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Good bye to 2014.

It was a very bittersweet last, Friday night show that we played recently at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens.  There were some wonderful memories of the past, first year for the new pub, and we didn’t really even have time to reflect on them.  It was just too damned busy!

Good thing for us.  Good thing for them too, as the night unfolded quickly after a slow first half hour.  It got busier and busier until it was busting at the seems.

Never a problem downstairs at the Mice.  And, upstairs was hoppin’ too.  Paper Cover’s Rock was cranking out the jams, while the dance floor sported all types of beautiful women.  Never a problem, as we see it.

It was a great night for all present.  The music was good the drinks were flowing and the vibe was happiness-on-a- bar-stool, as it always should be.

We enjoyed playing many dates in 2014.  We began even before the Pub was technically open to the public.  We were there for the beginning, first year.  And, we sure look forward to being there for the next . . . .

Rb

 

Christmas time’s A-com’n!

That’s how we’ve begun each and every Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza for more than 20 years now.

The kids all know by now, upon hearing those fateful words, that the greatest kids’ show on Earth was about to begin.  What transpires next is an hour of the most fun a child can have.  Well, fun that doesn’t rot their teeth, that is.

They sing, they dance, they put on costumes of their favorite Christmas characters and for the most part . . . just enjoy the magic of being a kid at this time of year.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that school is nearly done until the next year pokes its’ head out of the snow.  Couple that together with a show where a child can interact with their friends, their teachers and even their principal, and still be wild and crazy; you’ve got the makings of one epic good time.

Having played all those years doesn’t mean that the show is stagnant of even a tired re-run of last year.  Our show is ever changing and growing.  There are of course, all the classic bits that have endured over the years.  So good that without them the kids would miss a great chance to see what has made the show so unique for so long.  Be the real testament to the show’s longevity is how due to Carls’ genius, the show always has new elements that keep it relevant and insightful.

This year for instance, the kids all got a crack at putting on their own television ad, in real time; using props and carefully selected sight gags.

But the true joy of these shows is not the crazy funny bits, costumes or even the songs themselves; the real joy of the show is seeing everything through their eyes.  Its the children, young and old that we are here for.  Its the wide-eyed wonder that we see reflected on their faces at every stop in our tour.

Take a look back now at our Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza, and see if you can envision the very spirit of the season, radiating from each and every happy child!

Rb

The very last thing that any entertainer wants to see, ten minutes before they plug-in to take the stage, is half of the club getting up in unison, to leave.  But, that is just what happened to us on this Friday night.

Sometimes at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, the 7:00 start means that the 5:30 dinner crowd is all done and ready to head home.  And sometimes, if they happen to linger a wee bit after seven, we can musically persuade them to stay around, even when they had planned on being home.

Not in this case.  Right before we got ready to sing our first song, most everyone left.

That only meant one thing: we would have to work even harder on this particular night to turn things around.

Now don’t get me wrong; Carl and I like a good challenge.  And this night provided one for sure.  Entertaining is a lot like opening a Christmas present from your uncle Clark:  you’re never really sure what you’re going to get.  Some nights its a sweater; and some nights its a brand new shiny I-Pad!

Undaunted from the beginning, we played song after song, as the night proceeded, and the tables slowly filled.  And after the second set, the Mouse was busting at the seems with a wide-eyed chorus of holiday carolers.

This Christmas package seemed empty at first, but quickly multiplied like a set or Russian nesting dolls.  Nesting dolls that drank and sang, a lot!

With things nicely in hand on the bottom floor at the Mice, it was time to venture upstairs to see what was happening.  And, a “happening” was just what was going on!

Monkey Grinder was in the middle of a jam that had everyone’s eyes on the stage.  The two lead singers were “tag-teaming” the lyrics like a wrestling duo that would not be denied!

The crowd loved every self inflicted word, as the unrelenting groove writhed higher and higher into the night.  No one or no entire band out-works Monkey Grinder.  They turn any place they play into their own personal “Empire State building”. Climbing and clawing their way to the top . . . only to dive head first to the pavement below.  It may not be healthy; but it sure is entertaining.

From that point on, through the end of a night, (that didn’t really end for us until far after the midnight hour); we could only hold on for dear life, as the audience took control of the every single thing we played and drank.

We played – they sang.  We played – they danced.

We all shared a huge present that no one really expected when they arrived.

But, some very special gifts are like that.  Sometimes the best gift is something you never expected in the first place.  Like having and epic night, when you thought that it would be truly forgettable.

Sometimes you never know just what you’ll get.

Rb

It was Thursday afternoon, and all through the house; not a creature was stirring, not even Bob or Carl.

That was UNTIL the phone rang. On the other end of the call was a new friend that we met at the Three Blind Mice a few weeks earlier. He wanted to know if we could come to St. Clair Shores and entertain their real estate holiday party, that evening.

