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Sometimes, it is the best of friends that save the day.  It happens, in books; it happens in movies and on TV, and sometimes it happens in real life, too.

Doesn’t really matter where you are or what you are doing.  It can even be something very insignificant, really.  But when good friends share in the experience, it is always better.

That is just how we felt last Friday night, as we were surrounded by good friends who came to support us at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in historic, downtown Mount Clemens.

With the holiday week coming to an end, the weekend was destined to be much quieter that we were used to.  As we arrived at the pub, and scanned the parking lot, as we are prone to do.  “Going to be a lean night.”, it seemed.

The Mice, however, seems to always bring them in.  Wether for a drink, an ale or just some good ole fashioned, “fellowship”, it has been a destination in Mt. Clemens since its’ opening.

On this night, there was a good crowd already beginning their night of relaxing.  Contentment was everywhere, as Carl and I set up our equipment.  It took a little longer, since there was a large group having dinner right where we were supposed to be entertaining.

Finally ready to play, we we’re pleasantly surprised by three groups of friends arriving to share their night with us.

One group of boaters, who make life on land just as fun as they do on the waves.

One couple of dear friends from Alpena, who drive down just to hear us play.  I really don’t believe that there can be any higher honor than that.

And, one couple of celebrities, who shun the spotlight.  Not wanting the paparazzi to document their orchestrating of our entire society as we know it.

It is so wonderful to be able to play for good friends that I can hardly communicate the feeling.  They are our connection and continuity to the world we value.

Though we began our first set as we usually do, straightforward and calm, we began entertaining out of the box, pretty soon down the musical road.

Sometimes it doesn’t even matter what we play, when friends are in the house.  You know that they will like it, and give you great feedback.  But mostly, they just want to share their support for us and what we are doing.

Taking requests is always more fun when friends are involved.  It gives them a chance to share in the fun of having people try and stump us, musically.  It happens, but not often.

We really enjoyed the first two sets, and when the third rolled around, our friend Patrick sat in with us to share his great vocal talents.  Patrick shared an Eagles ballad, and then finished the set off with Country Roads, by the legendary, John Denver.

What a great time we had!

So much fun to have someone join the group for a song or two.  When it’s right, the patrons simply love it!

In the end, we had a pretty good night at the Mice, even being a few days after the big Thanksgiving whirlwind.

We’ll take it.

Right now, there are no dates written in stone of us returning the the Three Blind Mice.  We hope that things work out, and are optimistic.

The best thing about this night, however, was our friends and the great friendships that we hold dear.  We have some wonderful people who have supported us over the many years.  They can’t always be at our shows, but we know that they are there in spirit.  We are very lucky, Carl and I.

Very lucky indeed.

Rb

” . . . .It sure looks like it will be a quiet night.”, I said to Carl as we finished setting up our equipment at Bumper’s Landing, Harrison Township.

Even though it was a Saturday night, there wasn’t much happening at 7:30.  After all, the dinner crowd had moved on, and the crowd that was watching the football game, was just heading out.

That didn’t leave many people.

It’s a tough time of year, lots and lots happening involving friends, the holidays and and more.  We understand all of that, so we pretty much prepared ourselves for the long, slow night ahead.

As I have said many times, the entire reason we entertain is for the people.  When they are not part of the equation, it makes things tougher.

Right on time as we began our first song, the door opened up and and two tables were filled by friends we hadn’t seen in a long time.  They were going out and about, and saw that we were entertaining at Bumper’s.  Just what we both needed.

One table filled, then two then three then the entire place was jumping!

Nothing makes you feel better than when good friends come to share their night with us.  The music seems right as it should of, with smiles and happy faces to account for it.

The staff was working hard, and the drinks were working their own special magic as an evening that seemed destined for mediocrity, turned one hundred and eighty degrees on its’ head.

There was dancing, and tambourine playing and game watching and fun and singing and drinking and chatting.  It was another great night at Bumper’s Landing.  Just what we needed to open the holiday season with a bang.

Next weekend will be the big Back To The 80’s party.  That should be bitchin’!!!

Rb

Bumper’s Landing, where anything can happen.

What fun to be able to entertain in such an amazing waterfront bar.  While the patrons are always fun, exciting and above all, interesting; the biggest plus is being able to work with the owner and his incredible staff.

