Blog

Today, we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

We returned to Flat Rock’s annual Riverfest this Sunday afternoon to entertain some of the most appreciative people we have ever had the great fortune to played for.

The weather was picture perfect, (to start), and the setting was just as picturesque.   On a sunny September afternoon, what place could be better to take the entire family?

Everywhere you looked you could see revelers enjoying this amazing day.  Families were out sampling the food, the drinks, the rides, the atmosphere and the wonderful entertainment, all around them.  Smiles were as plentiful as popcorn.

It was our job on this, the final day of Riverfest, to bridge the entertainment gap during the time it took one band to finish and the next one to begin.

Carl and I played under the calm and quiet of the Riverfest beer tent.  People sat, relaxed and enjoyed the music while sipping on the latest micro-brew.

This idyllic setting needed nothing more than music and a simple desire to retreat from the world, to be the perfect lasting memory.  We could do the music part, that is, with a little help from some very talented bands.

In Flatrock, they love their country music, their rock and even their rock ‘n roll.  No wonder we fit in so well there.  Even the mayor comes out to enjoy the day while glad-handing his contented constituents.

The prefect formula for us is a light day of entertaining and interacting with other local bands, then taking in the event and enjoying some relaxation both mental, physical and liquid all.

To begin, Carl and I set up in the roomy beer tent to the left of the stage and adjacent to the VIP tent on the other side.  The “courtyard” in the middle was a perfect place to listen to whatever band was playing.  They have scheduled continuos entertainment throughout the weekend, an idea that is entirely focussed on the enjoyment factor.

When we arrived, The Roosters were belting out the rock music. Heavy on the Tom Petty, they had everyone that was listening, tapping their toes with musical enjoyment.  Another good local band, it was a perfect way to begin music at the park.  The played for an hour as the sound of whirling amusement rides filled in the quiet moments between rock favorites.

As soon as their set was complete, Carl and I fired up the Bob and Carl machine.  Just a few tables gathered in the big beer tent, but on a day like this, it was nice to play no matter if it were ten or ten thousand.

After a short set, it was time to give way to a very young and talented Athen’s Creek band.  Their forte was doing the young country hits in their own semi-acoustic style.  Everything they did sounded great, and soon more and more people were finding their way over to the music area of the park to take a listen.

As they finished, it was once again time for us to show the crowd a little different way of approaching relaxation town. It was right there in front of them, but simply needed the acoustic road map that only we could provide.

After an hour of sing-a-long songs, done just right on this sunny afternoon, we got the word that the next group was running a little late.  That was really our sue to play another half hour.  No problem.   It was so enjoyable, we felt that we could have played all afternoon in the park.

Eventually, the final band took the stage to put the finishing touches on entertainment that had been running nearly none-stop all weekend long.

Crush came all the way from Toronto to share their tribute to the legendary Bon Jovi band.

They assaulted the stage with their talent and musicianship, totally dominating the attention of every enthusiastic fan in attendance. If you closed your eyes, it would have been nearly impossible to tell the difference between Crush and Jon Bon Jovi as hit after hit was offered and enjoyed during their two hour set.

We were heading home, knowing that we did all we could to help the park goes from Flatrock have the very best time possible.

We certainly hope to be able to do it all again next year, as this concert ushered in annually the fall season, and bids adieu to a summer that will some day take on mystical status.

Rb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playing music at Great Oaks Country Club in beautiful Rochester Michigan is about as close as any music event gets.

The club is nestled in the countryside of amazing, upscale Rochester, with easy access to any major road in the area; so its a breeze to get to.

The venue is beautiful inside and out; with every detail immaculately maintained for optimum elegance for its membership.

Plus, we are playing on the pool deck, so close to the “beautiful people” that we probably should have a restraining order.

We begin early in the day, and end in the afternoon: Perfect!  No late nights here.

The food is plentiful and delicious.  The scenery is spectacular and they even pay us for it!

As we were telling one of the long-time members this weekend, Brian Connolly brought us to the Oaks from Gowani Golf Course in Harrison township, back in the early 90’s.

