Events

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

It’s been a couple weeks since we played on the eleventh of November, at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub.  As I pause to look back, nothing particular stands out to set that night apart from many others at The Mice.  Two weeks later, this is what I take away from that evening . . .

People came, people went.  They ate, they drank, they listened, they smiled and laughed.  They told stories and bragged with their friends.  They dreamed and spoke and sang and enjoyed.  They listened, they critiqued, they doubted and complained.

Mostly though, people came to the Three blind Mice to do what people enjoy doing: just being people.

After all, the human condition is pretty much our stock and trade.  If it weren’t for people being gregarious, there would be no reason to gather together at all.

Though I can say without a doubt, people like being alone from time to time, they also enjoy being with other people to share their thoughts feelings, hopes and dreams.

I’ve found that folks simply enjoy sharing their life experiences with other people.  Doesn’t matter where really: In movie theaters; in stadiums, or halls.  In  public places or places of worship.

I have also observed that people enjoy relaxing and unwinding just as much in a group, as they do in private.  There is something about the commonality of the shared experience, that allows them to dissipate their pent-up feelings and frustrations.

We see all of that and more on display most nights that we entertain.  You don’t have to look far, or listen too intently to realize how much music can influence the entire formula.

Carl and I can truly set the mood by simply selecting certain songs or even certain types of songs.  Music has that ability.

In looking back at that night, last November, nothing really jumps out at me.  That, more than anything is why I didn’t write it up immediately.  The night, as I recall came and went without any cataclysmic event at all.

But, I remember the people.  How they interacted with us.  How they said kind things.  How they appreciated the music.  How they thanked us for how hard we work to entertain them.

I do remember the people that night.  And, hopefully, they remember us.  I hope that we made a difference in someone’s evening.  That is the highest compliment that we can ever hope for.  That’s why we play music, really.  To add something to everyone’s life.  Something hopefully good.

We try.  We don’t always hit the mark; but, we try.  And, we will keep trying.  We will keep learning and listening, and sharing and laughing.

That night like so many others, the people made it for us.  I look at these pictures and remember the requests, the happy faces and most of all the sharing of treasured music.  Music that means so much to so many people; and the joy of making it.

We enjoy playing at the Mice.  It is by now, a living breathing organism to us.  It has a past, a present and a bright future.

I guess we must be doing something right; because when we pause to look back  . . .  we can smile with pride.

Music is the reason.
We are the instrument.

Something worth remembering.

Rb

 

There was something in the air all right.

It was spooky, it was scary.  It was downright ghastly.

Ok, ok, our music wasn’t that bad!  So, we’re no Lawrence Welk.  Anyway, we ushered in All Hallow’s Eve for the third straight year this Friday evening at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in downtown Mount Clemens with great anticipation and trepidation.

The pub was decked out in scary spiders, helpful mice and the occasional cute and cuddly kitty cat.  There was webbing hanging here, there and everywhere.  (and mostly stuck to the back-side of Carl).

The lights were low and the evening was ripe for just about anything to happen.  We began right at the hour of eight, keeping it soft and quiet for our dinning ghouls.  We didn’t wish to scare anyone with our seasonal songs.

The full house turned over at the end of our first set; giving us the chance to entertain a whole different group of revelers, eager to feast on more dead things and wash them down with cold, wet ale.

Upstairs was packed, with Under The Covers band playing their own brand of Millennial favorites, to the ambivalence of those hungry for decimals and flesh.

The night evolved as so many have lately, people shuffling in; sitting a while and then ambling out to make certain not to miss anything on their evolving agendas that we all take on this time of year.

People just can’t devote an entire evening to once place or one cause anymore.  They are spread too thin.  People have to be at work, then get the kids to soccer, then feed them, then go out for some food, a few drinks and then home before the crows land to peck out your eyes.

Yuk!

Well, you get the idea.  Its hard for patrons to stay in one place for too long.  We are seeing much more evidence of that effect, week in and week out.

