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No, its not Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Just one of those nights when Carl and I have free rain to do whatever we choose.

Sometimes things just work out that way.  Saturday was just such a night at Bumper’s Landing.  With a combination of the cooler weather and the calendar, it was apparent that it was going to be a slower night, in a place where we usually are holding on for dear life.

With the Halloween parties in full gory all around town, it was very clear that the crowd would be much more intimate tonight.  Sometimes, that is great fun; and tonight was going to be just one of those nights.

We were dressed as cowboys, and took that cue to begin the night with a big dose of country music.  After playing a few sample songs, we noticed that the music was just perfect for this night.  Each and every person on hand was singing along with the tunes that poured out of us.

It was kind of fun to be able to play any type of music that we wished.  Country turned to pop, and then different oldies that we haven’t played for many years.

Before we knew it, we were simply playing music for ourselves.  Music that made us happy.

Songs like the theme from The Urban Cowboy.  Rollin the Thompson Gunner and some eclectic songs by Tom Petty.  We played lots and lots of songs that we never have gotten to play for a long while.  Not because they weren’t good songs; but because normally we need to play music from a certain genre, just to make everyone happy.

It was fun to do music for ourselves for a change.  We played song after song of odd, unusual music.  Songs that didn’t necessarily fit into any one category.

I think that the patrons there that night really were enchanted with some of the music that we were sharing.  It was just as much fun for them as it was for us.

Chances are the the next week at Bumper’s, we will be back to business as usual.  Island music-boater fun.  We love that too.

Just fun, every once in a while to be able to just play the music that we never get to share.

We will see.  The only thing that we know for sure about Bumper’s, is that we never know anything for sure.

Rb

 

It’s always exciting to be asked to entertain at a new venue.  Last Friday, Carl and I had the good fortune to play at Steiny’s Restaruant & Banquet hall, in beautiful Shelby Michigan.

It was  a different experience altogether to play at a restaurant that is not usually designed to showcase entertainment.  What I mean by that, is that Steiny’s is primarily a place that people go to when they are either hungry or thirsty.  Music is an added bonus.

Everyone there was nice to us; (something that makes any situation better.)  It also helps us in our struggle to move in and sort out our set up for the very first time.

I know it an musician thing, but It is important for us to be comfortable, before we can even think about entertaining someone.

One nice thing about our very first night in this new location, was having good friends there to make us feel at home.

Smiling faces always help, no matter what.

Before we knew it, we were off and playing our first set.  We did our best to sprinkle a flavor of what we do best, right from the start.  I guess that way, if they didn’t like us, they would know right away. Lol,

The first set was an interesting one for us.  The room sounded good.  (Something that we always evaluate in our minds.)  They music seemed to be appreciated by the patrons and the regulars.  It seemed to go over well.

We chatted with people between the first set, and they seemed pleased with the music.  That helps too.

It was a short one, to be sure.  We were only there for three sets.  All that meant was that we would have to pack lots and lots of great music, into pretty much, two long doses.

We were able to accomplish our goal, I believe.  We made a good connection with he audience, from what we could gather.

There were lots of applause when we finished our songs.  I seemed like a positive experience for everyone.

Only time will tell if we come back to visit, down the road.

It was a nice restaurant, with a very friendly staff.  We hope that they prosper in the future, wether we are a part of the experience or not.

Rb

Saturday nights at Bumper’s Landing can be a little scary at times, but tonight was downright frightening!

It was the fourth annual Bumper’s Landing Halloween party, and it was everything you would expect, and a little bit more.

First of all, they spared no expense on decorations and spooky atmosphere, as the new bar was all decked out in superb Halloween kitsch.

Fun was in the air, as you could almost anticipate the ghoulish grooves that would permeate the evening chaos.  Bumper’s was ready and waiting for each unsuspecting customer to come by and show off.

Once inside, they took full advantage of every opportunity to let loose their inner spirit.

