Events

It even sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Well, it was.  From our vantage point, (The stage), it sure looked like a great day.  Although we didn’t see it begin, only end; it sounded like everything that led up to our part in the day was just as perfect.  The Wertz Warriors, a group that raises funds to help those less fortunate than they, began the day long before we arrived.  With stops at Brownies, and the Channel Marker, to name a few.  We are glad that the winds blew them our way.

We say that, not just because they are a great group who do something about helping our community, but because, they know how to have a good time.

For our part, we did our best to make the dregs of their day just as memorable as it was, with wave upon wave of island music and more.

We played Buffett, we played Cash, we played Morrison.  Hell we even trotted out a few songs that we never do.  How about “A Boy Named Sue“?  When was the last time you heard a band play that one?  Or what about, The Battle Of New Orleans, by Johnny Horton?  Yep, I thought so.  Not in a very long time, if ever.

I will say this, and it bares repeating . . . boater know how to party.

If mere mortals attempted to go out and do what these people do, they would soon be down for the count.  If you’re not a boater, please, do not try it.  Save yourself!

They drink, they dance, they drink, they laugh, they drink, they eat, they drink, the chat, smile, shout, swim, sing . ..

All the while, they smile and have a good time.  No fighting, no fussing and no complaining.  That is how its done.

Carl and I thoroughly enjoyed our rare Wednesday evening appearance at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison twp.  The people, the staff and even Paul the owner, treats us so well that we can’t wait to return.  I’m sure that is the sentiment of any band that gets the honor of entertaining there.

As the sun went down, the music turned up.  (we have to, to compete with those huge power boats).

Just as the night was coming to a close, two amazing dancers took the stage, and everyone’s attention s well.  It was like some broadway choreographed show that we snuck in to.  Wow!

Paul, the owner was working hard to keep everyone happy, but took a moment out to tell us how happy he was that we were playing there.  He even offered us our own night next summer.

That means good things are still on the horizon.

Rb

. . . at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison twp. Michigan is anything but ordinary.  In fact, even though Carl and I are enjoying our second season on the river, we have not come close to getting a handle on this crazy place.

Just when we get all set for what we believe to be ahead, Bumper’s throws us a watery curve-ball.  Upon arrival, it is never what we expect.  Never bad, just not what is expected.

We have almost learned that when we are scheduled to be at Bumper’s, we merely try and hold on through the night; to let fate, destiny and the elements take their toll on the evening.  That way, we really can’t be blamed in court.

It was kind of like that on Saturday.  Our arrival had us setting up in the usual place, with the usual view on the usual river; but that was about where the similarities ended.

Right away we noticed that the people who were there earlier in the day, were primed and ready to launch.  All that they needed was for us to light the fuse.

And . . . light the fuse . . .  we did.

Our first set, that is usually a little more laid-back, by design, was much more aggressive, up-beat and passionate, right out of the gate.

That worked well, as the crowd responded without thinking.  There were the tell-tale signs of a great party brewing everywhere you looked.  The talking that had been the main course soon turned to the desert, as the infectious music filled the dance floor with happy revelers.

To say the beat and the melodies were unrelenting would be quite an understatement, since we barley even took a break, the entire night.   This party needs music, and that is just what we do.  Kinda.

The crowd was amazing.  The night was filled with, laughter, food, music and drink.  I can think of much worse ways to spend a night.  There were a crowd of fifty something’s celebrating, an summer of reunion, as well.  Oh no!

They seemed to enjoy themselves, even though they have all gotten older.

Our night was truly, one to remember.  Music, good friends and ale, on the water.  Not a bad way to celebrate a milestone, a lifetime or an evening.

. . . but, a long way from, just another Saturday night.

Rb

Great Oaks.

Great Rain.

Great Party!

Ok, you might be detecting a theme here, and that’s ok.  Carl and I are enjoying this summer so much that it is truly impossible to damper our spirits, even a bit.

It seems like each and every show we play has something special about it, to make it truly memorable.  This show was no exception.

We arrived at The Great Oaks Country Club about an hour before we played.  (our typical time), that is.  However, the time was wrong, and we were there two hours before the show.

Not a problem.  Unless, we would be caught in an torrential downpour, that would unleash a tidal wave of water on our equipment.

Ok, check that box.

Luckily, it happened an hour before the show, and not during the show.  That is never fun.