The costume contest happened before we knew it, with those that wished to, strutting their stuff to the immersive rhythm.

There were many screams, many gasps and many many moments where the people nearly lost their minds!!!  (and that was only during our third set).

Before we knew it, the grim reaper had planted one of our feet in the grave, and it was time to give up the ghost for another year.

Next comes Thanksgiving.  It will be here before you know it.  The only thing scarier than Halloween is the Christmas season!

 

Rb

Friday nights  have always been our night of choice.

Performing music, that is.

Sharing our talents on a Friday evening has been part of our history going back more than thirty years.

In the summer of 1972, while juniors in high school, Carl and I met an enigmatic yet very charismatic fellow who had a profound impact on your lives.  He mentored us as we set out on our long musical journey that was to become a lifetime of Rock & Roll.  Attempting then to master guitar and bass at work on the weekends, we had already studied music for years as students in the Chippewas Valley school band (playing trumpet and trombone respectively).   That experience soon had us playing horns in the iconic band Superman; the brainstorm of the mystical poet/musician Gary Miller.  Superman played covers and original music with a rare fire and creativity, but hardy ever in public.  No matter, at that particular time and place, the public would not have understood it anyway.  Our stint with Superman though short-lived, gave us a lifetime of experience in the grueling world of rock.  Miller soon moved to Texas with his brother/guitarist, Ray, with whom he eventually formed the indie juggernaught, The Texas Flesh Gods.

Later that same summer, Carl and I took another step in our musical maturity, as an opportunity for a live gig presented itself.  After word reached us that some local musicians were looking to add a horn section to play with the mystical band, The Id, we enthusiastically answered the call.  A legendary summer “happening” resulted in what was known for years around Mt. Clemens as simply: Cody’s Party.  The Id was an Mt. Clemens, home-grown band that was to be the embryo of many amazing local players to come.  While the Cody’s party was indeed our very first gig, it was not a paying gig.  What we gained that night was a real education in what live music could do.  Money would come later.

After graduating in 1974 from high school, we played some graduation parties and did some recording that summer.  We practiced more on guitars and gigged in the fall while playing with the likes of Wayne Craycraft in his own spin-off band.  We played several events with Wayne, whom eventually went his own way to spin off his own business.

While Carl went off to college at Michigan State, I joined with some students from Macomb Community College that shared a common love of my same musical heroes in the group, Emotion Ride.  We played bars and events for that first year before changing the name and some personal to form Sanctuary.

We now had the freedom to do whatever type of music fueled our artistic fires.  Carl joined us on most weekends to play keyboards and guitar.  We entertained at bars, pubs and bowling alleys primarily, but found a musical home in Algonac.  When Adam allen left the band to strike out on his own, the remaining four, including Carl, (who had by now graduated from college), formed a new band.

Back in the early 1980’s we were playing in a four piece band called simply, The Boys.  We played bars, weddings, private, civic and corporate events and shows.  We played everywhere and we were very good at what we did.

Our strength was playing music most other bands couldn’t.  Symphonic rock, pop, country, Beatles, Beach Boys, Queen and anything in between.  And most everything written in four part harmony.

During that time, a lot of our friends hung out at their favorite local bars and smaller clubs.  They would eventually ask us if we could play at some of these venues.  So Carl and I worked on playing with an entirely different type of instrumentation.

Our goal was to play songs either more simply, or just the two of us, as a full band, as two guitars, keyboard, drum machine and bass pedals.  It took me a while to learn to play bass with my feet but eventually everything was in place for us to begin playing regularly.

The first place ever played regularly was, Vinnie’s.

At Vinnie’s we played every Friday night for more than four years.  We worked extremly hard there to craft our two-man sound.  Vinnie’s was a hit for us, both artistically and personally.  There was a time when you could go in and order a Bob and Carl burger!  Honesty.  And no, it wasn’t extremely cheesy.

A lot of our friends from work at, JC Penny’s and Ford Motor Company would stop by and share their evening with us.  For many years it was nearly a ritual.

