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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

 

When the rain comes down by the water, no one seems to care.  Well, boaters sure don’t seem to.  They simply move from one place they are drinking at, to the next place.  No problems.

And so it went on Monday afternoon at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison township.  They came, they drank, the ate, and continue to be the happiest place in the world.

So, the day began with a pretty blue sky beckoning everyone to come out and explore.

Summer wasn’t done yet.  Her bag of tricks wasn’t all used up either.  She still had a few up her sleeve not this particular Labor day.

I guess that we shouldn’t call it Labor Day, since we were technically working on something that we really enjoy doing.

How can that be work.

While setting up, we took a lot of time to survey the threatening sky.  Rain was coming, and it really was simply a matter of, when.

We set up and got ready to begin anyway.  Only to be rained on, five minutes before taking the stage.

The rain was just a pre-cursor for what possible that evening, and Carl and I took note.

For now the rain was held a bay, long enough to get our first set in the books.

Halfway into the next set, we began to lose our concentration as the wind picked up and the rain appeared to draw closer.

We kept playing with one eye on the music, and one eye in the sky.

After our third set, it was time to make our move indoor before everything was to be soaked for good.

All summer long there had been talk of us playing indoors when the weather got colder, but neither Carl nor I had been able to figure it out in our minds, just how to achieve it.

Now, as the clouds threatened us truly, we moved into the perfect spot without even thinking.  Sometimes things happen just like that.

we nestled our gear into the corner, near the bar, and everything simply fell into place.

With a little time, we were up and entertaining once more.  The songs flowed, the drinks provided just the right amount of liquid courage, and the crowd responded in glorious song!

The summer-long, “moving inside” puzzle was solved for good.  We played even more inspired now, until the clock reached eight bells.  It was time to recede for the particular holiday.

It was an interesting day.  The weather, the music, the people.  We had our friends from the great oaks stop by and help us enjoy the day even more.

Once more, it was evident that it was the people that make the day special.  Any day.

We would be playing again on Thursday.  And then again on Saturday.  Looking forward, it would be a great week.  One to remember, we were sure.

Rb

For us land-lubbers, being by the water is always unsettling experience.  Seriously, you could drown!

For those who boat, it is obviously second nature to be around the water.  Give them a pond, a lake or an ocean, and they have attained blissful peace.

Carl and I have realized that a long time ago.

That being said, to witness the entire experience first-hand is something else.

Boaters are happy all of the time.  I have said that over and over again.  The reason, I believe is that they are simply around water; and that is all that they need.

It can’t be the music.  (Come on, we both know that.)

It could be Bumper’s Landing, the place.

It could be that.

Everyone seems to be happy when we arrive.  Smiles and laughter, dining and drinking.  I guess, what’s not to love?

And so it was on Saturday last, at 6:00 Pm when we played the first song of the night.  Still having some equipment issues that we have as of yet to iron out.

We began tentatively, but soon loosened up full throttle.

Even though it was our first of four or five sets of the night, we didn’t really care to take it slow.  After all, it really doesn’t matter what speed we begin at, the boating crowd usually dictates the course and acceleration of the evening.

Everything was going according to the well laid out plan we have in place since our very first time at Bumper’s: Just show up and hold on!

Yep, that’s our plan.

The crowd gives us lots of input as to what direction they feel comfortable exploring.  The requests were flying, and the gear was co-operating, so things were all good on this evening.

We talked with more new people during our first two breaks.  People that had seen us before, but most who had not.  We received lot’s of great compliments.  That is always nice.  We gathered requests, we discussed music choices, and pretty much just mingled.

Happy people are easy to mingle with.  We want to spread the good cheer that we share of Bumper’s as much as we can.  This place has been very good to us.

Our third set was more dancing and moving music.  We got everyone going by then, and it was apparent that they loved every minute of it.

We even had a guest singer come in and regal the crowd with a couple of his favorites:  The Dock Of The Bay, and For What It’s Worth.  Great job, Dan!

By the last couple of short sets, everyone was ready to quiet things down for the evening.  Still talking, still drinking, but a little less energy made for the right time to “mellow out”.

Perfect for us. We know that putting in those many hours of playing is so rewarding at Bumper’s, since we always get positive feedback throughout our show.

We also know that these people would be happy, no matter what we did.  As long as they have their water, the’ll be fine.

Happiness in life is truly hard to find.  We find it at Bumper’s Landing, every time we arrive!

Rb

  

Its has been years.

Years, since we witnessed the rumble, the roar and the glory of a Dream Cruise.

It began in August of 1995 to be exact.  That summer, we played our oldies for the best and the brightest at the General Motors Tech Center.

It was an inauspicious beginning to a decade of entertaining car aficionados from around the globe, right here in the Motor City.

Situated in Huntington Woods, along the bustling banks of Woodward Avenue, we played music to all that would listen.

In the summer of 1996, we set up shop in the parking lot near the bank in Huntington woods, while other entertainers occupied the big stage.  We gathered on the side, out of the way; so that we could play between all the other acts.  We were the musical MC’s as it were.

For nearly ten years we were there listening to the purring motors and squealing tires.  It all came to an end when the economy went south, and funding for some cities or townships dried up.

Fast forward to 2017 . . .

We got the call that Berkley needed some entertainment after their CruiseFest.  We were honored to be one of the groups.

