Blog

Well, Friday night at the Mice was just about . . .

 

Wait a minute . . . .

 

Ok, my bad.  S A T U R D A Y at the Three Blind Mice, was full of energy and purpose, right from the start.  I wrote Friday, because, as you know, carl and I usually play on Fridays.  That is our night.  Always has been,  always will be.

So it is a rare treat to listen to us on a March Saturday, less than a week before St. Paddy’s day.

We were ready, make no mistake.  Most tables were packed as we began our night.  Right up front, some old friends who grew up on Bob and Carl music.  Now, introducing their kids to the timeless tradition.

The first set back after an extended layoff, (Six weeks in this case.), was a little quirky.  Everything needed to be re-set and re-calibrated.  Tuned, tweeted and adjusted, just so.

After a couple of songs, we were right there, back in the groove.

Since it was so close to the seventeenth, we relied heavily on many, highly-requested Irish favorites.  Mission accomplished, as most everyone joined in; anticipating what lay ahead.

One thing we have noticed at the Mice, is how great it is to have patrons all around us.  It really breaks down the barriers as we can watch their reaction to each and every verse of each and every song.  When you see them singing, you know that you have done your job for the night.

On this night, albeit a Saturday, things were clicking on all cylinders.  Everything was flowing from well-known melodies to the contented smiles on truly engaged faces.  Everyone seemed to do their part to make the night special.

It was all good as the tempo of the evening reached a fever-pitch of singing and playfulness.  The many individual voices joined as one, to ramp up the night to historic highs.

Sometimes we just try and hold on, as the tempo the noise and the enthusiasm nearly outmatches what we can bring to the musical table.

We held on all right.  Playing nearly five glorious hours of songs and stories.

To say that were were ready for St. Patrick’s was an understatement.  Hopefully, it will be ready for us!

Rb

I believe that the reason Carl and I began this long journey, so many years ago was not as apparent then as it is now, in hindsight.

We never started out to be “rock stars”,  which is great, since we still aren’t, all these years later.  I think that we began for the same reason that we did a lot of things in our lives: for the challenge.

By happenstance, we met someone who knew how to play, at a time in our lives when we were thirsty for a challenge, and the wonder that went along with it.

As it turned out, someone showed us a few chords and just how you “approached” a guitar.  With challenge accepted, it was then up to us to not only learn the guitar, and the songs that we wanted to play; but how to entertain people.

Learning the guitar was easy compared to learning the in’s and out’s of how to entertain.  To make a long story short . . .     we are still in the process of learning that skill today.

Entertaining is something that we work on each and every show that we play.  It is a life-long skill that takes attention, discipline and professionalism.  Conversely, for the people and groups that fail, by and large; it is the skill that they never learn to master.

What began as “happenstance”, eventually evolved as our abilities and confidence grew.  Our musical range expanded.  Our demographic shifted and our talents matured.

We experienced many types of entertainment opportunities, as more and more events filled our calendar.  However, as our goals and dreams evolved, so did our horizons and expectations.  What motivated us in the beginning of our journey is not necessarily what motivates us still.

Time changes most things.  But one . . .

People.  We began decades ago, using people as the great litmus test of how and where we were in the learning of our craft.  It was that response we received that meant everything to us.  The smiles, the laughter, the enjoyment that we were able to see in our audience that told us if we were a success or not.

So, these many years later, it is still that response that we work to elicit.  The smiles, the engaged attention and connection that means we have succeeded once again.

It’s really not the money.  It’s really not the venue nor the marquee.  It is the response and connection with the audience that motivates us.  That makes us work harder, longer and better.  We learn new/old music for the people that it reaches.  That is what sustains us, throughout it all.

This tenant really became apparent this last Friday night at the three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

At every table, it seemed were really fascinating people, emerged in the musical enjoyment of the night.  Carl and I try to take some time during each show to find out what the patrons have enjoyed, what they were thinking about the music, and even what they would like to hear, if possible.  Over the last few years, this has been a really rewarding part of our performances.

We have met many, many people from every conceivable walk of life.  each and every one, out to have an enjoyable evening.  Most have been gracious enough to allow an impromptu question-and-answer period about what they liked to listen to, what they wanted to hear, and what artists had reached them during their lives to make music enjoyable for them.

And so it was, that by midnight, we had had the good fortune to become friends with several customers who took the time to share their love for the pub, the music and the alcohol!

Upstairs echoed the return of the 3BM supergroup and mainstay . . . The Orbitsons.  And that meant that place was packed and rocking’!  Love it!  Outlaw country.  So good, and they had a guy warming up the crowd, doing originals, too.  Upstairs was back!