Friday was the day we transitioned from the end of the long work week, to the beginning of the days everyone looks forward to; the week end.  Saturday nights might have been for fighting, but Friday nights were perfect for Carl and I.

We played at Vinnie’s for a good long time, until things happened in the family who owned and operated it.  At which point, we moved on to another fine dining establishment,

The Ryan Roadhouse.

The Ryan Roadhouse was located at fourteen mile and Ryan road in Warren Michigan.  It was owned and operated by a wonderful woman named Neelu, who offered great food at a great price.  Along with the food and incredible service, she had some of the best groups in the city entertain from her stage.

And, us.  Well, no one’s perfect.

Friday nights at the Ryan Roadhouse were some of the best memories we still treasure to this day.  There was something new every week as the restaurant was centrally located near flourishing neighborhoods, the Warren tech Center and lots and lots of bustling commerce.  When we took the stage, we never knew what to expect.  Other than the fact that we could count on friends stopping by to visit us.  Some nights at the Roadhouse were legendary!

Neelu sold the restaurant in the early nineties, and we were once again without a permanent musical “home”.

. . . Until three ladies who worked together at JC Penny’s made their combined vision a reality around 1997.  Their dream was  a little bar/restaurant/ that had up-scale food and entertainment.  When Kokomo’s finally was opened, they called on us to offer our talents on an . . . you guessed it, Friday night!

So we found another home for Friday after Friday, season after season.  New Year’s eve 2000 found us right there as we ushered in the new millennia.  The patrons had it all when they came through those doors; impeccable food, a fine dining experience, and exciting entertainment.  Kokomo’s was a wonderful experience for us.  Our years there helped us hone our skills and find a new level of professionalism.

Sadly, the three gals found that their endeavor was too far ahead of its time in downtown Mount Clemens.  “Upscale” was not even a common phrase back then; so they eventually succumbed to the inevitable financial realities of their location.

For roughly the next ten years Carl and I played many many events and yet never really had a regular place to call our own.
Sure, we played every memorial day, every fourth of July and each and every labor day at Great Oaks Country club, but nowhere did we play a regular gig on our regular Friday night.  Each St. Paddy’s day, we were at usually three different locations, but one of them was always Clancy’s.

Year after year, we played civic events, grand openings, malls, gazebos, parks, fund raisers, parties and corporate events; but nothing regular.

Until…..

In the summer of 2012, as Carl and I were on our way to a funeral home, we drove through downtown Mount Clemens for the first time in a very long time.  As we ventured up Market street, we could not help noticing a brand new facelift to a very old building.

Carl and I had been there many times in the past decade but not in a long while since it was called Chrissy’s Lounge.  Now, there was a new look about it.  Actually, a new old-world look about it.  A very, very Irish look about it.  What stood in the same location that once occupied Chrissy’s was now The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub.

Walking inside, I asked the three gentlemen at the bar if they knew the owner, (and of course, they did).  Because . . . those three gentlemen were the owners.  Tony, Jake and Brad!

I asked Brad a few questions that summer day, and got a bit of a tour as well.  I asked him if this was going to be a real Irish pub.  “It was.” he said.  I asked if they were going to have entertainment?  “We are, he said.”  I gave him our card and told him they needed to have us play there.  He said that they didn’t have an opening date yet, but would certainly consider it.  It was a very good meeting.

A couple of weeks later, I received their call, to invite us to play at their soft opening.  That first night was perfect for us, as we truly fell in love with the entire vibe that is The three Blind Mice.

That first year and a half, we played mostly every Friday night.  We held court downstairs while a bevy of fine musical acts entertained on the big stage upstairs.  We met many people who frequented the pub during those years, and still see some of their faces, now some three years later.

Of course, Friday night is the perfect night for us.  We try and play every other weekend, as our schedule allows.  Every night is different.  Every night is enjoyable.  Every night is fun.

