Blog

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”

Those immortal words of Jackie DeShannon, first sung in the summer of 1965 have never rung more true than right here, fifty years later in the summer of 2016.

After the tragic events of this weekend in Orlando, they resonate even more.  What the world needs now, is more love.

Not hate.

Not legislation, or posturing, or politicizing, or even higher walls.

What this world needs it tolerance, and love of other people.  Love of life itself.

Last Saturday night in St. Claire Shores Michigan, Carl and I experienced, first hand.  The other side of the Love / Hate spectrum.  All, (and when I say, All, I mean . . . all), of the people we met at the Masonic Lodge 553, Sock Hop / Steak Out, get together were the nicest people we have ever met at an show.

From the moment we walked in, to the moment we said good night, we were absolutely awestruck by how wonderful this group of over achieving adults were.

When I say, over achieving, It has so much to do with what they do for the community and self.  I know first hand what wonders the Masons and the Eastern Star do for the community; my father, grand father, uncle and step mother were all involved.

I think that is one reason that they are so nice.  They are really happy with where they are in life.  How they fit in.  They are part of the master plan.  Carl and I have also volunteered many times at their functions, through the years.

So, on Saturday afternoon, in the heat, Carl and I arrived at the Masonic lodge in St. Clair Shores.  We found the little stage that was awaiting us, and set up in no time at all.

The crowd was small.  They were there for a nice steak dinner, cooked to perfection by themselves, and some oldies dance music.

Right after the equipment was set up, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with some fine people, as I ate my steak.  The real joy of a small crowd is that Carl and I feel more at home.  It is easier for us to sit down and chat with a smaller, less intimidating gathering, than a big group.  We were able to really get a feel for what music they would enjoy the most.

We talked about what music we were going to play. what instruments we played and even chatted about how I play bass with my feet. I know, right?

After talking with a gentleman from Hogs’ hollow Utica, we also knew that some of the folks might like to hear some Blue Grass music as well.  No problem!

We started with oldies, with folk, with Do-Wop, with rock & roll, and then took some jogs in the other musical directions.

We played some country, some Island music.  We played Irish, pop, country and western and even Blue Grass.  There were smiles and cell phones recording every note.

As the night progressed, the crowd go noticeably smaller, but no less enthusiastic.  The smiles endured.  The hand shakes and the hearty “thank you’s!” still resounded.

We ended the night with some Kenny Chesney favorites, to the delight of all that remained.

This one, we truly enjoyed.   From start to finish.

We wish this lodge well.  We hope they continue to prosper and grow.  Passing their message of service and love to all they come in contact with.

It is the only message that matters.

Rb

Some pictures by permission, Lodge 553.

What The World Needs Now

Burt Bacharach / Hal David

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone

Lord, we don’t need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross
Enough to last ’till the end of time

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone

Lord, we don’t need another meadow
There are cornfields and wheat fields enough to grow
There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine
Oh, listen, lord, if you want to know

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some, oh, but just for ever, every, everyone

What the world needs now is love, sweet love (oh, is love)

 

Last night was our triumphant return to the eloquent tranquillity of Auburn Hills.  Never mind the last time we where there, (yes, and also the first), was back in July of 1998.

To be honest, little has changed since then.  Oh the trees have grown some, but our song list hasn’t.  Why, you might ask?

Because most of the music that we have adopted over the years, are classic songs, interwoven into the fabric of our lives.  Or, as one wonderful young lady told us last night, “The music you play is so nice, because I know the words to every song!”

Just the response that we want to hear.  Translation: she and her husband thoroughly enjoyed themselves last night, hearing a band for the very first time.

To us, it means a lot, when kind people take the time to tell us how much they enjoyed themselves after the show ends.

We only played two sets, just more than two hours.  But, the audience had plenty of time to decide if they liked us or not.  They did.

It was a beautiful spring evening in Auburn Hills at the recreation center patio.  The attire was casual, the temperature was perfect and the air was filled with easy listening music.

