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Sometimes an entertainer will get to a place in their career when they lose sight of what got them there in the first place.  Talent, hard work and above all, being at the right place in the right time sure does help.  However, in the end, (as it was in the beginning), it is always about THE MUSIC.

Always.

Carl and I hardly ever forget that, but when we do, we are very fortunate that we have some great patrons who remind us, without fail.

And so it was on another night at Bumper’s Landing when we knew not what to expect.  The word on the street was that a huge crowd was on their way in to watch the big basketball game against Michigan and Michigan State.  Since the game began at eight, we would wait until it was finished before we would take the stage.

All good.

We arrived at our very same time, and began setting up in our usual way.  The goal was to be settled in and ready to start as soon as the big game concluded.

All well and good.  The game began and everyone was glued to the big screens.  You know how men are with huge television screens to keep them focused . . .

We were set up and ready, and in the zone.

When half time arrived, we kicked off the music, with Jimmy Buffett urging everyone to think about a trip to Margaritaville.  A couple more songs got the patrons thinking about anything but basketball, just in time for the game to begin its second half.

Of course, some games, just like men are bigger than others, and the second half of the game turned out to be a prelude to nothing as State ran away with the outcome.

That of course, left many of the Michigan faithful to head out early, and with it, our chance to play their favorite songs.

We did however, (as luck would have it), meet a group of guys who loved live music just as much as sport.  They stopped in to watch the rest of the game, but stayed to listen to our first set.

That was all it took.  They loved each song we played and we loved playing more and more of their favorites.

This is when it really gets enjoyable for Carl and I, when we have a group in front of us that we can interact with.

They shout out a musical favorite, and we play it.  Simple as that.

It really doesn’t get any better.

We actually played only two sets on Saturday night, the first one, an hour long, and the second an hour and a half.

But what sets they were!

We really, really enjoyed the evening, and owe it all to those five guys.  While it really IS about the music, a lot of times, it’s about the people we are lucky enough to play the music for.

After all, that’s why we play: for them.  Song after song, week after week, year after year.  It’s a great job most of the time.  And when some wonderful people are there appreciating our effort, it’s not a job at all!

Rb

Just down the street  . . .

 

. . . . is your friendly neighborhood bar.

That probably can be said for just about any city street in America, but in Mount Clemens, this particular bar is special.

Why, you might ask?

Well, this bar has been dispensing liquor, refreshments and fellowship, in the same spot for more than one hundred years!

Think about that . . .

When carl and I were born, (way back in the fifties), this bar had already been serving its fellow man and woman for over a half century.

As if that by itself isn’t amazing enough, consider the fact that while most everything in our society has changed: automobiles in stead of horses, supersonic jets and drones in stead of propellor airplanes, the information revolution in stead of books and newspapers . . .

. . . our need to gather together to talk about or lives has not.

Something about sharing a pint just brings people from all walks of life together.

When alcohol is flowing, any of the worlds troubles and woes can be solved.  Or so it may seem.  It’s the promise of clarity and coherence that binds like minds and sets them on the task of righting all the worlds’ wrongs.

We see it every night from our vantage point under the bright lights of the stage.  People working as one to solve all the riddles before their drinks are dry.

Lucky for us, we provide the sound track to the solution.

If only the worlds’ leaders would come down from their lofty perches to walk among us common people, they would certainly learn a lot.  They might even have the daunting issues of world hunger, climate change and most government boondoggles resolved in one afternoon.

Well, we’ll be here at the Mice, sipping a brew and solving all the world’s problems.  We might even share a story, a joke or a song.

The world can be a cruel place if you choose to go it alone.  Why do that?  Stop by your local neighborhood pub or watering hole.

If it wasn’t the solution, then why was your great grandfather here sharing a pint?

Rb

It’s going to be an amazing summer at Bumper’s Landing!

Trouble is, the summer hasn’t quite arrived yet.  Oh, we’re ready all right; ready as we’ll ever be.

The only problem is Mother Nature isn’t quite there yet.

Don’t check the calendar, check the thermometer.

Just when we think that old man winter has loosened his grip, BAM! we get knocked back to reality by the Bomb Cyclone of 2019!

Yes, I realize that everybody gripes about the weather, but no one really does anything about it; but that’s not going to stop me from lamenting the fact that if the weather would even semi-cooperate, we might have some people to entertain.

