Everything seemed to be pointing to a very slow night at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Township.

After all, it was thirty degrees, with a twenty five mile an hour wind, that made it feel like about ten degrees, when we arrived for the night.

“Normal” people probably wouldn’t even venture out for the evening.  But, we all know by now, these are not normal people.  Even better; they’re boaters!

As I’ve mentioned on several occasions, boaters don’t care about stuff like that.  The weather, the temperature, the wind or the wake or the time of day really don’t get in the way of as good party.  On this night, they were going to party, no matter what.

One of those things that we can always seem to count on there; they know how to have a good time.

So as Carl and I were shivering while setting up our gear, the crowd that had already arrived got louder and louder.  Nothing better that walking in to an instant party.

Just add music!

With things so crazy, as the eight O’clock hour rolled around, it was obvious that we were not about to begin this night, musically, with anything other than party music.

No problem at all.

“Wagon Wheel” started things off.  Then some Neal Young, and Dylan and Chesney.  The hits just kept coming, one after the other, until an hour had passed and it was time to officially greet the crowd.

During our breaks, we try and go out and interact with the people to find out how they are doing.  We attempt to get their suggestions on music and how the entertaining was interpreted through their eyes.

That’s all part of trying to keep everyone happy.

The second set began with us doing our best to keep the tempo and energy up at the high level we began with.  It was pretty easy to do, considering how everyone was feeling.  Gals were dancing, and by now, even the guys got out on the floor to shake a leg!

Seems like the dregs of winters’ cold winds did little to dampen the spirits of anyone who was on hand, this Saturday night.  It was a very happy group of people.  Thank god for boaters!

The next set was more of the same, with several slow songs thrown in for good measure.  It was becoming apparent that they were enjoying cuddling up on this cold windy night as well as dancing to the up-tempo tunes.

This fun group really was entertaining themselves, if that makes an sense.

Pretty soon, we were playing our last set, and finishing up the night.  The smiles were still on everyone’s faces.

Even as people were leaving for the night, the comments were all wonderful.  They were happy, and ready to come back when the weather would cooperate.

Rb

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

Summer is right around the corner, we’re sure it is!

I know that you feel the same way that I do, even though we might both be just wishing fools.

And so it seemed on Saturday night at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Twp.  People were wishing for summer to appear like Obi-Wan in the snowstorm.  (Probably need to be a Star Wars fan to understand that last part.)

The weather, although unstable more than not at this time of the year in Michigan, went from not too bad, to worse in the matter of moments.  It really didn’t matter to the patrons of Bumper’s though.  They were there to have a good time.  Nothing was going to get in the way of that.  I know that we weren’t going to.

We began our first set right down the middle.  Not too slow, not too fast.  Not with a whisper, but not with a shout either.  We take our lead from the crowd, and on this evening, they were going pretty well right from the start of the evening.

They were loud though!

Man, it was loud in there.  Its interesting that we can be outside, on the banks of the mighty Clinton River, near the constant drone of boats with high-octane engines, revving and jockeying for position with three hundred people watching and milling about; and yet, it is still louder inside!

So it was really loud.  But fun.

Fun and friendly and festive.  All of the things that we might associate with the summertime.

Each day now, it seems we see small peeks of the weather changing for the better.  People are so over winter at this point.  We get that.  We are ready to play, dockside too.

Carl and I try to evoke the hot weather in each song that we select to sing.  Songs of sunshine and sunlight.  Songs of beaches, and sand and sweltering bodies. . . .
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!  We can tell that everyone is ready to put away their winter coats and slip into their tank tops.  We’d love that too.  All that we can do to help, is to play more of that good O’l summer-time music.

That’s what made it all the worse when we looked outside and saw the snowstorm covering  everything as far as the eye could see.

Ughhhhhhh!

Well, too late on this particular evening.  We were already evoking the presence of summer, and nothing was going to stop us at this point.  After all, what’s another two inches at this point.  Ok, don’t answer that.