Carl and I have entertained all over Michigan for many, many years.  We have been around, so to speak and seen it all.  We have worked with some very good employees in so many places.

The staff at Bumper’s Landing is the best of the best!

The just work so very hard.  They like each other and support each other, which makes everything go.  There have been reviews where service at Bumper’s Landing has been skewered for their service.

I wonder why?

Drop three hundred people on an unsuspecting staff, all at once on a Saturday night, and see how a normal staff would react.  Well, these superheroes do all that they can to handle the situation, go above and beyond what is normal, and they do it each and every night.

It is almost expected how hard they work at Bumper’s.  I think many people take them for granted, because of how easy they make everything look.

Trust me, “It ain’t easy!”

We see it over and over again.  They never stop, they never slow down and they never give in.  Trouble customers, unruly customers, and downright pain-in-the-ass customers; they handle them all.

From the cooks and busboys right up to the owner, they all do an outstanding job.  Always with the customers in mind, and always going above and beyond what they are paid for.

The real reason that we are there is the owner and his wife.  Two of the greatest people we have ever met.  They do everything they can to make Bumper’s the best establishment that it can be.  We see it in all the things that go on there.

They are always creating events that make the customers want to come back, over and over again.

All great leaders are visionaries.

They see things that others cannot.  It is a rare gift, and one that when used wisely can accomplish much.  His wife is beautiful, smart and savvy.  She possesses a keen eye for business and a great rapport with the staff.  Together, there is really nothing that they cannot accomplish.

Carl and I have played in many places over the years, where the owner or proprietor, is hardly visible to us at all.  We come, we work our hearts out, and never get any type of feedback or dialog what about our efforts.  It is very frustrating, since we need to know how we are perceived by the patrons and also the staff.  As I have written before, our job is to represent the venue we are playing at.  To keep the customers happy, entertained and wishing to return.  When we get no word of wether or not we accomplished that goal can be extremely frustrating to us.

At Bumper’s the owner supports us 100%, and makes sure that we are always taken care of.  He has our backs and makes us feel like family.  Personally, and as entertainers, it is the greatest feeling in the world.  He knows that we would go the extra mile for him and his staff, and frequently do.

Bumper’s Landing has been our summer home for three years now, and while we will be back through the long winter, we always will be awaiting that summer sun, those tall glasses, and that crazy patio!

Rb

 

 

 

Some things are eternal.

And it seems to us that The Three Blind Mice in downtown Mount Clemens, Michigan is one of them.

Eternal

Kind of a strong word don’t you think?

Well, when you consider that the building the “Mouse” now occupies has been dispensing alcohol to the local constituents for more than one hundred years now, it certainly is fitting.

Some things are simply, timeless.

Certain fashions never go out of style.  Bikini’s, bluejeans, Yoga pants for example.

Some watches, some art and of course, some music.  I would call artists who have written songs that were popular fifty or sixty years ago, and are still being sung and recorded today, as timeless.

That is our goal as well, Carl and I.

To last.

To endure.  To be, timeless in our art and in our craft.  The is why we hand select the music that we perform to be songs we believe will stand the test of time.

Sure there are a multitude of songs that have a lot of flash and get plenty of attention from the media.  But in the end, they will be forgotten and fall into that place that all music without substance forever dwells.  Forgotten and unsung.

We take a much different approach.  We sing the music to the soundtrack of people’s lives.

The songs that they shared.  The songs that played when they were down, and picked them back up.  The songs that gave them joy unexpected.  The songs that mean something, and meant something to them for one reason or another.

Songs that lift up, not tear down.

We sing music that enriches people’s lives, not imprisons them in fear, loathing, hatred and guilt.

With two simple guitars in our hands, we can communicate so many positive emotions that by the nights’ end, people actually go home feeling good about themselves, rather than mired in the troubles and tribulations of our withering world.

It is our fifth autumn as we took the stage at the TBM this evening.  Beginning slowly and carefully as the diners in front of us, we’re hardly even beginning to digest their meals.  We didn’t wish to scare anyone.

So, we sing careful and calmly; saving the dramatic songs for later.  A little soft boat music.  Some heartfelt Segar to connect.

Once our musical feet were firmly planted on the ground, it was time to stretch our musical wings a bit.  Entertaining in this intimate environment affords us the ability to play pretty much anything that we could possibly imagine.

