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Our Rite Of Spring!

March 12, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

Looking outside, you might have already noticed that the weather has broken and winter has lost its’ icy grip on our psyche. Another sure sign would be the annual Bob and Carl St. Patrick’s Day show that is only a few days away.

For many years now, we have begun the day at Clancy’s Irish Pub in Clinton Twp., and this year is no exception. There are many traditions that we have enjoyed throughout our musical careers, but none more rewarding or enduring as our annual rite of spring – St. Patrick’s Day. Carl and I have been at Clancy’s for more than twenty years; (since it was Rosy O’Grady’s, actually). Vince treats us like royalty, the weight staff is awesome and there is usually something fun going on. This year, as in years past, we will usher in the the big day beginning on the night before.

We began playing Irish music back in the early 80’s to satisfy the bar owner we were playing for. (The Wooden Nickel). We performed that year by playing ten songs throughout the evening. These days, there are over a hundred Irish tunes, songs, fables and toasts in our repertoire; and still expanding.

Each year, even before the rising of the sun, we are poised and ready to take on the unique challenges of the day. There are smiles, laughter and good feelings by most everyone we come in contact with. Its not an easy day; as we play most years in excess of ten hours. Sometimes we have played three venues on the same day; and once, entertained for twenty-two hours! However, we would not give up the experience easily, if we didn’t have to.

Last year we had the incredible experience of being live on tv. We were Live In The D, with Karen Drew and Guy Gordon. Check out the video and maybe it will get you into the mood early!

We were there a few years ago when they opened, and we will return on Tuesday to start again, right where we left off. The Green lantern, in Fraser has invited us to help them celebrate “The wearing’ O’ the Green”, as no other place can.

Everyone at the Lantern will be doing all that they can to turn this years St. Pat’s into a tradition for years to come. Come on by and show is your green! (or, anything else you might want to show us).

Here is the schedule or 2015:

Monday March 16, 2015 – Clancy’s Irish Pub – 6:00 – 9:00 Pm

Tuesday March 17, 2015 – Clancy’s Irish Pub – 8:00 Am – 2:00 Pm

Tuesday March 17, 2015 – The Green Lantern – 5:30 Pm – 10:00 Pm

Hey,

Maybe this will tide you over until the big day arrives . . .
Click on this link to download and listen to Irish Hearts, our very own record that we uploaded just for you. Everyone has a favorite Irish tune, and chances are, yours is included here.

Why not send us a note to let us know what you think, after you enjoy the music!

Not, Another Saturday Night

March 7, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

Twice in the last month, Carl and I have played at the Three Blind Mice on Saturday night; and twice now, it has been epic!

Though slow to begin with; eventually this night rebounded quite nicely. What we really enjoyed on this particular night was the fact that several tables arrived at 7:00, and stayed unit the very end. Offering us the wonderful opportunity to get to know them along the way. For us, that end came after midnight, to the raucous sounds of Neil Diamonds’ “Sweet Caroline”!

Ok, let’s rewind, shall we . . .

It was kind of slow at 6:30 as we set up our equipment in front of the statley whiskey barrels. Although the early dinner time was winding down, there were actually some tables without patrons to fill them. However, as you will see, that didn’t last very long.

Enter Guinness Blonde!

Just when things seems destined to be slow and sleepy; a beautiful girl and amazing gentleman from Guinness came to the rescue – (With Guinness Blonde in hand).

They were dispensing some of the new ale, in both samples and collectable glassware.

It has been my experience that a hot woman dispensing free beer pretty much gets everyone’s attention, and tonight was no exception. While they poured, we played. While they gave away free samples; we put our heart and soul into each and every song. The formula worked! Before we could even blink, the entire pub was packed and gyrating nicely. Friends we smiling, patrons were laughing, and our new best friend, Lisa was playing a mean tambourine!

I can say one this for certain on this rollicking Saturday night; everyone who was there was having a great time. So many people, so many happy faces; so many smiles. We also recieved lots and lots of song advice, (which we loved). And in the end, without fail every song seemed to fit, just right.

We met a great group of guys who not only helped us decide on what to play next; but also helped us sing along, just when we needed it most. (which is pretty much always).

In addition, we met a trio of sailors from Selfridge who are currently stationed in Sicily; that took time off from protecting our freedom, to make sure everyone had a memorable time.

It was truly not another Saturday night; but another night of total enjoyment by everyone. As always, we are looking forward to being right back there in two weeks to do it all again!

Click HERE to listen to Bob and Carl’s second set from Saturday night!