Brian’s focus in those years was to challenge the old-school mentality of a club that catered to adult golfers, and broaden its appeal to include families, kids and team athletics.

In the early days, we played music for the older members down by the great oaks, themselves.  A group of oak trees down in the valley past the clubhouse.

They were removed in the late nineties to make room for some social improvements.  When that transpired, we moved to the tennis courts.  Some years later, under the new management, we were moved to our current location by the pool deck.

The transformation took some years, but the difference is astounding, as evident in these holiday pictures taken of the current membership enjoying the pool.

Now, at Great Oaks, Families rule!

Brian has long since moved on, however, we are still part of his enduring legacy.  We have played each Memorial, Fourth Of July and Labor Day since.  We treasure our time at Great Oaks; the venue, the members, the music and the memories.

After each and every performance, we still hear welcome comments from the delighted members.  They still seem as happy to hear our music as we are to offer it.

This year was no exception, as the mixture of perfect weather, sumptuous food and adult beverages plied the smiling faces and exuberant bodies into a state of musical nirvana.

Carl and I hope to entertain under the Great Oaks for many, many more years.  Ok, by the pool, but you get the idea!

RB

 

 

They’re back.  The Three Blind Mice, that is; from a long summer vacation.

Friday night Carl and I enjoyed a wonderful night of music and fun as we entertained the crowd at the Mice.

Patrons have been away for the most part this summer; on their boats and their patios or outdoor malls.  But, inside a pub in the late evening, is not where they have been for the most part.

While we have had lots of fun, the crowds have been thin and early to elope.

Now with the fall nearly upon us, the urge to gather together with food and ale has united people in the quest for a night out with entertainment.  Glad to oblige everyone.

It was nearly full when we began on Friday, with requests beckoning us, right out of the gate.

It was quite apparent, early on that this night was going to be a bit different than those that we have had lately, as the crowds began to grow after the first set was completed.

Our usual mellow opening music quickly gave way to a bevy of un rehearsed up-tempo hits , to the delight of the enthusiastic audience.  Our customary Jimmy Buffett appetizer was now transformed into a delicious John Denver entree.

A old Pirate Looks At Forty gave way to a majestic Rocky Mountain High.  I doubt that on this night, it mattered much what we played; it was more about that way we played them.  We kept the tempo high and loose and the music fun and daring.  Just what the people needed.

During our first break, we got to know several of the happy customers who stopped by on this particular Friday night.  People from West Bloomfield, people from Troy, people from Tennessee, all sharing a night out with food, drink and fun.

Carl and I spent our second set playing our version of Stump The Band: the game where we throw out some music trivia, and make the audience think a little bit, without the aid of their precious cell phones.

We won, as we usually do, since most everyone pales in comparison to our uncanny musical knowledge.  Ok, except some old guy who knew that Fire was written by Bruce Springsteen.  Lucky guess, probably!

Anyway the night was going great.  People would give us requests and delight as we shared our version of their favorite songs with them.  It was a challenge that we were more than ready to except.

For the most part this summer, the nights would start out good, but then dissipate quickly like fish flies in the breeze; but not tonight.  Tonight the crowd got bigger as the night wore on.

We hauled out all of our party music, and even dusted off the classic tale: A Boy Named Sue, for a very special request.

I was a great high to begin what we hope to be a wonderful fall.  This summer of sixteen has been magical.  If this fall is even somewhere close, it will be the stuff memories are made of.

Rb

 

In a summer filled with many great moments and memories, none have stood out more than our time at Bumper’s Landing.

Still not a destination many people that aren’t boaters know with complete familiarity; for us, Bumper’s has been that “special” place this summer.

Since its our second season there, we have kind of settled in a bit more.  (If that is even a thing.)

I guess, even though I have stated several times that the one thing we can always count on about Bumper’s is that we literally have no idea what is going to happen on any given night; we can at the very least expect the un-expected.

So, that being said, Carl and I approached our Friday/Saturday weekend musical opportunity at Bumper’s with no expectations, other than, it wasn’t going to be dull.