What keeps us coming back, is what keeps most of the patrons engaged: the music.  What we have learned over the years is that people, no matter where they are from, still have a deep and affectionate love for the classic songs we play.  The music is the real star of our shows.

We would like to think that we have learned the art of entertaining over the years.  How to sing, how to engage an audience with passion, and how to interact and read the crowd.

Our goal is to give back to the people that give of their time to us; a truly enjoyable experience.

We hope to be there for some time to come, sharing our love of our art, our passion for entertaining and our Friday nights.

Rb

 

On Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens Michigan, there was a big celebration.  Ryan Taylor had his 30th birthday party in our pub, and shared it with us.  The best part is that Ryan is my nephew, and a pretty great kid.

Even though he has an awesome job, a wonderful new bride and some of the best friends a guy could ask for, he still shared his big night with his family and everyone at the Mice. We were just lucky enough to be there to entertain.  And what a night it was.

The evening began very quickly, as a group of our fans descended on us before we were even set up with a long list of requests, created by somewhat of an committee.

No problem at all.

In fact, it is well known that Carl and I really enjoy a good challenge.  We began our first set with several of those requests, and the night escalated from there.

The list was long and very thorough; with two sides, actually.  Probably the best list of requests that we have ever been a part of.  It must have taken a very long time to come up with all of those artists and songs.  The very least we could do would be to honor it appropriately enough, but playing as many of them as we could.

After the first set was in the books, we had barely made a dent in it, but had plenty more to offer.  The birthday party was ramping up nicely, as more and more chairs became added to the party table.  (Quite understandably, really, as Ryan is quite the celebrity.  Among all the things he does, he has been modeling and has even been part of a commercial that aired nationally).  The mouse was full and roaring, at that point.

What ensued was a battle-royal for what song we would sing next.

With both tables vying for our musical attention, there were no innocent bystanders. Everyone was now part of the audio fallout.  We sang Irish, country, pop, oldies, island and even a few novelty tunes thrown into the mix, as the evening settled in nicely.

The entire first floor was packed, with the upstairs being open for the first time this fall. It was a very good night.

With a crowd of this size, it would be normal to assume that the wait-staff couldn’t keep up; not true!  The gals that work at The Mice are some of the hardest working, nicest, smartest, most patient women that we have had the great fortune to work with.

From the kitchen, to the serving floor to back behind the bar, every one of them excels at what they do.  They are real testament to the owners and management staff, as each one of them gives their all to each and every customer, with a smile on their faces.

Carl and I see everything that goes on as we entertain, and generally don’t take enough time to thank them for making our job easier.  Also, they bring us beer, so there’s that.

Anyway, back to the birthday party that began winding down around midnight.  It seemed a huge success.  I know that we had a wonderful time, just being part of it.

There were friends, there was family, there was even cake, and singing, and laughing, and shots and just some making of wonderful memories.  It means so much to us when a group wants to share their big events with us.  It really says a lot.

Everyone seemed to be in great spirits on this Friday evening.  We had old friends gather in the corner and stay most of the night.  We also had friends at the bar-top stay for a few drinks before surrendering to dinner hunger.  We even had the return of one special guy named Boo.

Yep!

So, all and all, it was another memorable night at The Mice.  And just when we thought that it couldn’t get any more memorable, the door opened, and twenty people all walked in, around midnight.

Seems as though a group that was performing at The Double D Bar & Grill down the street, had a problem with their gig.  Their bar had to close down, so they thought they would take their friends and their party up-town to the Three Blind Mice!

It’s always something in this business.  Carl and I were only too happy to give up our stage so that they could do their last set for their friends.

The Shelly Miller Band grabbed our guitars and away they went.  (Well, musically, that is).

Shelly began belting out some of her best/most passionate originals as her crowd cheered them on.  Incredible guitar playing and tight harmonies made listening to their band very enjoyable.  Great to see two wonderful performers, so into their music.

After their stunning set, Carl and I took back the stage for one more song to put a nightcap on this memorable evening.