Everyone wanted a snap-shot near the cranium ice sculpture.  The perfect “Elixir” for a Halloween party-to-remember.

The deck also was all “decked-out”, with a huge tent and heaters, to keep the chill away from the customers.

It was a big crowd.  Everyone was excited, as the sun went down and the creepers came out in full force.

There were cops and bad guys.  Cow-pokes and bad girls.  Creepy zombies, spooky bees and even a joker or two.

One by one they crawled through the door, to take refuge from the night air.  One by one they fell under our spell as the music grabbed them and commanded them to dance!

Smiles were everywhere, as the costumes were paraded by for maximum effect.  Carl and I were asked to judge all the spooky attire and award prizes for the best-of-the-best.

There were lots to pick from, so we needed to examine them all carefully during our breaks.  (Too bad that the Bumper’s staff were not eligible, ’cause they certainly would have given the customers a run for their money.)

Right from the very first song, we thought that we would sprinkled the Halloween favorites to distill just the right elixir that would make the party howl at the moon.

It worked.  There were revelers crawling, hopping and creeping everywhere you looked.  It seemed that our spell was unbreakable.

Only past the hour of two did it release them to crawl back into their own humble abodes.

A party of this size and magnitude does not happen by itself.  We need to make sure that the amazing staff at Bumper’s knows how much they are appreciated.

They worked so long and hard, and never stoped until the last demons were exorcised for the night.

Rb

 

 

It was to be our fourth show at Jimmy John’s Filed in lovely downtown Utica Michigan.  Not even the rain could derail this fun night.

Nor, did it ever.

Though it was raining when we arrived, (and for days earlier), it could do nothing to dampen the spirits of the hearty sports and craft-beer fans in attendance.

Jimmy John’s Field, as you know does something different for the fans, on every given night during the summer.  You never know what will occupy the space between innings and after the game.  You just know that it will be fun.

That was our mission on this night: Bring music to the masses who showed up to throw a frisbee, swat a Whiffle-Ball, or enjoy a craft beer.

Our arrival had us hustling to get our gear to the stage with as little water in our ears as we could manage.

It nearly worked, as the unrelenting deluge did its best to chase us back to the friendly confines or the Bob and Carl mobile.

It didn’t stop us though; and once set up, we began playing with will abandon.

Our sound echoed throughout the stands as the PA carried each and every note to the happy patrons.

There weren’t many, to be honest: but those in attendance were hearty and happy.

They played game after game of disk golf, and drank beer after beer of the craftiest beer anyone could hope for at a ball-park.

It was a memorable night, to be sure.

While the rain never abated, we finally reached the end of our evening.  Before we knew it, we had accomplished everything we set out to do: bring our unique brand of entertainment to the heartiest sports fans, this side of the Mississippi.

Rb

We knew for sure that fall was in the air, the moment we arrived at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison township, and were told to setup inside.

Since this summer has been so warm and wonderful, we understood we were overdue for a little cold or bad weather.  Well, the bad weather never arrived, but it sure was way too cool for expecting people to sit outside.

No problem at all.

We had the perfect place inside to continue summer’s party right into the fall and beyond.  Right inside the doors, and nestled between the bar and the popcorn machine was a quaint little spot that fit is to a tee.

With almost no effort, we moved in and set up in record time, giving is ample chance to chat with more of our friends left over from the summer.

It was a great way to begin slowly and carefully, since the football game was still on and occupying everyone’s attention.

When the game ended it was our quest to take up our instruments and get the party started.

Since the weather was a bit cool, and the days were getting shorter, it was probable that many people would be staying home and practicing their cuddling skills.

We figured that it might not be as busy as it has been in the past.  To tell the truth, the evening did start that way.

Our first set was a bit more high energy than most, since we had people right near us requesting their favorites, right out of the gate.

Our song selection was very eclectic, not wishing to seem to one-dimensional to many of the patrons who had just arrived, and had never heard us before.

We did music from several genres, including country, island, rock and even Irish.

