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Every night is different.

Every single show is memorable and unique.  No one can attest to that fact more than Carl and I, over the years.  We never know what type of evening awaits us until it ultimately unfolds.

Nothing wrong with that.  Its kind of like opening an Easter egg, as it always has the potential to be something unlooked for.

Delicious and memorable.

And so it went on Friday last at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens, Michigan.  Usually on a Friday night, we can count on several things happening. . .

1.) Folks will be eating.

2.) Folks will be drinking.

3.) Folks will be having a good time, talking, arguing relaxing, singing, shouting, laughing etc.

Beyond that is where the unknown lies . . .

A grey area, so to speak.  That grey area is where we come in.

We believe that someway, somehow, we do influence how the night is inevitably crafted.  If we do our job.  (which, most times, is not really a job, per say . . .), then we have drawn people in and satisfied  them.  We give them a respite from their trouble, worries and daily annoyances.

To give them a new song to sing, or better yet, do our best at singing one of their favorites is everything that we have ever hoped for.

But every show is different.  There is no script or set list that we have ever been able to follow.  As much as we have hoped for things to go a certain way, they have not.  Nothing wrong with that, as it tends to sharpen your skills as entertainers.  We generally go where the audience leads us.

We like it that way.

We do start out with one or at most two songs in mind to begin each show, and after that, all bets are off.  After all, the audience is who we are playing for.  We let them guide us.

They show us the musical way.

In that way, we can taylor our songs to fit any mood or atmosphere.  It is all part of our professionalism, a craft learned over many decades and thousands of performances.

We began on this night at eight, playing some Buffett to the few tables that remained after what passes for a normal dinner time of six O’clock.

Typically when we begin, most of those folks are about ready to head out the door, and make room for the next wave of evening affectionados.

As they settle in, it our job to guide them on an evening musical journey that hopefully will be lead by them.  We try our best to let them guide or way down the nights’ song-road.

We do our best to not hit a dead end, although I must admit that at times it happens.

Not on this night.  We began with JB, and headed out a bit slow, through the waves of island music to country and back again.  Lots of smiles and chatter, told us that we were pretty close to the mark, so far.

Then as we met some fans who stopped by to share their night with us again, we went down a road that was filled with oldies and classic rock.  From Creedence and Seger to The Beatles and Eagles.  It was a Journey that everyone was willing to take.

Usually on any given night, when the midnight hour approaches, the patrons seem to dwindle.  Not tonight.  The midnight lull soon gave way to an musical explosion when Sarah the Tamborine player and her entourage arrived with a vengeance.

All Carl and I could do was to hold on tight as we hurtled down the road at breakneck speed towards one O’clock and our musical destination.

One thing that we can always expect, as how we have learned to not expect anything. Every show is different.

Our very next road leads to the Firehouse, in Saint Clair Shores.  A new venue, a new adventure, to be sure.

There are many twists and turns on any given night.  For no apparent rhyme or reason.

Someday we will explore them all.

Rb

On a cold, drizzly Thursday evening in March, Carl and I played a new venue for the very first time.  Vast Kitchen & Bar was just beginning their dinner offering in earnest when we arrived to set up.

First impressions being what they are, our very first impression of Vast was how genuinely nice everyone was.  From the young lady who opened the door, to the smiling waiter welcoming us in, to the husband and wife owners who asked us to entertain.

How could any endeavor fail when when such care and customer service prevails.  Carl and I both knew that we needed to bring our “A” game on this important night.

Seven O’clock heard the very first song echoing through the cozy little restaurant.  We began with the legendary Jimmy Buffett, urging listeners to slow down, “You can’t run at this pace very long . . .”.  Wise words from a man who made his fortune extolling the virtues of relaxation and reward.

Vast seems the perfect place to do just that.  Rest, relax and unwind.  A place to discuss the troubles of the ever changing world fueled by a calming mixture of adult beverages and comfort food.  Its’ warm, hospitable table groupings, each nestled for maximum solitude, create an atmosphere of inspiration as well as introspection.

Most of the venues that we have played recently, tip their hats as gathering places to refuel and revel.  They are fun and favorable, yet loud and boisterous.