The B sides from some artists.  The eclectic hits that maybe didn’t get as much attention as the big songs, but are every bit as good.

Sometimes artists and songwriters conform to the normal type of current music, in order to establish their careers.  However, once they have a musical foothold, they can introduce music that is more personal and introspective to their captive audiences.

Some of these songs are our favorites.  Not B sides so much as songs that the artist was more passionate about.

The people at Three Blind Mice are always so supportive of all our musical ideas, that we can jump right in to just about anything and be appreciated.

Something about the room and the atmosphere gives us the ability to play just about anything.  As long as it have passion and honesty in it.

We played Irish for a while, then country, pop rock and folk.

We were having a blast. By then we had the audience, and when they were smiling and singing along, it was quite apparent that we could play just about anything at that point.

People gathering together to share their lives with others is timeless.  So is good music, and people who share it with others.

We hope to be able to do it for more years to come.  And do it well.

Rb

It’s more true than not, Forrest!

We never seem to know what’s inside until we open that door.

Saturday night, last, was just such a night.  

On the drive over, Carl and I always discuss what we imagine the evening will be like, and never, ever get it right.

The reason: Our imaginations just are not equipped enough to handle what goes on there.  No matter what we envision, it is usually, way off.

For example, how do you imagine a group of carefree birthday revelers arriving by water and depositing ten people all bent on celebrating someone’s special day named, Sexy Judy, until it is dancing right in front of you?

You can’t really.

Or a gaggle of Maker’s Mark Gals all dressed in black & boots, handing out free booze?

Nope, ya’ can’t.

How about, birthday after birthday after birthday being celebrated all at the same time, in a whirl-wind of celebratory confusion.

As you know by now, Carl and I were set for our usual, “quiet Bumper’s evening” by the water.  Where nothing much should happen.  

Maybe watch the big game.

And then, "The Bumper's Effect" kicks in.  (we'll talk about that in a future post, don't you even worry.)

The “Bumper’s Effect” changes everything, all at once.

When we arrived and first walked through the door to scope out the restaurant for the evening, we noted that it was about a quarter full.  It was very possible that our prediction of a sleepy little evening could still very well be realized.

By the time we had set up our gear, the place was full and threatening a huge crowd in the making.

“A Cellarful Of Noise“, is how Brian Epstein, the legendary manager of the Beatles described what he encountered at his very first hearing of those four young lads on that night in Liverpool, so long ago.

Well, if you think that was loud, spend one night at Bumper’s Landing!

The room is L O U D !!!

We do all that we can to try and keep up with the boisterous crowd of revelers, but seem to fail each night.  It’s all good; they have a LOT to celebrate.

Tonight it was apparently, birthdays and beer.  Or, the game and beer.  Saturday and beer.  What better way to say “Good-bye!” to summer.  Than (with beer.)

Where was I? . . ..  

Oh yes, the room was LOUD!

No problem; that is fine, since we know how loud it is.  And, because the reason that it is loud is because people are so excited about so many things.

Just getting started is a chore at that volume level.  Hard to tune, hard to listen, hard to hear.  That being said, it sure is way better than playing to a empty house.

Our first set, that is usually a little bit slow and easy-going, was nothing like that on this particular night.  We began with some Buffett, as we usually do, but then began feeding off of the huge crowd, as they unknowingly ramped up the electricity level to an unsafe volume level.

Unsafe if only you were hoping for a nice, quiet, sleepy little evening by the water.  Nope, not ‘gonna happen.

We played some Tom Petty and Bob Marley.  Seger and Chesney and Brooks. Even did some Creedence Clearwater Revival music during this first set.  That had them all playing attention.

It was a happy, fun group and they were all very much into it.  Sexy Judy was holding court, from a corner of the bar.  The music was hot and the cool liquid refreshments were flowing freely.

The Bumper’s Effect was in full swing by now.  

Ok, so the Bumper’s effect is this crazy, bizarre spin that Bumper’s Landing has on anything normal that comes in contact with it.

On this evening, it seemed to take a group of mild-mannered girls and whipped them into a drink fueled, music engorged dance-frenzy.

 . . . The Bumper’s Effect.

So, this night was never really about Carl or me, or the music or the weather or anything else really.

It was, as it usually is, about the people.

The people that come to hear the music, or eat the food, or buy the drinks or to forget their problems for a little while.

