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If a song is played in the forest, and there is no one to hear it; does it truly make a sound?

Ok, hang on . . .

Before the very first note was played on Friday, the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub was occupied by patrons enjoying a very pleasant, quiet, normal dinner.  The downstairs was half full, (or half empty, depending on your point of view).  That was, until we played the very first note.

However, by the time the song ended, there were on two tables left to hear it. Truthfully, it wasn’t the best of songs I’ve ever played, but it wasn’t that bad.

Actually, it happens most nights.  Patrons arrive early to enjoy a nice dinner, yet consciously exit before the imagined cacophony of noise and percieved madness inveriably  takes place.

Most folks cannot believe they can sit at a table within arms’ reach and still be able to carry on a conversation.  We get that.  It is a tough line to walk some nights. On the one hand, you cannot be very loud, as people come into a pub to have a drink and a meal, and yet want to be able to hold a conversation with the other members of their party.  So . . . . we cannot be too loud or overpowering.

However, you cannot be bland or mellow.  No one pays to listen to “elevator music”; so we need to do all we can to inject emotion and excitement into the songs as we play them.

On this particular night things got sorted out on their own, without Devine intervention.

All the people that were seeking a nice, quiet evening; quietly left for the evening.  All the people that arrived seeking a rollicking, music-filled, alcohol induced, sing-a-long gathering of like-minded partiers, banded together for an epic night that will live in TBM infamy.

(Ok, I might be exaggerating).  But, it was a fun night.

Like I said, after that very first song chased most everyone from the pub, it quickly filled to overflowing by the end of the first set.  After that, both upstairs and down enjoyed an experience that made for a great time to be had by all.

Upstairs, the Under The Covers band kept the dance floor packed as they played hit after hit as only they can.  Their lead singer has a great voice and can sing many songs from the 80’s and 90’s that most entertainers cannot even attempt.  On this night, I heard him taking on an M&M standard to the delight of the packed upper floor.  This band always sounds great and always delivers to its’ fans.  They work hard and it shows on everyone’s face.

Downstairs, it has been said, has a truly different vibe.  Not laid-back, not edgy, but somewhere in the middle.  On the perfect night, our goal is to have everyone singing along to that welcomed melody for that exact moment in time.  Everyone arriving as one at that elusive destination each of us seem to seek: alcohol induced Nirvana!

Along the way on this night, Carl and I made many new friends and hopefully future fans.  People from all over smiled and shared their musical favorites with us as we were lucky enough to chat with them between sets.  We really enjoy getting to know the many interesting people that we encounter as we force ourselves to go from table to table getting much needed feedback about our music.

I say “force ourselves”, because by nature neither one of us us very comfortable in meeting new people.  It is something that we have made an effort to do over the years.  It is also something that has allowed us to meet lots of really interesting people that we would never have taken the time to converse with had we not made a real effort to do so.

All in all it was a really fun night.  Lots of hard work; but very rewarding.  When you begin the night with only two tables, and end the night some five hours later with a packed house: you feel very satisfied as a musician and entertainer.

We will hold on to that feeling for a couple of weeks, as next Friday night, we will be on vacation.  We will return on the 24th, and hopefully pick right up where we left off.

In the mean time, Carl will be off to the forest with his guitar, to find out if he makes that sound, anyone will even care. . . . . . . .

 

Rb

 

 

Any musician who has played for some time will tell you that for the most part, there is no rhyme or reason for any night being magical, or on the other hand, completely forgettable.  There is no mathematic formula or wizard’s potion to administer patrons so that they will experience an incredible evening.  That would be wonderful if it were so; but alas, we haven’t found it yet.

All we can ever do are the few simple things that hopefully will allow people to have the enjoyable night they were expecting when they came through those doors.

Rule #1.
Don’t be boring.

People can get that anywhere.  Entertaining people is a gift that not many folks cannot do.  Your attitude should reflect that fact.  Do something that engages the audience and draws them in.  Once you have their attention and better yet their loyalty; they will give you what you surely need: an outlet for your creativity.