On this particular night, we were even encouraged to play some of our Irish favorites.  It makes us smile when we see people enjoying music they have never heard before, and yet can’t stop tapping their toes and clapping their hands.

People sat and listened, folks jogged by the path through the woods and some people even took time out of their evening rituals, like walking their pets to come, sit down and give us a listen.

Happy smiles and many encouraging comments let us know that everyone there had a great time.

We only hope that it won’t be another 18 years until we return again.

Rb

Saturday was the very first show of 2016, on the water at Bumper’s Landing.  It certianly seemed everything was in place for a perfect evening of top-notch entertainment with the incomparable Bob and Carl at the helm.

Until Mother Nature had her say, that is.

Nearly in the blink of an eye, it went from mostly sunny to mostly shitty.  Oh well, the life of a rock star . . .

Thankfully someone made the intelligent call to have us set up our equipment in the bar, just in time to see the rainstorm scatter the water-side revelers inside . . . . right into our evil clutches!

Snug inside, the gentle sounds of Jimmy Buffet made the transition from deck-side to bar-side a bit more tolerable, as the requests began to pour in.  Tables in close proximity made communication with the audience easy, as we settled in for what would be an amazing night to come.

Jimmy, Kenny and Bob weren’t at the bar, but springing from our guitar and keyboards; as the perfect mix of alcohol and enthusiasm plied the frowns from those in the full house.  It might have been pouring outside, but nothing nothing could stop the fun, inside.  The tables were jammed, the rain was steady, and the music was accelerating.  Everywhere you looked, you saw . .  . . .  happy.

One of the things we love about playing at Bumper’s is that when we take a breaks, the music doesn’t stop.  Any song that we don’t know can be spun by our good friend, DJ Jimmy.  He never lets the party slow down with his vast selection of enjoyable tunes.  Sometimes, a girl just needs to let it loose on the dance floor, and Jimmy is right there to accommodate.

After only a few songs into our second set, the door opened and sixteen happy faces strolled in.  Looking for only one thing . .. a great time!

Well, they came to right place.  Bumper’s and Bob and Carl were ready for them.  The crew was celebrating a birthday, and they were celebrating with an vengeance.

The entire bar joined together for an rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday“, Vegas style.

So, after birthday props went out to both Kelly and Bobby, we were able to really crank up the party!  The dance floor was filled with happy people, grooving to the timeless classics that delighted both young and old.

While the rain subsided outside, and the fish flies descended; the party raged right to the eleventh hour, inside.

Though neither of us believed that the night was going to turn out so well; we sure were glad that it did.  Sometimes, the best of times are the times never imagined.

Lesson learned: If you are heading to a boat party . . . bring your suit and your smile.  You’re going to need them!

Rb

Change happens every day in the world, and no more evident than at Great Oaks Country Club, in Rochester Michigan.

Nearly twenty five years ago when we first played there, we would set up outside the old clubhouse among the “great oaks”.  Majestic oak trees that were the signature of the entire area; and one of the major reasons that the golf course was built around.

After some years, and a new greater clubhouse expansion, they removed those oaks, and relocated the event area away from the course.  The bands moved near the tennis courts to better focus their music on all the major summer holidays; memorial day, the fourth and labor day.

The holiday tradition endured but not our location.  We kept moving, here and there.  Not a problem for us, as we are always just glad to be entertaining, no matter where or to whom.

For the last many years, we have been set up pool-side, near the food and grill.  With the summer of twenty sixteen, came even more changes.  The food and cook staff have been relocated to the other side of the pool, and we now have a permanent home at the pool, complete with our own umbrella.

The people at Great Oaks have been focusing on families for many years now, and it has paid off in dividends. Kids, kids and more kids splash, scream and play as a family in what we can only imagine is the perfect summer atmosphere.  They have food, they have fun and they have entertainment; with play-scapes, games, water and inflatable bouncing environments.

Add our incredible music to the mix and you have the perfect place to enjoy the sun.

The changes have been many over the years; and all that really stays consistent is us!