We had fun with the first set, and felt like continuing without a break.  But, break we did.  (we’re not crazy.)

we thought that it would be a good opportunity for us to chat with the many people who had invested their time and attention in us during our first set.

They had lots more request, and more than one question for us.  Carl and I are becoming much better at communicating with customers than we used to.  Since it is difficult for us both, we have had to work at it.  We are both pretty shy.  Not a good quality for a rock star.

It has worked well for us lately, as it has allowed us to get to know many wonderful people, who have enjoyed our music.

The second set was pretty straight forward.  More up-tempo music and mirth.  We picked up the pace even more and threw in a few classics, to boot.

It was only an hour, but it did a lot to break the ice in a room that had been previously enamored with watching a football game.

The third set was all up-tempo music and dancing favorites.  Everyone now was either dancing or singing along.  We had accelerated this night to right were the people wanted it to be: one big party!

Looking around the bar, we were able to take inventory on everyone within view.

There were friends at the bar, car dealers, firemen, boaters and party animals, as far as the eye could see.  We were entertaining them all, and were enjoying the effect that our songs were having on them.

The dance floor was writhing, the Tamborine was clanging, and most everyone else was singing along.  It was great fun!

We finished the night to a nearly full bar.

That was one of the best feelings we could have had.

With all that was going on, we still were able to keep everyone happy and engaged.

Carl sang about having a million dollars, to end the set.  He sang about all of the amazing things in life that money could buy.

That being said, no-one could put a price tag  on this evening.  On a night of fall’s very beginning, our job seemed priceless!

Rb

The Calendar said Fall, but the weather was all summer, on this beautiful night at Bumper’s Landing by the water.

It was like a throwback to summers of old, as the temperature hit the upper eighties on the patio near the water’s edge.

No one really was looking too closely at the date, as everyone did all that they could to simply, enjoy the incredible Michigan Saturday afternoon.

That wasn’t very difficult either.  As the patrons poured into Bumper’s, it was quickly evident that it was going to be a great night on the water.

The smiles were everywhere.  Football was entertaining the masses on the many televisions scattered throughout the restaurant.

The excitement that is football season was palpable everywhere you looked.

People were grabbing tables and umbrellas as they jockey’d for position near the deck, but out of the direct hot sun.

Carl and I took our time setting up, and surveyed the people as we did.  One big table of friends and family.  One table of octogenarians.  Several tables of boaters.  Each of them more animated then the last.

Playing the very first set was the easiest part of our day, as the crowd got right into it from the very first song.  They were all singing or making requests before even being invited.

Since were started out right in the groove, it was really pretty easy to just continue on, playing hit after hit, and request after request.

The sun was still pretty intense, so most everyone was hiding from it behind their big umbrellas.  When its that hot, we like to play a little smoother type of music.  Just to keep everyone in the slow-moving lane.

Boats kept coming in, and the patio got even busier, as the afternoon sun started to give way to the cooler temps of the evening calm.

There seemed to be an urgency in the air, as everyone felt the last days and temperatures of summer slipping through their fingers.

Although it was hot, no-one complained. Soon it would be bitter cold, and everyone unconsciously knew that.

The sets rolled one into the next.  Song after appreciated song, as the moon came out and sprinkled welcome relief across the boardwalk.

Even when it was time to quit for the night, the crowd would not let us.  It seemed that no-one was heading home.  They needed to enjoy every last drop of the day, right down to the dregs.

We stayed an extra hour to simply play out the people with more music from our loudspeakers.

It was another amazing evening at Bumper’s Landing.

Nothing unusual about that.  They pretty much all are.

We’ll see you next Saturday night, for the next one.  Don’t miss it!

Rb

 

Carl and I returned Sunday, to one of our favorite shows of the summer; The Flatrock RiverFest.

Always fun. Always a great time.

This year was no exception.  Or, was it?

We started playing in Flat Rock about four summers ago, when we did a car show, just across the train tracks, and down in the summer grass of Hurok Park.