We’ve Been Busy!

March 6, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

Hey everyone,

We have been working hard to make a lot of improvements to the webpage that you may or may not have noticed.

Take a look:

Finally got the LISTEN LIVE page working. Now you can listen to our latest show, if you happened to miss it. Listen and let us know what you think.

https://bobandcarl.com/?portfolio=in-tempus

Re-formatted all of our posts to look better than ever. (Ok, you won’t really notice that one. But I sure do!)

To all you Twitter-Heads! . . . .

Bob and Carl are now on TWITTER. Not really sure why, but hey, we are dragging ourselves into the next digital age, wether we like it or not. So, uhm, there is now a link, (that works) on our front page. All you Twitter-files should tweet at us. (or, in us. or around us, whatever it takes).

https://twitter.com//bobbandcarlz

Past Events

While we performed our very first musical “gig” in the summer of 1972, we only began saving the information from those gigs in the 80’s. We began recording most all of our shows in the 2000’s. So, we have done a bit to archive our musical careers, so to speak.

What we have now on-line, is a link to not only our EVENTS page, but also, our PAST EVENTS. By clicking one of our links, you can take a peak at the list of shows we did corresponding to that calendar year. For now, we have every year listed beginning with 1991. Hopefully soon, we will do our best to fill in the other dates, way back to the 70’s.

https://bobandcarl.com/?page_id=2843

Please remember . . .
Everything we do, we do for you; our fans. If there is some new feature or content you have seen; send us a link. Give us a shout-out. But, please tell us. Fill out the form on this, or any page and lets us know. Our fans have great ideas all the time for music or places to play, or just things in general. Don’t hold back, now is your chance to share your valuable thoughts.

Ok, more improvements to come, I promise! . . .

Let’s Switch

March 2, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

Weekends at the Three Blind Mice, in Mount Clemens Michigan are simply the best. Really doesn’t matter if it Friday, or Saturday. And, from what I hear, the Sunday brunch is amazing too.

So when we got the call about this weekend, to switch from Friday night to Saturday, we were not disappointed in the least. They are both good. For years Carl and I have worked Friday nights at most places. It just seems to suit us. I think that we have always felt a more symbiotic relationship with Fridays, because we were both “working men”.

Fridays to us have always been about working hard, playing hard and enjoying hard. The people that come in, always seem to be trying to shake off the mantle of the long work-week. They have labored un mercilessly, and now were ready to be entertained and unwound.

We get that. We admire that.

That has always been what we have been about. We never play to show off; or to try and impress. We are there to help people relax, re-new and replenish.

On Friday night this weekend, the “Mice” will welcome back our great friend Shelby Hansen to the lower level. Always entertaining, always talented, ALWAYS unpredictable.

Friday night will be amazing, for sure.

And, we will be there Saturday night. We played a few weekends ago on a Saturday night, and it was very, very memorable. A good time to be had by everyone.

We are looking forward to a fun night, so mark your calendars. (Ok, re-mark your calendars then). Sheesh.

Cya at the Mice!

Cold Fusion

February 20, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

There is no possible explanation as to why intelligent people would venture out in weather that could potentially endanger their lives.

Then again . . . who cares, we sure were glad that they did!

On a frigid Friday evening, at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in the dead of winter; we had one of the most memorable nights ever. Yes, it was cold. Yes, it was dark and gusty and wind-chilly. But, none of that mattered.

When we took up guitars at 7:00 Pm, it was busy.
Shortly after, it was full.
And, as the night progressed, it got busier and busier!

This probably doesn’t need to be said, but we love playing to a packed house. Not just because it is full of happy people, but because of the interaction between us and the audience. Every person or party to walk through the door was another validation of our hard work and effort. As both Carl and I expressed to different patrons, it is the people, who appreciate what we do, that keeps us entertaining.

On this particular night, we had the great fortune to meet several groups of wonderful people; each one reveling in their quest to journey, “Outside!”

These people were hardy folk. No pansies or prima donnas in this lot. They came early and they stayed late; possibly because of the libations, the cuisine, or . . . . maybe the music?

Hmmmmmmm . . .

On this frost-bitten Friday, the people were so warm and accommodating, that it renewed our joy for playing. All in one night.

Some timeless friends and their families were on hand; as well as some wonderful new friends who spend most of the night, requesting treasured music from our pasts.

It surly goes without saying that when patrons, who come in to have some food and drink; but then stay the entire night; it gives us great pleasure. There is undoubtedly something very satisfying about people happily appreciating our craft.