Here,Vast offers us the rare opportunity to play an entirely different genre of music.  For the first time in a long while, we are presented with the grand illusion of playing music that patrons can actually listen to.

When you are not hearing the click and clank of banging knives and forks on porcelain plates; or the banging and bashing of the wood tables on harder-wood floors, it is entirely possible that actual nuances in lilting melodies can be enjoyed.

I am not saying that Carl and I are classically trained impresarios, enlightening the masses as musical messiahs.  But every now and again, it is nice to be able to play a well-written song, not necessarily a top-ten hit, that people can actually hear and maybe even savor.

This is one of the main reasons we are excited about this new venue.  For us, it offers a new  and completely different chance to play many songs that we love, and yet have not been able to play in years, or maybe . . . ever.

On this very first night, ( actually, very first set), it took us a while to settle into a groove.  As in playing any new room, we had to get accustomed to the atmosphere, the patrons and the aural logistics.  It took most of the first set for our ears to get accustomed to the audio geometry of the floor plan.  The high ceilings seemed to pass our vocals right through to the far end of the room . . . l o u d l e y!

We made the needed adjustments, to everyones immediate approval, and felt much more at home after our first break.

Usually, we do much more during our break than just relax.  We talk to patrons.  We gather requests and canvas the staff to make sure that our entertaining is being met with the anticipated favor.  Listening to feedback from the people we are entertaining is probably the most important thing that we do.  In this way, we ensure that the wishes and expectations of the ones we are working for are fulfilled.

Tuned in to the second set, we re-connected quickly with an intriguing couple that had offered suggestions during our first set.  They had a nostalgic affinity for seventies music, and as fate would have it, that was right in our wheel-house.  Don Mclean, Van Morrison and Brandy all stopped by to win over the patrons, and the evening.

Soon it was ten O’clock and time to pack it all up.  But not before we had the chance to show everyone at Vast what we were capable of.  (Musically, that is).

All the people we talked with had very positive things to offer us.  The staff seemed happy, and the owners were delighted.

Hopefully we will get the call to entertain again as the restaurant holds so much promise for the future.  There is also a patio that waits only for spring and a new parking lot to blossom.  With any luck, we can be a part of it

When we arrived it was cold and drizzly.  When we left, we were warmed both body and soul.

Rb

On a wintery night in January, I was out with friends who wanted to try a new, hip restaurant, everyone was raving about.  Vast Kitchen & Bar

Although it was certainly not a surprise that I hadn’t heard anything about it; I was still intrigued by all the chatter.  As we arrived for what would turn out to be a very important evening, how could I have known what excellent service and care we would have experienced, on our very first visit.

The restaurant was charming, all right.  Contemporary styling and no-nonesense appointments, throughout.First-rate service by the greater, the wait staff and even the bartender.  After settling in and spending some time browsing through the ample offerings, we had time to truly reflect on our surroundings.

 

The place was full and brimming with conversation.  It seemed that even while engaged in the simple act of dining, what was being digested in earnest was good conversation.  A tribute to an atmosphere that nourishes not only the palette, but the heart and soul as well.  All that seemed to be missing was the sweet tones of an aching guitar.

Maybe we could fix that.  As it so happened, a concerned gentleman sidled up to our table to search out our feelings as we dined for the very first.  He introduced himself as Kola.  And while I was sure that he must the be the chef, I was delighted to find out that he was indeed the owner!

After exchanging our pleasantries and critiques on the evening we were enjoying so far, the subject of music was approched.

As we quizzed our host on the Vast history of music at his restaurant, somehow the idea that Carl and I might be a good fit to entertain someday.

Since Carl and I were both on vacation and in the studio for a month, that someday turned in to the immediate future.

After meeting with the owners, it was decided that we would play on the very next Thursday.

We are very hopeful that it will be a perfect place to play this spring and summer, as we have not entertained in any venue in this area on an regular schedule.

To say that both carl and I are excited is an understatement, as to me, personally, Vast Kitchen & Bar reminds me a great deal of a restaurant that we played for nearly five years at, in the nineties . . . Kokomos.

