Blog

Sometimes things begin slowly and cautiously.

You might not even realize it, in the beginning.  Then, it slowly, slowly crescendos, until you hear the big, huge BANG at the end!

Happened to us, just the other Sunday evening.

The bang, that is.

We were called on to entertain at a three-house party, party, in Macomb.  Not too far from where Carl and I call home.  There was a celebration to be celebrated, and these houses were just the right people to do it.

When we arrived, there were people everywhere, as you can imagine, if you have even been involved in throwing an three house affair.

Pools splashing, dogs running, children popsicle-ing.  All that was missing, at this point was an upper atmospheric show of massive and potentially deadly proportions.

The stage was set of a fun evening of summer excess.  Soon, music was in the air, as we began the very first set, tucked nicely into out garden-party place.

It was a commanding view of the entire set-up that we were enjoying, as the songs began to put all the revelers into the right mood.

For most of the party, Carl and I were mostly back ground music.  Playing the songs and melodies that kept everyone enjoying the day.  Hot breezes, cool tunes, and frozen treats!

Frozen treats???

Yep, when the crowd began to murmur that, “The firetruck was here!”, we thought that somehow, word had gotten out about the incredible fireworks, lying in wait, for the darkness.  But, no.

The “Firetruck” everyone was referring to, was more cool than hot.  Someone had gotten the brilliant idea to restore an old firetruck, and turn it into a mobile ice creme shop.

Sweet idea. (Literally).

Now, as the truck dispensed its’ cool, creamy delights and we really got into the sweet center of our gig, it was time to kick this party into the stratosphere!

With the end of our last tune, the sky erupted in a shower of amazing lights and sounds.  For more than thirty minutes, our host delighted his guest with a plethora of acrobatic sights and sensations.

This was a summer night to remember.  We were so glad that everyone had a wonderful time, helped in part by our musical talents and skills.

The host thanked us and hoped to have us back again next year for what he wanted to make an annual event.

Fine with us; although, he might find it tough to top the height of this now legendary event.

Rb

Bumper’s Landing means summer!

And if you have lived very long in Michigan, you know that there area few things to go hand in hand with that.  Like, spring rains, summer heat and if you are anywhere near the great lakes, FISH FLIES!

Let me back up just a moment . . .

We played last Friday night at Bumper’s Landing, In sunny Harrison Twp., to a group of crazy-go-lucky water-worshipers, who were doing what they do best . . .  par-tay-ing-ing!

They party, come rain or shine, or fly.

Which is good, because . . .    well, hang on a moment.

Let me begin by saying that Carl and i have played two dates at Bumper’s, so far this year, and both dates have seen some iffy weather.  First time we played, it actually poured.  That’s all well and good, since we were inside.

This time, it was partly sunny, but much cooler than it should have been for a date this late in the summer. All that meant was that there weren’t as many bikinis as there usually are.

So, we played and people enjoyed.  Everyone is so happy at Bumper’s.  They drink, they eat, they drink some more, they listen and sing and laugh and cheer, and they drink some more!

It’s all good. We had the opportunity to play for some old friends.  A good friend, actually who has recently become a ship captain.  congrats, Mr. Paul!

So, anyway, we played several sets, and got to the point in the night that we had about an hour left to go.  During our break, one of the managers came running out to the cabana, and yelled at them to “Turn off those light!”

I thought that was very odd for her, since her character was usually happy and calm.  In a few moments, I found out exactly why she was going crazy when she saw the lights.

Because, now all the lights of the bar were out, EXCEPT ours illuminating our band equipment and us.

Enter, Mr. Mayfly!

No, a LOT of MR. Mayflies.  And, maybe a few Mrs. Mayflies as well.  And cousin, and uncle and nephew flies.  The whole damn family of flies were there to appreciate our last set.

So many, that Carl and I were covered in flies.

When I say covered, I mean, covered.  They weren’t bothering anyone else at Bumper’s, because they were all smart enough to turn the lights off.  The beacon that those relentless bugs could navigate to from miles around, was our band lights.

They were on the microphones, the lights, the speakers, the keyboards, the guitars and amps.  After what seemed like only a few short moments, I couldn’t even make a chord on my guitar without squashing several of them.