It is rare that we have an entire weekend at one venue, so we were out to make the most of it.  Beginning like any normal summer day near the water, this day was even nicer than most.  Perfect weather.  A little hotter than most days, but a real gem, in the making.

Carl and I set up just as the boats began coming in for the evening.

Within moments of six O’clock arriving, we started the evening with our usual Jimmy Buffett tribute.  Buffett is the perfect starting point for most of our summer gigs.  Calming and straight forward.  A good way to grab people’s attention and reel them in for the night.  Jimmy Buffett is a great way to connect with the audience.  His appeal crosses most lines and demographics.

Our evening grew and grew until a crescendo during our last set of the night.  The evening was a whirlwind of craziness and chaos.  The weather being perfect for August was partly the catalyst; however, the venue is mostly what gets everyone going.

Partly destination, mostly comfortable atmosphere.

Boaters know by now, there is really only one place to be near the water in this neck of the woods: Bumper;s Landing.  Just sayin’.

So the night being what it was, pretty much perfect, played right into our hands.  Everyone had a drink in their hands, a song in their heart and a smile on their face.

Friday evening ended up just that way.  Lots of customers came up to Carl and I and told us what a wonderful night they had.  Our job was done, for a few hours, that is.

Saturday began a little differently.  Once again, the skies threatened and once again we needed to make the determination of where we were going to play; inside or outside.

That decision took care of itself as the clouds opened up on us, just as we were pulling up to unload.

Moving inside was interesting at least; there was a group of singers currently occupying the room, singing their hearts out to all the great karaoke hits from the last twenty years.  (All the songs that we usually are playing).  Nothing wrong with that, they sure were having fun.

It didn’t take much to light that fire when we eventually were all set up and ready to entertain.  All we needed to do was to start up where they left off.  They did, and we did.

Before you knew it, the rain was done outside, and we were just hitting our side inside.  Lots of great couples and groups sharing their evening with us.  They even provided a world-class tambourine player, who banged that beast so relentlessly, she broke it apart.

Another memorable night for all of us.  No matter what, it is never dull there.

We only wonder what will happen the next time we roll up and play.  Doesn’t matter, it will all be good.  The summer is flying by, but not the fun.  Fun doesn’t live in only one season.

We are saying good by to the summer Bump, and hello to sweet September.

Rb

“Take me out to the rainstorm!”

Ok, so that’s not exactly how the song goes.  But, you get the idea.

Rain nearly got in the way of a great time last night, as Carl and I were to entertain at the Jimmy John’s Stadium in Utica Michigan.  That being said, the rain never stopped the crowd or Bob and Carl for that matter, from doing what we do best.  Making things fun.

Let’s back up, shall we . . .

Carl and I arrived at the stadium around 4:30 in the afternoon, to set up our equipment.  Rain was in the forecast, but as anyone who has lived in Michigan for very long can tell you, it is always a matter of, when.

The decision was made of where to set up, and how to prevent most of the rain from bothering the equipment, when it eventually would arrive.  We put a tarp under us, one in front and two at the ready on the sides.  We should be good to go.

Having set up and battened down for the night, we were now ready to find out when were were to actually play.  Our manager Richard Paul was there to give us some guidance, as his acts have been working most of the summer to entertain at the ball-park.

Rick handed us off to Tim, who gave us more information, and guidance, and eventually handed us off to a Amy who would be our liaison for the entire evening.

Working off the script that Tim gave us, Carl and Amy went over just what our obligations for the evening were.  The only thing that could possibly alter it would be the rain.

Being ready early, Carl and I had the opportunity to walk around the stadium as the vendors were getting set up, and the ball players were loosening up for the game.

Tonight’s contest would see the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers take on the Utica Unicorns.

The cute little stadium was alive with activity as it readied itself for fans to descend upon it in earnest.  The sky darkened and the rain began to fall, just as the doors opened for the evenings’ battle.

Each pavilion, including the one we were under started to fill, even though the sky was not about to cooperate.