We have many fond memories of Kokomos, in downtown Mount Clemens.  So if of Vast experience is even close to that, everyone will be in for a real treat!

See you Thursday.

Rb

 

The Saturday after the big Saint Patrick’s day celebration was a day that Carl and I were fearing, even before it arrived.

Knowing all too well how difficult it is to play on any given St. Paddy’s Day, we have come to fear the worst over the years.

Meaning: we were afraid of how well we would be for the physical and emotional challenge  it is to play at the Mice; given that it was a mere two days after the “big, green day”, we were  a little trepidatious, to say the least.

As it turned out . . .  our fears were in vain, as once again, the people carried us to new levels of musical enjoyment.

There was a good, polite crowd all set and ready to go when we arrived.  These people were either patrons that elected to skip the craziness that is the 17th, or truly professional partiers, unfazed by something as silly as a date on the calendar that simply falls two days after the last opportunity to consume alcohol.

Either way; we win!

They were there all right, smiling, chatting and giving us their unique take on just what goes into an memorable night of song and drink.

Perfect!

Buoyed by the palpable energy and enthusiasm in the air, Carl and I rose to the occasion; immune to the aching thoughts and hurting limbs.

We started out strong, and got stronger as the many tables of new friends and aquaintences urged us to push our musical boundaries.  Good for them; as we need to be pushed from time to time.

We started out as we finished on the Thursday night before, with a healthy offering of Irish fan favorites: Whisky In The Jar, The Black Velvet Band, The Unicorn song and Danny Boy.

We started out that way, but soon moved on to other, more timely tunes.  Songs that tell the story of the ending of winter and the promise of spring.

Right now, singing about the coming of summer is literally music to peoples’ ears.

Through the evening we chatted with so many new fans.  People from near and far that found common ground in song and laughter; as we always do.

We conversed with some friends that we had met last year.  Friends that felt at home at the Mice, especially on their second visit.  So great to see people return because of the great time they had experienced previously.

It was truly a wonderful night.  Still physically demanding, but wonderful all the same.

It is our hope that those people who were so gracious to let us get to know them, will re-live that memory, in picture, smiles and music.

Until we see them again . . . . thanks for giving us the strength to keep going.

Rb

If ever you were looking for contrast from one event year to the next, this year and last would be the model.  St. Patrick’s Day, 2015 was a slow, meandering Tuesday that never fulfilled its promising potential.  On the other hand, this years’ celebration was vibrant, strong and steady from the beginning of the eight O’clock hour, until the last Irish dog was hung.

Looking back even now, does nothing to wash away the feeling we had then: 2015 st. Pat’s was a bust.  While we were anything but certain at the time, now in retrospect, we can anoint it for what it was; a nice quiet day.  Yes, it was slow.  The weather wasn’t the greatest, but shouldn’t really be held accountable as the main reason that the day fizzled.  While the summer-like celebration of 2012 will probably be the water mark that forever resonates with Carl and I for many reasons, the last few have been trending slower and slower since.

What worried us more than anything, was if this apparent trend would continue.  That people were just not willing to go out any longer during a work week and devote the entire day to celebration and revery; no matter what the cause.  It seemed to us that the times had finally changed.  Finally the new aggressive scrutiny in law and prosecution would effectively abolish social revery once and for all.

After all, our society is still evolving, right?

Nah . . .

Last year was just a fluke.  We know now that it was, because this year came roaring back with an vengeance!

Green men and women were out in full force doing all the stupid stuff that have been a yearly tradition since apparently doing stupid stuff was invented.

Great news for us, as that is how we make our living on the seventeenth of March!

And so it went this year, at Clancey’s at eight O’clock in the morning on a Thursday in March.  Our day began with The Whistling Gypsy, (our traditional Irish opening), and eased into second gear about a half our into our first set with The wild Rover.
( Did ya’ know that our first Irish album is all online . . . listen to Irish Hearts right here.)

Clancey’s began to fill quickly and we needed to keep pace.  The music got faster, as tempos raced and melodies got simpler.  Soon bagpipers arrived to do what they do.

The green beer began to flow in earnest, and all the while we played . . . Green alligators, and long-necked geese . . .