It is about the people.

The people that come to Bumper’s Landing are  some of the best people in our world.  They come to have fun, and they know how to accomplish that.  We try and help, but it is ultimately about them.  Our music is just the soundtrack.

That’s fine, because our music is pretty much always the same.  The music is a reaction to the people and how we interact with them.

I’m not trying to be philosophical on purpose.

Just saying that when we play, sometimes.  (Ok, most times . . .)

We don’t know what to expect.  We practice, we strategize, and plan, but we never really know what to expect.

Ok, you got me . . .

we don’t practice.

What I’m trying to say is that we never know what to expect, but always expect to never know.

THAT’S the Bumper’s Effect!

Rb

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a tough weekend to expect lots and lots of people at the Rochester Tap Room, since Labor Day had everyone scrambling to eek out one last tribute to their summer plans.  That being said, we had a wonderful time, making our own fun.

Carl and I arrived on that Friday to a good crowd of dinner guests, and quickly set up to get things started.

All eyes were on us when we finally grabbed two guitars and began our set.  We started out very quiet and careful, getting a good handle on the rooms’ acoustics.

People were still coming in to fill the tables in the main area, just as we started to feel comfortable.  In entertaining, that means, beginning simply and becoming accustomed to the geography and desires of the staff and patrons.

Beginnings are very, very important in entertaining.  You set the tone of the night right from the start by what you play; how loud you are and most of all how professional you approach your audience.

We always try and be set up early and easily.  (Not always that simple).  We try and look professional in what we wear.  We try and start simply, by picking music that we establish ourselves in the minds of those we are entertaining.

Tempo and volume carve out a model for our first song and a big part of our first set.  It’s a long night, and making a good first impression helps us get through it without incident.

As the night eventually unfolds, and the pleasures of alcohol, food and music begin to ply the audience to loosen up and let down their inhibitions, it becomes time to quicken the tempo, be more aggressive and take them for that wild ride that they secretly hope to go on.

There were three big tables of our family, friends and supporters, situated front and center for us to interact with.

They certainly helped make the evening a memorable one, simply by showing up and heckling us.

My brother from Florida even made the trek out to Rochester, after he left the Aretha Franklin funeral he was attending.  So glad he did, as the highlight of the evening was when he sat in and played guitar on a classic Poison song.

Obviously, by then, everyone was loosened up and ready for pretty much anything musically.  Until the end of the night, that is exactly what they got.

We threw everything out there musically.  Country, Motown, Irish, boat music and folk.  It all had its place, and all seemed right at home in this eclectic venue.

Around midnight, everyone headed home, happy that they were able to be included in the show.  For those of you that didn’t get the chance to stop by; as yourself this question . . .

What would you rather be doing, and with whom?

Maybe you’ll have it all figured out by the next time we are ready to entertain again.  There’s still room in the van.

A big shout out to my brother from another mother, The Chipster!

Rb

I guess there are some places in the world where wild, untamed things just happen.  Bumper’s Landing seems to be one of those places.

In Michigan, there are places like, The Mystery Spot, or Gravity Hill, or even, the Grave of Mr. Chicken, (The plastic legged rooster!). Each place offering it’s own unique portal into something unknown and as of yet, truly unexplained.  (Some of them, simply requiring alcohol).

But did you know that we have our very own place where unexplained things happen nearly every weekend?

Yes, it’s Bumper’s Landing!

Crazy, wild, amazing, inspiring and even sometimes naughty things happen right there!

Along with some more normal occurrences, (like eating and drinking and partying), there are meetings, anniversaries, birthdays, promotions and even more.

Day in and day out, mostly “normal” things go on.  However, if you look closer, you will notice there is usually more going on than at first meets the eye.

If you look closer on any given weekend, you will see people act just a little crazier.  You will see things just a bit more outlandish.

More drama, more passion, more fun!  That’s what we see anyway.

You might scoff at the notion that Bumper’s Landing could be one of Michigan’s uncharted mystery spots; so let’s examine this claim logically, shall we?

• Are people drawn to that spot, week in and week out?
• When they arrive, do they experience a completely physical and emotional reaction?
• Does the simple combination of water, food, music and alcohol have a nearly intoxicating effect on all who partake?
• Do you witness crazy things going on, each and every Friday or Saturday?
• Do you feel an unmistakable, nearly irresistible urge to return, again and again?

