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2019 is already shaping up to be a break-out year if last Saturday is any indication.

To say that our first gig of the year was a success would be quite the understatement.

When we arrived at Bumper’s Landing in scenic Harrison Twp. Michigan, it looked as though there were no more tables to be filled.  The room was as vibrant as we had ever seen, and ready to explode.

Great to see the people and the fun they were already experiencing.  It was up to us to keep them smiling and enjoying the evening ahead.

Setting up was a blur as the entire cast of Bumper’s regulars were in motion, watching the game, drinking their drinks or eating their delicious entrees.

Even before we began, there were people letting us know that they were ready to help entertain, when needed.

Perfect!!!

Doing what we do most times goes smooth.   Annnnnnd then there are some nights when we have to jump through a few hoops to accomplish anything.  This was just one of those nights, as some things were not working from the beginning.  However, Carl is pretty prepared, so when things go awry, we can roll with the punches.

There’s a saying that goes, “The customer is always right.  We’ve all heard it, and in the music biz, it pretty much holds true.  Even before we began we had a suggestion of what song needed to be played before any other; “What Do You Do With A Drunken Sailor!“, apparently was what the crowd needed to hear to start the night out on the right foot.  (or, peg-leg.)

Well, it worked, that’s for sure.  They were singing after that.  Some nights we love rocketing right out of the gate, as it is a change from the norm for us.  If you know anything about us, you know that we don’t like boring, anything.

More “up-tempo” was the vibe on this particular night, as more and more people came in to share the fun.  So many friends, so many smiles.  It was truly great to see the walls ready to burst and the new year cheer being passed from patron to patron.

The byproduct of all this merriment however was the decibel level in the bar.  It was LOUD!

So loud that Carl and I couldn’t talk to each other, from four feet away.  Probably for the best, as we really don’t have anything too exciting to say in the first place.

When the group of eight arrived, including Dan, The Singer Man, it was really time to blow off the roof.  You thought it was loud before?

Just at that point we had finished our first set, and were putting our heads together to find just the right song for one of the Bumper’s singers who happened to be in the house.

To begin our second set, we put Judy’s vocal talents to good use in making everyone feel like they were at a Red Wing game, when Judy wowed the crowd with her rendition of the that great Four Non-Blonds tune, What’s Going On.

Now that everyone was singing along, we played a few more classics until Dan took the stage with his musical staple. For What It’s Worth.

Now it was a party!

Since the sing-along ice was truly broken, we played all of the shameless tunes we could to keep everyone on their post-holiday high, like Country Roads, Evil Woman and the ever popular, Piano Man.

I know, “Not Fair!” right?

I get it, but what are you gonna do?

It’s a brand new year; we might as well break it in the  right way.

Keep ’em guessing, keep ’em singing, and by all means, keep ’em coming back for more!

Both singers joined us again for another great rock ballad or classic, and before we knew it, we were playing our second encore of the night.

So great to be back.  So great to see so many faithful friends.  So great to begin a brand new year, just the way we like it . . .

. . . out of control!

RB

One thing this time of year offers everyone, is ample pause for reflection.  The holiday season is ripe with memories created over years and emblazoned in our hearts and minds.

Things seem more vivid, more poignant and even more emotional during the holidays.  Maybe because this time is so fleeting, and so precious, that we want to spend it with those that mean the most to us.

We treasure this time, and those that we share it with.  The holidays also span the decades as we harken back to days spent with those loved ones who are no longer part of our physical lives, yet live forever in our souls.  It’s difficult to look at a Christmas tree or holiday wreath without picturing our own childhood, framed on Christmas morning, surrounded by a loving family and friends.

If only there was a package that could hold those happiest of times for us to open and re-live whenever we are feeling troubled or lost.  Those warm memories still live within us, just waiting to be brought to the surface by opening the right greeting card or gift box.

Only the holidays can do that.

And so, on a cold Saturday night in December, Carl and I had the good fortune to be playing for some wonderful old friends.

Unbelievably, the last time that we saw them, their son was only a few months old.  That son is now a grown man of thirty years.

When I say that we are indeed lucky to share our music with people, it is in times like these when we are so thankful to be doing what we love.  We played for these folks three or four times as their company was growing and expanding back over three decades ago.  The last time being the thirtieth birthday party of our hosts’ wife.