It was stead all night on the main floor.  Tables came, tables left.  In the end, it was a pretty good night.  There was a table from The Firehouse in St. Clair Shores who stopped by to eat, drink and listen.  We had a long talk with Brian, the owner, who asked us to play at his venue.  (Update:) – Looks like that is going to happen, since we have a date on the calendar.

We met a lot of great people that night.  The people, as always make the night a success or a bust.  We just do what we do . . . .  and, most of the time, it all works out.

It is the people that come.  The people that are eager to hear our renditions of their favorites.  It is the people that motivate us to be there, to work hard, to keep coming back.

It will always be the people that move us to song.

RB

While this year is still in its’ infancy, all signs point to a new, strong, optimistic era of musical memories.

I know, that is quite positive, but, “Why not”?

Sometimes, everything just comes together.  The stars are all aligned.  The temperature is perfect.  The ducks are all in a row.  The gods simply favor us.

I don’t really care about the, why.  Just glad that things are pointing to a wonderful, rewarding new year.

And so it was on Friday night at the Three Blind Mice in lovely downtown Mt. Clemens Michigan.  The Gods and ducks all seemed to be aligned.  Sweet!

What am I talking about?

Well, so far this year; (and, yes, I know that it is early . . .), we have had a great January.  The patrons have been fun and appreciative.  The crowds have been steady and plentiful.  And, the music has been well-received and fun.

What more could you ask for?

It was in that from of mind that we began the evening; optimistic.  The crowd that started the night out with us, grew and grew until it actually seemed as though people were heading out to shake off those winter blues.

Some nights it really doesn’t matter what is going on in other parts of the world, since no one really cared about anything that didn’t reside right within these walls.

Let it be cold, let it snow, let it blow . . .

We are just going to hunker down here and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

The music was just beginning to grab everyone when we could hear the funding beat from the band above us.

When there came a break in the our set, I grabbed my camera and climbed the long stairway to the upper floor.  It was time to check out Back Track.  Its great to see a band that is, shall we say, in our age demographic,rocking the place just like the young ones do.

The second floor was packed.  People were happy and drinks were being drunk.  Seemed like everything was as it should be.  Since everything was well in hand, carl and I headed back downstairs to end the night on a high note, as they say.

The music grew to a long, well earned crescendo, as the patrons shouted for more!

Another strong night at the Mouse, in the books.

Rb

 

New year, new day; same old guys.

Yep, that’s what you got on this Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in beautiful downtown Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

Actually, since it was the very first day of a very new year, and we were extremely lucky to get anyone at all.  Only the hardiest of people would come out on the next day after a New Year’s celebration, no matter how incredible the entertainment might be.

So with only a few tables filled, (and of course the biggest one, right where we were to set up), we began a very new year.  A new year filled with hope, music and dreams.

It is up to each person to fulfill the hopes and dreams that seem attainable, as we pear over the horizon of all those moments and hours as yet to be.

On this night, we won’t even begin to look ahead, since our immediate attention is focused on pleasing the patrons who made the journey out to start their year right.

We began a little mellow, favoring the legendary hits that reflected on lost love and unfulfilled potential; all tied eloquently to a soul-filled time signature.

As people filtered in, we held our guitars a bit more casually, allowing them to resonate a more uplifting sound and song.

Sitting at the bar on this were good friends, who stopped by, knowing that this inviting pub would be warm, happy and rewarding.  Sitting in an comfortable atmosphere, while sipping on some favorites, listening to some favorites is pretty great whenever you get the chance to enjoy it.  Truly, a wonderful way to begin a new year.

Steadily, as the doors opened, the Mice began to fill in ernest.  Happy people with broad smiles and cheerful greetings assembled to christen 2016 in just the right way.

Carl and I worked hard on this night.  “auditioning” for each new group of people who joined the fray.  Song after hearty song was changed as the evening turned from the first day of January to the next.  By nights’ end, we were as one, committed to making this new year all that it could be.

And why not?  If life is truly, “Like a song”, then let us sing it to the rafters!

Rb

 

And, just like that . . .

it’s over.  : (

One of the biggest things that Carl and I look forward to all year round . . .  Playing Holiday shows for the kids, that is.

It was amazing again, this year.  Visiting all the elementaries at Fraser Schools, this year.  And what made it even more rewarding, was the fact that we had a wonderful assistant who kept us going the entire week.  I cannot say enough about my daughter, Kaitlin, who helped move and organize the entire van full of props and show elements that the kids treasure.

We visited Twain and Edison on Tuesday.  Eisenhower and Emerson on Wednesday; and Disney, Salk and Cherokee on Friday.  Enough for one week, (or, one season), for sure.

Without her, we would never have been able to get from school to school, set up and ready to play the next show.  She was amazing!  She also took the pictures and videos of the shows as well!

