Events

Wouldn’t you know it.  Right when the weather that had been unruly and keeping everyone snuggled together inside broke, Carl and I would be playing a show at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub.

Or course, when we took the stage, it was about seventy degrees outside, and nearly the perfect antidote for people sick and tired of even this mild, Michigan winter.

So, on this Friday evening, more people than usual gathered around their houses and garages, and forgot about going out for an adult beverage or two.

That’s ok, or course.  We understand.  Just makes for a long evening, when it is slow and pokey at the pub.

We began in earnest, lathering the lucky patrons with a heavy dose of our version of musical sunshine.  They responded and interacted with us, as we have come to expect over the years.

All good.

Our two-part harmonies washing over the crowd with accustomed auric saturation.  For the first two sets, the pub was responding in kind with energy, enthusiasm and platitudes of hearty smiles.

Then it got slow as the crowd thinned.  A new trend we have noticed as of late.  Many people do not stay up or out like they did years ago.

Back in the seventies, when we were playing a bar, the staff would have to turn the lights up at the end of the night to even get the attention of the crowd.  At 2:30 every joint we played was full to the rafters and then some.  Smoke hung heavy in the air, people were bleary-eyed, but still not even dreaming about going home.

With the advent of stringently enforced drinking-and-driving laws, those days are long gone.  People now venture out earlier and go home earlier.  People adapt, change, get smart.  It is a different world out there now, and we as entertainers need to adapt as well.

Several of the venues we play now have adapted to the new-world realities as well.  Often, we will begin playing at 6:00 or 7:00 Pm.  Patrons can still go out, eat, drink and have an adult beverage or two, without having to look over their shoulders on the way home, for law enforcement laying in wait.

For us, this year, the crowds have bene thinning around 11:30 or 12:00.  After that is hit or miss.  The majority of revelers are on their way home of for the night at that time.

That is why Carl and I start sooner and trot out the “good stuff” in our repertoire in the first sets as well.  People are out and ready to be entertained earlier too.

It is a learning process.  One that hopefully we can adapt to and successfully master.

On most night, we can say that it is quality more than quantity when it comes to our interactions with the customers as well.

The place doesn’t need to be packed for us to find a treasure in the audience.  So many nights, we have the honor to be able to spend time with several wonderful people, who thankfully take time to communicate their shared love of the music we play.

In the end, that will be the part we remember the most. How me made someone’s night by playing their personal favorite.  Or better yet, playing a song that they had never heard before, to the delight of everyone in their party.

We did our best this Friday.  We sounded good, and had some fun conversations with some great couples.

Upstairs was a new band to us.  The Hideaways were playing on the big stage.  Three young guys playing honest music.  Several songs echoed the power trios of the sixties, right down to the nonchalant attitudes.  They played Stones, Cream and Hendrix with all the furor of gleeful explorers, discovering musical gems left behind by ancient rhythmic heroes.

Another wave of revelers filled the pub for our last set.  Playful and happy with themselves, we launched a few musical rockets over their heads, but nothing exciting enough to make them look up from their infatuated I Phones.

We shall be back in a couple of weeks.  We look forward to our nights at the Mice.  Spring is here, long live the rockets, phones and rhythms of the green.

Rb

2017 was already off to a flying start for us with its’ relatively mild winter, its’ optimistic posture and its’ positive outlook for all things Bob and Carl.

Buoyed by The Three Blind Mice coming back strong, Bumper’s Landing undergoing a nearly complete remodel and our summer season awaiting in the wings, there is definite excitement in the air.

While we are always hopeful that our St. Paddy’s experience goes well; we are never really sure until the day unfolds to reveal itself.  Sometimes it takes a while, but most times, not.  Playing thirty years worth of them helps sort them out as well.  While they are all different, there are many similarities.

Around here, people see Saint Patricks’ Day as a true, new beginning.  A rite of spring, so to speak.  The day when our cold, dank world around us shakes off the dismal mantle of winter and steps dramatically into the sunshine.

That’s how it seems, most years; even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

This year, the day began timidly enough, mind you, and never really strayed from that.  There were a few moments when some looked outside and decided to not venture into the snowstorm that eventually erupted.  Too bad for them.  The snow didn’t last long, to our delight.  And, as usually happens, the day presented itself with the usual amount of Irish wonder.

