December 2016

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

Each year, Carl and I look forward to, and dread this time of the year, both at the very same time.  It is in the back of our minds, always, I believe; as an unspoken specter, looming over our shoulders, waiting in the shadows to pop out and exclaim, “Well, what do you have new for us this year?”

And so it goes for the Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza tour.  Each year, our goal is to bring something special to the kids that are the reason for our season.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the opportunity we have of bringing music to kids at Christmas.  Nothing that we ever do is more important, or more rewarding.

Our only problem is that next year will be our twentieth year doing the show, and it gets pretty difficult to find new ways to celebrate a two-thousand year old holiday.

All the credit, and when I say that, I truly mean, ALL the credit goes to Carl and his wife, Kim.  They seem to outdo themselves each year at this time with new props, gags and show elements that keep the kids, enthralled, elated, riveted and thoroughly amazed.

Kim, being a former teacher possesses tremendous incite into the intricate workings of young minds at this time of year.  A time when it becomes continually difficult to get students to focus on anything outside of the North Pole.

Although the new elements are not technically the the meat of the show, they allow us to put a new twists on familiar music that at times may be shall I say, a little old and tired .   . .

And, that ain’t easy!

While the music always has been and hopefully always will be the star of the show, it is continually on our minds to add new elements, surprises and themes.  After all, each one of us knows that every year, there is usually some new toy, or buzz or gimmick that is being marketed to our unsuspecting youth.

So while we might be sitting quietly between sets, poolside or at summer picnic, the “Holiday Extravaganza” wheels are always turning.

To say that it is truly worth it, is an giant understatement.  Nothing we do is more rewarding.  Nothing.

As I work in a school, I can tell you there is not a day that goes by, when a student doesn’t stop me and say something kind about the show.

That is a wonderful feeling.

While we get lots of compliments on our singing and musicianship throughout the year, at gigs and shows; the very best is when we see those faces lit up with the reflection of Christmas joy, once the music begins.

This year was really no different that most.  We did visit a new school in another district, thanks in part to a our longtime friend and incomparable educator, Jennifer.  Its always good to get the very first show under our belts.  To “open out of town”, so to speak.

Carl and I usually feel that the first show of the year seems a bit clunky.  We feel that way, however, we have learned that no one else perceives it as such.  Its primarily that we don’t have the timing down pat.  What song is next, or what gag goes where.  How the kids will react.  Things like that.

So, we do the first show, and hope for the best.  By the end of the week, everything is polished and running at maximum speed.  Nearly effortlessly at that point.  Nearly effortlessly, if we weren’t so exhausted, by then.

Try doing eight or nine shows in one week.

After our first show in garden City, it was time to bring it home to the unsuspecting kids of Fraser Schools.  We played sometimes three shows a day, for the remainder of the week, in what most people would consider a whirlwind of Frosty-nosed rain deer and Ho, Ho Hoes!

By all accounts, this years’ show was the best of the best, with acclaim being showered on us by kids of all ages.

For Carl and I, there is nothing more rewarding that playing for delighted kids and adults. everyone happy, everyone smiling and singing.

Its one thing to hear a teacher or PTO president, principal or parent tell you how they look forward to our show all year round; but when a little girl or boy stops us, and looks up with a smile as bright as the star on the tree, to tell us our show is the best show of year, it means more than anything that I have ever been able to convey in writing.

Kinda like a snowman, who comes to life.  Trouble is . . .   now, there is only 364 days until next year!

Rb

Andy Williams

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It’s the hap-happiest season of all

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of the
Christmases long, long ago

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When love ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling…

 

 

On a still winter night in December, Carl and I played Christmas music in an unusual way; in a garage, and on a boat.

It was holiday party time, and we were up to the task.  Setting up in an garage in Harrison Twp., we were ready and waiting for the fun to begin, even before the appointed time.

We had been asked to entertain at at holiday party that we had been to previously a summer or so back.  (See Up On The Roof).

As I mentioned, we got there early to set up.  (You never really know what to expect, until you arrive).  We set up or equipment, and staged our other set of equipment for what was to come next:  The Boat.

It seems our hosts had chartered a boat ride on the historic Clinton river for all their guests to enjoy; and we were to be the holiday music.

As the evening truly got under weigh, Carl and I boarded the Captain Paul II and readied our equipment at the bow.

The boat departed close to 8:00 to the delight of all the excited holiday revelers.  We had begun the Christmas music even before that, to do our best at keeping everyone warm and in good spirits.  It was about 12 degrees near the back of the boat, although they did try to keep us warm by providing a portable heater.