Rule#2.
Be professional.

Show up early.  Set up – get comfortable.  Understand the venue, the patrons and the music.  Know who frequents the establishment, and what they are looking for in entertainment.  Dress professionally, (not like you are doing a brake job on your truck).  Look like you care about your appearance.  Start on time.  (so many bands take forever setting up and or strolling around the stage as if they are doing the audience a favor by beginning in the first place.)

Learn your craft.  Have the right equipment that will enhance your sound; not detract from it.  Do not take advantage of your venire or your audience: play more than you break.  A LOT more.  (everyone has gone to a bar where the band takes seemingly endless breaks).  No-one likes that, so don’t even think about it.  After all, playing is why you are there; not sitting.  Work hard, this is not easy.  Understand, if you give maximum effort and do everything as right as you can, it will look easy.

Rule #3.
Enjoy what you are doing.

It may not be easy, but it is defiantly not a job.  Entertaining people should be a joy in your life.  Treat it as such.  If you are having a good time, so too will your audience.  That is usually what they are there for.  Remember that people are making an effort to frequent an establishment where they hope to have a good time.  Don’t ruin it for them with your ego or petty agenda.  People want to relax, unwind and forget about their troubles and responsibilities for a while; that is why they have come to you.  Treat that choice with the reverence that it deserves.

Rule #4.
It is always about the music.

That is the biggest failure that professional entertainers succumb to.  After a while, they believe that it is all about them.  They eventually lose track of what got them to be professionals in the first place: the music.

The music is why you are there.  It is why you learned to play in the first place.  The music made that connection with you.  You may believe that it was something else, but it is not.  It is always about the music.  Listen to it.  Learn it right, completely and wholly.  Do not take liberties with it.  It IS that connection with you, and is the connection with your audience.  The music is what draws them in, and what drew you in the first place.

Good songs contain emotion, drama, spirituality, history, energy and soul all wrapped in three chords of rock ‘n’ roll.  There is a reason that they have stood the test of time.  These songs bear the essence of people’s hopes and dreams; likes and dislikes.  These well-crafted pieces of music contain the actual DNA of the artist who sacrificed to create them.  They gave everything they had, and if done right, will attain immortality.

Be true to the artist that sacrificed for you and your audience.  It is the best homage you can give.

Music is the language that your audience breathes and speaks.  Music lovers crave music in their best of times and need it in their worst.  How it effects them on the night that they visit you is totally in your hands.  Understand that, above all else.

Entertaining is not rocket science. But if you use these simple tenants, you will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Rb

Requests after request . . .

. . . engaged everyone right from the start on this 3rd day of October in 2014.  It was loud even before we struck a chord, and it just took off from there.

On this Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens, we began at 7:00 to a nearly full house of happy people.  (most were happy, even after this afternoon’s Tiger loss).

Table after table of new friends and old, made this night very special.  We love the kindness that people exhibit in this pub.  So many people take the time to tell us how much they enjoy their experience that it is truly gratifying.

Carl and I entertained downstairs, while upstairs, Rock’ It Science was knocking out all the rock classics that their fans needed to hear.  It was a very good evening.

On nights like this we can be proud of the job that we do.  We make people forget their troubles and fears.  It is simple really; not science.  We play songs that connect with people.  And in doing so, create memories that live forever.

 

 

It was another beautiful day on Friday, outside.  The temperature has been just perfect all week; with no end in sight.  We’ll take it, that’s for sure.

And, although the patio was filled early, it would get cool as the sun hid itself for the evening. Upstairs There was a rumor that the great Orbitsons were to entertain later; but for now it was quiet there too.

The real party on this night was inside the mouse house.  The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub is what I am referring to; thee destination in Mt. Clemens if you are looking to have dinner, an elusive drink or some good live entertainment.