So, one day before the actual cruise day, we drove out to beautiful Berkley to pick up where we left off in 2005.

The crowd was amazing.  They were all gathered in anticipation of the big parade that was scheduled to begin at 6:30.

The event was to be an hour, with another band called, Full Throttle taking the stage from the cruises’ end until we were ready to entertain at 9:30.

There was so much to see, so much to do, so much to take in.  Vendors, and people and dogs and people and car enthusiasts, and other people.

All that we needed were some music fans and we would be all set.  Fortunately, the music fans were right there awaiting the show at the conclusion of the big parade.

The parade was the focus, as two original Carroll Shelby Cobras kicked things off in fine fashion.

Car after car rolled past to the extreme delight of both youngsters and oldsters, roadside.  The motors roared their approval from under every well-manicured hood.

It was hard to judge who enjoyed the show more; the kids who had never seen such vehicles before, or the members of the “Greatest generation” that followed each auto with reminiscent delight.

Full Throttle took the stage at 7:30 upon the conclusion of the amazing parade.  Their goal was to bring back even more memories through tight, exciting vocal melodies and intricate “do-wop” harmonies.

They succeeded in a big way!

The crowd was clapping and shouting along, to the infectious rhythms and vocal stylings.

The city of Berkley was even on hand to televise the happenings around the parade, by streaming things live!

Full Throttle delivered classic after timeless Do-wop classic, all the while dancing, rocking and rolling to the well-choreographed stage show.

They started a bit late, and so their show ran a little bit longer.  Carl and I scrambled to get our gear up and ready, just as we were getting the green light to start from the camera crew.

We started.

Some of our equipment did not.  My bass pedals were all set up and ready to go when the time came for us to begin.  However, upon attempting to play my first bass note, nothing happened.

And . . . there was really no way to fix it, since we had to breaks or lull to manage it.  Oh well, the life of a Rock Star!

We blasted right through lots of oldies, to the delight of the crowd that stayed out late.  You must realize that it had been a long day, a long week, and was going to be an even longer day on Saturday for most, if not all of these fine folks.

They had been working for a month to put this event on, and, it showed.

Much thanks to everyone involved on this big night.

It was great fun for us.  To return to our roots by the muscle cars again.  Many thanks to the crew that fed us from the Lunch Cafe!

Seems as though everyone was happy on this night.  Hope to be back in Beautiful Berkley to entertain again next year.  For the new models!

Rb

 

           

It started with a simple song.

Our Shelby Art Fair, Sunday experience for 2017.  We began with Jimmy Buffett:

“Squalls out on the gulf stream,
Big storms coming soon.
I passed out in my hammock,
God, I slept way past noon.
Stood up and tried to focus,
I hoped I wouldn’t have to look far.
I knew I could use a Bloody Mary,
So I stumbled next door to the bar.“

Everything for us, on this summer Sunday would start out slow, smooth and easy.  There was simply no chance that we would rush into anything on this day.

Slow, easy and deliberate.

For it was a very long and worthwhile weekend so far, and we weren’t about to do anything to jeopardize it.

We would began quiet, and peaceful, and would go from there.  Deal.

Lots of beautiful sunshine.  Lots of happy faces.  Friends from the previous day.  vendors and well-wishers alike all poked their collective heads out to acknowledge the fact that they were listening.

It began just like that, and soon gathered speed, as you might expect on such a glorious afternoon.  The requests began to manifest themselves, to the point that we had more than our first set could even handle, musically.

We played Buffet, and Morrison and Chesney.  We played Joel and Williams and Darin.  We played country and pop.  Oldies and Island.  It was so much fun that we didn’t even think about taking a break for a very long time.

However, we needed to take a break.  Not from the music, but to gather together people’s requests for the remainder of the show.

It makes folks happy to have us play their favorites at these shows.  We get it.

We even had an older lady approach the stage and make a special point to explain to us that the immoral Glen Campbell had died that week; and that she thought that it would be very appropriate of us to play some of his music . . .

We agreed, wholeheartedly.  Which, is why we had already played three of his timeless classics, and would play another before we finished.

The people were so polite and respectful, that we were even able to ask them what they wanted to hear, one more time.

Feeling very patriotic, entertaining at one of our greatest homespun traditions: the city art fair; we thought that we would finish our two-day show with some Americana of our own.

We began our “old-timey” medley with “America The Beautiful”, to get everyone’s attention.  America morphed into The “Wabash Cannonball” and then, “I Saw The Light!” followed by a bit of, “Swing Low“.

The tempo stalled long enough for Carl and I to urge everyone within earshot to join us in the immortal, “Amazing Grace“, before we ended with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?”

Cheered rang out at our ending, as the crowd erupted with the last chorus in the books.  It was time to clear the stage and make way for Rick, Dayna and Marshall Allen!

Another plus for this event.  Hearing Rick and his band is one of the years’ highlights for us.  They are simply so smooth and enjoyable, that we can never praise them enough.  Just do yourself a favor, and get out to listen.  Oh, that Marshall sings so effortlessly!

We enjoyed our weekend at Shelby this year, more than ever in the past, I believe.  Maybe it was the pace, maybe it was the time in our summer, or maybe it is just one of our favorites, because it fits us so well.

Doesn’t really matter.  Just hope that we return next year to do its all again.

Rb