Some things are simply classics.  Billy Joel, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, among them.  Music as timeless and personal as youth.

We truly love watching families grow up and flourish under the Great Oaks.  And, as many things change through the years, fun, sun and music never will.

Rb

  

A while back this spring, Carl and I got an unusual call about playing a fun new event.  It seems that they were going to build a new ballpark in the city of Utica Michigan, and were looking for musicians to add some musical flavor to the experience.

In our case, they were looking for a band to play some music for an Irish Night at the ballpark.

Ok, before I get too far ahead of myself, the ball park is the new, Jimmy John’s Field, just outside of Utica, right off of M-59.  The cutest little stadium that you ever want to see.

Apparently, the owners have searched all over the country to find the right blend of fun, atmosphere and amenities to keep everyone happily coming back for more.

At the moment three different teams all play each other in a round-robin type competition, where the real winner are the fans.

Jimmy John’s Stadium has all the look and feel of any big league park, and yet, the closeness, and intimacy of a home-town venue. You simply feel, “at home”, the minute you pull up to park, and are not gouged for the first in a long line of $20 bills.

We were swept away with this innovative idea, the moment we pulled up on Saturday.  Why were we there on Saturday, if the first game doesn’t even start until Monday, you ask?

Great question.

As I mentioned, were were slotted to play in August on “Irish Night, however, since they needed someone to test the sound system, and musical logistic issues that might arise, they called on us to volunteer.

It was all great fun, as we set up in the outfield pavilion, facing the grandstand, on this hot May afternoon.

Ready to play at 6:00, it became apparent that some of the wiring had not completely been finished; we finally threw out the first song at about 6:40.

After adjusting our output levels, we received word that everything was working great.  In all we played about four songs., to the delight of the crowd.

Having met all three mascots, it was time to tour the stadium, and sample some of the outstanding food.  We could do that.

It was a fun filled evening that really got us excited for the night in August when we will hopefully get everyone of the 4,200 people singing about Green Alligators and Unicorns!

I bet it arrived before we know it.

Special Note: Thanks to  Richard Pouncey for the great pictures!

Rb

“Spring to summer, March to June.  
Anything can happen; so happen, soon!”

Almost summer.  But, not really.

It can be cold and snowy or hot and melty.  Don’t bother peeking at the calendar if you live in Michigan, it won’t help you.  It really has no idea either.  Looking at the calendar is like looking into box of un-opened chocolates: great promise, but every once in a while you will have one that you wish you could just spit out.

So we settled on Fridays, year and years ago when we started playing as a duo in the 80’s.  We just like Fridays more, It fits Carl and I.  It’s the day of the week, that when you work, you look ahead to. T.G.I.F.!

Always Friday.

We have had some amazing Fridays through the years.  Annnd . . . we have had our share of stinkers.  All we can do is to be there and give all that we have.  We try to do those things, and more each Friday.  Well, each day that we perform, be it Friday, Saturday or the rare Tuesday night.

My point is this . . . you can never tell what is going to happen, by simply guessing at a date on a calendar.  The day, the date, the season, economy, politics, psychology, genealogy and meteorology all play their part.  Mostly, Carl and I just hold on for dear life rather than try and navigate the torrent.

So on any given Friday night, at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in beautiful downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan, we simply try and hoooooooold on.

Last Friday, it was kind of a full house as we began to set up.  We usually arrive nearly an hour before every job that we play.  That gives us time to deal with anything unusual that pops up.  (We get a lot of that).

Sometimes though, being ready for a job early gives us time to reflect and repair.  Time to evaluate what we wish to accomplish that night, and try and find a way to survive.

It also gives us time to e a s e into playing.  Meaning: when we show up at someones’ “dinner table”, with big amplifiers and musical gear, it tends to spook them.  If you have big speakers, apparently, you are going to be loud.  Simply how people think that it works.  Doesn’t matter if it is true or not.  So, when we move equipment in any venue, we have to do it slowly and carefully.  We don’t want to ruin anyone’s dinner experience.

