, 2014

Somehow we met a wonderful woman named Shantel who invited us to entertain at her bar on Lake Saint Clair, between New Baltimore and Algonac.  She was so nice to us, always kind and making sure that we were taken care of.  Eventually she closed that bar and opened a restaurant in Mount Clemens.  Such a wonderful person.  We enjoyed playing there.

August 23, 2014

Some customers who frequent Bumper’s Landing invited us to play a fundraiser at their house on the river.  When we arrived, and asked where we were to set up, the owner pointed to the roof!  “How is that going to happen?” we asked.  “Just carry all your gear up the stairway”, they said.  “Well, we’ll play if you get some people to get our equipment up there.”  Well, they did, and so did we.  It was an unforgettable night of fun, raising money for the Wertz Warriors.  

March 17, 2015

For this year’s Saint Patrick’s Celebration, we began as we had for a while at Clancy’s Irish Pub in Clinton Township, Michigan.  After playing early, we took a two hour rest-bit and entertained again at Green Lantern pizza in Fraser, Michigan.  Jewels, one of the gals at who had worked with us at Rosie O’Grady’s and left to work at Limelight, brought us over to Green Lantern, when she began there.  Lot’s of friends and family shared in the emerald glow of the day.

June 25, 2015

Bob and Carl entertain kids at The Marshbank Metro Park in West Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

June 29, 2015

They call the concert series in Roseville, The Rose-Fest.  It just so happens that a lot of people showed up looking for a great way to spend a summer afternoon.  There were police, and clowns and dancers, musicians and us, I guess.  So much to do, so many things to see. We added something special to listen to.

August 20, 2015

It’s a long drive but so very worth it to get to Flatrock.  What make is worth it?, you might ask?  The people.  Fun friendly people who enjoy music and know how to have a good time.   There were bands, there was food, there was drinks and there was wrestling?  Yup, wrestling and games and cars and vendors.  Great fun  on a Sunday, entertaining all those who would listen.  We played in the tent, and when we were done we got to watch some other great acts.  Michigan is a hot bed for music.  Always was, and always will be.  Some amazing talent, no matter where you look.  We hope that Flatrock calls us back next year.

March 17, 2016

Another awesome Saint Patrick’s celebration as our tradition of entertaining at Clancy’s had us sharing our Irish talents with patrons, friends and family.  And as we had for a few years, we made the trek over to Green Lantern to spread even more Irish cheer.

Mach 22, 2016

We entertained several times at a restaurant in Utica Michigan, called Vast.  The owners were very nice and accommodating, although I’m not sure that entertainment was featured correctly at that venue.

May, 28, 2016

Jimmy John’s Field Opens in Utica Michigan, and asks Bob and Carl to be a part of the “soft” opening.  They set up their equipment and test the stadium sound system, beginning a relationship that has lasted more than ten years.  Most of the performances have been on “Irish Night” at the ball park.  In 2026, the name was changed to UHY Field.

June 24, 2016

Trenton Days are a thing, you know.  And Carl and I sure do love a good thing.  Most of the time when we are asked to entertain at one of these local shows or festivals, we end up doing our very best to take everything in.  In this case, we enjoyed every second. The street vendors, the smells of great food and the local musicians who we showcased between our set.  This is just the type of event that we have played through the many years, and enjoyed each and every time.

August 10, 2016

Bay City Parks & Rec hired us to entertain some wonderful families along the water in Bay City.  Standing on the stage where many of our contemporaries entertained over the years was quite rewarding.  Although, actually, elected to set up on the ground closer to the families, kids and concert goers.
The beautiful day was capped off by a relaxing drive home.

August 21, 2016

The 35Th Cockroach Reunion Bash at The Three Blind Mice in Mount Clemens.  Tony Vassar‘s band opens the night as the Cockroaches take the stage at 9:00 pm.  It’s the 35th year reunion concert and the Cockroaches fill the upper floor of the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Original Cockroaches, Carl Zimmerman AKA Carl Rollin, Robert Balch AKA Bob Dantzer, Ron Patlewitz AKA Lance Devous, Jerry McCarty AKA Eric Swan are joined onstage by Adam Prebelski AKA Adam Bomb, Kaitlin Balch AKA Kaitlin DeWinter and Sarah Zimmerman.  With Steve Mccarty AKA Eddy Stein as the nights’ Emcee.

October 28, 2016

The seniors of Auburn Hills had a Halloween party that thrilled their entire group of residents.  Bob and Carl provided the soundtrack.  Lots of costumes, lots of music, lots of fun!

December 10, 2016

Bob and Carl are hired to perform Christmas sing-a-long songs on the riverboat as it cruises out and then back again before the party inside the garage.  A festive time is had by all!

December 13, 2016

On December 13, 2016 we went into the studio to record, Back In The 80’s at a private studio in Clinton Township, Michigan.
Adam Prebylski, Carl Zimmerman, Jerry McCarty, Kelly McCarty, Roń Patlawytz, Todd Ramblers all recorded their parts.

March 16 – 17, 2017

Our long-time friend, Mary from Eastpointe, Michigan called us to see if we could bring some Irishness to the seniors that spring.  We had a wonderful time entertaining the many smiling faces who were singing along with every Irish favorite.  On the Green Day itself, we began as usual at Clancy’s and then transitioned to The Green Lantern in Fraser for the remainder of the celebration.  We had some fun that day I can tell you!

May 17, 2017

Co-Write Liquid Vacation with Jerry McCarty from an idea he had about a guy who goes into a bar and escapes the cold weather as he dreams of going on vacation to a warm climate beach.

Jerry had most of the words, and I re-write them and added music to finish the collaboration.
Rb

May 21, 2017

Our good friend Chris Holsbeke threw a retirement party and it was off the hook.  Ok, well, maybe not off the hook, but the hook was defiantly wiggling.  It was held at The Rec Bowl in Mount Clemens, owned by another good friend, Freddy Fox.  Good to see some of our other friends who had signed the wall over the passing years.