If you answered YES to any or all of these questions, you might have come to realization that this place has even more significance then you ever imagined.

“This area is pretty old, and right on the banks of the Clinton River there have been many people settling since time began.  There certainly could have been tribes of early Indians or travelers that have been occupying this very spot for centuries. “

All Carl and I know is that its been crazy every night we play.

Everything plays their part.  The weather, the food, the drinks.  Combined in such a way that it makes people do things that they usually wouldn’t.

Oh,          Yeah!

We started outside on this particular night, doing our very best to read the sky and wind as we set up.  We began on the patio and watched the clouds between songs.  Our music was island-centric: Buffett, Chesney and Marley; light, fun and tropical.  We were doing our very best to hold onto the summer vibe as long as we could.

Just moments before the rain moved in, we broke down our gear and reconvened inside.

Just in time, I might add, as the clouds opened up and took over the patio.

To begin our second set, we changed up the vibe and put a country spin on it, to the delight of those patrons who, like us were retreating from the wet weather.

Something weird, strange or different seems to always happen at Bumper’s Landing, just like all those other attractions.  It’s usually just a matter of time.

Could be the weather.  Could be the moon.  Could a’ ben the whiskey!  Usually, its a combination of everything and everybody.

Similar to those other natural attractions, Bumper’s naturally attracts fun!  That’s what brings everyone back for more.

Meanwhile back inside, the second half of the evening was calling us to pick up the tempo and get dancing.  The crowd was in the mood to boogey, and that suited us just fine.

It sure could have been the mysterious elements taking hold of the wild-eyed patrons, but it was that time of the night when everyone wanted to find someone to make their night even more enchanted.

At the bar, every attractive woman had at least three men to choose from.  No wonder people are drawn to this spot.

As the night wound down, and the last song was echoing through the wind, Carl and I packed everything away for the last time.

We sat in the van, numb from the grueling day, in a crazy place where so many things are weird, strange and unexplained, and I couldn’t help but realize how amazing it was to spend the last quiet moments with my best friend by my side.

A feeling I will never experience again.

We might not ever know what’s right around the corner.  But I do know that there are plenty of life’s mysteries still awaiting.

Just listen . . .

Rb

 

 

 

 

Saturday night at Bumper’s Landing started out slow this week, as there was a kinda big car show thingy happening. (The Dream Cruise).

Lots to do as summer winds down and people jockey to get every last thing done on their event, to-do list.  Many of them out and about, watching cars, many on the lake.  Weddings and birthday parties, and even a few catching sporting events or galas.  And what about those who just want to get off the grid until September?

That’s ok, we understand.  We’ll be here when you are ready.

Carl and I began at six O’clock along with some boaters that dropped by to have a brew and a laugh.  It was a nice relaxing way for us to begin our Saturday entertaining experience, at a low-impact level.

Perfect!

As soon as we began our second song, the restaurant/bar/dinner-music venue began to fill.  By the end of our first set, every table, of course was occupied.

It’s great to take it a little slow sometimes.  We’re not too used to that at Bumper’s.

The weather was nice enough to allow people to mille about and enjoy all that the waterfront has to offer.  Dogs, kids, adults and staff all going through their motions as they interact out this play we call, “Life”.  Our job is to supply the sound track.  We try and do it one day, one song at a time.

Our second set began with a little more passion and strength than the last, since we set out to be a bit slow and smooth from the start.

With people always come requests, and they began popping up right and left.  After the second set, Carl and I stopped to chat with many friends, and several patrons new to Bumper’s that had a thought or song advice.

You really never know how busy it will be on a given night.  All that we can ever do is to estimate, plan and guess really in the end.  Some nights are much better than others.

For a Saturday night, this week was a little slower than we have been used to.  Looking around you can see how people are tired and generally worn out from all that they have got going on in their lives.  We see it, and realize that we need to work even harder so that they can enjoy their time with us.

The rest of the evening was spent working even harder to please the people.  Dancing music, or course was what we used to make everyone happy.

In the end, two young gals in their thirties came up to us while we were packing up, and told us how much they enjoyed our music.  So very gratifying to hear those compliments from people in a demographic that would generally be expected.

We pulled out of the parking lot, tired but quite satisfied in knowing we brought a little music to some people’s summer.  Not a bad way to spend our lives.

Rb