As it was however, it was a very slow night.  We did get the chance to chat with some great people again.  (The up-side to a slow night).  However, in the end, with everyone involved, it would be nice to have a big crowd come by and take full advantage of the hard-working staff that was in place and ready to handle the crowd.

Time and time again we have lamented the fact that at Bumper’s Landing . . . we never know what is about to happen on any given day.

Located on the water, Bumper’s is at the whim of the “lake effect”.  Whatever weather conditions are prevalent, greatly effect wether people come out and stop by.

On a sunny summer-like day, our Michigan beaches and waterways are swelling with potential patrons, sometimes lined up five boats deep.  But, when the winter months arrive, and all the boats are docked, it becomes much more difficult to get customers to drive the long way out to the lake to lift a beer.

When the big thaw begins, they will be back and ready to soak up the sun; but until then, while the weather is hit or miss, so then are our nights.  Frustrating to be sure, but all part of the life of a rock star.

We set up early, eagerly preparing for an evening designed to share our musical talents.  Adjusting each nuance, string and volume knob until it was time to share our first melody.

The diners were ready to be entertained, and we were more than ready to oblige.  As usual, Jimmy Buffett was the ambassador wee chose to greet the first listeners.  A time-honored Bob and Carl tradition that pre-dates actual time itself.

Easily enjoyed, it was then up to us to follow that one up with another crowd pleaser.  After some cowboy music rattled the rafters, the word came to us that it was time to inquire just what to do with a certain drunken sailor.

Nothing could possibly have pleased us more.  Sure we played some Irish, and then another and then another for good measure.

Blasting right into a great set of oldies before anyone knew what hit them, gave us the confidence to try some songs that weren’t as easily recognizable.

We played some Bob Dylan and some Beatles music that maybe didn’t receive the amount of attention that they should have in the pantheon of musical greatness.  (When it is slower, we have a little more latitude to steer the evening in a completely different direction.)

The crowd seemed appreciative, as they usually are at Bumper’s Landing.  They are very happy people, remember.  (we’ve talked about this.)

As the night wore on, and the alcohol paved the way for plenty of poor decisions, the weather outside refused to give up on its winter-like impersonation of a cold dark, dreary house guest.  One that you can tolerate for a few hours, but in the end excuse yourself early to rid yourself of.

So when eleven rolled around we found ourselves bereft of all but the heartiest of customers.  It was a wonderful evening, but time to pack things up and head home.

Our next visit to Bumper’s will be a just a little bit closer to the coming of spring.  We are so over that old man winter that if he shows his ugly head, we might just ignore him all together.

His power is waning, and let’s face it, we have songs to sing!

Rb

 

 

 

 

 

By now you realize that we never know what to expect when we play Bumper’s Landing.

Last Saturday night was no exception.

As we pulled into the parking lot, we were amazed at a huge party bus arriving at just about the very same time.

It had all the markings of a bus that can be charted in Hamtramck Michigan, but we had no way to be certain.  Although we still are not sure just where it came from, we do know of its destination.

All of this was unknown to us when it first arrived around seven O’clock on Saturday. No matter, we have long ago learned to just roll with whatever might be happening that day or night.

They were arriving, two at a time, all shapes and sizes with one thing in common; they were all bound and determined to have a memorable time.

You pretty much know that its going to be an interesting night when you look over and a girl is sitting in on keyboards and singing Backstreet Boys, and we hadn’t even started yet.

Yikes!

Yep, it was that kind’ night, they were hot right out of the gate.
Jumping, shouting, singing and commanding the Tamborine.

Apparently, they were hockey people from Saint Claire Shores, (hockey people are the best!), who were touring several fine, local establishments on this particular evening.

How lucky we were included on their tour.

It was a wild start to the evening for sure, even our tip jar became a casualty.  Oh well, the life of a rock star!

It’s always the people that make our night, as I have said, many, many times.  This night was no exception as the hockey moms and dads really took over the place.  It was all in good fun actually, since all Carl and I could do at that point was just to stand back and stay out of the way.

They were looking for fun, and knew exactly how to recognize it.

The first two sets were a whirlwind of up-tempo classic rock hits from several decades of music.  Each was met with the appropriate amount of energy and enjoyment.

We didn’t even slow things down until the end of the second set, when it was apparent that some couples were looking for a way to snuggle. (without having to purchase a room).