We tried to play through it.  We held out for about fifty minuets.  One of the girls dancing right in front of the stage, took pity on us, and came up to brush them off.

We might have chocked and died if it weren’t for the selfless acts of the Bumper’s Landing, “Fly girls!”

It was a night that Carl and I will never forget.  As a matter of fact, for the next few jobs we had after that, we were reminded of the fish fly night at that fun Bar; because every time we opened a case or guitar, we found a few more stow-aways.

We will be back at Bumper’s if a few days.  Hopefully, the night of the fish flies has come and gone for another year.

Bugs don’t bug us much.  But, when we can’t even finish a night, it becomes a problem.

Thanks again to that chivalrous Fly Gal who wouldn’t let the music die; whom ever she was.  A true, American hero.

Rb

So it was a Saturday in June, that felt very bit like a Sunday to us.

Ok, I’ll explain.

Since we already had played yesterday, (and yesterday seemed like a Saturday, because we didn’t work, and we were playing way down in Trenton, in a festival); today, seemed every bit like a Sunday.  Make sense?

Well, it did to us.  All day it seemed much more like Sunday than a Saturday.  The pace was slow and easy; with people filtering gingerly into the park early and often.

There was a big stage for us.  Ok, it wasn’t for us, but we did get to use a part of it.  The sound man even raised the roof so that we could set up and play!

Centerline has a long history of family events, and this years’ fireworks was just about at the top of their list.  We have played many times over the years, and always have enjoyed doing so.

They have had the even in a few different types of formats.  Two day events, three day events, and other formats as well.  However, over the last year or two, they have settled on this three day format.

Saturday was our day to shine, and we did it by starting off the days’ entertainment on a high note.

Four Strong Winds meandered through the park, as Carl kicked off our two hour show with some, ever popular Neal Young.  Then it was myself, Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay and singing, Against The Wind, to the small but riveted crowd.

It was a very casual atmosphere, and although it felt every bit like a Sunday – Ok, I won’t go into that again, it did have all the classic elements that any perfect Sunday have.

First, it was hot, but not too hot.  It was casual, and easy, (Like a Sunday morning).  It was pretty low-key. People came over between sets and gave us their favorite requests and suggestions.  We even signed some autographs!  (Only a matter of time before they turn up on E-Bay).

The second half of the show was even more fun than the first, as we turned up the volume and the tempo.  Some Motown, Creedence and Cash were just what the this particular Saturday/Sunday called for.  Must have been good, since the Mayor of Centerline and his family stopped by to tell us how much they enjoyed it.

After our scintillating performance, a new country band took the stage to fill the park with cowboys, apparently trying to roll their windows down for some unknown reason.

We packed up in a flash, and then began to unwind ourselves as we took in the music and sights of this fun day.  There was an enthusiastic group of young kids dressed in traditional Polish attire, dancing to wonderful ethnic music in a pavilion to our left.  There were several vendors, with delicious treats, designed to tantalize our awaiting taste buds.  There was even a beer tent.  What a country!!!  (not sure how Carl found that so fast.  Maybe it was just dumb luck).

Ahhhhh, it was a wonderful day for sure.  Just the way to start out our summer of ’16.

If you weren’t there, better not miss our next show.  Think it will be at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Twp.  Just float downstream, and we’ll snatch you out of the water.

Rb

We were back.

. . . In Trenton, that is.  After about ten years, I believe.  It’s hard to say, actually.  It’s been a while, for certain.  Back in Trenton.

Just yesterday, it seems, we were playing in front of the old hotel, entertaining passers-by, from the front porch of the venerable old gal.  It’s always an old-timey folksy atmosphere in Trenton, and we like that.

We get there early and try our best to take in each and every, sound, sight and smell of the entire festival.  We make a day of it.  We take some time to get to know all the promoters, artists, vendors and participants, who make the event sustainable and vibrant.

As we arrived last Friday, we could hear a young gal on the stage, entertaining all the people in the picnic area with her beaconing vocals.  She was doing a great job of showcasing the new female, singer -songwriter hits out there.  The crowd was thoroughly delighted, and we could tell.