Thirty years goes by pretty fast, I’ll tell you.  And its getting faster by the day.  we were there for many of the birthdays in Ryan’s life, and hope to be for many more.

We know that he will make the most of his days, just like he has so far.  We wish him well, and plan to be part of the next celebration, if in ten, twenty of fifty years!

Rb

  

 

So with the close of the summer season, it was time to say goodbye to the Bumper’s boaters. We played the final show of this incredible summer; and what a summer it was.

Interestingly enough, Saturday night was a complete microcosm of our time at Bumper’s Landing.  One set hot, one set cool, and most of them enjoyable and eminently memorable.

Our arrival at five O’clock was announced by an pleasant and mostly problem free set-up.  We met some fun people who wanted nothing more than one more chance at prolonging their endless summer.  They were geeked up, and ready to rock N’ roll.  No problem, that was just what we were there for.  We began fast and amped up right out of the gate.  Seems as though this group of boat people didn’t come across the water to find freedom, but to party down!

They needed 80’s music, and that was fine too.  We could do that.  So, we played some eighties, mixed with country, pop and some of the best classic rock any group could muster.

The first set was fast and furious, as request after request came showering down on our unsuspecting heads.  As we got our sea legs under us, we were more than happy to oblige each and every request that was lobbed our way.  That is, except that legendary Journey classic, “Wheel In The Sky“.  Sorry boys.

Well, they must have been pretty happy, because they sent us the appropriate thank you; two delectable shots of Jack Daniel’s whiskey!

When Carl and I reconvened to offer our second set of the evening, the sun was just about going down.  That was our que to play the Kenny Chesney hit of the same name, to the delight of everyone those country fans on the patio.

Just about then, we noticed that there was another class reunion in the house. The Warren high school class of 1981 was gathering to say hello to their long lost classmates.  Seems as though the high school was going to meet inside for the moment, although we would stand fast and man our post under the sheltering pavilion.

The darkness fell on the waterfront, and with it, a gusty wind that sent many of the patrons inside for warmth.  We stayed outside to share our music with the hardy customers who snuggled together by the cabana.

Under the navigational lights of the bar-top, we let loose with the dancyest songs in our repertoire.  The breeze died down just as the patrons found their second wind.  We finished the night with more Johnny Cash, and a little bit of Willie Nelson, as we announced it was time for us to be “On The Road Again“.

People were happy, satisfied and just this side of content.  We couldn’t have asked for any more than that, as the summer of sixteen came to an magnanimous conclusion.

It seems as though Carl and I will be back again next summer, as Paul, Natasha and company were so very enjoyable to work with.

Next year should be better than ever.  The word is out about Bumper’s Landing, and the word is . . . FUN!

Rb

Today, we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

We returned to Flat Rock’s annual Riverfest this Sunday afternoon to entertain some of the most appreciative people we have ever had the great fortune to played for.

The weather was picture perfect, (to start), and the setting was just as picturesque.   On a sunny September afternoon, what place could be better to take the entire family?

Everywhere you looked you could see revelers enjoying this amazing day.  Families were out sampling the food, the drinks, the rides, the atmosphere and the wonderful entertainment, all around them.  Smiles were as plentiful as popcorn.

It was our job on this, the final day of Riverfest, to bridge the entertainment gap during the time it took one band to finish and the next one to begin.

Carl and I played under the calm and quiet of the Riverfest beer tent.  People sat, relaxed and enjoyed the music while sipping on the latest micro-brew.

This idyllic setting needed nothing more than music and a simple desire to retreat from the world, to be the perfect lasting memory.  We could do the music part, that is, with a little help from some very talented bands.

In Flatrock, they love their country music, their rock and even their rock ‘n roll.  No wonder we fit in so well there.  Even the mayor comes out to enjoy the day while glad-handing his contented constituents.

The prefect formula for us is a light day of entertaining and interacting with other local bands, then taking in the event and enjoying some relaxation both mental, physical and liquid all.