Since it was Irish Heritage Night at the O’l ball-park, our job was to bring some Irish flavor to America’s pastime, if only for the evening.  We were to begin at 6:30 and play until 7:05.  During the game, and again after its completion.

As 6:30 approached, we began right on schedule, with The Whistling Gypsy.  (Our traditional first set, first Irish song).  The sound was perfect as our feed went through our equipment to the stadium sound booth and out to the PA speakers in the stands.

Our thirty minute set was quickly over and we were ready to have the teams take the field right before the game was to begin.  Mother Nature, however, had other ideas.  The rain that had been just a tiny mist, soon turned to a downpour that had to be truly reckoned with.  Fans took cover, and the tarp was put back in place to protect the infield integrity.

We volunteered to play some more, and soon were knee deep in Irish favorites once again.  Carl and I entertained for another forty five minutes; just enough time to see the rain abate and the two teams get ready again to take the field.

Before we knew it, the first pitch was finding it’s way to the catcher’s mitt; just about an hour later than it should have.

Now that the game was in motion, we would follow the script; playing minute and a half snippets of Irish tunes throughout the night.  With Amy coordinating when to begin and end with the booth upstairs, everything was going according to plan.

Until the rain returned.

Between the very first inning, another wet cell moved over head, to let u all know, once more who was really in charge.  (No, it wasn’t Rick).

It didn’t last long at least, and before you knew it, we were playing ball once more.

Once the game resumed, it began to move along quit nicely.  We played between or after each inning, interspersed with other announcements or give-aways to the delight of the hearty fans.

In the fourth inning, it was The Unicorn Song, echoing through the stands.  In the seventh, we took The Rocky Road To Dublin.

Before we knew it, the kids were running the bases, after the game concluded, to the sounds of A Nation Once Again.

It was a very interesting evening.  The rain didn’t make it easy; however, anything worth doing right, seldom comes easy.  We had several people take the time to thank us for our music and our presence at the event.

We need to thank, Rick, Tim and most of all, Amy, who worked so hard with Carl to make the night special for everyone involved.

Hopefully we will be back next season to entertain once again.  We love the stadium, the staff and most of all the enthusiastic fans.

We even had one fan who came all the way from her seat to request a special song.  She was all smiles as we played Galway Girl, just for her.  Even the rain couldn’t keep her from feeling her Irish heritage on this wonderful night.

Rb

Never dull at Bumper’s.

That is our mantra when we are referring to Bumper’s Landing, in sunny Harrison Twp.

Just last Saturday evening Carl and I got a refresher course in just how true that phrase is.

As the sky darkened and the threat of rain urged us to make the decision on where to set up for the evening, we looked at the radar map, up at the sky, closed our eyes and wished for devine guidance.

That was about all we could do to plan for a night of music and fun at this happenin’ place.

Just as the sun broke out and washed then entire riverside in golden warmth, we retreated inside to set up our equipment.  Better to be safe than sorry when trying to protect expensive musical gear.  We have had several instances where we have made the wrong decision, or simply reacted too late, and paid the price.

So we set up inside, just as the tables were filling outside along the water.  Tough to look outside and see everyone awash in sunshine, while we were preparing for rain.

We began at six O’clock, just as the raindrops began falling on the boardwalk in earnest.

As the room began to fill, we were informed that the Fraser class of 1991 was also going to be in the house, celebrating their fifteen year reunion.  Add that to a birthday party, and each of the boats in the area looking for safe harbor and you can see what fun was awaiting us.

Never dull at Bumper’s.

We began a little on the mellow side, let people get acclimated to the volume of the room.  Then, as the requested began rolling in, we let out the gas a little bit more with some young and old country tunes.  Everyone in this area seems to really enjoy the country favorites.   Johnny Cash, Elvis and Garth Brooks, to name a few.

After the first hour, we had a few moments to chat with the patrons.  While Carl talked with some friends of neighbors, I chatted with some people from the class of 91.

It began to get very busy inside about halfway through the evening.  About the very same time that it got hot, the music started to really roll.  We trotted out the dance anthems, and dance, they did!