As she finished to the chanting of “Encore!”, it was time for Carl and I to change the atmosphere from contemporary, girl angst, to a more light-hearted musical vibe.

Beginning with Jimmy Buffett was seemingly just what the crowd needed.  Light and breezy, sunshine and casual.  The way a summer really should be in Michigan, or anywhere, for that matter.

We kept it light and easy.  We played an hour and then took a ten minute break to give us a chance to talk to some of the very nice Trenton-ites.

After getting an earful of requests, we were back at it for the second half of the show.  A second half that breezed right by us.  Music so good, the Slushie Ladies, (Not their real names, I’m pretty sure), brought us two Slushies, just for us mentioning them in one of our songs.  (Now that’s product placement!).

After our show, another young gal grabbed the stage to try her hand at entertaining the enthusiastic crowd.  IF she was any indication, the classic singer-songwriter will never go out of style.

There was a lot to see, hear and do in Trenton.  Just across the street from our stage was a young gal who was entertaining people in exchange for college money.  Across from her was a real Cajun Cafe, (If you were buying what they were selling), and I was!

It was a great, relaxing day for us both.  Always a good way to spend the summer, by sharing our musical talents with people and places we have invested in over the years.

Hopefully, we will be back some summer, down the road.  Trenton always brings a smile to our faces.  And, if you were there, perhaps it brought one to yours.

Rb

Sometimes at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, the night nearly gets away from us.  The crowd is big, the tempo is fast and we are barely able to hold on for dear life.

On those nights, the requests are flying fast and furious from start to finish.  It is pretty much a blur to us, and before we know it, it’s gone, done and over.

And, then there are the other nights.  Nights when the tempo is much slower.  You can quickly tell that everyone is truly exhausted from the long week, and it even shows.

It was a night just like that on Friday last.  The evening had a much slower pace to it, from the very beginning.  No problem.  We can roll with that.

The great thing about a night like that, is Carl and I get a chance to visit with many new patrons.  Although we have been entertaining on Friday nights since the Three Blind Mice officially opened its’ doors, we are always meeting new patrons, just coming in for the very first time.

That was just the case the other Friday night.  After our first set, we realized that the night was going to be slower than usual.  It was a beautiful night, outside.  Can’t blame anyone for not wanting to sit inside.  We didn’t.  It was our job to make them want to stay.

Quite a challenge, some nights.

What I think we will take away most from this gig, was the knowledge that it really doesn’t matter how old or young the people are that come to see us.  It is the knowledge that people from all walks of life, no matter the age demographic still enjoy the classic music that we sing.

Those songs are classics.  That’s why we still sing them.

And when I sit and spend our breaks talking with great people about the music, what comes across is that so many of them still enjoy those classic songs.

I hear it most every night.  “You know, I grew up on those songs!“, they say. Over and over again.  Like the cute couple that I talked with last Friday night.

Although they were still in their twenty somethings’ they went out of their way to tell me how much they enjoyed the music.  It is still unexpected to me.   To hear those words from people so young.  But, we’ll take it.

They were a truly appreciative couple from the Battle creek area, who were here enjoying the night, thoroughly.

People like them, who were trying to make a difference in all aspects of their lives.  It was so great to chat with them.  Rewarding, you might say.

There is no band upstairs for the summer, since the patio is now open, the upstairs is not.  Out on the patio, people talked and pretty much just kicked back on this late Spring night.

It was perfect outside.  Wait, we were inside!!!

Well, we better finish the night then.  How about some old friends that showed up to cap things off with?  Perfect.

Thanks go out to the fun table who shared some of their night with us, too.  A great guy who works as a professional wedding photographer, grabbed my camera and shot some pics.  He even captured Carl and I improvisation some Jim Morrison and the Doors of Perception.  Check out our videos.  Fun night.

I guess the moral of this story, is that when you have less people, you an spend more time with them.  And, for us, that is a win – win situation.  No matter what it sounds like.

Rb

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

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

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

Not hate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is the only message that matters.

Rb

Some pictures by permission, Lodge 553.

What The World Needs Now

Burt Bacharach / Hal David

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rb

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

Until Mother Nature had her say, that is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rb

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great question.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I bet it arrived before we know it.

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

Rb