Sometimes these last-minute parties were just the thing to shake us out of our regular hum-drum routine. Although were were set to play the very next day; a Thursday night gig was just what the doctor ordered.

We loaded up the gear, and set the auto-pilot to stun.  We were on our way.

In a very short time, we were setting up everything to play at the Lakeland Manor in beautiful Saint Claire Shores, Michigan.

It had probably been thirty years since the last time that we played there, but then again, not much had changed in our opinions.  (only us).

The people were very friendly and decked out in their holiday finery. While the men looked dapper, the women looked amazing. It was a very classy affair, to be sure. The only thing missing was some holiday music.

After everyone concluded their annual “White Elephant” gift exchange, it was time to dance. And dance they did. It was only when the lights came up that people began to filter out and head home.

It was a very festive mood, infused with lots of good holiday cheer. Maybe down the road we will see them again, someday. But, until then, we will just smile and enjoy all the holiday cheer that we shared on this un-looked for night.

RB

It seems like people are already in “Holiday Mode”, as the fall winds and cooler temps put an icy grip on our summer hearts.  We all know that it is so much colder and darker than we can willfully tolerate, yet at the same time there is really not much we can do about it.

So . . .  “Let’s Dance!”

Ok, maybe that’s an oversimplification of how we all reacted last Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens, but it IS how lots of us felt.

Folks were in an festive mood as the night unfolded and the music, food and ale turned the cold and dark gloom into a warm, wonderful party atmosphere conducive for an early celebration.

Carl and I met some wonderful people from several different cities, all enjoying the Pub’s unique vibe.  There were some from Royal Oak, some from Centerline and others from closer locals, all coming together as one as the infectious music gathered them up.

After everyone got more comfortable with the atmosphere, and after some tables were moved, patrons felt the desire to do some dancing to express their holiday mood.  After all, there is a short work-week looming on the horizon, and we all need a break; right?

With all the dancing, singing and even some cuddling (curtesy of Elvis Presley) happening downstairs; what about the second floor of the Mouse house?

Upstairs Rock It Science was doing what THEY do best.  Rockin’ it!  People up there were dancing all night, from start to finish.  Rock it Science knows how to play, and that is maybe an understatement. You can tell what a great job they do, by simply looking at the happy, rev’d up satisfied partiers.

It was a very good night, a triumphant return for Bob and Carl.  It was the unofficial beginning to the well deserved holiday season.  And, we all believe, it will only get better from here.

Rb

Halloween arrived right on time this year as expected, but a Friday!

Looks like it was an extra special, party night for everyone, if only the weather would have cooperated.  However, it was cold, rainy and, well . . .  scary!

Not the good scary, but the cold miserable scary.  Lots of kids only went around the block as it was just too nasty for much else.  Looked like most everyone was snug in their beds by the time we were to play at the Three Blind Mice in Mt. Clemens.

But, take the stage we did.  And although there was a light turn-out, we did make some connections with patrons who were not disheartened by going out in the cold and rainy-ness.

Upstairs the Super Mario Brothers were rocking their fans, (in disguise).  Keeping everyone happy, engaged and entertained.  Music has just that kind of power.

Looks like we will return on November 21st, to bring our special blend of songs back to the Mice.  Hope you will all be there to welcome us with open ears.

RB

It was a Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, with a clear agenda for fun, not fright.

With the first annual costume contest being held at 12:30 upstairs; there was many a creature stirring at the “Mouse”.  It mattered not if you were dressed in fur, feathers or lace; tonight was going to be your night to shine. (or slime, as the case may be).

The staff was into the event in fine fashion, showing skin, cloak or stinger, as customers poured in to kick things off even before the music began.

Everyone seemed into good spirits while settling down for an evening of melancholy and mischief.  There were flappers, monks, yellow jackets and our fair share of pretty princesses on display.  What a fun night to step out in your perfect disguise or alter-ego, as it were.

Carl and I played, while glasses were filled and ale was poured. All the while, enjoying the usual, (and un-usual), array of interesting costumes and cohorts.  The wait staff did an great job at dressing up to make a fun night, even more enjoyable.

Upstairs, there was music a different type of music filling the big stage, as a country the country band, Joey Vee had everyone scooting their boots to the two-step as we peeked in.

The costume of the night here, was simply a country hat and a smile.  It was another great night happening upstairs, with the usual good-natured vibe in the air, once again.

It will be tough to top all the costumes and creativity of this fun night; but we will try it all again on the 31st, as the actual night arrives next Friday, beginning for us, at 7:00 Pm.

So, all you ghouls and goblins with music in your twisted minds, scrap, slime or crawl your way to the Three Blind Mice Irish pub after Tricks or Treats, to see what is brewing for you and yours!

We will be waiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rb