From the eight O’clock hour of the morning, right through the afternoon and eventually into the evening, it was not too cold to dissuade the heartiest of holiday revelers.  In fact, for most of the day, the spring sun displayed its’ hand at warming the body if not the Irish soul.  It was by all accounts a perfect day to drink.

And, drink we did. Not a lot, just a wee shot ur two per hour.  Or so. . .

So we began our Day at Clancy’s Irish Pub, bright and early.  Eight O’ Clock had us playing the Whistlin’ Gypsy to an enthusiastic crowd of Macomb County’s‘ finest health care workers.  It was a warm start to what would eventually turn out to be a very pleasant day.

Set one went down so well, that Carl and I followed it with another set of the best Irish music anyone around these parts has heard in a long while.  (Since last year at about this same time, I should think).

The medical patrons went home for the day, and gave their tables up to another entire crew of green-clad, beer-swilling revelers.  All part of the circle of life, I would imagine.

NASH FM joined us at Clancy’s this year.  An entire crew of tech people and on-air talent that had us smiling and singing alone as they bent over backwards to accommodate us during their breaks as well as some cordial air-time.

Our thanks to Renee Vitale and her crew for putting us not the air and allowing us to work so easily with their station.

The morning rushed by us, as it usually does.  Most Paddy’s Days run full speed right out of the gate.  It is up to us to hold on for dear life.

Helping us on our day’s journey is our third band member, Jerry.  He is an honorary member of the Bob and Carl band.  He keeps us focused, on point and laughing when we need it most.

Jerry has many years of experience from the mosh-pit, as he runs with the Drop Kick Murphy’s whenever they are in town.  So, he knows his mayhem when he sees it.

Finishing up at Clancy’s, we got a moment or two to reflect on our time there with Vince, the owner.  He has taken great care of us for many years now at this time of year.

After a mere six hours of playing, it was time to tear down the gear and set it back up at our next celebration destination: The Green Lantern in Clinton Township.

The Green Lantern has had a rough year, as it’s located adjacent to the now, “world famous”, Fraser sinkhole.

Business has suffered as the way in out and around has been mostly lined with cones, barriers and pipe-fitters.

Ignoring all that, as we mostly always do, we shouldered on and right into the breach of the next phase of our wonderful day.

Easy access to the restaurant is worth its’ weight in green-gold, and before anyone knew it, we were up and playing by 4:00.

Another person worth their weight in gold and even more, is our longtime friend, Jewels.  She was running Rosy O’Grady’s back when Vince first owned it in the nineties.  We began playing there, and then followed her to The Limelight in Rochester for a time.

Wanting to hire the best person in the business, The Green Lantern folks reached out and grabbed her away, and us along with her, about four years ago.

Now, it has become another great Bob and Carl tradition.

Word must have gotten out, because no sooner did we finish our first set, then the restaurant did fill up with all kinds of happy green faces.

Every song was new again, and green alligators, kilts and whistling gypsies filled the hearts and minds of each and every contented patron.

The food was wonderful, the smiles were endearing and the sound of voices engaged in Irish song warmed everyone’s soul.  Even a mere Michigan snow-shower couldn’t do anything to damper the festive mood on this of all days.

Soon, St. Paddy’s 2017 was complete.  All the music was played, all the songs were sung and all the green beer was soaked up.

Nothing left for us to do than to officially thank everyone who made it so memorable.

From Bob and Carl, we shall leave you with this timeless Celtic prayer:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face; 
the rains fall soft upon your fields 
and until we meet again, 
may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Rb

Although the most famous person of color, Kermit, seems to have a problem being green, it sure looked easy for an entire gymnasium of Irish revelers in Roseville the other day.

Our long-time friend from Eastpointe, Mary asked us if we could make some time in our schedule this year, for a wee Irish celebration at her senior center in Roseville Michigan.

A while back, we were the guests of honor to open the senior center to a huge crowd of excited community guests and dignitaries.  They were thrilled with our performance, and thought that they would have us entertain again, but this time, for an Irish celebration.

Carl and I arrived an hour and a half early to a completely full gymnasium of green-clad Irish enthusiasts.  Everywhere that we looked, we saw green.  Apparently as Mary was want to say, “If you’re on time, YOU’RE LATE!” when it comes to these spry seniors.

Good for us, we were ninety minutes early.

Setting up was quick and easy, and gave us ample time to visit with many endearing faces.  They were simply thrilled that we could come and entertain with our stories, songs and Irish wit.

First it was time for some prizes to be given away; and when everyone appeared present and ready to go, the lunch bell was rung.