Picturesque, you might say.  The perfect setting for a summer gathering.  This year, the weather was truly superb, and it brought out even more people.

There were kids, there were pets, music lovers, friends, activists, fair attendees, families and even wrestlers.

Wrestlers???

Yep, just part of the fun and unique line-up of entertainment on hand during the rewarding weekend.

For our part, we were hired to man the beer tent.  Two half-hour shows before and during breaks on the main stage when bands were changing.

We can do that.  We love just being part of the entire experience.

The honorable mayor, Jonathan Dropiewski has taken pride in providing a family friendly atmosphere that will keep the wonderful people of Flat Rock coming back, year after year.

The mayor also does everything that he can, to promote local artists, performers and musical acts during this event.

The silver van arrived early and allowed us ample time to set up in anticipation of another amazing day of music and fun.  Soon, the big stage came alive when the Mayor introduced the first talented group of the day: The Roosters.

The Roosters played straight-up rock and roll music, to the delight of the slowly awakening fair-goers.  Van Morrison, Badfinger and Bob Seger echoed throughout the park.  They made a great connection with an very appreciative audience.

Song selection is a huge part of a bands’ identity with an audience.  The music is the thing; and the Roosters knew it.

Great job guys!

So, it was time for Carl and I to crank things up and take charge of the beer tent!

Ok, just kidding.

We were doing an acoustic set, so we eased into it, and tried to not be too loud, so as not to drown out the dancing girls who were putting on a show on the main stage.

They did a lot of jumping around, and wiggling to the beat.  Ahhhh…. always worth watching.

Strolling around the park gave us time to take in all the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of this picturesque setting.

The vendor booths, the local clubs and groups beckoned to take a look, while the food nearly assaulted our noses as we walked down the path.

Fun was waiting right around the corner, as we came across a big ring of wrestlers electrifying the hometown crowd.

It was all in good fun, but just like on TV, some of the fair-goers took it pretty seriously.

Time to get back to the big stage and see what was about to begin.

Next up after we finished was a band called Atomic Radio.  They started hot right out of the gate with a song by The Outfield.

Not easy to sing.

Wait, let me amend that . . . . IMPOSSIBLE to sing by most mortal singers.  That being said, these guys nailed it!

If you think that they did one amazing song and then took a break: No way!  They kept cranking out rock hits for more than two hours.

These guys cranked things up to a whole new level.

Song after song, rock anthem after rock anthem exploded from their fingers as the crowd began to swell on this pleasant valley Sunday.

Soon their encores were resonating throughout the park while Carl and I grabbed our instruments and serenaded everyone within earshot of the Level Pebble Pub – Beer Tent.

We joined once again with the audience by playing nearly every request that we were asked.

Good times!

However, just as we began to get in the groove, it was time for us to pass the musical torch to the headline act of the day: Rock Show

Most bands like water, seek their own level eventually.  Translation: it might take a little while, but you will eventually hear the difference with most groups.

Bands that play in the garage tend to encapsulate that sound.  Bands that do weddings, bands that play small venues, like pubs and bistros have more of an “intimate” sound.

Bands that play professionally.  Bands that tour.  Bands that play on the “big” stages throughout our great land tend to sound professional.

Rock Show is one of those bands.

When they hit the stage, everyone knows it.  The sound, the costumes, the poise.  The musicianship all running at the highest levels.

All of those tenants were evident when Rock Show exploded onto the stage.  They were truly amazing to listen to.  They did the best of the music from the golden era of rock: Kiss, Rush, Journey, Foreigner; just to name a few.

They were spot on with each and every song.  The best thing that set them apart from any other group that I have listened to was the lead singer, Tommy K.

Others have tried, but to my ear, only Tommy has come close to covering anything that the great Steve Perry has done.

If you ever get the chance to hear this band, I urge you to not hesitate.

Yes, they are THAT good!