It was nearly full on this Friday night, and after the first set it was still full.  (Imagine that?).  Many people come in for dinner and then leave right after.  Not considering that entertainment will be part of their evening experience.  We know that coming in, and try our best to be entertaining, not overpowering.  It is a very fine line at times.

The weather was beautiful outside, with many opportunities for people on this wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Lots of competition for their time and money.  We knew that it was going to be slower, and were just trying to make it fun for them while they joined us.

In the entertainment business, there are always wonderful things might happen when there are less people at the shows.  One great thing is that we can take more time to get to know people.  Time we wouldn’t normally have.  That is one of the best things we have enjoyed in the last few years; getting to know some really incredible people.

Not that easy, when you are a shy as Carl and I are.

Last Friday night was no exception.  We met several new people and got re-aquainted with some fans who had seen us earlier in the year.  They made a point to let us know that they enjoyed it so much the last time, that they simply had to come back again.

Nothing pleases us more!

Up the stairs to the second floor where it was a bit slow too, and yet, each and every person who was in attendance, was having a great time.

Paper Covers Rock was in full flight as I watched, blazing out the hits that made every one in the audience think . . . “Why isn’t this band on tour?”

Great question.

They have all the talent and showmanship.  I’m imagining that they simply need to get their foot in the door, and great things will happen.

For our second half of the night, we connected with some new, young wine entrepreneurs.   We discussed life, business and the fascinating marriage of wine and song.  Truly enjoyed the experience.

We have learned that you can never judge a day by simply looking at the calendar.  You can also never judge the quality of the crowd, by simply counting heads.  Its what’s inside those heads that really counts.

Spring is quickly giving way to summer.  We don’t look too far ahead.  We try and focus on what we have right now; and do our best to help everyone to enjoy the moment.

After all, its always summer somewhere, right?

Rb

Its always interesting; what awaits us inside, right before a show.  That’s what we were thinking about this Friday night, at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in Mt. Clemens Michigan.

Always something different.  That’s just one of the great things about entertaining.  Its usually not about us; but about the people who come to see us.  They bring the magic, really.

The people, the patrons, the fans bring their hopes, their dreams, their attitude into the pub; and it is up to us to recognize the vibe and answer it accordingly.

The goal, as always is to help everyone have the good time that they were seeking all along.

Sitting in the van before each performance, we never really know what awaits us.  We never know who is there, or how many, or even what kind of night its going to be.

We simply do what we need to do.  That is, we arrive early, well prepared and even in anticipation of what might go awry.

We begin on time, and are mindful of our employer, our surroundings and our audience.

We put in the work.  We never take the easy way road.  We always play over and above what we were contracted to do.  We listen to the people, and guide our music through their eyes and ears.

We try and talk to our audience.  To ask them how they feel about what we are trying to do.      We ask them what we can play to make them even happier.  Or help them forget about their troubles for a little while.  (All with the help and expert guidance of Johnny, Jim or Jack.)

When we do these simple, but important things, usually, the night goes our way.  We play, they enjoy. Pretty simple when you distill it down.

On this particular night, the crowd was good right out of the gate.  The pub was filled and eager to be entertained.  All except for the two guys who decided to sit right where the stage was.  They made it known in no uncertain terms that they did not want music of any kind to be played.  (Funny, people usually say that after they hear us play, not before.)

We thought that we should play anyway, and we did. The first set was pretty lively, for us. We usually ease into the night a little bit.  But on this night, however, we went full tilt, into the fray!

Well, that was a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the analogy.  That powerful first set segued into the smooth second set, as the singer showed up early.  After a few songs, the entire bar was lamenting, Friends n Low Places in unison.

Upstairs, Paper was covering the rock, once again, to the delight of the surging crowd.   i must say again how tight this band is.  Very professional, very polished sound.  Great opportunity for anyone to listen to, a great, up-andd-coming band.