People sure know how to have a good time at Bumper’s Landing.  They feel at home and able to let go without any fear of being judged.  It’s very evident that anyone looking to have a good time need not look any further.

We were all sad when the magic bus began to fill and drive away with our crowd.

Since it was the night before the super bowl, the people, unfortunately did not stay around as long as we would have liked.  However, we hope that they all had  such a great time, they will be back to eat, drink and play the Tamborine again some day soon!

Rb

It was very cold.

However, we live in Michigan, and shrug off cold and wet and dismal and dreary, like so many untended potholes.  We know that soon, there will be the enviable, Spring.  The sun will awaken this slumbering land and promise will boom once again.

Knowing all of that, we are still faced with several more weeks of frigid and often bleak days and nights ahead.

What to do?

Well we Michiganders could retreat from it all; and I’m sure that some do, hold up in their fortresses of gloom, weary of everything the outside world assails them with.

But, by and large, most of us mush forward, short day by short day.  Bracing ourselves from the cold and finding warmth wherever it springs forth.

On a Friday night, people could steel themselves from it all at home, or venture out into the frozen unknown.  The choice is most always their own.  When they do come out and join us for a night of music and fellowship at a local watering hole, we appreciate it more than they will every know.

We met some fun girls who had already established themselves in front of the barrels at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in blustery downtown Mount Clemens, the other evening.  Fun and playful, they begrudgingly relinquished their spot so that we could set up to entertain for the night.

It was a good start, since they made us feel relaxed and yet, somewhat annoying.

By the time that we began our first set, the tables were mostly all occupied and already in mid-conversation.  Through the first and second sets, we were hardly acknowledged at all by the absorbed patrons.  After all, they ventured out on a night such as this, and were going to focus all of their attention on their conversations and thier friends.

No matter, Carl and I had one trick up our sleeves to break through the ice: our old buddy Al.

Alcohol, (his given name)

O’l Al would take care of things.  He would help us reach each and every single person within earshot, and in no time.

It didn’t take long as a matter of fact.  As the patrons who began the night with us said their good-byes, and more arrived, the focus turned to the music and then to song.

We met a delightful set of twins who made sure that we knew how much we were appreciated, even if the other people couldn’t or wouldn’t vocalize it.

That in-of-itself made us enjoy the rest of the evening to a much greater degree.

Every gig that we play is different.  The venue, the atmosphere, the calendar, the people.  So much goes into how a show is received that no two dates are ever the very same.

On a night like this, where the music was kind of secondary, we understood that mostly the patrons just wanted to be out with other people.

You know, people needing people.

The cold will subside.  The clouds will part, and the sun will take its rightful place in the hearts and minds of most Michiganders.

The Mice is a great gathering place for any night of revery and retreat.  We love to be part of it all; even if we’re mostly California Dreaming.

Rb

Some venues we entertain at garner most of their business only in certain seasons.

Ok, I’ll explain . . .

Take an apple orchard for example.  As wonderful and enjoyable as it can be in the fall or summer, there are times when a trip to visit it would not bare much fruit.

Showing up at the beach in November would make just about as much sense.  Don’t even get me started about a golf course in January, the ski slopes in July or even a visit to Santa’s Workshop in May.

While all of these destinations are seasonal, some things we enjoy are seemingly timeless.  Season-less, if you get my meaning.

  has become one such place.

While most people think about relaxing and drinking by the water only as the summer sun bakes all their troubles away, this bar is always open and exciting, twelve months of the year.

Some weekends are busier than others, but for the most part, this party is going on three hundred and sixty some days a year.

“How do they do it?” you might ask.

It’s not really a secret.  It’s become a destination.

Great location on the water, fun atmosphere, a sports bar, but a with bit more.  They provide all the amenities that any good time would need to thrive.

The food, the drinks, the excitement.

More than anything though, the staff at Bumper’s is what keeps people coming back, we believe.

They work hard for each and every customer that walks through that door.  That, more than anything is what has people coming back time after time, no matter what day the calendar proclaims.

They do the work, and we try and help people have fun.  Everything else just falls into place at that point.

That’s why Carl and I still enjoy going there to play even when the weather is snowy and the wind is whipping the temperature into submission.