For our 2015 rendition of the Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza, we visited each of the Fraser elementaries, as well as Cherokee Elementary, in the Chippewas Valley school system, where the very first show originated, back in the 90’s.

We could have easily christened this year’s show, “The Very Best Of The Bob And Carl holiday Extravaganza”, because that’s how it truly seemed.

Although there were some new bits, it was mostly a “best of” show, comprised of many classic elements that have been the staple of our first fifteen years.

Talking with kids through the school year; (and you might be surprised to know that there is not a school day that goes by, when one kid or another doesn’t approach me about the holiday show, and how much they love it), I listen a lot about what parts of the show that the children hold dear.

Some love Frosty, some love building Santa; some like the singing, the dancing, the mayhem . . .

Honestly, every kid seems like like a different element or bit.  But, they all remember something different, and they all seem love it!

This particular year, I was in a elementary classroom, about a month ago, when a little voice popped up next to me, asking “What was new for this years’ show?”

It was a forth grade student.  After our conversation, I asked her some questions about what she liked in the show, and if she wouldn’t mind giving some thought about what she might like to see added.

She thought that we needed a new outfit for Rudolph, so that was just what we got.  Rudolph never looked better; and never got a bigger response.  Good call girl!

It is truly a labor of love to do this show every year.  Rewarding, doesn’t even scratch the surface.  Our favorite thing to do, above all else.

But the toughest part as always…….                      uhmmmmmmmmmmmmm………

what to do next year?

Rb

Those immortal word have been our Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza kick-off song for more Christmas seasons than we can count, now.

On Tuesday, December 14th, we began another year of entertaining kids at Twain Elementary, in Fraser Michigan. Smiles, fun and a whirl-wind hour of crazy holiday music was just the thing to signal another incredible Christmas season was underway.

This years’ show had several new elements in it, which as it seems, the kids enjoyed wholeheartedly.

Lights, balls, bells, rings and all kinds of crazy holiday friends took the stage in what might be observed as an “Best Of” Bob and Carl celebration.

Our first show of the day began at Twain Elementary, where we usually begin the holiday school shows.  Such great/happy kids, and a very warm staff, always helps us get the “bugs” out and the timing just right.

This year we moved on to Edison Elementary for two exciting shows.  Exciting it was, as each song was met with wondrously wide eyes and screams.

So much music, we have had to cut several songs to even get out in an hour.  That being said, when you look at the pictures below, and might just notice the kids didn’t notice a thing.

Smiles, smiles and more smiles all around as each song focused more and more energy and delight on each melodic and visual element in front of them.  They never stop cheering.  They never stop smiling.  They never stop enjoying every part of the show, no matter what year it is, or what school.

It is truly the best, most rewarding time of year for us.  We bring music, fun and delight that will create memories that will last throughout every holiday season in each child’s’ forever.

Rb

We meet great people at nearly every show Carl and I play.  They love the music, they love the good times and they really love to party!

It was just such a group that we met a few years ago at The Greta Oaks Country Club in Rochester Michigan.  They know what they like, how to get it, and more than that, how to enjoy it when they do!

The summer before this last one, we were approached at Great Oaks about playing a summer party up at Boyne Mountain for an entire weekend of corporate celebrating.  However, Carl was to be out of town, so it never materialized.

When we met agin this summer, it was obvious that the same people were planning a great party, and somehow, we were going to be there.

The party happened all right.  Small but mighty.  For reasons we never were privy to, the party was thrown at an K of C hall in the great city of Farmington, on a Friday in December.

With everyone dressed in beach attire, we let loose with our entire arsenal of island tunes.  (They never really had a chance.)

The bartender did all she could to keep up with the drink orders as the music began to do its’ job on the unsuspecting revelers.  When the dreaded dance circle was formed, we knew that we had done our job in earnest.

There was that talk about next summers’ weekend corporate party.  Maybe it will work out next year.  For the moment, we only focused on the night at hand, and how enjoyable it was to please these wonderful people.

Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to have the gift of music we can share.

But, then again, that is what this time of year is all about: sharing gifts.

RB

On Friday, Carl and I unofficially began the holiday season by playing the first in what would be several celebrations.  (When we play a Christmas song, it must be time to celebrate!)

This year the kick-off began at  Penna’s hall on Van Dyke, in beautiful Sterling Heights Michigan. For us it was a repeat performance, as we were right in this same spot a few ago, beginning that holiday season.  We must have made a good memory for their company, because here we were again, sandwiched between the DJ and the gambling tables.

It was the type of gig where we were to add the flavor of the season, by throwing in a few Christmas songs between the country, Island and classic rock.  All good.

The people were dressed nicely and very kind to us after we played our one set.  By then, we had warmed everyone up with the spirit of the season, in musical fashion.