As the two O’clock hour approached we had completely filled the bar.  Enthralled that this year would begin the pendulum swing back to a more normal level of insanity, we set our sights on the second half of our day.

After a quick tear-down and set up, we were soon letting those green alligators loose upon unsuspecting partiers in an entirely new location.  Their entertainment was just winding down as we arrived to stake our claim on the main course of the day.

The five O’clock hour had us attempting to pick up where we had left off at two.  Only now we were at The green Lantern Lounge with our long time friend Jewels.  Jewels brought us to Rosy O’ Grady’s in the nineties.  We played there for many a St. Pat’s party, and followed her to Limelight’s, in Rochester.

Now at the Lantern once more, we could settle in and enjoy the sweet aroma of green beer and pizza.  All we needed to do was to add music, and that we did.  Several friends followed us from location to location on this day, never missing a beat or a chorus.

We are never too sure if people come to hear us on St. Pat’s at the lantern, as the food is the main reason for their visit.  I guess I wonder what most patrons are thinking when they walk in, sit down and are faced with Seven Old Ladies.

Funny how this year the most asked question was, “If we knew any Irish music?”.  Classic.

It was a great crowd at the Green Lantern.  They sat, they listened, they ate and still had request after request.   Wonderful smiles and suggestions kept the music flowing, right up until the very last hour of ten.

In the end, any Saint Patrick’s celebration is a lot of work for us.  So many songs over so many hours.  But the rewards always outweigh the troubles or aches and pains.

As always, we will be looking forward to next years’ celebration.  A day to spend with friends, family and every Irish heart.

Rb

Well, Friday night at the Mice was just about . . .

 

Wait a minute . . . .

 

Ok, my bad.  S A T U R D A Y at the Three Blind Mice, was full of energy and purpose, right from the start.  I wrote Friday, because, as you know, carl and I usually play on Fridays.  That is our night.  Always has been,  always will be.

So it is a rare treat to listen to us on a March Saturday, less than a week before St. Paddy’s day.

We were ready, make no mistake.  Most tables were packed as we began our night.  Right up front, some old friends who grew up on Bob and Carl music.  Now, introducing their kids to the timeless tradition.

The first set back after an extended layoff, (Six weeks in this case.), was a little quirky.  Everything needed to be re-set and re-calibrated.  Tuned, tweeted and adjusted, just so.

After a couple of songs, we were right there, back in the groove.

Since it was so close to the seventeenth, we relied heavily on many, highly-requested Irish favorites.  Mission accomplished, as most everyone joined in; anticipating what lay ahead.

One thing we have noticed at the Mice, is how great it is to have patrons all around us.  It really breaks down the barriers as we can watch their reaction to each and every verse of each and every song.  When you see them singing, you know that you have done your job for the night.

On this night, albeit a Saturday, things were clicking on all cylinders.  Everything was flowing from well-known melodies to the contented smiles on truly engaged faces.  Everyone seemed to do their part to make the night special.

It was all good as the tempo of the evening reached a fever-pitch of singing and playfulness.  The many individual voices joined as one, to ramp up the night to historic highs.

Sometimes we just try and hold on, as the tempo the noise and the enthusiasm nearly outmatches what we can bring to the musical table.

We held on all right.  Playing nearly five glorious hours of songs and stories.

To say that were were ready for St. Patrick’s was an understatement.  Hopefully, it will be ready for us!

Rb

I believe that the reason Carl and I began this long journey, so many years ago was not as apparent then as it is now, in hindsight.

We never started out to be “rock stars”,  which is great, since we still aren’t, all these years later.  I think that we began for the same reason that we did a lot of things in our lives: for the challenge.

By happenstance, we met someone who knew how to play, at a time in our lives when we were thirsty for a challenge, and the wonder that went along with it.

As it turned out, someone showed us a few chords and just how you “approached” a guitar.  With challenge accepted, it was then up to us to not only learn the guitar, and the songs that we wanted to play; but how to entertain people.

Learning the guitar was easy compared to learning the in’s and out’s of how to entertain.  To make a long story short . . .     we are still in the process of learning that skill today.