To begin, Carl and I set up in the roomy beer tent to the left of the stage and adjacent to the VIP tent on the other side.  The “courtyard” in the middle was a perfect place to listen to whatever band was playing.  They have scheduled continuos entertainment throughout the weekend, an idea that is entirely focussed on the enjoyment factor.

When we arrived, The Roosters were belting out the rock music. Heavy on the Tom Petty, they had everyone that was listening, tapping their toes with musical enjoyment.  Another good local band, it was a perfect way to begin music at the park.  The played for an hour as the sound of whirling amusement rides filled in the quiet moments between rock favorites.

As soon as their set was complete, Carl and I fired up the Bob and Carl machine.  Just a few tables gathered in the big beer tent, but on a day like this, it was nice to play no matter if it were ten or ten thousand.

After a short set, it was time to give way to a very young and talented Athen’s Creek band.  Their forte was doing the young country hits in their own semi-acoustic style.  Everything they did sounded great, and soon more and more people were finding their way over to the music area of the park to take a listen.

As they finished, it was once again time for us to show the crowd a little different way of approaching relaxation town. It was right there in front of them, but simply needed the acoustic road map that only we could provide.

After an hour of sing-a-long songs, done just right on this sunny afternoon, we got the word that the next group was running a little late.  That was really our sue to play another half hour.  No problem.   It was so enjoyable, we felt that we could have played all afternoon in the park.

Eventually, the final band took the stage to put the finishing touches on entertainment that had been running nearly none-stop all weekend long.

Crush came all the way from Toronto to share their tribute to the legendary Bon Jovi band.

They assaulted the stage with their talent and musicianship, totally dominating the attention of every enthusiastic fan in attendance. If you closed your eyes, it would have been nearly impossible to tell the difference between Crush and Jon Bon Jovi as hit after hit was offered and enjoyed during their two hour set.

We were heading home, knowing that we did all we could to help the park goes from Flatrock have the very best time possible.

We certainly hope to be able to do it all again next year, as this concert ushered in annually the fall season, and bids adieu to a summer that will some day take on mystical status.

Rb

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playing music at Great Oaks Country Club in beautiful Rochester Michigan is about as close as any music event gets.

The club is nestled in the countryside of amazing, upscale Rochester, with easy access to any major road in the area; so its a breeze to get to.

The venue is beautiful inside and out; with every detail immaculately maintained for optimum elegance for its membership.

Plus, we are playing on the pool deck, so close to the “beautiful people” that we probably should have a restraining order.

We begin early in the day, and end in the afternoon: Perfect!  No late nights here.

The food is plentiful and delicious.  The scenery is spectacular and they even pay us for it!

As we were telling one of the long-time members this weekend, Brian Connolly brought us to the Oaks from Gowani Golf Course in Harrison township, back in the early 90’s.

Brian’s focus in those years was to challenge the old-school mentality of a club that catered to adult golfers, and broaden its appeal to include families, kids and team athletics.

In the early days, we played music for the older members down by the great oaks, themselves.  A group of oak trees down in the valley past the clubhouse.

They were removed in the late nineties to make room for some social improvements.  When that transpired, we moved to the tennis courts.  Some years later, under the new management, we were moved to our current location by the pool deck.

The transformation took some years, but the difference is astounding, as evident in these holiday pictures taken of the current membership enjoying the pool.

Now, at Great Oaks, Families rule!

Brian has long since moved on, however, we are still part of his enduring legacy.  We have played each Memorial, Fourth Of July and Labor Day since.  We treasure our time at Great Oaks; the venue, the members, the music and the memories.

After each and every performance, we still hear welcome comments from the delighted members.  They still seem as happy to hear our music as we are to offer it.

This year was no exception, as the mixture of perfect weather, sumptuous food and adult beverages plied the smiling faces and exuberant bodies into a state of musical nirvana.

Carl and I hope to entertain under the Great Oaks for many, many more years.  Ok, by the pool, but you get the idea!

RB