We had time to dry things off, re-arrainge and re-setup everything and get it ready in time to play.  And, play, we did!

It was a quiet, subdued crowd of golf tournament participants.  Couples whom had played all day, and are ready to have a sumptuous meal-by-the-pool and unwind.

Our job was to make it all tropical, all smooth and all nice.  We can do that.  After all, now that the rain subsided, we could do almost anything.

And, so we did.  We played four hours of warm breezes and ocean surf.  The sun set on the wonderful evening, but not before we lit the torches with our hot, summer sounds.

Another amazing memory.  Another great evening.  Another rainy day, conquered.

Rb

It must be summertime, because Carl and I are playing music in Eastpointe.

In fact, we have been playing in Eastpointe, long before it was Eastpointe.  Back in the early days, of course, it was East Detroit, and in a park called Kennedy.  That is where the whole thing began.  Back in the seventies!

We played many years in Kennedy park, and then the whole event moved to Spindler park.  We played there for many, many years and may, many songs.  Then a few years ago, maybe four, we moved to the current site that we enjoy now.

Well, some of the music has changed. (not all of it), and the smiles and applause certainly hasn’t.

What strikes me about this annual concert, other than the longevity, is how the music transcends the years.

I have mentioned before about the timeless nature of the songs that we play; a real tribute to those legendary performers and songwriters, who crafted music that has truly stood the test of time.

Those songs have entertained and enriched so many people through the years, that it would be nearly impossible to imagine a lifetime without them.

Neal Diamond, Johnny Cash, Glenn Frey, Brian Wilson, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly. Just some of the legendary voices that have created the perpetual soundtrack of our lives.

We walk in their shadows as we attempt, each show, to bring their musical vision alive if only for a brief moment.  We use their music as a way to convey like thoughts and communicate with our audiences.  It is our artistry and their music that makes our performances possible.

We know that, and offer the proper reverence, here.

We truly could not do what we have done for more than forty years without their music fuel that fires our talent.

Last evening in Eastpointe, we called upon artists from nearly seven decades as we shared song after song of reverant Americana.  Smiles and applause told us that the people of that wonderful town appreciated what we had done.

We played a whirlwind hour and a half of everything from Motown to young country, and Irish favorites, as the sun transformed the concert patio into an glowing stage.

After the show, we had a chance to thank everyone for being there, as many of the crowd came up to let us know how happy they were with the music selection.

We even had the good fortune to snap a picture with the mayor.

We take great pride in being able to entertain people with our talent.  We also try and honor the artists and songwriters who have given us the ability to do just that.

We always try and let the music shine through, if that makes any sense.  We try hard to play the music as it was written.  As it was intended.  As it was created to be heard.

Hopefully, if we keep doing it right, the music will last forever.  Just like summer.

Rb

Ever have a perfect day?

They don’t come around too often, do they?  So when you have one, you tend to not take it for granted.

Ours came Monday, at Great Oaks Country Club, in Rochester Michigan.  In every aspect, it was a perfect day.

I’ll explain.

The weather started things out.  Perfect.  If you were playing music at a pool party, you couldn’t have imagined a better day.  It was hot, with a hint of humidity.  The perfect temperature to send you to the lake, the river the stream or, in our case, a country club pool.

If you know that its going to be hot, better get comfortable right by the pool.  The best thing to cool down with is some Jimmy Buffet, or Beach Boys music.  Or, maybe some Kenny Chesney, while you’re at it?

Perfect.

So, just as we are about to settle in and begin, one of the managers, comes up to us, with a check in his hand.  Getting paid before the job even begins, falls right in to that, perfect category.  Then, he tells us that they want us to play at Great Oaks for . . .       what did he say . . .   “Forever!”.  Ok, we can try.  Perfect.

The first song begins, and its apparent that the sound is going to be just right, today.
Sometimes, as you might imagine, things can be a bit out of whack.  This can be too loud or one instrument is out of tune, or not capable of being heard.  Not today.  The sound is, (you guessed it), perfect.

After we finished a wonderful first set, it was apparent how enjoyable this day was for both of us.  We could tell, because while we were playing each song, we both felt like we could have extended them all afternoon.  That, was how enjoyable they were.

Right on the heels of the first set, it was time for a break.  A perfect time to sample some of the amazing barbaque fare available on the beautiful day.  If the word, perfect actually had a taste, we could have sampled it on that day.