With the big stage now empty, it was time for Carl and I to climb back into the silver van for our exciting trip back home.

We look forward to Flatrock every year now, and hope that we will be back in 2018 to make more memories.

Rb

Late at night, while we all lie content in slumber, someone watches over us.

As it has been for time immemorial, those who protect us continue their quiet selfless vigilance, beneath, behind and above us all.

Mostly unknown and unappreciated, but tirelessly true.  Those are the ones that we salute today in print.  Those are the ones that Carl and I admire and acknowledge.  The ones that keep us safe, in arguable the safest country in all the world.

On Saturday we had the great fortune to entertain members of the Selfridge Air National Guard, as they gathered celebrate some well earned promotions.  Bumper’s Landing played host to their party, and we were lucky enough to be on hand to entertain.

Half of the patio was opened up to allow enough area for the big party.

The weather was perfect, and the boaters were more than accommodating.  So happy to share their favorite place with those who never seek recognition.

If I sound like I am in awe of these amazing individuals: I am.  Neither Carl nor I take the freedoms that we enjoy each and every day, lightly.  though we cannot imagine all of the sacrifices made, we appreciated and understand what we can of them.

Saturday gave us the great honor of meeting several wonderful members of the Air National Guard personally.  A truly humbling experience.

We thanked them as we could for their great service.  We tried to help their celebration as best we could, by playing all their requests; while adding a few patriotic songs of our own.

It was a magical night.  We were then, and remain still in awe of all the incredible things that they do to keep us safe.

We salute them.  We honor them.  And we wish them all God’s speed, always.

Here is the oath that is taken, as a man or woman vows to serve our country by joining the Air National Guard:

“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

Rb

Last night was akin to two separate gigs.  A birthday party and a show. Yep, its always something different at Bumper’s, that’s for sure.

When Carl and I arrived at Bumper’s, it was clear that something was going on.  There always is.

On this almost fall evening, that something was a fortieth birthday party.

Surrounded by her friends and family, this young lady had picked a great place to have a get together.  The sun was out and the wind was subdued enough to paint the perfect picture of a forty-something birthday.

Bumper’s was rocking early, since we began things with even more gusto than usual.  Playing the usual boat music seemed like a great way to start; so we did.

We trotted out our old friends: Buffett, Chesney and Brooks.  The dancing began and didn’t stop until the party took a drink/eat/smile break later into the next set.

Very happy people, these folks.  Even though they were in the forty range, they still seemed to love the music that we were sharing with them; and acknowledged the fact to our delight.

Outside, it was still cool and getting cooler, as the second set of music echoed over the river.  The sun now in full retreat warned us to think about moving the party inside for the remained of the night.  That is just what we did.

As the birthday party wained, the house party was just getting under weigh.

Moving inside provided the best way to continue the party that began when we first arrived.  A little less river, but a lot more warmer.

Nestled into the corner near the bar, we began the second part of our night, playing more party favorites and the musical variety that was the corner stone of our entertaining.

We try and play a little of all types of popular music.  Country, pop, oldies, rock and island music.  It works.  We get many people letting us know that they hear one of their favorites whenever we play.

So with that tenant in mind, we launched into the third set, playing some country rock and oldies.  We love the new atmosphere at Bumper’s inside, since it has been remodeled.  The people are close enough to us to be able to feel that they are actually members of the band.  And yet, we don’t have to play them!

Gathering requests during our last break, we knew what direction to head for our final half hour.  They wanted to sing along to all of the classics.  Why not?

We ended the night with just one of those songs: American Pie.

The crowd responded in unison, as they recognized how precious each summer night was becoming.  They were all-in to the last.

It was two different gigs for the price of one.  We enjoyed them both.

Bumper’s is never dull, that’s for sure.

We show up, set up and hold on.  And on some special nights, we even set up twice.

Rb

 

Way back in February, I stumbled upon a Facebook post from another local musician, about a wonderful place that he was playing: The Murphy Inn, located in Saint Clair.