Always a pleasure and always enjoyable; we remember those gigs so fondly that when word came we were to play for them again, we couldn’t wait to arrive.

In the old days, their company was rooted in Romeo, so that is where we would gather.  Cranking up the sound in their garage always had a home-spun, neighborhood-friendly feel to it.  Real, honest, hardworking people who deserved all the best things and were willing to do the right things to achieve them.

Well, the good news is that they did achieve the good things in life.  They prospered and in turn those around them did the same.  Carl and I feel so lucky to simply be a small part.

When we arrived at the their estate in West Bloomfield, the house was dark and quiet.  It seemed that all of the family and guests were out to attend a surprise dinner and would return for the party soon.

After exploring the residence, we set up our equipment for the night in the drawing room.  I guess, it could have been the study, or the rumpus room.  (since I’m not really sure what a rumpus room is).  All set up, it was time to wait . . . .

. . . waiting for the guests to arrive allowed us the opportunity to learn about the caterers and how they would help make the party the big success it would eventually turn out to be.  All nice, hardworking people.  Dedicated and always there for their hosts.

Soon, the door opened, the Champaign was flowing, and the birthday guests were dancing to our very first song,  We were a hit right from the first on this night.  Seeing the host and hostess again after all these years, only confirmed what we already knew: these were some very nice people.

Each song we played was appreciated and enjoyed thoughroughly by everyone within earshot.  So nice to be able to play each and every request, no matter what era or genre.

The party was warm and cozy, each room in the house, glowing with its own holiday spirit. Our music filling the spaces in between.

We were contracted to play nearly two hours, however, since we were having such a great time, we played three!

Soon it was time to pack up and say good night to all of the contented guests.  On our way into the night, we stopped and shook the hand of our hosts.

Hearing their kind words only reminded us of how nice they had been thirty years earlier.

It certainly does make us feel good, knowing that for once, some of the hard working folks were rewarded with all the good things life can bring.  Thoughtfulness, hard work and dedication really do pay off in the end.

. . . who knew?

Rb

In December there is much in the air, and most of it is not even snow.

People are in motion everywhere, in every direction, all at once.  Folks are trying to be part of so many things, all condensed into two weeks right before arguably the biggest holiday of the year.

Our job during this season in particular, is to relieve the stress that everyone feels.

We try and do it with music.

What better way to relax and unwind than to sit and share an adult beverage, maybe something appetizing to eat, all while listening to some of your favorite music?

Sounds great, right?

The only problem with this theory, is that most of us, “on the go” don’t take the time to do any of that.  They don’t stop, they don’t sit and they don’t really take any time for themselves to relax, unpack and unwind.

Just too busy.

Too much to do, in too short an amount of time to do it.

Translation: Our nights of entertainment in December, during the approaching holidays are more limited in the amount of patrons we have the opportunity to reach with our music.

Translation: Some of the nights can be very slow.

It is so very difficult for an owner of a bar, pub or establishment to plan for this time of year.   Not knowing the numbers or possibilities that may exist that night must be very frustrating. They have to have the staff and support of a full venue, and sometimes, when it does not materialize, they need to be able to roll with the changes.

All of the well-run establishments know how to do it, and do it very well.

Carl and I arrived at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Township about an hour or so before we needed to play, and realized that it might be a lean night.

After all, it was cold and dark and a time of year that was more than not like a holiday present:  You can look at or hold it, but you really don’t know what you have gotten until you open it up.

We set up and were ready to entertain right on schedule.  Each guitar in tune and decibel level adjusted for the greatest amount of musical pleasure.  All we needed at that point were people to entertain.

Slow to begin, it appeared to be a night that might provide for more one-on-one interaction than on other nights.  This can be really fun when Carl and I focus on certain groups of people, individuals or tables that delight in the interaction of the request and instant gratification.  It can be.

That is really one of our strengths; our “close-up” entertaining.  (That’s a show business term that most street magicians are very familiar with).

People come in and sit very close to use at Bumper’s which we love.  The interaction between us and the patrons makes for a wonderful experience, most nights.

On this night however, people were tired and worn down.  You could see it everywhere.  The music was enjoyed and truly appreciated as always, but was not heard for very long.

What few patrons there were finished their drinks, dinner and delights and evaporated into the cold winter night.