Set two was just as much fun as the first, with the requests beginning to pour in.  Focusing even more than usual on America, we got the opportunity to feature some songs that spotlight the amazing aspects of what it means to be truly American.

Kids were playing, with mom’s and dad’s chasing after them.  Faces were painted, bubbles were flying through the summer breeze and everywhere you looked you were treated with the sounds and sights of a perfect summer party; as timeless and satisfying as all those summer parties, long remembered.

All we needed to do was  . . .  add some perfect music.

The summer heat always beckons the music of the islands.  For some reason, it cools you down, just hearing those dulcet tones of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Kenny Chesney or the always relaxing Jimmy Buffett.

Although our last set came to an end, neither of us felt like stopping; so we didn’t!

We played two or more encores, just to keep this perfect day going.  In the end, it was time to leave.  Our job done, we gathered our equipment while chatting with the cordial members who came over to thank us for their wonderful day.

Their day might have very well been wonderful.  But, not ours.

Our day was . . . .        (you guessed it!)

Perfect!!

RB

 

Sometimes things begin slowly and cautiously.

You might not even realize it, in the beginning.  Then, it slowly, slowly crescendos, until you hear the big, huge BANG at the end!

Happened to us, just the other Sunday evening.

The bang, that is.

We were called on to entertain at a three-house party, party, in Macomb.  Not too far from where Carl and I call home.  There was a celebration to be celebrated, and these houses were just the right people to do it.

When we arrived, there were people everywhere, as you can imagine, if you have even been involved in throwing an three house affair.

Pools splashing, dogs running, children popsicle-ing.  All that was missing, at this point was an upper atmospheric show of massive and potentially deadly proportions.

The stage was set of a fun evening of summer excess.  Soon, music was in the air, as we began the very first set, tucked nicely into out garden-party place.

It was a commanding view of the entire set-up that we were enjoying, as the songs began to put all the revelers into the right mood.

For most of the party, Carl and I were mostly back ground music.  Playing the songs and melodies that kept everyone enjoying the day.  Hot breezes, cool tunes, and frozen treats!

Frozen treats???

Yep, when the crowd began to murmur that, “The firetruck was here!”, we thought that somehow, word had gotten out about the incredible fireworks, lying in wait, for the darkness.  But, no.

The “Firetruck” everyone was referring to, was more cool than hot.  Someone had gotten the brilliant idea to restore an old firetruck, and turn it into a mobile ice creme shop.

Sweet idea. (Literally).

Now, as the truck dispensed its’ cool, creamy delights and we really got into the sweet center of our gig, it was time to kick this party into the stratosphere!

With the end of our last tune, the sky erupted in a shower of amazing lights and sounds.  For more than thirty minutes, our host delighted his guest with a plethora of acrobatic sights and sensations.

This was a summer night to remember.  We were so glad that everyone had a wonderful time, helped in part by our musical talents and skills.

The host thanked us and hoped to have us back again next year for what he wanted to make an annual event.

Fine with us; although, he might find it tough to top the height of this now legendary event.

Rb

Bumper’s Landing means summer!

And if you have lived very long in Michigan, you know that there area few things to go hand in hand with that.  Like, spring rains, summer heat and if you are anywhere near the great lakes, FISH FLIES!

Let me back up just a moment . . .

We played last Friday night at Bumper’s Landing, In sunny Harrison Twp., to a group of crazy-go-lucky water-worshipers, who were doing what they do best . . .  par-tay-ing-ing!

They party, come rain or shine, or fly.

Which is good, because . . .    well, hang on a moment.

Let me begin by saying that Carl and i have played two dates at Bumper’s, so far this year, and both dates have seen some iffy weather.  First time we played, it actually poured.  That’s all well and good, since we were inside.

This time, it was partly sunny, but much cooler than it should have been for a date this late in the summer. All that meant was that there weren’t as many bikinis as there usually are.

So, we played and people enjoyed.  Everyone is so happy at Bumper’s.  They drink, they eat, they drink some more, they listen and sing and laugh and cheer, and they drink some more!

It’s all good. We had the opportunity to play for some old friends.  A good friend, actually who has recently become a ship captain.  congrats, Mr. Paul!

So, anyway, we played several sets, and got to the point in the night that we had about an hour left to go.  During our break, one of the managers came running out to the cabana, and yelled at them to “Turn off those light!”

I thought that was very odd for her, since her character was usually happy and calm.  In a few moments, I found out exactly why she was going crazy when she saw the lights.