Yes, it was packed all right. People were smiling, singing, eating, drinking and Karaokeing?

Right in the middle of our night; one of the many, many revelers walked right up and grabbed the mic; declaring that “He would sing!” And, sing, he did! After announcing his name to the crowd; One Day Joe, he did grab the mic to thrill everyone with a jaunty rendition of “Friends in low places“.

As if that wasn’t the high point of the evening, guests at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub actually witnessed lightning striking twice. Twice. After hearing the first few bars of his beloved, “Every rose has it’s thorn“,Nate joined the band. Guess he just couldn’t help himself. Can you blame him?

I believe that something magical happens when one the crowd joins us onstage to take part in a song. For one thing, it never fails to electrify the room, since the people seem to experience a thrill, vicariously through one of their own taking hold of the mic.

Nate was truly awesome. All we had to do was add some harmonies, and the rest was pure, Bob and Carl magic.

Meanwhile, upstairs, O.C.D. was rumored to be entertaining. However, every time I had a chance to journey upstairs, what I saw was 1,000 bikers enjoying what its like to simply be alive. (Led by, One Day Joe, I imagine). Can you blame them?

If ever cold was hot at the same time, it surly was on this very night.

Scientists who have been long searching in vain for the Holy Grail of energy: Cold Fusion, might only need to grab a table at the Three Blind Mice; order a cold Lager, some chips and settle in for a night of revelry and song. Apparently, it is all you need to generate energy and enduring memories that never end.

Mice Wins!

February 13, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

Three Blind Mice wins chili cook-off competition

The staff at Three Blind Mice Irish Pub took a team approach to this year’s chili cook-off competition in Mount Clemens and found it led to the winning recipe.

In the weeks prior to the contest, employees were invited to cook their own special chili at the downtown pub with plans to pick the best one to be used as their entry for the 2015 Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off.

“We wanted the staff to be invested in the competition,” said Danielle Roberts, the general manager. “Plus, it was more fun to have everyone involved.”

After tasting the offerings, Three Blind Mice personnel centered on the Shipwreck Porter chili cooked up by Ron Upleger of Three Blind Mice.

Three Blind Mice came in first place in the Jan. 29 contest that included 10 Mount Clemens bars and restaurants. Orleans Billiards Cafe — a past three-time winner — finished second, Seeburger’s Cheeseburgers came in third, and Chantel’s Jailhouse Deli and Bath City Bistro tied for fourth.

Upleger said his slow-cooked dish included four kinds of peppers, two types of beans, onions, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and three meats — tri-tip, hamburger and shredded pot roast — along with Shipwreck Porter, a barrel-aged bourbon.

“I put a lot of love into it,” said Upleger, a resident of Clinton Township.

Three Blind Mice owner Brad Teagan agreed.

“Ron’s chili was amazing,” he said.

Earlier this week, Three Blind Mice officials officially received the decorative felt crown that goes to the winner. It will be on display at Three Blind Mice until next year’s event.

The event raised more than $2,840 for Anton Art Center and the Mount Clemens Goodfellows. Over the past 10 years, the cook-off has raised $28,000 for local charities, said Michelle Weiss of the Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority.

Reach the author at mitch.hotts@macombdaily.com .

So, about Saturday

February 9, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

A little different for us on a Saturday night at the “Mice”.

It began the same: Cold night, tromping’ through the snow to set up in front of the whiskey barrels. The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub was packed to the walls before we even offered a note.

However, as of late, when we begin to play at 7:00, several of the tables who came to eat dinner; (and thought that maybe they would be blown out by the loud offensive music), would get up and promptly exit. Leaving us to start anew building the crowd up again; as they got comfortable with us and our sound.

And yet, on this night,(a Saturday; not our usual Friday night), no one got up to leave. On the contrary, more and more people pored in; filling the tables to overflowing. Kind of a nice problem to have.

Our first set, which on most nights would be a little more laid back, was anything but that on this night. On the contrary; we rocked the house right out of the gate!

Carl had to keep telling me that it was only the first set, and to hold on . . .

Well, we did make it through the night; and it even slowed a little at the midnight hour. But, all-in-all it was a very good night.

Once again, we met some very nice patrons. People who took time out of their night to stop us and offer kind words of thanks for helping them enjoy this bitter winter; if only for a brief night.

As always . . . it is our great pleasure and privilege to share our talents with those who would seek out a way to stave off the cold, looming winter winds as long as they can.

See everyone on the 20th! (Friday O’ Friday!)