When we came in to set up last Saturday, we walked in on Dylan’s first birthday party.  By now, this boy is a legend at Bumper’s and will most likely remain so for the rest of his days.  He’s just got that kind of a vibe about him.  You know when you meet someone, and there is just something about them?  Well, this little guy has it, and in spades!

So there was that, and lots of happy people everywhere we looked.

They stayed as we set up, they stayed as we began to entertain, and mostly stayed all night long.  Happy and drinking and eating as they enjoyed their conversations and their relaxation.

We kept the night humming.

One thing that I have said, over and over again about Bumper’s is that it’s never dull.  We mostly go into it not knowing what is going to happen that day or night, and it never disappoints.

We played our usual music and dusted off a few of the songs that we don’t usually get a chance to play.  That’s always fun for us.

We saw plenty of familiar faces, and met some new ones.  It was a good night.

Each season in Michigan brings us a new challenge.

The spring is so busy.  The summer has its fish-flies.  The fall can be friend or foe depending on the whims of the weather, (Just as the crew Edmund Fitzgerald), and the winters up north can be brutal.  However, we deal with them because we know that better days are right around the corner.

I believe that mostly what people frequent Bumper’s Landing for, is not the alcohol; it’s the good people that provide it.  They make each and every season enjoyable.

We’ll be back soon, and understand that whatever is in store for us, it will be something different, to be sure.

‘Tis the season!

Rb

 

Very much alike, but totally different.

The city mouse is attracted to the bright lights and big noises, while the country mouse, feels just as strongly about the quiet calm and introspective moments.

The fast, upbeat aural excitement of a seventies dance tune, or the slow, even-paced steady tones of a sixties, timeless classic love song.

Two distinctly different vibes, yet inhabiting the very same host.

That, my friends is the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in historic, downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Two guys, playing acoustic music in the same venue, on the same night, experiencing two totally different vibes.

Walking in to the Mice at seven thirty, there were hardly any tables left unattended.  That alone will illicit smiles from Carl and I.  We were greeted cordially by some new staff members on our way in, and that made us feel even more excited about the evening ahead.

Setup was a breeze, and soon we were ready to launch into our opening song.

Somehow though, we lost all control at about that point, when a young lady from the bar shouted, “Play Seven Old Ladies!”.

After a moment of careful reflection in which Carl and I struggled to decipher if she wanted us to PLAY Seven old ladies, or PLAY WITH seven old ladies, we decided upon the former, and put our Irish hats on to begin the nights’ entertainment in earnest.

Of course it was an instant hit, and paved the way for several more Irish favorites to the delight of all those attending.

Turning from the Irish music, we dove into country, then Island and finally some old time classics that delighted each table in attendance.

The night got off to a wonderful beginning, complete with smiles, laughter and audience participation.  Everything was going according to plan; until the music stopped.

When we took a break after an hour and a half of playing, two thirds of the tables stood up, thanked us for a great evening and went home.

We know that folks are not staying out nearly as late as they once did, for a variety of reasons.

To begin our next set, there were many less patrons to sing to.  Carl and I muddled on, entertaining our little hearts out as we went.

The middle hour of our night was quite sparse, but still enjoyable.  We did have plenty of song suggestions to keep us occupied.

Having about a half hour left, we began out last set of the night at eleven thirty.  We were all set to finish out the night and pack up our gear for home, until . . .

That was until the doors opened and another entire generation of music lovers arrived to fill the Mouse back up for good.

Seeing the bar full once again stoked us to finish the night on an strong note, complete with a forty minute encore!

The evening began strong, then diminished into a quiet introspective one-on-one complete with several eclectic requests.  By evenings’ end, the night finished loud with a crescendo of epic proportions.

The Three Blind Mice is many things to many people.  It can be quiet and calm, or loud and boisterous, sometimes within minutes of each song.

It has become home to many different types of patrons, some calm and some loud and obnoxious.  Like the country mouse or the city mouse, we play the music that attracts and entertains them all.

Rb

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now it was a party!

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

I know, “Not Fair!” right?

I get it, but what are you gonna do?

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

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

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

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

. . . out of control!

RB

 

 

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

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

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

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

Only the holidays can do that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . who knew?

Rb

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

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

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

We try and do it with music.

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

Sounds great, right?

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

Just too busy.

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

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

Translation: Some of the nights can be very slow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ahhhh, the life of a rockstar!

Rb