Sometimes it happens, and this night was one of those nights.  We set up, played two sets and tore down our gear to retreat for another day.

We love Bumper’s and realize that some nights are just not meant to be.  This was just such a night.

Ahhhh, the life of a rockstar!

Rb

Sometimes, it is the best of friends that save the day.  It happens, in books; it happens in movies and on TV, and sometimes it happens in real life, too.

Doesn’t really matter where you are or what you are doing.  It can even be something very insignificant, really.  But when good friends share in the experience, it is always better.

That is just how we felt last Friday night, as we were surrounded by good friends who came to support us at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in historic, downtown Mount Clemens.

With the holiday week coming to an end, the weekend was destined to be much quieter that we were used to.  As we arrived at the pub, and scanned the parking lot, as we are prone to do.  “Going to be a lean night.”, it seemed.

The Mice, however, seems to always bring them in.  Wether for a drink, an ale or just some good ole fashioned, “fellowship”, it has been a destination in Mt. Clemens since its’ opening.

On this night, there was a good crowd already beginning their night of relaxing.  Contentment was everywhere, as Carl and I set up our equipment.  It took a little longer, since there was a large group having dinner right where we were supposed to be entertaining.

Finally ready to play, we we’re pleasantly surprised by three groups of friends arriving to share their night with us.

One group of boaters, who make life on land just as fun as they do on the waves.

One couple of dear friends from Alpena, who drive down just to hear us play.  I really don’t believe that there can be any higher honor than that.

And, one couple of celebrities, who shun the spotlight.  Not wanting the paparazzi to document their orchestrating of our entire society as we know it.

It is so wonderful to be able to play for good friends that I can hardly communicate the feeling.  They are our connection and continuity to the world we value.

Though we began our first set as we usually do, straightforward and calm, we began entertaining out of the box, pretty soon down the musical road.

Sometimes it doesn’t even matter what we play, when friends are in the house.  You know that they will like it, and give you great feedback.  But mostly, they just want to share their support for us and what we are doing.

Taking requests is always more fun when friends are involved.  It gives them a chance to share in the fun of having people try and stump us, musically.  It happens, but not often.

We really enjoyed the first two sets, and when the third rolled around, our friend Patrick sat in with us to share his great vocal talents.  Patrick shared an Eagles ballad, and then finished the set off with Country Roads, by the legendary, John Denver.

What a great time we had!

So much fun to have someone join the group for a song or two.  When it’s right, the patrons simply love it!

In the end, we had a pretty good night at the Mice, even being a few days after the big Thanksgiving whirlwind.

We’ll take it.

Right now, there are no dates written in stone of us returning the the Three Blind Mice.  We hope that things work out, and are optimistic.

The best thing about this night, however, was our friends and the great friendships that we hold dear.  We have some wonderful people who have supported us over the many years.  They can’t always be at our shows, but we know that they are there in spirit.  We are very lucky, Carl and I.

Very lucky indeed.

Rb

” . . . .It sure looks like it will be a quiet night.”, I said to Carl as we finished setting up our equipment at Bumper’s Landing, Harrison Township.

Even though it was a Saturday night, there wasn’t much happening at 7:30.  After all, the dinner crowd had moved on, and the crowd that was watching the football game, was just heading out.

That didn’t leave many people.

It’s a tough time of year, lots and lots happening involving friends, the holidays and and more.  We understand all of that, so we pretty much prepared ourselves for the long, slow night ahead.

As I have said many times, the entire reason we entertain is for the people.  When they are not part of the equation, it makes things tougher.

Right on time as we began our first song, the door opened up and and two tables were filled by friends we hadn’t seen in a long time.  They were going out and about, and saw that we were entertaining at Bumper’s.  Just what we both needed.

One table filled, then two then three then the entire place was jumping!

Nothing makes you feel better than when good friends come to share their night with us.  The music seems right as it should of, with smiles and happy faces to account for it.

The staff was working hard, and the drinks were working their own special magic as an evening that seemed destined for mediocrity, turned one hundred and eighty degrees on its’ head.

There was dancing, and tambourine playing and game watching and fun and singing and drinking and chatting.  It was another great night at Bumper’s Landing.  Just what we needed to open the holiday season with a bang.

Next weekend will be the big Back To The 80’s party.  That should be bitchin’!!!