So, back inside, the crowd at Bumper’s was oblivious to everything outside of their little world.  (Remember, Boaters are very happy people, no matter what.)

Each song was met with accompanying fervor and friendliness.  Everyone was singing and smiling along.  The rest of the night was on autopilot.  We played, they enjoyed.  The staff took care of every last customer that stayed.

It was a very happy night.  Forget about the snow, it will turn to summer before we even know it.

Rb

 

Ok, now that we have everyone’s attention, let’s think about what that actually means.

First of all, neither one of us is Elvis.  Never have been, and never will be.  If you read that Elvis was in a movie called, Pajama Party!, one can only imagine all of the thoughts  and images that title would conjure up.  Girls everywhere, shaking and waggling to all the latest dance grooves.  There would be Elvis, right in the middle, with the spotlight splashing each and every hip-thrusting gyration for the cameras.

Ok, now that we have covered what didn’t happen last Saturday evening at Bumper’s Landing, let’s talk about what did.

It was the first annual, Bumper’s Landing Pajama Party, and it was . . . . great fun!

Carl and I had a blast, watching all of the happy people spend a much warmer evening than planned in a bar on the water in the winter.  Most of the girls in pajamas, were the staff at Bumper’s, actually.  They were fun, comfortable and hard working as always.  I have said this before, but it bears repeating: these gals never stop working.  We don’t know how they do it, but they keep going, hour after hour after hour.

The party began officially at 8:00, to a bar area that was nearly full and almost rowdy;  but completely happy.  There were smiles on every table, drinks on every hand, and hope for spring in every step.

Our music was simply a bonus on a night like this, since the crowd was so content on their own.  Don’t get me wrong, we were more than happy to play music for the patrons, but as for entertaining; well, I think that they were pretty much entertaining themselves.

We played lots of up tempo tunes that first set.  Thankfully, each one of them went over well, like the sound track to the party that was already in full wing.

Seems as thought the Pajama Party theme was doing its job of putting everyone in a wonderful mood of relaxation and abject contentment.

About then we noticed that there were some friends of ours in the house.  One couple of friends we have known for just about forever.  Interesting thing about Rick, is that he was coming to listen to us play music back in the 70’s when we played in Algonac.  Those were some early rock and roll days that we still treasure.  So nice to see people that have been coming to listen to us for more than forty years.  I guess, it reaffirms our belief that it is possible to keep getting better at what you do, if you keep on keep’n on!  (Well, they used to say that back in the seventies.  Look it up!)

More songs poured out of us, as we felt pretty content on this festive, pajama challenged night.  Sometimes entertaining at Bumper’s Landing is kinda like shooting happy fish in a barrel.  They are usually in such a great mood, they don’t even notice that they are being entertained.

Some nights we are all over the place musically.  Not sure if it us us being bored with the usual expected, requested songs, or not.  On some nights we just have to go off the beaten path, musically.  On those nights, we are country, and rock, and pop and Irish, or Beatles.  We are always thinking in the back of our minds, while we are playing a song, what the next one will be.  Something different or unusual, or hardly ever played.

I’m sure you understand that we can get tired of playing certain songs at times, even though they are true bonafide classics.  On those nights, we try very hard to go in a different direction, musically.  It keeps it fun for us, and hopefully for the audience as well.

Well all of that to say, on this particular night, we had none of that.  We simply played all of the usual, classic party songs.  We played them right in order and just let the patrons party to each one.  Most nights we have learned to go where the people take us.  They give us direction.  With our vast musical knowledge, we can hang with them, no matter where that is.

Now well into the evening, it was time to crank up the sing-a-longs.  Time to see how this group can carry a tune.  Billy Joel, Van Morrison and John Denver did the trick to get the ball rolling.  We even had some folks appreciate several of the Kinks classics that we offered up.  Good times.  We like these Pajama Parties.

The night ended as it began; with smiles and drinks and singing and fun.  Everyone happy, everyone pleased.