The floor was filled to overflowing as the tempo and volume escalated toward the end of our night; the moment when DJ Aaron took over.

We had a great time, yet again at Bumper’s.  Never dull, nope.

It will be another week until we are back again.  I am confident that no matter what, rain or shine, there will be more fun to be had.

The only thing that we know for sure, is that you really don’t want to miss it!

Rb

We’ve played enough Beatles music over our forty-some year career that we can borrow a phrase or two from Ringo.  I doubt that he would mind at all.

The night began for us as it always does.  A half hour of introspective conversation of an adult beverage or two, and then inside the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub to set up and get ourselves ready to rock.

The when the magic hour of eight O’ clock comes around, we sling the guitars over our shoulders and set the entire night in motion.

On this particular Friday evening, everything started as it usually does.  We settled in and began pouring out the musical requests, as usual.  The patrons were happy and enthusiastic.  We had a few who stopped by that had seen us on other occasions.

There were many tables with happy faces and clattering glasses.  Just the sounds we like to hear.  We played lots of oldies and some of every type of favorites that we could offer.

The Mice is a very intimate place to play.  There is no hiding at all, as the tables are crowded right up next to you.  That is the way Carl and I like, as a matter of fact.  A setting like this has many benefits.

First of all, you are right next to people.  No hiding what you are doing or playing at all.

Kind of like a magician who works the crowd; you are very vulnerable and so, need to be prepared and professional.  You can’t fool people when you re just a foot away from them.

It prompts you to up your game.  To get better.  To sharpen your craft.

So we played through the first half of the night, just that way.  With hard work and professionalism.

The second half of the night was more of a struggle.  As it has been at times this summer, the nights have become unpredictable.  The weather, the calendar and the whims of the patrons have been up and down; just like the ale in the mugs of beer.

The rest of the evening it was pretty slow, which happens some times, as people want to spend their evenings outside on the nights in Michigan that aren’t filled with bugs, humidity or rain showers.

That’s ok.  When that happens, we are able to dip into our mixed bag of favorite eclectic tunes.  We dust them off and offer them up to all of the willing patrons that are still thirsty for a great song.

That is how we ended the night; playing our favs to the hearty souls still occupying tables when the clock reached one.

All the nights can’t be explosive.  Some nights will be of a different variety.  After working all day, and then entertaining until the wee hours, we had earned this hard days’ night.

As the fall approaches, people will fill our favorite place once again, and everything will be right with the world.

Rb

Just another Thursday evening at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township.

What do we mean by that?

Who knows.  We have no idea what we mean.  Thursday night, or Friday or any night at Bumper’s for that matter.  It makes no difference what night of the week it is, we are just as clueless on a Wednesday as we are on Saturday evening.

Bumper’s is a lot like Michigan weather; you can’t really predict it, you just hold on and ride it out.  That’s what we have learned to do.  Just hold on.

We never know who will be there, how many, or even what to expect beyond, whomever arrives will want to have a great time.  We do know that.

Bumper’s is a party destination.  Most everyone has a smile on when they come ashore.  They gather to relax, refuel and share a story or two with their friends, family or stranger.

After our second summer of entertaining on the glorious banks of the Clinton River, we do know that.

Last night was no exception, as we arrived as we usually do with no clear idea just what lay ahead.  The parking lot was barren, only an hour before we were to entertain.

However, as began to set up our gear, the boats began docking and people started to fill the tables and stools.  By the time we were ready to light up the first song, there was a group of revelers ready to fill their bellies with ale and delights from the kitchen.

Although apparently there was a big fund raising event the previous night, it looked as though the weather was going to be perfect.  A factor that was sure to bring in a big crowd, even though it was only a mere  Thursday evening.

We began tentatively enough; with our old stand-by Jimmy Buffett to lean on.  He never lets us down.  Jimmy, Bob and Johnny all had a hand in the first set.  Creedence, Young and Phillips grabbed hold of the second.  Before we knew it, the entire deck was filled, frenetic and fun.