Although the night for us was to begin at 9:00, we were notified when we arrived that we would start at 8:00.  Good news to us.  And, from now on, the acoustic entertainer would all begin at 7:00 and play until 11:00 for the winter hours. Beginning at 8:00 was just perfect on this night, as that is when the crowd was ready to settle in and enjoy some great songs, served to the liking.

We were blessed with the opportunity to enjoy meeting some new friends on this night;  something we really love about the Mouse.  Even better, was seeing some wonderful friends stopping by to share their evening with us. As I have said many times, it is the people that make the night when we get the chance to play.

Being able to play the songs that people want to hear is a wonderful thing.  Helping patrons relax, unwind and enjoy their time in the pub is very rewarding; and we feel in part that it is because of us. The night began slow, but unfolded nicely as it the crowd swelled to nearly overflowing.  Everyone singing, laughing and smiling. (even with the beloved Tigers getting walloped). There were people who had returned from as far away as Lake Orion to take part in the fun.

Upstairs eventually got hot.  Outside stayed cool; but the party inside the mouse never abated until the last song ended.  Great night!

Summer has all but ended, and now passes its torch to our amazing fall.   Everyone in Michigan has this internal clock that makes us all focus on each and every precious summer day, as if it were a gold nugget unearthed and hoarded.
We wait all winter.
We save dates.
We plan, we savor, we enjoy to the fullest.  And, when those summer days are upon us, we revel in the memories that we make or re-live those from summer’s past.

 The summer wind, came blowin’ in – from across the sea It lingered there, to touch your hair – and walk with me All summer long, we sang a song – and then we strolled that golden sand Two sweethearts, and the summer wind

Like painted kites, those days and nights – they went flyin’ by The world was new, beneath a blue – umbrella sky Then softer than, a piper man – one day it called to you I lost you, I lost you to the summer wind The autumn wind, and the winter winds – they have come and gone And still the days, those lonely days – they go on and on And guess who sighs his lullabies – through nights that never end My fickle friend, the summer wind

So it was this Friday night.  Summer is all but done; only holding on by its finger nails.  No more outside patio.  Now, the patron at the Three Blind Mice were all huddled inside, seeming for good as the temperature makes it uncomfortable to linger too long outside for too long.

That’s all well and good for us.  We like the huddled masses inside.  They laugh, they drink.  They eat and they sing.  Tonight, we experienced each and every bit of that as the night was pure Michigan fall magic, on an technically summer night.

We had friends visit.  We entertained.  We even had some new friends sit in and play some great music to entertain as we took a break.  Upstairs we a fun band as well.  Zombie Karma.

It was a great night; Carl and I enjoyed every moment, and hopefully so did the patrons.  So the summer is coming to an end . .

no matter . . . we will revel in the fall.

Rb

Once again, as we arrived at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens, mother nature would play a hand in our evenings’ entertainment. Huge storms were rumored to be coming out of the dark north; so we made the proactive decision to play inside, as apposed to out on the patio.  Although at the time we arrived for set-up, it looked beautiful out there; we knew better. . .   and boy were we right!

The storm DID arrive.

Rain poured and poured outside as trees and buildings were pummeled. However inside, nothing could dampen the spirits of some of the best patrons we have ever experienced.  There were birthday celebrations; tearful good-byes for cherished co-workers; as well as several friends and families that just wanted to go out and enjoy their evenings.  All good.

As the wind and rain howled outside, Carl and I howled inside.  The result was an evening that although wasn’t wall-to-wall people, focused more on quality and not quantity.

Every night can’t be a wild party; and this night was a lot like that.

Even the talented band upstairs, UNDER THE COVERS while blasting out great dance music; had their night somewhat hindered by the storm as well.  People just didn’t want to venture out after that storm slammed through.

To tell you the truth . . .   we understand.  And on those night when it is a little slower, it allows us to play more intimate music for the ones that truly make it special.

Rb

Labour Day 2014 is now in the books.  We were lucky this year as the rain held off just long enough for us to entertain the membership at the Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester Michigan.