After a delicious meal of corned beef and cabbage, it was time for us to shine.

We started out with our traditional Irish beginning, The Whistling Gypsy, until we settled on a perfect balance of instruments, tempo and volume.

Song after song flowed from one to the other, as we began to win over the audience for good.  Everyone was happy, everyone was smiling and all of a sudden an entire group of brave souls even jumped up and began a hearty jig!

After time for a sing-a-long, we had pretty much sung every Irish favorite that the group could think of, plus two.

It was a truly magical afternoon.  Even my sister and mother wouldn’t have missed this big day.

After a very short break, Carl and I finished up the afternoon with a Danny Boy and a Green Alligator.  Hopefully two songs that would stay with these fine people throughout this holiday and into the next.

Once again, Mary bent over backwards to accommodate us.  We have been working with her, nearly thirty years now, and with every opportunity comes a brand new set of warm memories and smiles.

 

It was truly an honor to be invited to Roseville.  Hopefully, when the cruel winter relinquishes its cold hand, next year, we will be back to bring forth the wearing O’ the green!

Rb

Just as all things tend to change and evolve, there is something particularly enjoyable when a plan goes exactly as it was enviosned.  Such was the case Saturday night, at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub.

Don’t get us wrong, we plan for huge crowds of enthusiastic, impassioned revelers, hell-bent on celebration and song.  However, on most night, we fall a bit short of that mark.

On a rare Saturday night appearance this March eleventh, we were hitting on all cylinders, right out of the gate.  The Mouse was packed with many happy groups of people, all out to enjoy the best part of their day.

All we needed to do was our part.  With that in mind, Carl and I began the night with a salute to the impending holiday that always seems to usher in winter’s end and the beginning of all things green.

With St. Paddy’s right around the corner, Carl began singing our traditional Irish opening song; The Whistling Gypsy.

Priming the musical pump with a few choice Irish ballads was the perfect way it seemed, to shake the cobwebs off or our dinner-time guests and prepare them for the night ahead.

With everyone enjoying the “wearin’ of the green”, as it were, we slipped in several more St. Paddy’s favorites.  Before they knew it, we were ending the first set and lunging into the next.

Soon there were smiles in every corner of the little pub.  The music was working its magic all right.  Happy patrons laughing and requesting their treasured songs continued until we had finished set after set, and it was time to wrap things up.

It was a classic night for us.  Busy all evening.  Everyone engaged and enthusiastic.  It had been a long time since we had seen the pub so rollicking and rowdy, and we truly had missed it.

Can’t wait to see everyone back when we return in two weeks.  The green will be everywhere by then, with summer on the verge.

Rb

Out of the blue, a few days ago, I received a call from Colin at the Stony Creek Roadhouse.  Seems as though they had a rare opening on a Thursday evening, and wondered if we could play.

Let me back up for a moment, won’t you . . .

About a month earlier, I finally got around to checking out the Roadhouse for an evening of dinner with some friends.  It was everything that I had heard about and a little bit more.

First of all, the Roadhouse is a little bit out of the way.  You pass Stoney Creek Metropark, a wee bit on 26 mile road, and after a few subdivisions catch your eye, there it is on the south side of the street.

It appears as a rustic, woodsy lodge, nestled in the quaint countryside, though the sign out front belies much more.  Live entertainment, great food and attentive service are the corner stones that this warm establishment has over the years built its solid reputation on.

For a very long time, people have approached Carl and I about seeking to play at the Roadhouse.  Finally, the evening arrived when I made the connection.

Our dinner was nice, sitting at the high-top tables with good friends.  The music played in the background, and yet was not overbearing.  On the night that we visited, there was a three piece band who played a mostly instrumental set of eclectic songs, designed to warm the crowd quench the palette.  The night was enjoyable, and after taking in that the venue had to offer, I envisioned that Carl and I would be a pretty good fit, should they be interested in engaging us.

On our way out, I gave one of our cards to manager, and after a few attempts, we got the call to make it all happen.

Right off the bat, we had a pretty good feeling that things would work out for the best, when we arrived to set up an hour early, and customers began to pour in.

Setting up was pretty easy, as the staff was very attentive to us being rookies in their establishment.  After a short period of time, we were all set up and comfortable in front of the fireplace were Bruce the moose watched over the lodge.

Several of our good friends also dropped by to make our inaugural evening even more special.  There is really no way to thank them for all that they do.  Carl and I are truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives that we can count on for such great support.