Rb

Bumper’s Landing, where anything can happen.

What fun to be able to entertain in such an amazing waterfront bar.  While the patrons are always fun, exciting and above all, interesting; the biggest plus is being able to work with the owner and his incredible staff.

Carl and I have entertained all over Michigan for many, many years.  We have been around, so to speak and seen it all.  We have worked with some very good employees in so many places.

The staff at Bumper’s Landing is the best of the best!

The just work so very hard.  They like each other and support each other, which makes everything go.  There have been reviews where service at Bumper’s Landing has been skewered for their service.

I wonder why?

Drop three hundred people on an unsuspecting staff, all at once on a Saturday night, and see how a normal staff would react.  Well, these superheroes do all that they can to handle the situation, go above and beyond what is normal, and they do it each and every night.

It is almost expected how hard they work at Bumper’s.  I think many people take them for granted, because of how easy they make everything look.

Trust me, “It ain’t easy!”

We see it over and over again.  They never stop, they never slow down and they never give in.  Trouble customers, unruly customers, and downright pain-in-the-ass customers; they handle them all.

From the cooks and busboys right up to the owner, they all do an outstanding job.  Always with the customers in mind, and always going above and beyond what they are paid for.

The real reason that we are there is the owner and his wife.  Two of the greatest people we have ever met.  They do everything they can to make Bumper’s the best establishment that it can be.  We see it in all the things that go on there.

They are always creating events that make the customers want to come back, over and over again.

All great leaders are visionaries.

They see things that others cannot.  It is a rare gift, and one that when used wisely can accomplish much.  His wife is beautiful, smart and savvy.  She possesses a keen eye for business and a great rapport with the staff.  Together, there is really nothing that they cannot accomplish.

Carl and I have played in many places over the years, where the owner or proprietor, is hardly visible to us at all.  We come, we work our hearts out, and never get any type of feedback or dialog what about our efforts.  It is very frustrating, since we need to know how we are perceived by the patrons and also the staff.  As I have written before, our job is to represent the venue we are playing at.  To keep the customers happy, entertained and wishing to return.  When we get no word of wether or not we accomplished that goal can be extremely frustrating to us.

At Bumper’s the owner supports us 100%, and makes sure that we are always taken care of.  He has our backs and makes us feel like family.  Personally, and as entertainers, it is the greatest feeling in the world.  He knows that we would go the extra mile for him and his staff, and frequently do.

Bumper’s Landing has been our summer home for three years now, and while we will be back through the long winter, we always will be awaiting that summer sun, those tall glasses, and that crazy patio!

Rb

Some things are eternal.

And it seems to us that The Three Blind Mice in downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan is one of them.

Eternal

Kind of a strong word don’t you think?

Well, when you consider that the building the “Mouse” now occupies has been dispensing alcohol to the local constituents for more than one hundred years now, it certainly is fitting.

Some things are simply, timeless.

Certain fashions never go out of style.  Bikini’s, bluejeans, Yoga pants for example.

Some watches, some art and of course, some music.  I would call artists who have written songs that were popular fifty or sixty years ago, and are still being sung and recorded today, as timeless.

That is our goal as well, Carl and I.

To last.

To endure.  To be, timeless in our art and in our craft.  The is why we hand select the music that we perform to be songs we believe will stand the test of time.

Sure there are a multitude of songs that have a lot of flash and get plenty of attention from the media.  But in the end, they will be forgotten and fall into that place that all music without substance forever dwells.  Forgotten and unsung.

We take a much different approach.  We sing the music to the soundtrack of people’s lives.

The songs that they shared.  The songs that played when they were down, and picked them back up.  The songs that gave them joy unexpected.  The songs that mean something, and meant something to them for one reason or another.

Songs that lift up, not tear down.

We sing music that enriches people’s lives, not imprisons them in fear, loathing, hatred and guilt.

With two simple guitars in our hands, we can communicate so many positive emotions that by the nights’ end, people actually go home feeling good about themselves, rather than mired in the troubles and tribulations of our withering world.

It is our fifth autumn as we took the stage at the TBM this evening.  Beginning slowly and carefully as the diners in front of us, we’re hardly even beginning to digest their meals.  We didn’t wish to scare anyone.