Because, now all the lights of the bar were out, EXCEPT ours illuminating our band equipment and us.

Enter, Mr. Mayfly!

No, a LOT of MR. Mayflies.  And, maybe a few Mrs. Mayflies as well.  And cousin, and uncle and nephew flies.  The whole damn family of flies were there to appreciate our last set.

So many, that Carl and I were covered in flies.

When I say covered, I mean, covered.  They weren’t bothering anyone else at Bumper’s, because they were all smart enough to turn the lights off.  The beacon that those relentless bugs could navigate to from miles around, was our band lights.

They were on the microphones, the lights, the speakers, the keyboards, the guitars and amps.  After what seemed like only a few short moments, I couldn’t even make a chord on my guitar without squashing several of them.

We tried to play through it.  We held out for about fifty minuets.  One of the girls dancing right in front of the stage, took pity on us, and came up to brush them off.

We might have chocked and died if it weren’t for the selfless acts of the Bumper’s Landing, “Fly girls!”

It was a night that Carl and I will never forget.  As a matter of fact, for the next few jobs we had after that, we were reminded of the fish fly night at that fun Bar; because every time we opened a case or guitar, we found a few more stow-aways.

We will be back at Bumper’s if a few days.  Hopefully, the night of the fish flies has come and gone for another year.

Bugs don’t bug us much.  But, when we can’t even finish a night, it becomes a problem.

Thanks again to that chivalrous Fly Gal who wouldn’t let the music die; whom ever she was.  A true, American hero.

Rb

So it was a Saturday in June, that felt very bit like a Sunday to us.

Ok, I’ll explain.

Since we already had played yesterday, (and yesterday seemed like a Saturday, because we didn’t work, and we were playing way down in Trenton, in a festival); today, seemed every bit like a Sunday.  Make sense?

Well, it did to us.  All day it seemed much more like Sunday than a Saturday.  The pace was slow and easy; with people filtering gingerly into the park early and often.

There was a big stage for us.  Ok, it wasn’t for us, but we did get to use a part of it.  The sound man even raised the roof so that we could set up and play!

Centerline has a long history of family events, and this years’ fireworks was just about at the top of their list.  We have played many times over the years, and always have enjoyed doing so.

They have had the even in a few different types of formats.  Two day events, three day events, and other formats as well.  However, over the last year or two, they have settled on this three day format.

Saturday was our day to shine, and we did it by starting off the days’ entertainment on a high note.

Four Strong Winds meandered through the park, as Carl kicked off our two hour show with some, ever popular Neal Young.  Then it was myself, Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay and singing, Against The Wind, to the small but riveted crowd.

It was a very casual atmosphere, and although it felt every bit like a Sunday – Ok, I won’t go into that again, it did have all the classic elements that any perfect Sunday have.

First, it was hot, but not too hot.  It was casual, and easy, (Like a Sunday morning).  It was pretty low-key. People came over between sets and gave us their favorite requests and suggestions.  We even signed some autographs!  (Only a matter of time before they turn up on E-Bay).

The second half of the show was even more fun than the first, as we turned up the volume and the tempo.  Some Motown, Creedence and Cash were just what the this particular Saturday/Sunday called for.  Must have been good, since the Mayor of Centerline and his family stopped by to tell us how much they enjoyed it.

After our scintillating performance, a new country band took the stage to fill the park with cowboys, apparently trying to roll their windows down for some unknown reason.

We packed up in a flash, and then began to unwind ourselves as we took in the music and sights of this fun day.  There was an enthusiastic group of young kids dressed in traditional Polish attire, dancing to wonderful ethnic music in a pavilion to our left.  There were several vendors, with delicious treats, designed to tantalize our awaiting taste buds.  There was even a beer tent.  What a country!!!  (not sure how Carl found that so fast.  Maybe it was just dumb luck).

Ahhhhh, it was a wonderful day for sure.  Just the way to start out our summer of ’16.

If you weren’t there, better not miss our next show.  Think it will be at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Twp.  Just float downstream, and we’ll snatch you out of the water.

Rb

We were back.

. . . In Trenton, that is.  After about ten years, I believe.  It’s hard to say, actually.  It’s been a while, for certain.  Back in Trenton.

Just yesterday, it seems, we were playing in front of the old hotel, entertaining passers-by, from the front porch of the venerable old gal.  It’s always an old-timey folksy atmosphere in Trenton, and we like that.