We look forward to every night at Bumper’s.  We may never really know what is in store for us, but we do know that it will be fun!

Rb

About this time of the year, everyone around these parts is looking to plan their hasty get-away.

Although we Michiganians are a hardy bunch, when the calendar pokes past the holidays, we urn for the tropic beaches and ocean-side destinations that fuel our restless dreams.

All of that certainly holds true for those of us who have grown up in the midwest.  We can take it, this cold, bitter weather, we simply long to be somewhere warm and slightly less frigid.

I think all of that goes double if you are a boater.  I’m not, remember, but Carl and I sure have been around our share of them over the last three summers.

Boaters love it hot and warm.

And so, when Bumper’s Landing, Macomb Counties’ new summer hot-spot was nearly filled on this icy Saturday night, it warmed more than our hearts.

Saturday was a realization that nothing, not even this harsh winter weather could keep real boaters down.

They, like no others, know how to party.  Even with the wind chill way below zero, they were out in mass, showing no signs of hibernation.

We got there earlier than usual, so that we could set up sooner and not get people chilled as we brought in our band equipment from the van.  The set-up went pretty well, as everyone inside seemed fairly oblivious to our entrance.

All that I remember from our first set was how much fun it was.  The entire staff from the busboys, right up to the owner himself, were taking great care in attending to each and every patron who arrived for the football, but stayed for the food, the drinks and the fellowship.

Everyone was smiling and laughing and reestablishing the powerful connection that runs so deep for these boating besties!

By set number two, it was a mass sing-a-long.  Dancing, singing and reveling was the order or the night.  It is so much fun to play in a venue that appreciated everything we do.

So gratifying when everyone takes part in the entertaining.  We try and set things in motion here at Bumper’s and then stand back and let everyone enjoy themselves.

The night was rushing past, as song after song added to the overall feeling of euphoria at making it through the holidays.

Like a gathering of groundhogs, all the boaters that hadn’t seen each other since the tarps covered their treasured crafts, smiled ear-to-ear as the door opened and another arrived.

it didn’t really matter what we played on this night, each and every song was met with the same level of enjoyment and empathy.

Before we even knew it, our last song had been played, and it was time to pack it all up and plunge ourselves back out into the cold of the winter’s night.

Even the cold itself was no match for the warm feeling of the brotherhood of boaters that we were lucky enough to be part of.

We will return to Bumper’s on January 2oth.  It is scheduled to be a “Pajama Party”.  That promises to be interesting, to say the very least.

Rb

Actually, its pretty easy to get kids to be excited about Christmas.  Just show up, set up and  the rest simply takes care of itself.

The smiles are everywhere; on each and every face.  Even our “musical expertise” can’t damper their spirits during this amazing time of year.

On Monday of last week, Carl and I fired up the O’l “Bob-and-Carl-Mobile”, and headed out to Garden City to begin our holiday music tour.

The inaugural show is always a bit clunky to us; as it is the very first show out of the gate, and lacks much of the polish and smoothness that we find after the first few shows are over.

No matter; those kids love it just as much as all of the other kids.  There are screams, bright faces and smiles as far as the eye can see.  We are always just more self-conscious, because we don’t have everything “down” yet.  While we might not think that the music is up to our standards that first show, the excitement level is always off the charts.

Seeing those kids watch in amazement as all of our props and lights burst fourth, always keeps us on our toes, and brings is joy.

We love playing music all year round.  We love playing at the many wonderful venues that we are lucky enough to be associated with.  We enjoy entertaining their customers, regulars, staff as well as all the patrons.

But most of all, we love playing for the children at Christmas.  There is something that is way more gratifying than anything else we ever do.  It might be the very first time that kids are exposed to live music being played.  (Well, mostly live).

These are the shows we truly love.

These are the very best of the very best shows that we do all year round.  We enjoy playing for the kids knowing whatever we do for them, stays with them for the entire year.