Last night, we experienced the inn for ourselves, in all its hometown glory.

Arriving early, we still had no idea what to expect form this hidden gem, so far off the beaten path.

Located in St. Clair, Michigan, near the river, and away from all of the hustle and bustle that wears down mortals in the real world.

Stepping through those vintage white doors was akin to taking a trip back in time to a location and era that is now forever lost.

Carl and I surveyed the layout as soon as we walked in the doors.  Rather than bringing our gear inside and setting up, we decided to sit at the bar and soak up some of the abundant ambiance.

Telling no one who we were, and or why we were there, we ordered a couple beers and engaged in some idle chatter, while sizing up the venue and its’ quant inhabitants.

Playing bars, restaurants and lounges for more than forty years, has trained us to gather intel very quickly.  Here, everyone was friendly.  We got that right away.

There were two, happy, hardworking ladies behind the bar; each of them offering a friendly smile and interesting anecdote.  They were sizing us up as well, and after a couple sly questions, one gal announced that we were the entertainment for the night.

Sharp, pretty sharp.

Hmmmmm . .  . we were the entertainers for the night.

Since we had been “outed”, we felt that it was time to set up and get our sound squared away for the show.

It was an old room, and one that had played host to many a band, artist or musician. Those walls have absorbed lots of notes over the years, and probably has seen its share of craziness.

No craziness tonight.

Tonight would be fairly low key, as the rain and cool temps, along with the past holiday have put a small blanket on anything really crazy.

That’s ok.  We didn’t really wish to be thrown out of the inn on our first night.

We began the night with a quiet little Jimmy Buffett song about a storm coming.  We thought that appropriate, with the hurricane impending on the coast.  More songs about rain and storms followed.  Sensitively, or course.  And, no, we did not do the Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald.

Our set was pretty straight forward.  Just getting to know the room and people; and letting them know what we were capable of.

After the set finished and we had a moment to take a breather, we thought that we would check in at the bar and make sure that we weren’t being shown the door straight way.

Everything was fine.  The gals liked us, the manager liked us, and the ladies that where visiting from Florida liked us as well.

Two of them were owner and proprietor of a busy little place near Clearwater.  As they exited after listening to our first set, they let us know that we could stop by for a week and entertain any time.  We might just take them up on that!

After chatting with the regulars at Murphy’s, we were ready to assault them with our second set of music.  A little more country, a little more Island and a few more oldies seemed just the right recipe to fit the mood.

I have said this many times: that it is the people that we play for.  It is the people that make everything we do worthwhile, and that sentiment was never more earnest than on a night like this.

Everyone that we talked to enjoyed our music.  Everyone that we talked with had smiles and stories and quaint little suggestions and questions.

They wanted to know who we were, where we were from and why we traveled way up there to play.

It made for a very interesting evening.  Some people couldn’t even believe how old we were.  Imagine that?

(Spoiler alert . . .       OLD!)

Since the crowd was getting more friendly, and warming up to us, “outsiders”, there were suddenly many requests to entertain.

We did what we could.  There were now many to play, and we were running out of time.

Sometime during our last set, one of the ladies in the crowd joined us for a song.  With a little prodding, she took over the mic, and wowed the crowd with the classic country tune, The Rose.

Sometimes Carl and I enjoy the occasional artist sharing their talents with us, even more than the patrons.  This was one of those times.

Out time at the Inn flew past.  Before we knew it, it was time to pack everything up and load it for the next gig.

The friendly staff bid good-bye, and hoped that we would be back soon to sing more of our music.  So did we.

It was a very interesting night, and one that we would remember for years.

We learned a lot that night.  How wonderful it can be to find ourselves out in the country on a Thursday night. at an Inn by a river.  A place that beckons the tired and weary to “Come in!”, “Make yourselves at home.”  “Eat, listen and relax.”

Life can be exhausting.  However, there are timeless places that provide refuge and relaxation.  Even, at times, much needed entertainment.

Rb