Once again, Carl and I simply tried to hold on and go where the crowd willed us to go.

The only thing that we could do was to keep stoking their enthusiastic fires with more and more music.  Before we knew it, the moon was up and bathing the entire riverside in the warm, summer glow of well earned happiness.

With the sounds of Bob Marley’s one-world urgings of “One Love” reverberating down the water, we closed our eventful evening.  Everyone was happy.  Well everyone we could see by the soft moonlight.  Our job was done.  Time to pack it all up, throw it back in the van until tomorrow night.

We might not know what to expect when we arrive at some of our shows; but we can usually count on what will happen when we give our all through our music.

I guess it our way of restoring some order to thus unpredictable world.

Rb

Sunday was just right.

The Shelby Art fair, that is.  Sunday was perfect.

Saturday . . .

Well, in the life of a “rock star”, you have to learn to roll with the punches.  To take the good with the bad.  Saturday was hot, sticky and hectic.  We needed to do everything we did to accommodate the other bands, the other people and mother nature.

We did, but, it was a lot of work and stress.

Sunday, was simply a day for us to enjoy all by ourselves.

Once in a while that happens.  Everything falls into place, and we get a rare day that is very very enjoyable.  Today, was one of those experiences.

From the moment we arrived at the Shelby Park, the vibe was so much slower and enjoyable.  We didn’t have to compete with anyone for a parking space, the stage or anything, for that matter.

We got in early, set up and had time to chat with some great people and vendors at this year’s show.  Sometimes after the hectic concerts we have been putting in, a day with a nice slow pace is so welcome, that it is even hard to express or explain.

“Easy like Sunday morning.” I believe is the phrase.

And so it was today.  We got in, set up and after a while began the first of two sets.  (As a matter of fact, we were so eager to begin our show, we started ten minutes early.  A far cry from the day before.

On Saturday, last, we were running, dodging, playing and escaping.  We needed to hurry to set up.  We needed to hurry to take our equipment back down; and we had to make sure that the rain didn’t inundate us at any point.

I can say that we managed to succeed at every level, though I believe that after a long month and night like we had just experienced in Friday, we did so barely.

Still reeling from the incredible night before, we needed to pull ourselves together on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 to serenade the sparse crowd at the park.

Sparse because of the eminent rain approaching.

We did a fair job. (No pun intended), and had more than a few pleased comments.  However, to us the entire pace of the day was way too hectic and sticky to really enjoy.

Sunday, on the other hand was everything that we enjoy in an event and a little bit more.

From the very beginning of the day, it was apparent that Sunday was going to be the pick of the litter.  The humidity was way down, the temp was comfortable and the pace was noticeably slower and outwardly more pleasing.

In fact, as Carl and I pulled up to the stage well before 11:00, we had the entire area to our selves.  After quickly and easily setting up, we were so eager to play that we began nearly ten minutes early.  (Don’t tell our manager).

As we announced several times to the bustling throng of art-fair aficionados, we were truly enjoying the opportunity we had to play.  It is one of our very favorites events of this or any summer.

We really, really love playing art fairs.  It is an chance focus to play a very different genre of music.

We are afforded the opportunity to play “listening music”.  Music that you may not get to hear at many of our shows, for one reason or another.

We can dip into our mixed bag of musical diversity, by tapping into our forty year repertoire of not-so-classic, for the aural edification of the artistic enthusiasts.

Huh?

You know, music lovers.

At an rate, we were having a great time, entertaining the Shelby Township art fair goers.

Song after treasured song was offered and enjoyed by the eager patrons.  We did all that two men with little or no talent and two fairly expensive guitars could do.  It was now, time to move on.

But not before we listened to the next band, The Rick Lieder Band, with special guest Marshall.  What a talented band.  Carl and I could listen to them all day, every day and not get tired.

So smooth, so enjoyable.

Sunday was special to us.  The laid-back vibe we felt was the perfect way to begin a wonderful summer Sunday.  A summer that while being incredibly busy, has been extremely memorable.

The calm before the next storm, we’re sure.

Rb