So, we sing careful and calmly; saving the dramatic songs for later.  A little soft boat music.  Some heartfelt Segar to connect.

Once our musical feet were firmly planted on the ground, it was time to stretch our musical wings a bit.  Entertaining in this intimate environment affords us the ability to play pretty much anything that we could possibly imagine.

The B sides from some artists.  The eclectic hits that maybe didn’t get as much attention as the big songs, but are every bit as good.

Sometimes artists and songwriters conform to the normal type of current music, in order to establish their careers.  However, once they have a musical foothold, they can introduce music that is more personal and introspective to their captive audiences.

Some of these songs are our favorites.  Not B sides so much as songs that the artist was more passionate about.

The people at Three Blind Mice are always so supportive of all our musical ideas, that we can jump right in to just about anything and be appreciated.

Something about the room and the atmosphere gives us the ability to play just about anything.  As long as it have passion and honesty in it.

We played Irish for a while, then country, pop rock and folk.

We were having a blast. By then we had the audience, and when they were smiling and singing along, it was quite apparent that we could play just about anything at that point.

People gathering together to share their lives with others is timeless.  So is good music, and people who share it with others.

We hope to be able to do it for more years to come.  And do it well.

Rb

Some nights just end up being slow because of what’s going on in the world.

On this Saturday night, three or four high schools were having homecoming dances all around town.  Families were out in force making Kodak moments on their front lawns, as their precious children were heading off to the dance.   They would stare uncomfortably at those picture while holding their breath until the door opened  back up and their kids returned home.

All of that is wonderful; an amazing part of growing up, school and parenting.  However, it doesn’t make for a particularly great night out at the local bar or sporting establishment.

That being said, Carl and I set out to put the night to good use, having our own special brand of fun with some amazing patrons, while throwing our regular song list out the window.

It began as a slow night; but slow with style!

For us, on an evening like this, we look forward to playing another type of music all-together.  We could even do some acoustic/eclectic things, that we usually reserve for smaller folk-y-er clubs.

We played Simon & Garfunkel, some Neil Young and Bobby Dylan that we regularly don’t get a chance to do.  Each and every song elicited an interesting and at times totally unexpected reaction from the sparse crowd.  

The people who found their way to Bumper’s Landing that night, must have gotten together to find a way to collaborate on making the evening totally unforgettable.  Like a cast of characters from a timeless story, each would play their part in this night’s tale.

First and foremost, as the regular gang went about doing what they always do; enjoying their dinner, or drinks and soaking up the nautical ambiance; there were a few others in the house that would transform our “usual”  evening into something far better.

Dan began.

When he and his stunning  gal-pal arrived, they brought with them, fun, excitement and a huge dose of musical talent.  Dan knows how to sing, and has actually sung with us a few times before.  All of them awesome, because of his stage presence and musical ability.

On this night, Dan did one of his usual hits: For What It’s Worth.  With that one getting a great response from the crowd, we plowed ahead with another, Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love.

Dan took what was an ordinary night and kicked it way up a few notches.  Can’t wait until he shows up the next time!  (We just have to do our homework).

Time for act two:

Next up were some good friends, requesting their favorites, just the way we play them.  Something about making people happy, hits us right in that sweet spot that checks all of our boxes.  

Neal Diamond, Van Morrison and Johnny Cash poured out of us, like music from an  old, beloved car radio.

Now the crowd was growing, the smiles were plentiful and the night was ready for act three. . .  

Right on cue, the door opened and in walked a trio of reasonably inebriated prospective customers.  Right away we knew something interesting was about to happen.

Just about then is when one of the happy gals walked up to us, grabbed a bar stool and plunked right down on it as if she was Sissy, from The Urban Cowboy.

“Play me a country song!” She caterwauled, as Carl and I whole-heartedly obliged.  Accompanying us on her wicked Tamborine, we belted out country hit after country hit, undoubtedly hitting her, more or less in her sweet-spot.

You really can’t write this stuff, and, we probably don’t even need to.  

Fortunately, on a night to remember, we will do just that.  Remember, just how amazing it is to make a musical connection with so many wonderful and interesting people.

We live a charmed life, Carl and I.  

Hopefully, we don’t let one day go by when we take that for granted.  We try and appreciate each and every moment with the people we care about; because by the time we are done singing, they could all be gone.

Rb