Entertaining is something that we work on each and every show that we play.  It is a life-long skill that takes attention, discipline and professionalism.  Conversely, for the people and groups that fail, by and large; it is the skill that they never learn to master.

What began as “happenstance”, eventually evolved as our abilities and confidence grew.  Our musical range expanded.  Our demographic shifted and our talents matured.

We experienced many types of entertainment opportunities, as more and more events filled our calendar.  However, as our goals and dreams evolved, so did our horizons and expectations.  What motivated us in the beginning of our journey is not necessarily what motivates us still.

Time changes most things.  But one . . .

People.  We began decades ago, using people as the great litmus test of how and where we were in the learning of our craft.  It was that response we received that meant everything to us.  The smiles, the laughter, the enjoyment that we were able to see in our audience that told us if we were a success or not.

So, these many years later, it is still that response that we work to elicit.  The smiles, the engaged attention and connection that means we have succeeded once again.

It’s really not the money.  It’s really not the venue nor the marquee.  It is the response and connection with the audience that motivates us.  That makes us work harder, longer and better.  We learn new/old music for the people that it reaches.  That is what sustains us, throughout it all.

This tenant really became apparent this last Friday night at the three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

At every table, it seemed were really fascinating people, emerged in the musical enjoyment of the night.  Carl and I try to take some time during each show to find out what the patrons have enjoyed, what they were thinking about the music, and even what they would like to hear, if possible.  Over the last few years, this has been a really rewarding part of our performances.

We have met many, many people from every conceivable walk of life.  each and every one, out to have an enjoyable evening.  Most have been gracious enough to allow an impromptu question-and-answer period about what they liked to listen to, what they wanted to hear, and what artists had reached them during their lives to make music enjoyable for them.

And so it was, that by midnight, we had had the good fortune to become friends with several customers who took the time to share their love for the pub, the music and the alcohol!

Upstairs echoed the return of the 3BM supergroup and mainstay . . . The Orbitsons.  And that meant that place was packed and rocking’!  Love it!  Outlaw country.  So good, and they had a guy warming up the crowd, doing originals, too.  Upstairs was back!

It was stead all night on the main floor.  Tables came, tables left.  In the end, it was a pretty good night.  There was a table from The Firehouse in St. Clair Shores who stopped by to eat, drink and listen.  We had a long talk with Brian, the owner, who asked us to play at his venue.  (Update:) – Looks like that is going to happen, since we have a date on the calendar.

We met a lot of great people that night.  The people, as always make the night a success or a bust.  We just do what we do . . . .  and, most of the time, it all works out.

It is the people that come.  The people that are eager to hear our renditions of their favorites.  It is the people that motivate us to be there, to work hard, to keep coming back.

It will always be the people that move us to song.

RB

While this year is still in its’ infancy, all signs point to a new, strong, optimistic era of musical memories.

I know, that is quite positive, but, “Why not”?

Sometimes, everything just comes together.  The stars are all aligned.  The temperature is perfect.  The ducks are all in a row.  The gods simply favor us.

I don’t really care about the, why.  Just glad that things are pointing to a wonderful, rewarding new year.

And so it was on Friday night at the Three Blind Mice in lovely downtown Mt. Clemens Michigan.  The Gods and ducks all seemed to be aligned.  Sweet!

What am I talking about?

Well, so far this year; (and, yes, I know that it is early . . .), we have had a great January.  The patrons have been fun and appreciative.  The crowds have been steady and plentiful.  And, the music has been well-received and fun.

What more could you ask for?

It was in that from of mind that we began the evening; optimistic.  The crowd that started the night out with us, grew and grew until it actually seemed as though people were heading out to shake off those winter blues.

Some nights it really doesn’t matter what is going on in other parts of the world, since no one really cared about anything that didn’t reside right within these walls.

Let it be cold, let it snow, let it blow . . .

We are just going to hunker down here and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

The music was just beginning to grab everyone when we could hear the funding beat from the band above us.

When there came a break in the our set, I grabbed my camera and climbed the long stairway to the upper floor.  It was time to check out Back Track.  Its great to see a band that is, shall we say, in our age demographic,rocking the place just like the young ones do.

