Thinking that Bumper’s Landing is  a “boat bar” just doesn’t make sense any more.  There are too many facets to it.  True, some people show up only in the summer when the weather is hot and sticky.  They sit by the water and feel cooler just by being there.

Some people come for the food.  (When your tummy nudges you and tells you that it needs pub food, you really have no choice but to obey.)

There are the drinks.  Yes, the drinks.  Served good and cold, and refreshing and so plenty. Yes, the drinks!  Some come to Bumper’s for that.

There are those that even venture out for the music.  On the weekend, the line-up is outstanding and vibrant.  Part of the setting besides the water and sun and booze and music, is the total vibe.  Bumper’s owns it!

With all that being said, why would you stop by in late March to a bar that brags about the sun?

The big game.

Whether it’s baseball, football or hockey, the big gamer is always on.  People like it, and they like people.  In fact, they do everything they can do to make them happy.

On this particular Saturday night, the big game was of course, basketball.  The university of Michigan was on and vying for a ticket to the national championship game.  Our job was to amp up the excitement level, and entertain the folks during breaks.

We began hot right out of the gate, since the bar was full and getting ready to burst.  Since there was nothing to hold back on this evening, we didn’t even try to ease into anything.  We take our cue from the people, and the people were ready to party.

When a big game is on, everyone’s attention is riveted to the screens.  They live and die with every shot, goal or basket.  To try and play music is just too distracting for the patrons, and does not really add anything.

On this night, the game was back and forth, with many great plays keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.  The boys from Michigan were in it, and people were very optimistic for the second have.  As soon as halftime arrived, Carl and I began anew, launching some of our best up-tempo classics their way.  Most people were still too wrapped up in the game’s outcome to truly let themselves go, just yet.

As the second half began to unfold, it seemed more clear that this night was going to be very enjoyable.  The baskets were dropping and the cheering became a never-ending exclamation point on a night destined for a big, party.

The crowd counted down the win, as the final buzzer sent the boys from Ann Arbor to the national title game.  It was a perfect night for everyone.

Now Carl and I could relax, let loose and lead the happy crowd in song.

On a night that was more about sports than music, we we’re happy to let the people be the show.  It happens more nights than you might know.  After all, we are there for the people, Our job is to entertain them.  To let them find their “happy place”, right here for a few hours.

It was another great crowd.  Most of them nearly exhausted because of so much adrenaline  being spent.  The relief, the elation and the worries, all washing over the patrons as the night few to it’s conclusion.

Another fun time at Bumper’s for us all.  Just another way to enjoy the spring, the fellowship and the fun that is this amazing venue.

Rb

Carl and I have always held tradition in high regard.  When you work for things and create connections and memories that resonate with people over time, it becomes even more important and fulfilling.

Throughout our long careers in entertaining, we have established many of those connections with people and venues that have spanned years and even in some cases, decades.

Recently however, one of those traditions has been lost and hopefully, a new one begun.

For many, many years, Carl and I have entertained on Saint Patrick’s Day at a couple of local establishments; all day, from early morning until late evening.

We’re talking twenty years or so, for the same people.  Well, this year, due to circumstances beyond our control, those events did not happen.

Thankfully, a new opportunity presented itself, and gave us a chance to share our Irish music with our friends once more.

Bumper’s Landing, on their very first St. Paddy’s day, allowed us to stop by and sing about those green alligators, live and in person!

Talking about it nearly a week before the big day, neither one of us really knew what to expect.  So much depends on the weather and word of mouth, and the bar never being open for the Irish holiday before.  We truly had no idea if anyone was going to be there or not.

Much to our delight, when we arrived, Bumper’s was jumping.  The sky was blue, the temperature was not too cold, and people were definitely ready for the beginning of spring!  St. Paddy’s means a new beginning to a lot of folk, green or not.

It was something new for the staff and a lot of the patrons at Bumper’s, to hear us do nothing but Irish music.  They actually seemed to like it.  Who knew?

We began with our traditional opening song.  (Yep, we love our traditions . . .), The Whistling Gypsy, and then moved right into more songs about whiskey and women.

Irish songs are full of spirit and life, that’s for sure.  That is the connection that people can hear, no matter what your heritage is.  And, on Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!

Knowing by now that everyone was immersed in the “wearing’ of the green”, Carl and I lunged deeper into the heart of the Irish spirit.  We played music about drinking, and fighting, and loving and sailing and fighting and more drinking and even more drinking, until everyone was singing along.

It was very satisfying to know that we were the entertainers to bring Irish music to these boaters.  It was a great fit.  After all, no-one loves a good party more.

The music was taking hold at this part of the evening.  There were smiles and song everywhere you looked.  The glasses were full and the people were happy.

The very first St. Paddy’s celebration at Bumper’s was a success.

Who knows where we will end up on March 17th next year.  Maybe, just maybe we have started another wonderful tradition.

Rb

 

 

On a beautiful Friday in March, Carl, Jerry and I set out for the Ramsdell Theater, in downtown Manistee Michigan. Who’s Jerry, you might be thinking . . .      (Jerry Long, the Mighty Mighty Plumber AKA longtime band-friend who masquerades as our road manager).

It was to be a four hour road trip; however, the memories we made would last a lifetime.

The trip was great, giving us time to relax and soak in the beautiful Michigan landscape.  We even stopped for a break or two, so that we could enjoy every moment.  Time flew by, as we listened to some set recordings of our 2012 St. Patricks’s Days show.

Arriving early, (as we like to do), we caught our first glimpse of the Ramsdell Theater.  It was quiet and stately, as it soared high into the Manistee city-scape.  Although we were not sure how old the building was, it appeared as though it would last another 100 years, or more, with little or no help from us.