Wonderful Friends, Wonderful Night

January 23, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

Sometimes, your friends pull you through.

Friday night, Carl and I had the good fortune of enjoying an entire night of good friends, good drinks and good music. (Ok, wait, it was our music, so well, you know . . . )

We were visited by some people that we haven’t seen in a long while; some that have become fans recently, and even some that we were surprised to have show up for the evening. What a wonderful treat for us.

It is truly the fans and friends that keep us entertained and entertaining through the years; and we just cannot forget to thank them all.

We are lucky and we know it, to still be able to play our songs for our family, friends and fans. So I am going to make certain that I thank everyone for being there. We know its cold, and a bit of a pain to have to make that long drive. But when people continue to show up smiling and making us feel needed, it keeps us going, through it all.

Carl and I often talk about how unkind this business can be, with all the pitfalls and disappointments that have befallen us; and how it is the people that make it ultimately worthwhile. People do make a difference in how and if they percieve our efforts, just as in every avocation. That being said, since we have never really been motivated by money, it is only in how we are appreciated that keeps us playing.

It was busy as usual at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens. People were enjoying a warm night of good food and drinks when we began at seven.

Seven o’clock is also usually about when many people get up and leave after finishing their dinner. However, on this night, many stayed to give us a chance at some after dinner singing. I say that because, we do see lots of people singling along to our musical selections. There is nothing more rewarding.

Upstairs was a new band, working very hard at filling the big shoes on the big stage. Tin Scribble had their first go around at playing the Mice, and hopefully it was rewarding for them. They were working very hard to fill the night and the room with some pulsating rock to be remembered. While we watched, the sounds of classic Zepplin were being re-imagined by several gifted musicians.

It is a real treat to be able to go upstairs at the pub on any given night, and enjoy incredibly talented musicians, giving their all to entertain the patrons. A real credit to the staff and owners of the this amazing establishment.

We have a week off now, and then we will return on a rare Saturday night at the Irish Mice. It will probably still be cold, and winter and maybe even snowing; but we will be there. And, hoping that our friends will come out and get us through another night; just as you always have.
Rb

Baby, It Was Cold Outside!

January 9, 2015November 6, 2024 By bcuser

. . . . But oh, so warm inside!

While the winter wind blew and raged outside last Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens; there was nothing but warm smiles and laughter to be found inside its inviting walls.

The music was the catalyst that seemed to transform a snowy, dismal night into a glowing beacon in the “Clem”. People came in from the cold all night long, and never missed a beat frozen. No worries, no angst, no regrets.

All evening, we met new patrons who smiled and communicated their enjoyment to us in one way or another. Some shouted requests, some filled the tip jar, and some just smiled and sang along. Happy patrons was everything we could ask for.

I think the very best part of the night for me was when a couple stopped us on our way out at 12:45 and went out of their way to tell us how much they enjoyed the show. There is very little that comes close to the satisfaction that can come from people that go to those lengths to acknowledge our hard work; especially when the night had ended and were on their way home. For them to stop and make a point to tell us how much they enjoyed us, is really heartwarming.

Upstairs Paper Covers Rock was doing what they do best – rocking! so that was good. The floor was packed, even on a night such as this.

One great thing about The Mice is that they always have some top-notch entertainment. (not sure how we got in). A lot of the time, Friday night boasts some amazing, high-engergy bands upstairs who know how to command the dance floor with an iron hand.

Many patrons come in on a Friday night, not even sure who was on the docket for that evening; but knowing whomever they were, they would not disappoint.

In the end, on a night like this; music was just the thing to warm and enhance the, cozy feeling that permeated the Three Blind Mice. A warm, contented feeling will keep the people coming back in December, February or July.

Upcoming Dates

December 30, 2014November 6, 2024 By bcuser

The new show dates for 2015 are in, and we are passing them on to you. Most are Friday nights at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

It is really great to be one of the house bands in this wonderful establishment, and we are delighted to have been asked back for the new year.

Please come by and spend an evening with us; you won’t regret it!

Friday, January 9
Friday, January 23

Saturday, February 7
Friday, February 20

Friday, March 6
Friday, March 20

Friday, April 10

Friday, April 24 – Annual Alpena Policeman’s Ball

(Also look for us on March 17, St. Paddy’s Day!)

Click HERE to listen to Bob and Carl’s second set from Saturday night!

“We wanted the staff to be invested in the competition,” said Danielle Roberts, the general manager. “Plus, it was more fun to have everyone involved.”

BOB AND CARL