Playing was the easy part.  We felt very much at home, and right from the start hit all the good notes with the patrons in the lounge area where we entertained.

We launched from one classic to the next as the audience applauded with deserved enthusiasm.  We met many wonderful people from the Shelby area, even on our first night in a strange new venue.  Soon, our three hours was concluded, but were so into it, that we just had to play another twenty minutes, for good measure.

All in all, it was a hugely successful night for us.  We really enjoyed the Roadhouse.  The staff, the customers and the setting were perfect for our type of entertaining.

Like a magician who practices “close magic”, Carl and I enjoy having people so close to us that it makes it exceedingly easy to interact with.  Their requests are elicited, played and enjoyed flawlessly in an intimate setting like this.

We hope that we will be back in the near future.  Maybe in April, as they are all booked for March.  Either way, make sure that you stop by and enjoy any of the fine musicians that call The Stony creek Roadhouse their home.  You won’t be disappointed.

Rb

Having been gone almost two months sometimes makes it seem like an eternity.  And, then in some ways, it seems like just yesterday.

We always feel at home at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub.  We have from the very first time we entertained there, four years ago.  Something about the venerable nature of the historic venue that just speaks to us.

Walking through the doors again made us smile in the first place.  Then, when we were lucky enough to see the wonderful staff again, it was made even more rewarding.

Being welcome when you walk through the doors is a great feeling.

We began the night as we do most nights, with a little Jimmy Buffett.  The perfect choice, since most patrons at the pub probably don’t come there to hear Mancini.

The night began well, with us getting the chance to chat with folks between sets to mine them for their favorite suggestions.  We had a pretty good experience in machine them all up with our versions of each.

Upstairs the Orbitsuns were doing their version of stomp the band.  Not really doing requests, as it’s not their thing.  They are a great show-band with the lead singer a longtime member of Sponge.  They have a very professional sound that grabs the patrons and rarely let’s them go.

Finishing the night up in great style, we hardly missed beat as the clocked ticked its’ way to 1:00 am.

It was another fun night at the Mice.  So many great songs, so little time.

Rb

 

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

Each year, Carl and I look forward to, and dread this time of the year, both at the very same time.  It is in the back of our minds, always, I believe; as an unspoken specter, looming over our shoulders, waiting in the shadows to pop out and exclaim, “Well, what do you have new for us this year?”

And so it goes for the Bob and Carl Holiday Extravaganza tour.  Each year, our goal is to bring something special to the kids that are the reason for our season.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the opportunity we have of bringing music to kids at Christmas.  Nothing that we ever do is more important, or more rewarding.

Our only problem is that next year will be our twentieth year doing the show, and it gets pretty difficult to find new ways to celebrate a two-thousand year old holiday.

All the credit, and when I say that, I truly mean, ALL the credit goes to Carl and his wife, Kim.  They seem to outdo themselves each year at this time with new props, gags and show elements that keep the kids, enthralled, elated, riveted and thoroughly amazed.

Kim, being a former teacher possesses tremendous incite into the intricate workings of young minds at this time of year.  A time when it becomes continually difficult to get students to focus on anything outside of the North Pole.

Although the new elements are not technically the the meat of the show, they allow us to put a new twists on familiar music that at times may be shall I say, a little old and tired .   . .

And, that ain’t easy!

While the music always has been and hopefully always will be the star of the show, it is continually on our minds to add new elements, surprises and themes.  After all, each one of us knows that every year, there is usually some new toy, or buzz or gimmick that is being marketed to our unsuspecting youth.

So while we might be sitting quietly between sets, poolside or at summer picnic, the “Holiday Extravaganza” wheels are always turning.

To say that it is truly worth it, is an giant understatement.  Nothing we do is more rewarding.  Nothing.

As I work in a school, I can tell you there is not a day that goes by, when a student doesn’t stop me and say something kind about the show.

That is a wonderful feeling.

While we get lots of compliments on our singing and musicianship throughout the year, at gigs and shows; the very best is when we see those faces lit up with the reflection of Christmas joy, once the music begins.

This year was really no different that most.  We did visit a new school in another district, thanks in part to a our longtime friend and incomparable educator, Jennifer.  Its always good to get the very first show under our belts.  To “open out of town”, so to speak.