In 2017, we began with the Garden City show, and then had a day off to work out some of the timing issues.

Garden city works so well for us, as the atmosphere is calm and laid-back while we set up and get ready for the show.  We have a lot going on in our heads, that first one, since we have no idea really how the timing is going to play out.

While watching, some time, think about all of the things that are going on, many of them at the very same time.  Something has to keep us young. . . .

Wednesday was next up.  We arrived after lunch at Emerson Elementary, and began setting up for the show.

We started right on time to the delight of the huge crowd filling the gym-a-torium.  Helping us capture the show was budding photographer, Isabella.

The gym was filled with cheers, screams and song.  Just the way we like it.

The new show elements were a big hit, as we had hoped they would be.  2017 had one tight running show, that was for sure.  Carl moves pretty fast, and tries to get as many kids involved as he can.  Each element has as many participants as we can manage during our slam-bang hour tour.

Santa was this years’ focus, as the old guy and his red suit has taken a back seat to a lot of pretenders over the last several years.

    

Thursday morning found us at Twain Elementary, in frigid Fraser Michigan.  Playing to our second new principal in as many years, we were delighted to bring the holiday extravaganza back to Twain.  She stepped right in and helped everyone share in the fun.

So many people, parents, staff and kids have witnessed our show over the last twenty years; but Carl and I always wonder what it must be like to see the show for the very first time.  Crazy is the word that mostly comes to mind!

Moving on from the triumphant show at Twain, it was time to unload at Eisenhower.  The principal at Ike is one of our great friends, and so this show had better be hitting on all cylinders!

Oh, oh, the principal was out sick.  We’ll still do a good show anyway.  (why not, after all, we’re the consummate professionals!)  ((riggggght))

The Eisenhower show had everyone singing along, right from the very beginning.  Its almost as if they were waiting to sing form last year!

The schools crazy big, and the gym was crazy small.  Carl always works hard during these shows.  I’ll bet that he runs ten miles during every Holiday Extravaganza.

Before we knew it, Friday was upon us, and time for the last two shows of the year.  So happy, but so sad.

By this point, the show had each and every bug worked out of it.  It is tight, smooth and running at a very high level.  We know where the breaks are, the lulls and the laughs.  We know which direction they are looking, why they are screaming, and just what they want to be picked for.

Friday morning found us at Disney elementary.  Disney is the longest continuing running stop on our Holiday tour.  We have played here on Friday morning, since it became a Fraser tradition, way back in 2001.

The staff, principal, parents, kids and even PTO people join in as one to make it the jewel in the entire holiday lineup.

The only tough part about the Disney show is the fact that we need to push them to begin a wee bit early, as well as excuse ourselves from the post-show afterglow because we have to be setup and ready to go at a completely different school in less than one hour.

Its a pretty neat trick.  One that I wouldn’t advise any band or entertainer to try at home.

We finished the show at 10:00, and were packed up and heading to Salk at twenty minutes after.  All we had to do was to load everything in the van, drive to the new school and unload everything, before setting it up in place.

Miraculously, we were ready to play at 10:40.

The Salk show this year was our last show of the season.  Time to pull out all of the stops’ and let our musical hair down, so to speak.

We put in all of the songs and all of the bits.  The response was everything that we could have hoped for.

In the end, all of the teachers danced and paraded throughout the gym, as they have in years past; excited that school was ultimately over until next year.

Speaking of next year . . .

Carl and his Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza Event Planning Team will have about eleven months to think up a bunch of new and amazing bits to entertain, enthrall and enlighten kids with, next year at this same time.

Until then . . .

We’re tired, horse, sore and most of all very, very contented with the show we brought to thousands of wonderful kids this year.

Each stop on the Holiday tour is one of a kind.  Each different and amazing for one reason or another.  We wish to thank all of the staff and the children for allowing us to entertain again at their school.

We hope to bring an even bigger and better show back again next year.  That is our promise!

Rb