As we set sail, the music washed over everyone and provided the perfect backdrop for the arrival of the big man himself, Santa!  Even though we have heard he only comes once a year, he sure does his best to spread himself around.  We admire that.

As the boat made its way down the picturesque Clinton, many people waved or came out of their houses to take a look at all the clatter.  A few of the heartier revelers sang along, and some even grabbed their phones to document the festivities.

Smiles, though cold and careful, were neither frozen or nonexistent.  People were drinking, laughing, shouting and singing, singing, singing.

Although it seemed more than a few guests were wondering about the final hours of the Titanic, for us, it was truly a memorable affair.  Carl and I will never forget it, that is certain.

Around 10:00, as the boat docked, we took our que to strike the equipment at the bow and set everything back up inside.  We took about fifteen minutes, and they began to belt out the party music once again.  (The notes just seemed a little warmer, is all.)

All the guests had now settled down to make ready for the “grand finale” portion of the evening.  However, after only about three songs, we had word that another gifted musician was in the house.

Yes, right in the middle of our first set back, we were treated to the acoustic mastery of one  talented guest.  He twinkled the ivories for a while, to the delight of everyone in the room, and then just as quickly, turned the rest of the night’s entertaining chores back to us.

By that time, everyone was warmed up to a toasty-like glow, with Mr. Alcohol leading us in his special brand of fellowship.

With the guests singing and dancing, it seemed as though the party was a complete success.  Who says you need heat to create fire!

We thanked our hosts for another memorable event and loaded our gear back into the Bob and Carl mobile.  Time to head home and focus on the next holiday extravaganza awaiting us!

Rb

 

On any given Friday night when Carl and I are performing, you would notice more than a few things.

The very first thing that is that we have no script to follow.  We have no set list of music, or song sheet, set order or idea of which way we are even heading, musically.

What I mean to say, is that we decide on the very first two songs to begin any performance with, and wing it from there.

I imagine that comes as no surprise to anyone who has heard us entertain for very long.  We set out in on direction, and then decide to stay the course, or turn around and go in a completely different direction all together.

We might begin with an Irish song, and then make the quick decision to throw out a country song next.  The determining factor is always the audience.

We play for the people.

Our job is to entertain, make happy, and hopefully create an environment that they will enjoy so much, they will want to return with even more people.

That’s the goal; to help people enjoy their experience, using songs as the tool to make it happen.

When you think about it really, it isn’t that difficult.  After all, the folks are breaking out of their usual routine by going somewhere that they believe will be a positive experience.

They are either going out for good food, good drinks, companionship or all of the above.  If we can provide them with quality entertainment on top of that, then its a win-win!

Translation: They are going out to have a good time.  All we have to do, is not mess that up.

In December, it gets even tougher.

Our last Friday night was just like that.  You could actually see how tired people were from the turmoil and stress of the impending holidays.  After only a few moments with them, you could see the exhaustion in their eyes.

The holiday season is like that now; with everyone on a nearly impossible mission to unearth the perfect gift.  The schedule is brutal, if not unattainable.  Making sure that your house is decorated and glowing and inviting; no wonder everyone is whipped when they come through the doors.

When the patrons are in need for some energy, it is up to us to provide it.  That is why we need to be upbeat and accessible to everyone’s favorite musical genre or artist.

Another trend we have been seeing as of late, is how most people are turning in early.  It used to be that you would need to turn op the lights to usher patrons out of the bar at three am.  No more.

No one hardly stays out late any more.  Our court system has taken care of that.  No one can afford to make that mistake; and we totally understand.  This time of year, more than not, people want to get home early.

It is a great challenge to us, to entertain by reading the patrons’ musical desires.

We need to be up-beat and fun.  It’s tough, because realistically, it is very difficult to keep up that pace for four or five hours, straight.

The positives are there too.   The Three Blind Mice is a very inviting place to play.  People feel comfortable there, and at a ease.  They can relax and let the troubles of the world fly away, without really giving a care.  We are part of that relaxation process.

Helping the pub on this night was a very friendly band named Vintage Ink.  Their lead singer was very kind to us, complimenting our singing.  Always greta to hear that from fellow musicians.

Great atmosphere, great food, great drink and happy music is a the perfect recipe for enjoyable evening.  On any given Friday, there is fun to be had.

Come on in, we’ll prove it to you!

Rb