Back down those stairs we went, to entertain the second half of the night.  What started out big, has now gotten a little smaller.  No one really stays out late, like they used to.  We focus on the hours between eight and twelve, and try and play another hour, just for good measure.  But we have noticed that when it gets past twelve, the crowd starts to thin dramatically.

The ones left on this night were the “die hards”, determined to party, no matter what.  Shots were ordered, songs were sung and smiled were hung on the faces with care.

it was another good night that the Three blind Mouse.

Happy to have people to sing to.

Great to see friends come back for another visit.

Wonderful to make new memories for all of the above.

Rb

 

 

 

Some nights seem to take on the characteristics of the month that they are in.  A wintery night in December, cold and foreboding might see everyone bundled up and snuggling at their tables.  Patrons huddled together and enjoying hot food and warm drinks.  Whereas a sweltering summer night on the patio would enjoy a cold beverage and cooler island music, to hit that elusive sweet spot.

So, what of a transition night in late April?

Although it was our usual Friday night, it was still clinging onto the winters’ chill, with sullen skies and dampness all around.  Carl and I feared that only those hearty few would venture out on a night that was really not that friendly for neither man, nor beast.

Spoiler alert, we were wrong!

Even during our initial set-up, we noticed how busy it was.  Good for the Three Blind Mice Irish pub, in beautiful downtown Mount Clemens.

The people were filling the downstairs, where we hold court, and were loudly and emphatically out-and-about, as you might say.

Busy from the very first song always makes it a great night, and this particular Friday was no exception.

The requests started early, and really didn’t let up until we were knee-deep into our second set.  That is just what we love about playing; when we don’t have to think about what the people might want to hear, we just do what we’re told.  Perfect!

We can play just like that all night long.  Give us a favorite artist, and away we go.  That not only makes it easy, but for us, makes it fun too.

Good crowd.  Happy, loud and engaged.  We will take that any month of the year.  Not really sure why this night was so busy, but not really too worried about it either.  Just glad to go with the flow.

After the dust settled on the second set, we did get the chance to get upstairs and check out the Friday night band.  Paper Covers Rock was entertaining each and every one of the one hundred fans on the second floor, with ease.   They have an excellent, balanced sound that really cuts through the room with an edgy beat.  We listened to a few songs and really was impressed with their talent.  One can only hope for great things in their future.

Back downstairs, it was time to get everyone’s favorite, sung and enjoyed.  And, there were plenty of them to be shared, still.

You know that the night crescendoes when everyone is singing in unison, (Even if half of them don’t know the words).

One O’clock came sooner than we could envision, but just in time.  Although we were still getting song requests for our next set, from the enthusiastic table in front of us, it was sadly, time to pack it in for the night.

But don’t be too sad, Carl and I will be right back here in two weeks.  Maybe you could be right here too.

We can’t predict what the weather will be like; but we can predict that the music will be whatever you want it to be.  Hot, or cool.  Get your requests ready . . .

Rb

Although this Friday night, Carl and I arrived early to set up, the night seemed to go by in a flash.  Partly because of the great people that we were lucky enough to have show up, and partly because, when we are really “into it”, we get lost in the music.

At that point, time really has no effect on us.

And so it was this last Friday at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub.  The night seemed to go by in a flash.  The people came early and stayed most of the night.  A tribute to the great pub that takes such good care of them; and also to the people themselves, who all seem to enjoy live music.

Having said it a million times, I will apologize right now to express it once more: It is always about two things . . .  the music and the people.  They both need each other to work, and when they are both part of the equation, anything and everything is possible.

At one time or another, we had five tables of fans that had come in to hear us play.  Very rewarding, for sure.   Nothing is better than people who say that they traveled for great distances to hear us perform.  We do all that we can to make their experience very enjoyable.  On this night, we seemed to enjoy the experience as much, or more than even they did.

We began the night, watching the Wings on the many screens, and sampling the local cuisine.

Then as it became time to perform, we were pleasantly surprised by the many tables of fans that we have entertained over the last year, arriving to share their night with us.

And a very fun night it was.