Carl and I usually feel that the first show of the year seems a bit clunky.  We feel that way, however, we have learned that no one else perceives it as such.  Its primarily that we don’t have the timing down pat.  What song is next, or what gag goes where.  How the kids will react.  Things like that.

So, we do the first show, and hope for the best.  By the end of the week, everything is polished and running at maximum speed.  Nearly effortlessly at that point.  Nearly effortlessly, if we weren’t so exhausted, by then.

Try doing eight or nine shows in one week.

After our first show in garden City, it was time to bring it home to the unsuspecting kids of Fraser Schools.  We played sometimes three shows a day, for the remainder of the week, in what most people would consider a whirlwind of Frosty-nosed rain deer and Ho, Ho Hoes!

By all accounts, this years’ show was the best of the best, with acclaim being showered on us by kids of all ages.

For Carl and I, there is nothing more rewarding that playing for delighted kids and adults. everyone happy, everyone smiling and singing.

Its one thing to hear a teacher or PTO president, principal or parent tell you how they look forward to our show all year round; but when a little girl or boy stops us, and looks up with a smile as bright as the star on the tree, to tell us our show is the best show of year, it means more than anything that I have ever been able to convey in writing.

Kinda like a snowman, who comes to life.  Trouble is . . .   now, there is only 364 days until next year!

Rb

Andy Williams

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It’s the hap-happiest season of all

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of the
Christmases long, long ago

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When love ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time of the year

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling…

 

 

On a still winter night in December, Carl and I played Christmas music in an unusual way; in a garage, and on a boat.

It was holiday party time, and we were up to the task.  Setting up in an garage in Harrison Twp., we were ready and waiting for the fun to begin, even before the appointed time.

We had been asked to entertain at at holiday party that we had been to previously a summer or so back.  (See Up On The Roof).

As I mentioned, we got there early to set up.  (You never really know what to expect, until you arrive).  We set up or equipment, and staged our other set of equipment for what was to come next:  The Boat.

It seems our hosts had chartered a boat ride on the historic Clinton river for all their guests to enjoy; and we were to be the holiday music.

As the evening truly got under weigh, Carl and I boarded the Captain Paul II and readied our equipment at the bow.

The boat departed close to 8:00 to the delight of all the excited holiday revelers.  We had begun the Christmas music even before that, to do our best at keeping everyone warm and in good spirits.  It was about 12 degrees near the back of the boat, although they did try to keep us warm by providing a portable heater.

As we set sail, the music washed over everyone and provided the perfect backdrop for the arrival of the big man himself, Santa!  Even though we have heard he only comes once a year, he sure does his best to spread himself around.  We admire that.

As the boat made its way down the picturesque Clinton, many people waved or came out of their houses to take a look at all the clatter.  A few of the heartier revelers sang along, and some even grabbed their phones to document the festivities.

Smiles, though cold and careful, were neither frozen or nonexistent.  People were drinking, laughing, shouting and singing, singing, singing.

Although it seemed more than a few guests were wondering about the final hours of the Titanic, for us, it was truly a memorable affair.  Carl and I will never forget it, that is certain.

Around 10:00, as the boat docked, we took our que to strike the equipment at the bow and set everything back up inside.  We took about fifteen minutes, and they began to belt out the party music once again.  (The notes just seemed a little warmer, is all.)

All the guests had now settled down to make ready for the “grand finale” portion of the evening.  However, after only about three songs, we had word that another gifted musician was in the house.

Yes, right in the middle of our first set back, we were treated to the acoustic mastery of one  talented guest.  He twinkled the ivories for a while, to the delight of everyone in the room, and then just as quickly, turned the rest of the night’s entertaining chores back to us.

By that time, everyone was warmed up to a toasty-like glow, with Mr. Alcohol leading us in his special brand of fellowship.

With the guests singing and dancing, it seemed as though the party was a complete success.  Who says you need heat to create fire!

We thanked our hosts for another memorable event and loaded our gear back into the Bob and Carl mobile.  Time to head home and focus on the next holiday extravaganza awaiting us!

Rb

 

On any given Friday night when Carl and I are performing, you would notice more than a few things.

The very first thing that is that we have no script to follow.  We have no set list of music, or song sheet, set order or idea of which way we are even heading, musically.

What I mean to say, is that we decide on the very first two songs to begin any performance with, and wing it from there.

I imagine that comes as no surprise to anyone who has heard us entertain for very long.  We set out in on direction, and then decide to stay the course, or turn around and go in a completely different direction all together.