Having played for each summer holiday for more than twenty years, we are always surprised and honored when we are asked back to entertain for another year.

To say that it is a pleasure to play at the Great Oaks is an understatement, as the entire staff as well as the members are always so happy and pleasant to us, year in and year out.

We set up by the pool and try and frame our music to create memories that will last for many years, as well as evoke some long past.  The pool, the food the staff and those smiling, happy members keep us coming back, year after year.

Carl and I are already looking forward to another opening of the summer season on Memorial Day 2015, if all goes well.

See you then!

So its Labour Day weekend . . .and if you are an self-respecting Michigander, you realize that the precious few summer days are coming to a close.  Time to grab every last moment and hold it as tightly as possible until someone throws a football in your direction.

Well on this Friday night, that has already transpired.  Baseball was on the TV; but it was also time to usher in the new college football season, with “Sparty” looking quite impressive at their home opener.

Time does march on; season after season.  But, some things remain classics for our entire lives; transcending days, seasons and even years themselves.  Those are the types of songs that Carl and I have always tried to keep in our repertoire.  Classics that stand the test of time and talent.  (or, in OUR case . . . lack of talent.)

We play many different styles of music: rock, pop, country, folk and Irish, but in each case we play what we consider to be “classics” from those styles.  Songs that everyone has etched into their memories at some point; just waiting to be unlocked and shared one more time.

Tonight, we met lots of  happy people, trying like we were, to hold on to one more glimmering summer night.  Smiles and laughter; good food and plentiful drink helped unlock many of those special memories for everyone to enjoy.

Two happy couples especially helped us share a night full of favorite songs, as the laughter and merriment spilled forth like ale from the bountiful casks here at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens Michigan.  What a grand time we had with them.  Although, it really wasn’t too terribly difficult to turn a night with them into fun; (they kind of supply it on their own.)  Thanks again nevertheless for keeping us going, just when our fuel was waning.

On another musical note: we learned that both Meghan AND Morgan, two of the incredible members of the Three Blind Mice wait staff are moving on to great things in their personal lives.  Morgan is one of the hardest working gals we have ever known.  She is so warm and down to earth that she made us feel at home from the very first day, nearly a year ago.  Morgan is moving on to an management position at a new establishment in Detroit: HopCat.  We wish her well, and hope that she comes to visit us once she conquers Detroit’s thirst for good drink and cool cats.

And then there was Meghan, with her beautiful smile and unbridled energy.  Leaving to go in a totally different direction.  She will begin a new career as a . . . .  WELDER!

Wow!

Carl and I are pretty sure that the last time we saw a beautiful woman who was also a welder, she was pulling a chain to pour water on herself in Flashdance!

We have known Meghan since she began as a waitress at Kokomos restaurant back in the 90’s, so we are taking this parting very hard.  She was always there with a smile and drink and wonderful incite and enthusiasm for her job.  She will be sorely missed; but we wish her well in this new adventure in her life.

One great thing about TTBMIP, is the pool of talented musicians that line up to  entertain on a nightly basis.  On this particular Friday night, talent was indeed on display as one of the premier acts who frequent the pub held court not he big stage upstairs.

The incomparable Orbitsuns were electrifying the crowd upstairs, where a totally different vibe exists.  Like some bizarre parallel universe: downstairs we play happy, up-beat, sing-a-long music of many styles; while upstairs . . . . ANYTHING goes!

The Orbitsuns Play inspired originals fused with wry wit and irreverent pathos; or on the very next up-beat, challenge us to revisit overlooked favorites as they put their unique stamp on any classic rock, pop or rock-a-billy song that comes into their musical cross-hairs.  What comes out is double-barrel, beach-wood aged, well written crafted and interpreted music; injected with immortal cool!

On this night, seasons held no sway over music.  Timeless classics are just that; and nothing will ever change that. That is what we do on Friday nights; unlock memories and make more, no matter what the calendar says.