We get there early and try our best to take in each and every, sound, sight and smell of the entire festival.  We make a day of it.  We take some time to get to know all the promoters, artists, vendors and participants, who make the event sustainable and vibrant.

As we arrived last Friday, we could hear a young gal on the stage, entertaining all the people in the picnic area with her beaconing vocals.  She was doing a great job of showcasing the new female, singer -songwriter hits out there.  The crowd was thoroughly delighted, and we could tell.

As she finished to the chanting of “Encore!”, it was time for Carl and I to change the atmosphere from contemporary, girl angst, to a more light-hearted musical vibe.

Beginning with Jimmy Buffett was seemingly just what the crowd needed.  Light and breezy, sunshine and casual.  The way a summer really should be in Michigan, or anywhere, for that matter.

We kept it light and easy.  We played an hour and then took a ten minute break to give us a chance to talk to some of the very nice Trenton-ites.

After getting an earful of requests, we were back at it for the second half of the show.  A second half that breezed right by us.  Music so good, the Slushie Ladies, (Not their real names, I’m pretty sure), brought us two Slushies, just for us mentioning them in one of our songs.  (Now that’s product placement!).

After our show, another young gal grabbed the stage to try her hand at entertaining the enthusiastic crowd.  IF she was any indication, the classic singer-songwriter will never go out of style.

There was a lot to see, hear and do in Trenton.  Just across the street from our stage was a young gal who was entertaining people in exchange for college money.  Across from her was a real Cajun Cafe, (If you were buying what they were selling), and I was!

It was a great, relaxing day for us both.  Always a good way to spend the summer, by sharing our musical talents with people and places we have invested in over the years.

Hopefully, we will be back some summer, down the road.  Trenton always brings a smile to our faces.  And, if you were there, perhaps it brought one to yours.

Rb

Sometimes at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, the night nearly gets away from us.  The crowd is big, the tempo is fast and we are barely able to hold on for dear life.

On those nights, the requests are flying fast and furious from start to finish.  It is pretty much a blur to us, and before we know it, it’s gone, done and over.

And, then there are the other nights.  Nights when the tempo is much slower.  You can quickly tell that everyone is truly exhausted from the long week, and it even shows.

It was a night just like that on Friday last.  The evening had a much slower pace to it, from the very beginning.  No problem.  We can roll with that.

The great thing about a night like that, is Carl and I get a chance to visit with many new patrons.  Although we have been entertaining on Friday nights since the Three Blind Mice officially opened its’ doors, we are always meeting new patrons, just coming in for the very first time.

That was just the case the other Friday night.  After our first set, we realized that the night was going to be slower than usual.  It was a beautiful night, outside.  Can’t blame anyone for not wanting to sit inside.  We didn’t.  It was our job to make them want to stay.

Quite a challenge, some nights.

What I think we will take away most from this gig, was the knowledge that it really doesn’t matter how old or young the people are that come to see us.  It is the knowledge that people from all walks of life, no matter the age demographic still enjoy the classic music that we sing.

Those songs are classics.  That’s why we still sing them.

And when I sit and spend our breaks talking with great people about the music, what comes across is that so many of them still enjoy those classic songs.

I hear it most every night.  “You know, I grew up on those songs!“, they say. Over and over again.  Like the cute couple that I talked with last Friday night.

Although they were still in their twenty somethings’ they went out of their way to tell me how much they enjoyed the music.  It is still unexpected to me.   To hear those words from people so young.  But, we’ll take it.

They were a truly appreciative couple from the Battle creek area, who were here enjoying the night, thoroughly.

People like them, who were trying to make a difference in all aspects of their lives.  It was so great to chat with them.  Rewarding, you might say.

There is no band upstairs for the summer, since the patio is now open, the upstairs is not.  Out on the patio, people talked and pretty much just kicked back on this late Spring night.

It was perfect outside.  Wait, we were inside!!!

Well, we better finish the night then.  How about some old friends that showed up to cap things off with?  Perfect.

Thanks go out to the fun table who shared some of their night with us, too.  A great guy who works as a professional wedding photographer, grabbed my camera and shot some pics.  He even captured Carl and I improvisation some Jim Morrison and the Doors of Perception.  Check out our videos.  Fun night.

I guess the moral of this story, is that when you have less people, you an spend more time with them.  And, for us, that is a win – win situation.  No matter what it sounds like.

Rb