Obviously it had been recently restored, and now appeared at the apogee of it’s beauty once more.

Poking around the front of the building, we were greeted with open arms and ushered inside to partake of Ramsdell‘s majesty.  It was orate, yet not opulent.  Historic and homey at the same time.  Its’ vibe was very comfortable and cosy.  Growing up in a small town, it made me feel like I was returning to put on a show for friends and family, long missed.

Just at about the time when we were going to sit down and relax, the headline act arrived; Crossbow.

This high-energy group pf young, talented musicians, filled the theater with personality as soon as they arrived.

Lots of time was taken for their set-up, as each and every instrument needed to be tweaked just so for the impending show.  Concluding our three minute sound check, the stage was set and everyone was ready for the big night ahead.

Upstairs in the big hall, high above us all, the patrons were dining on a feast of Celtic treats for the occasion.  Drinks were flowing both upstairs and under the stage, for good measure.  The pre-show excitement was most certainly in the air.

Xavier, the master of ceremonies, greeted the crowd that had finally settled into their seats  with the promise of “An evening to remember.”

Right on cue, Carl and I began with our traditional Irish opening song, The Whistling Gypsy.

For two guys that are used to playing four, five, six or up to twenty two hours on several St. Paddy’s days of the past, only playing forty five minutes can be a battle to decide just what music to share with an appreciative audience.

Our goal was to get everyone in the mood for the coming of spring.  So, to “Get their Irish out”, so to speak.  We did just that, as it became apparent that the music we did select made a permanent connection with everyone within earshot.

We played The Black Velvet Band, Whiskey, You’re the Devil!, and Galway Girl.  We sang every song that we could think of that would evoke that feeling of being with good friends in an Irish pub at the ending of a day.

When we finished, the crowd erupted with applause and appropriate adoration, hardly  being able to wait until the big stars took the stage for their performance.

The break between shows allowed us the opportunity to commiserate with many of the patrons that had just listened to our set.  These were truly some of the nicest people that we had ever entertained.  They had so many wonderful things to say to us, it was a real joy to visit with them, and hear their treasured feedback.

However, just like that, Crossbow took over the stage.  Their Celtic rhythms and melodies, got the crowd tapping their toes and clapping their hands to the Irish melodies and moods.

Fiddles were flying, pipes were whistling and bass notes were dancing to the unrelenting beat of a jig and whirl.

It was the perfect blend of the entire breadth of music Ireland had to offer.

Our down-home, earthy melodies and sing-song stories, paired with Crossbows, rhythms, rhymes and raiper-like notes!

As the echoes of the ovation barley dissipated., we were once again on our way home.  The four hour drive, flying by in the night.  Most of our thoughts were still on the show, and the historic impressions that would resonate in our minds.

The show was grand.  The music was good, the venue was amazing, but the people . . .

. . . the people were what we would remember.  Folks so nice, that took special time to approach us both and genuinely express how much joy they felt as we played for them.

That, to us was the historic part of this trip.

Rb

 

Since it is nearly twenty years since we recorded our Irish Hearts CD, we thought that it might be time to re-post the link so many of our friends could enjoy it again this spring.

We had a wonderful time recording it, and we believe that it still holds up, after all these years.  As always, your comments and critiques are more than welcome.
Rb

Irish Hearts

Sometimes it seems that there is just something in the air.

…….something that turns seemingly normal girls, a little crazy.

Crazy fun, though.

That’s exactly what we witnessed last Saturday night at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Township, Michigan.  Crazy fun.

You know by now that there are some people that drink and want to fight.  Some people that drink and want to complain, or pontificate.  Some folks get boring; or boorish.  Some get lazy, some get aggressive and some just get plain weird.

We’ve seen it all in our years entertaining in the pubs.  Most of it good.  And, sometimes……

Well, the other night as we were playing, we saw some gals having a great time at Bumper’s. And, since they were having a great time, so was everyone else, because of them.

You know, some people work really, really hard, day after day.  And when they get the chance, they play really really hard too.  You all know someone who fits into that mold.

As soon as our first set began, we could see how much fun this night was gong to be.  Everyone was in a playful mood.  The bar was completely full on this late-winter night.

There were no particular games on.  There wasn’t anything outside of this bar that was going on anywhere in the world that was more important than the fun that everyone was having, by just being there.

The music was flowing, the people were smiling and the mood was fun and mischievous.  Almost like cabin fever was taking hold of everyone.

I would imagine that for a boater, (the people that need to be outside most of the time to be happy), that a long, tiring winter would seem to be even more frustrating than for us land lubbers.

We didn’t mind at all, Carl and I.  No matter what was going on around us, we simply played another song.  We played country, oldies, rock, pop and Irish.  Every song from each and every genre was fuel for the happy fire.

The gals were dancing, by now.  With themselves, with each other, with everyone and anyone within reach.  It was quite fun to watch.

Most nights at Bumpers are just like that; we show up, set up and hold on . . . .

On these “transition” nights, you never know what to expect, as the temperature and weather conditions dictate how many people are will to come out and brave the cold and elements to arrive.  In the summer months, they come by boat.  This time of year, its not as easy.  So the people that do make the trek are truly out to have some fun.

We try and do our part.  We play the best party music we can.  We give it our all, and then some.  Most times we begin a little early and play late.  We try and keep our breaks short and timely.  In any event, no matter what, we certainly enjoy entertaining for those whom enjoy it.

This night was so much fun for everyone.  People are so over winter, and so very ready for the spring to take hold.  Tonight, Carl and I were simply the side entertainment.

As it is on most nights at Bumper’s Landing, the people were the real entertainment.  We just do all we can to manage things and make sure no one gets injured.

Best job in the world!

We will be back soon, and looking forward to all the fun and high jinx yet to come.

Rb