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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

If a song is played in the forest, and there is no one to hear it; does it truly make a sound?

Ok, hang on . . .

Before the very first note was played on Friday, the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub was occupied by patrons enjoying a very pleasant, quiet, normal dinner.  The downstairs was half full, (or half empty, depending on your point of view).  That was, until we played the very first note.

However, by the time the song ended, there were on two tables left to hear it. Truthfully, it wasn’t the best of songs I’ve ever played, but it wasn’t that bad.

Actually, it happens most nights.  Patrons arrive early to enjoy a nice dinner, yet consciously exit before the imagined cacophony of noise and percieved madness inveriably  takes place.

Most folks cannot believe they can sit at a table within arms’ reach and still be able to carry on a conversation.  We get that.  It is a tough line to walk some nights. On the one hand, you cannot be very loud, as people come into a pub to have a drink and a meal, and yet want to be able to hold a conversation with the other members of their party.  So . . . . we cannot be too loud or overpowering.

However, you cannot be bland or mellow.  No one pays to listen to “elevator music”; so we need to do all we can to inject emotion and excitement into the songs as we play them.

On this particular night things got sorted out on their own, without Devine intervention.

All the people that were seeking a nice, quiet evening; quietly left for the evening.  All the people that arrived seeking a rollicking, music-filled, alcohol induced, sing-a-long gathering of like-minded partiers, banded together for an epic night that will live in TBM infamy.

(Ok, I might be exaggerating).  But, it was a fun night.

Like I said, after that very first song chased most everyone from the pub, it quickly filled to overflowing by the end of the first set.  After that, both upstairs and down enjoyed an experience that made for a great time to be had by all.

Upstairs, the Under The Covers band kept the dance floor packed as they played hit after hit as only they can.  Their lead singer has a great voice and can sing many songs from the 80’s and 90’s that most entertainers cannot even attempt.  On this night, I heard him taking on an M&M standard to the delight of the packed upper floor.  This band always sounds great and always delivers to its’ fans.  They work hard and it shows on everyone’s face.

Downstairs, it has been said, has a truly different vibe.  Not laid-back, not edgy, but somewhere in the middle.  On the perfect night, our goal is to have everyone singing along to that welcomed melody for that exact moment in time.  Everyone arriving as one at that elusive destination each of us seem to seek: alcohol induced Nirvana!

Along the way on this night, Carl and I made many new friends and hopefully future fans.  People from all over smiled and shared their musical favorites with us as we were lucky enough to chat with them between sets.  We really enjoy getting to know the many interesting people that we encounter as we force ourselves to go from table to table getting much needed feedback about our music.

I say “force ourselves”, because by nature neither one of us us very comfortable in meeting new people.  It is something that we have made an effort to do over the years.  It is also something that has allowed us to meet lots of really interesting people that we would never have taken the time to converse with had we not made a real effort to do so.

All in all it was a really fun night.  Lots of hard work; but very rewarding.  When you begin the night with only two tables, and end the night some five hours later with a packed house: you feel very satisfied as a musician and entertainer.

We will hold on to that feeling for a couple of weeks, as next Friday night, we will be on vacation.  We will return on the 24th, and hopefully pick right up where we left off.

In the mean time, Carl will be off to the forest with his guitar, to find out if he makes that sound, anyone will even care. . . . . . . .

 

Rb

 

 

Any musician who has played for some time will tell you that for the most part, there is no rhyme or reason for any night being magical, or on the other hand, completely forgettable.  There is no mathematic formula or wizard’s potion to administer patrons so that they will experience an incredible evening.  That would be wonderful if it were so; but alas, we haven’t found it yet.

All we can ever do are the few simple things that hopefully will allow people to have the enjoyable night they were expecting when they came through those doors.

Rule #1.
Don’t be boring.

People can get that anywhere.  Entertaining people is a gift that not many folks cannot do.  Your attitude should reflect that fact.  Do something that engages the audience and draws them in.  Once you have their attention and better yet their loyalty; they will give you what you surely need: an outlet for your creativity.

Rule#2.
Be professional.

Show up early.  Set up – get comfortable.  Understand the venue, the patrons and the music.  Know who frequents the establishment, and what they are looking for in entertainment.  Dress professionally, (not like you are doing a brake job on your truck).  Look like you care about your appearance.  Start on time.  (so many bands take forever setting up and or strolling around the stage as if they are doing the audience a favor by beginning in the first place.)

Learn your craft.  Have the right equipment that will enhance your sound; not detract from it.  Do not take advantage of your venire or your audience: play more than you break.  A LOT more.  (everyone has gone to a bar where the band takes seemingly endless breaks).  No-one likes that, so don’t even think about it.  After all, playing is why you are there; not sitting.  Work hard, this is not easy.  Understand, if you give maximum effort and do everything as right as you can, it will look easy.

Rule #3.
Enjoy what you are doing.

It may not be easy, but it is defiantly not a job.  Entertaining people should be a joy in your life.  Treat it as such.  If you are having a good time, so too will your audience.  That is usually what they are there for.  Remember that people are making an effort to frequent an establishment where they hope to have a good time.  Don’t ruin it for them with your ego or petty agenda.  People want to relax, unwind and forget about their troubles and responsibilities for a while; that is why they have come to you.  Treat that choice with the reverence that it deserves.

Rule #4.
It is always about the music.

That is the biggest failure that professional entertainers succumb to.  After a while, they believe that it is all about them.  They eventually lose track of what got them to be professionals in the first place: the music.

The music is why you are there.  It is why you learned to play in the first place.  The music made that connection with you.  You may believe that it was something else, but it is not.  It is always about the music.  Listen to it.  Learn it right, completely and wholly.  Do not take liberties with it.  It IS that connection with you, and is the connection with your audience.  The music is what draws them in, and what drew you in the first place.

Good songs contain emotion, drama, spirituality, history, energy and soul all wrapped in three chords of rock ‘n’ roll.  There is a reason that they have stood the test of time.  These songs bear the essence of people’s hopes and dreams; likes and dislikes.  These well-crafted pieces of music contain the actual DNA of the artist who sacrificed to create them.  They gave everything they had, and if done right, will attain immortality.

Be true to the artist that sacrificed for you and your audience.  It is the best homage you can give.

Music is the language that your audience breathes and speaks.  Music lovers crave music in their best of times and need it in their worst.  How it effects them on the night that they visit you is totally in your hands.  Understand that, above all else.

Entertaining is not rocket science. But if you use these simple tenants, you will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Rb

Requests after request . . .

. . . engaged everyone right from the start on this 3rd day of October in 2014.  It was loud even before we struck a chord, and it just took off from there.

On this Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens, we began at 7:00 to a nearly full house of happy people.  (most were happy, even after this afternoon’s Tiger loss).

Table after table of new friends and old, made this night very special.  We love the kindness that people exhibit in this pub.  So many people take the time to tell us how much they enjoy their experience that it is truly gratifying.

Carl and I entertained downstairs, while upstairs, Rock’ It Science was knocking out all the rock classics that their fans needed to hear.  It was a very good evening.

On nights like this we can be proud of the job that we do.  We make people forget their troubles and fears.  It is simple really; not science.  We play songs that connect with people.  And in doing so, create memories that live forever.