We might begin with an Irish song, and then make the quick decision to throw out a country song next.  The determining factor is always the audience.

We play for the people.

Our job is to entertain, make happy, and hopefully create an environment that they will enjoy so much, they will want to return with even more people.

That’s the goal; to help people enjoy their experience, using songs as the tool to make it happen.

When you think about it really, it isn’t that difficult.  After all, the folks are breaking out of their usual routine by going somewhere that they believe will be a positive experience.

They are either going out for good food, good drinks, companionship or all of the above.  If we can provide them with quality entertainment on top of that, then its a win-win!

Translation: They are going out to have a good time.  All we have to do, is not mess that up.

In December, it gets even tougher.

Our last Friday night was just like that.  You could actually see how tired people were from the turmoil and stress of the impending holidays.  After only a few moments with them, you could see the exhaustion in their eyes.

The holiday season is like that now; with everyone on a nearly impossible mission to unearth the perfect gift.  The schedule is brutal, if not unattainable.  Making sure that your house is decorated and glowing and inviting; no wonder everyone is whipped when they come through the doors.

When the patrons are in need for some energy, it is up to us to provide it.  That is why we need to be upbeat and accessible to everyone’s favorite musical genre or artist.

Another trend we have been seeing as of late, is how most people are turning in early.  It used to be that you would need to turn op the lights to usher patrons out of the bar at three am.  No more.

No one hardly stays out late any more.  Our court system has taken care of that.  No one can afford to make that mistake; and we totally understand.  This time of year, more than not, people want to get home early.

It is a great challenge to us, to entertain by reading the patrons’ musical desires.

We need to be up-beat and fun.  It’s tough, because realistically, it is very difficult to keep up that pace for four or five hours, straight.

The positives are there too.   The Three Blind Mice is a very inviting place to play.  People feel comfortable there, and at a ease.  They can relax and let the troubles of the world fly away, without really giving a care.  We are part of that relaxation process.

Helping the pub on this night was a very friendly band named Vintage Ink.  Their lead singer was very kind to us, complimenting our singing.  Always greta to hear that from fellow musicians.

Great atmosphere, great food, great drink and happy music is a the perfect recipe for enjoyable evening.  On any given Friday, there is fun to be had.

Come on in, we’ll prove it to you!

Rb

 

 

Question: If a song is sung in the forest, with no one  there to here it, does it really make a sound?  

Apparently it, does.

That is exactly what we put to the test on Friday night, as the Bob and Carl show kicked off at 8:00.

As we were about to assemble on the stage downstairs to begin our night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens, the last two tables finished their drinks and headed home for the night.

As a musician, nothing is tougher than to begin a set singing to an empty venue.  That being said, it is also very gratifying to notice that when we were done, the place was full and vibrant once again.

Right after having a conversation with the bartender, who asked me where all of our fans were, several tables of them came and and saved the night.

We understand all too well that on a night where people have been going none-stop for about a week, (and to top that off, were probably up at the crack of dawn to snag any saving they could this holiday season), it was understandable that the night could have been very slow.

Having fans come in to hear us means so much that it is hard to express.  I do know that both Carl and I did all we could to make certain that they knew how much their patronage was valued.  And it certainly was!

We had fun.  Pretty much when people come in with request after request, throughout the entire evening, we have fun.  We love the challenge of playing each and every song that comes our way.

If we know it or not.

If we have never played it before or not.  Sometimes when we’re in the zone; it doesn’t even matter.

So after doing our very best to entertain everyone, it was time to venture upstairs and catch the band that was playing on the second floor.

During our first set, Heather, the lead singer from the band stopped by to chat with us.  She used to play with a band called The Banshees, who played here a while back.  Her new band was now called Enjoy Now.

They had a great sound, a good beat and most of all a great attitude.  While their crowd was small, they were listening intently, and had nothing but good things to say about the sound.

Always fun to listen to other bands and see how they respond to the venue.  One of the great parts of being in this business is to be able to listen to many talented musicians.  its an honor to be a part of it, sometimes.

The rest of the night rushed past, as we met more people coming and going.  It was just that type of day.  It was a day that had everyone thinking about Christmas and trying to be one step ahead of the holiday rush.

It was our job to try and get everyone to relax.  Hopefully we connected some of the tired people with their favorite songs.  Our way of validating what we do.  Making certain that if there is someone listening, we will surly give them something to listen to.

Rb

 

 

 

 

 

enjoy now