As you know, nothing is better than when we get request after request from excited music lovers.  For us to be able to make their favorite songs come alive is a wonderful experience.  It is why we are still playing after all these many years.

Even better, is when we got requests for songs a little out of the mainstream: one of our specialties.  Everyone loves Margaritaville, but many people might not have heard the Peanut Butter Conspiracy.

Having so many tables surrounding us with smiling, laughing singing faces almost makes everything right.

It was a lot of fun downstairs, so Carl and I ventured upstairs to see what was going on.  To our delight, one of the very best bands around was playing: Under The Covers.  The lead singer has an amazing voice, singing everything from Bruno Mars to Journey!  We can’t say enough good things about this band, as they always bring their “A” game to the Mice.

Back down to earth, and downstairs as the evening unofficially was winding down.  We can tell the high point of any night is when we finish a set with the rock classic: American Pie.  It always seems to signal the crescendo of the evenings’ roller-coaster ride through our musical repertoire.

The night started early and was well attended throughout, but slowed quickly as the midnight hour arrived.  Our last set mellowed as the we ushered our friends into the night with some more thought provoking and contemplative selections, such as Hallelujah, and even an original selection.

An enjoyable evening to the early last.

It is very important for us to make sure that they people that go out of their way to return to hear us, know how much we appreciate it.

It is why we are still singing.

Rb

Bonus!  You can listen to the last set from Friday night, right here……

 

 

A new musical experience presented itself for Carl and I as we added a great new venue to our list of places we can categorically say, we enjoy playing.

The Firehouse Pub in St. Clair Shores opened their doors to our unique brand of entertaining on Saturday, April ninth.

Before we even brought our equipment inside, we sat down at the bar and had a drink with some of the regulars.  Sometimes that is a great way to scout out the place and get a gauge on the pulse of the crowd.  Sitting next to a guy who could literally walk to his house got us the inside track on what made the place tick.  He even introduced us to the owner, Brian.  (although we had met Brian previously at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub).

Brian made us even more at ease and directed us to the manager Chad, who offered to set us up with anything that we needed.  All that we had to do was to entertain the crowd, and we knew just how to do that.

Sometimes it takes us a bit to break the ice, so to speak, in a new venue.  Here, however, I believe that we both felt right at home from the very first note.

The response was overwhelmingly positive after our inaugural set was in the books.  Set up in the corner, it gave us a a great view to command the  attention of the entire room.

Filled with happy patrons engaged in their relaxing dinner and drinks, it was our chance to  take control of the evenings’ direction.

We began the night with some Jimmy Buffet, (always a safe choice), and then segued from Bob Seger right into the first of many requests at hand.

Beginning the second set with some country favorites and current hits, the evening was moving along quite nicely.  The sound mix from our corner was perfect, in that we could hear every note being played.  While all great places to entertain, there are many places that we play where we have to struggle to hear ourselves.  And, hearing is the most important thing there is in music.  Not here. For our little corner of the Firehouse proved to be the perfect spot to survey the crowd and offer up our rendition of so many spirited requests.

Halfway through the evening, we were joined by Sarah with her crew, to help celebrate her birthday.  They were all in their mid-twenties, and feeling pretty good about themselves.  (As they should have been).

They were fun and full of energy, singing and playing the Tamborine with reckless abandon.  I must say, Sarah is one of the few women that I have seen actually play the Tamborine while drinking a full beer.  Now, that’s talent!

One great thing about playing a new venue is that every song that you sing, seems to ring new in a different place.  New pub, new people, new acoustics.  Not exactly sure what it is, but the music itself becomes rejuvenated.

As the one O’clock hour approached, only the “die-hards” were still actively participating in the evenings’ adult refreshments.  That’s ok, it was time for us to pack it all up and hopefully come back another time.

The staff thanked us for a hard nights’ work, and we them.  Hopefully we will be back to fan the flames of musical memories once more.

Rb

Want to listen to the first set of the night?  Recorded live, April 9, 2016  Click on the microphone, and enjoy!