The second floor was packed.  People were happy and drinks were being drunk.  Seemed like everything was as it should be.  Since everything was well in hand, carl and I headed back downstairs to end the night on a high note, as they say.

The music grew to a long, well earned crescendo, as the patrons shouted for more!

Another strong night at the Mouse, in the books.

Rb

 

New year, new day; same old guys.

Yep, that’s what you got on this Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in beautiful downtown Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

Actually, since it was the very first day of a very new year, and we were extremely lucky to get anyone at all.  Only the hardiest of people would come out on the next day after a New Year’s celebration, no matter how incredible the entertainment might be.

So with only a few tables filled, (and of course the biggest one, right where we were to set up), we began a very new year.  A new year filled with hope, music and dreams.

It is up to each person to fulfill the hopes and dreams that seem attainable, as we pear over the horizon of all those moments and hours as yet to be.

On this night, we won’t even begin to look ahead, since our immediate attention is focused on pleasing the patrons who made the journey out to start their year right.

We began a little mellow, favoring the legendary hits that reflected on lost love and unfulfilled potential; all tied eloquently to a soul-filled time signature.

As people filtered in, we held our guitars a bit more casually, allowing them to resonate a more uplifting sound and song.

Sitting at the bar on this were good friends, who stopped by, knowing that this inviting pub would be warm, happy and rewarding.  Sitting in an comfortable atmosphere, while sipping on some favorites, listening to some favorites is pretty great whenever you get the chance to enjoy it.  Truly, a wonderful way to begin a new year.

Steadily, as the doors opened, the Mice began to fill in ernest.  Happy people with broad smiles and cheerful greetings assembled to christen 2016 in just the right way.

Carl and I worked hard on this night.  “auditioning” for each new group of people who joined the fray.  Song after hearty song was changed as the evening turned from the first day of January to the next.  By nights’ end, we were as one, committed to making this new year all that it could be.

And why not?  If life is truly, “Like a song”, then let us sing it to the rafters!

Rb

 

And, just like that . . .

it’s over.  : (

One of the biggest things that Carl and I look forward to all year round . . .  Playing Holiday shows for the kids, that is.

It was amazing again, this year.  Visiting all the elementaries at Fraser Schools, this year.  And what made it even more rewarding, was the fact that we had a wonderful assistant who kept us going the entire week.  I cannot say enough about my daughter, Kaitlin, who helped move and organize the entire van full of props and show elements that the kids treasure.

We visited Twain and Edison on Tuesday.  Eisenhower and Emerson on Wednesday; and Disney, Salk and Cherokee on Friday.  Enough for one week, (or, one season), for sure.

Without her, we would never have been able to get from school to school, set up and ready to play the next show.  She was amazing!  She also took the pictures and videos of the shows as well!

For our 2015 rendition of the Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza, we visited each of the Fraser elementaries, as well as Cherokee Elementary, in the Chippewas Valley school system, where the very first show originated, back in the 90’s.

We could have easily christened this year’s show, “The Very Best Of The Bob And Carl holiday Extravaganza”, because that’s how it truly seemed.

Although there were some new bits, it was mostly a “best of” show, comprised of many classic elements that have been the staple of our first fifteen years.

Talking with kids through the school year; (and you might be surprised to know that there is not a school day that goes by, when one kid or another doesn’t approach me about the holiday show, and how much they love it), I listen a lot about what parts of the show that the children hold dear.

Some love Frosty, some love building Santa; some like the singing, the dancing, the mayhem . . .

Honestly, every kid seems like like a different element or bit.  But, they all remember something different, and they all seem love it!

This particular year, I was in a elementary classroom, about a month ago, when a little voice popped up next to me, asking “What was new for this years’ show?”

It was a forth grade student.  After our conversation, I asked her some questions about what she liked in the show, and if she wouldn’t mind giving some thought about what she might like to see added.

She thought that we needed a new outfit for Rudolph, so that was just what we got.  Rudolph never looked better; and never got a bigger response.  Good call girl!

It is truly a labor of love to do this show every year.  Rewarding, doesn’t even scratch the surface.  Our favorite thing to do, above all else.

But the toughest part as always…….                      uhmmmmmmmmmmmmm………

what to do next year?

Rb