It was the perfect beginning to a holiday that seemed more like Halloween temperatures than New Years.  Here in Michigan, it only seems like Christmas when there is snow on the ground.  Adding the songs of the season was our way of bringing back those classic memories of all years past; snow or no snow.

Done by eight O’clock, we were gone in a flash, and ready to take our next step in this holiday cavalcade of music.

But that would be another night.

Rb

This years’ Final Fabulous Fall Friday or FFFF, (as it is known in the trade), was just as F’n as it sounded.  Friday night at the  Blind Mice Irish Pub, in beautiful downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan was the last fall, Friday magical musical hoot!

From the very first carefully created note until the last, it was an amazing night.

What made it fun, you might ask?

People, is the answer.

To be fair, people is the answer, (or bane) to most things, be it euphoria or disaster related.  Most things revolve around the people associated with them; and our nights at the Mice are no different.

We take audiences as we are lucky enough to get them.

Tired, laid-back or super-exuberant.  Makes no difference to us.  Our job is to help them feel relaxed, engaged or entertained, no matter how we find them.  Most times, maybe a little of all three.

Theoretically as they begin to except us into their evening, we attempt to and take them on an musical journey that taps into their life-long emersion into all things musical.  Our goal is to somehow connect with complete strangers using only musical notes, lyrics, wile and a little bit of skill.

Funny; sometimes it even works!

Tonight, we had a great time, from beginning until end.  All of it because of the fun people that we shared the night with.  There were several tables around us that took control right out of the gate, by shouting request after request at us, without any allusions of shyness.

They took control, whatever that means.

You see, we really have no musical agenda.  We use no song or set list.  We kind of meander down that musical road, turning this way or that, depending on whatever direction the audience seems eager to follow.

We love that, truth be told. . . . it’s what we do.

After all, that is why we are there, to offer our rendition of their favorites; musical knowledge and superb, witty banter; all wrapped in a neat musical package.  ( . . . What?  It’s possible, you know!)

So people were singing, dancing, drinking, yelling, sloshing, hugging, hooting and all the while taking selfie after selfie.  It was wildly amazing.

Good clean fun.
Adults unwinding and enjoying.
Really hearty stuff.

Since we seemed to have the main floor of the wild Mouse well in hand, Carl and I journeyed upstairs, where it was even wilder!

Paper Covers Rock was once again covering each and every era of rock as they blasted out tune after classic tune, much to the delight of the packed house.

Great musicians all; and hard working, as most every Detroit band tends to be.  After all, we are smack dab in the middle of a musical Motown heartland.

When the bands, the waitstaff, and even the patrons work this hard to come together on a Friday night, it has to be fabulous.  And, so it was.

Rb

 

They were ready and raring to go.  The crowd at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, that is.  And so when Carl and I took the stage at eight o’clock, we almost had to catch up with them so that we didn’t get caught in the undertow.

Right out of the gate the pub was full, with more people waiting for tables.  (always a good thing).

So we launched into the “A set” without even giving it a second thought.  What do I mean by the term, “A set” you might ask?

Ahhh, well those are the songs that people really connect to; sing along with and associate with a legendary party, or good times.

Yeah, those songs.  We played and sang them early on this night.  Most times we try and easy into the night.  Start out slow with more listening music.  Establish some ground rules, so to speak.

Not on this night.  They were chomping at the bit to go all out.  There was a birthday party Hell bent on having a good time.  (as it should be).  Well, who were we to get in their way.

And have a good time, they did.  They started out small but grew as the evening began to unfold.  Singing and laughing and selfie-ing!

Meanwhile, upstairs another great band was setting up.  They had a huge crowd who seemed to adore them, as well they should.  They were called Back Track, and they played all the great music of the eighties.  Good sound, and they really had the crowd entertained from what Carl and I could see.

As the night progressed downstairs, it seems to grow to a fever pitch right up until the witching hour.  When midnight arrived, the crowd departed, nearly in unison.

Interesting . . . .

So for our last set; (well technically, we had already played our last set.  We play five hours, unlike any other band), we canvased the few patrons at the bar to tell us what they might wish to hear.

Their answer was an interesting one: they turned it right around and asked us to play, “The music they YOU enjoy playing”.

Hmmmmmmmm . . .

Well, that was music to our ears, so to speak.  And so we did.  For our very last set of the night, we played the songs that we enjoyed doing, but don’t play much.

From musicians that we like, but maybe aren’t known in the mainstream of popular music.  Jackson Browne, Steve Earl, Wallflowers, etc . . . .

The night ended with some very pleased patrons.  The party was still going on, (upstairs . . . ).

We finished on a high, quiet note.  And for another fews weeks, the legend of Bob and Carl will echo through Mount Clemens.

RB