Events

Summer seems to have arrived; and just in time for an Independence day that will be long remembered.

Not for anything catostrophic or salacious, but for the sheer air of relaxation that surrounded it.

Everywhere we looked, it was apparent that families were gathering to simply enjoy this holiday, in ways that weren’t possible over that last few years.

People just feel better about things right now.   Better about the economy.  Better about jobs.  Better about the state of things; the direction we are headed.  Better about the future.

You can sense it everywhere.  Most notably from our perspective are the small, community concerts that were the very first to be eliminated due to buracratic cost-cutting.

Look around, now and you will see local concerts aplenty.  (great news for starving musicians everywhere).

The talent contests that have captured everyone’s attention over the last decade have finally ebbed.  With it the glut of attention focused on finding the “next unknown Idol”.  Most of the time, people with real talent are not that difficult to spot.  Your ears actually have the ability to hear someone who is gifted.  But it is not always about pure vocal talent.

People have always, and will always just want to be entertained.  For an hour, for a day, or even for an entire season.  People need to get away from their troubles and cares.  To see, hear or experience artists that expand their horizons.  To listen as the human condition is shared with them form another perspective.  To hear or read ideas and thoughts that confirm what they, themselves have been feeling inside.

There are many reasons that art connects with people; and on a beautiful day like this, all of them find a home.

Carl and I stood on the edge of the pool at Great Oaks Country Club in rochester Michigan, with smiles a big as the Grand Canyon.  Although the last time we were there, we were soaked to our skins; nothing could possibly dampen this incredible day.

83 Degrees.  Poolside.  Barbecue to our right.  Cabana to our left.  Beautiful smiling people.  families frolicking in the water.  If we had a problem on a day like this; we were truly in the wrong business.

We began the day with a simply song written by Jimmy Buffett . . .

Squalls out on the gulf stream
Big storm’s comin’ soon
I passed out in my hammock
And God I slept till way past noon

Stood up and tried to focus
I hoped I wouldn’t have to look far
I knew I could use a bloody Mary
So I stumbled next door to the bar

And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can’t run at this pace very long
Yes, it’s quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But it cleans me out and then I can go on

There’s somethin’ about this Sunday
It’s a most peculiar gray
Strollin’ down the avenue
That’s known as A1A

Feelin’ tired, then I got inspired
I knew that it wouldn’t last long
So all alone I walked back home
Sat on my beach and then I made up this song

And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can’t run at this pace very long
Yes, it’s quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But then it cleans me out and then I can go on

Well, the wind is blowin’ harder now
Fifty knots or thereabouts
There’s white caps on the ocean
And I’m watchin’ for waterspouts

It’s time to close the shutters
It’s time to go inside
In a week I’ll be in gay Paris
That’s a mighty long airplane ride

And now I must confess, I could use some rest
I can’t run at this pace very long
Yes, it’s quite insane, I think it hurts my brain
But it cleans me out and then I can go on
Yes, it cleans me out and then I can go on

TRYING TO REASON WITH HURRICANE SEASON
Jimmy Buffett

Why people around the world can relate to Jimmy’s music, can be found in the lyrics.  The simple, universal tenant of escaping from the daily grind and hustle of a world spinning out of control.

We have all worked incredibly hard over the last decade; and now maybe, just maybe; it is time to reap some of the fruits of that labour.

Song after song that echo the timeless notion of relaxation begin to have the designed effect on the Great Oaks membership: they soon fall under our spell of smiles and sloth.

No matter.  That is why we are here.  To bath the people in a shower of warm memories and rhythm.  On this day, things went exactly according to plan.  So good in fact, one of the members sponsored us to play an extra half hour!

A day that began as a lazy poolside melody, was ended in a way that has been our tradition for twenty years at Great Oaks.

THIS LAND IS MY LAND
Woody Guthery

This land is your land, This land is my land,
From California to the New York island;
From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters;
This land was made for you and Me.

As I went a-walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me.

I roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
All around me a voice was a-sounding;
This land was made for you and me.

There was a high wall there that tried to stop me
A sign was painted said “Private Property”
But on the backside it didn’t say nothin’
This land was made for you and me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling;
the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling.
A voice was chanting, the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me.

This land is your land, This land is my land,
From California to the New York island;
From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters;
This land was made for you and me.

These two songs framed our day in such a fashion that the families might only remember years from now.  (maybe in worse times).  Both songs point to the gulf stream.  Both urge us to slow down, look around and take pride and hope in what we have.

The only thing that could possibly be added is enjoyment of family and friend; and because were area free people, we do not take that for granted.

Ever.

Rb

 

With the welcome warm temps, blue water and relaxing vacations, also come the dreaded summer lulls at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in beautiful, downtown Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

We all know that June, July & August days and nights in Michigan are prized beyond many things.  So when the thermometer says 72 and beyond, it means that people are out and about; doing as much as they can do.

For us, it means that there will be nights like we had last Friday, when patrons filled the patio; but did not venture inside until the sun went down.

All good with Carl and I.

At its’ core, the Three Blind Mice is a gathering place; a musical destination around these parts; where people that love music can go and hear great renditions of their favorite music.  As it should be.

By now the word is out that in here, music is as important at the food and ale.  (well, ok, now I’m exaggerating!).  Well, it’s right up there in the top three!

Since long before the Mice was opened, the three owners’s idea was to bring to Mount Clemens a pub that was much more than we have seen around here for quite some time.

More atmosphere, more service, more drink choices and much, much more music.
So far, so great!  The service brings you back.  Smiling wait-staff who cater to your every table desire.  A menu that excels at selection; and the music . . .   well, the music is a welcome alternative to the hum-drum, worn out Karaoke holes-in-the-walls that sprang up in the last forgettable musical decade.

Go anywhere in the world and tell them that you are from Detroit, and watch their reaction . . .

. . . first thing they do is to take a step back.  (scan you up and down, checking for both guns and or bullet holes).  Then they usually smile and bask in the warm glow of an classic Motown tune!

Michigan music is revered through the world.  The artists, the concerts; the songs.  The are our legacy.  Our calling-card.  Our birthright.

Incredible music has been our export for 50 years now; with no signs of abatement.

So given this heritage, this legacy; when an artist takes the stage in Michigan, they have much to live up to.  Much is expected.  Fortunately, much is delivered.

You can still hear music in most cities and towns.  Good music.

Case in pointe:  Come into the Three Blind Mice, order your favorite adult beverage; sit back and listen.  You will be rewarded with some of the best artistry and showmanship that can be found anywhere.

Since our first night at this venue, we have seen many great groups that posses incredible  talent and musicianship.  A very proud heritage, that has been passed on since the world took notice of more than motor cars in the early sixties.

Each and every night that we perform, it is our “musical” duty to uphold that torch that every artist who came before us has passed on.

On this Friday night that began very slow, we were very fortunate to spend time with some new fans and friends; some from as far away as England.

Editors' Note: the mark of a great pub is where anyone from anywhere can instantly feel at home, just by coming inside!

Its great when it is packed, don’t get me wrong.  However, when it is slower, we are able to spend more time getting to know the patrons that are the entire reason we are here.

We listen to their stories, (we explain why we make some many bad notes . . .), and we hear about their musical heroes and favorite songs.

So on this particular Friday, when the crowd would ebb and surge throughout the night, we were given the opportunity to make many new friends.

We met several great couples, who shared their suggestions on everything from musical anecdotes to cultural witticisms.  (You can really learn a lot when you just take the time to listen.)

We had a very talented woman sit in with us again, and share her wonderful voice with the exuberant crowd.  (Her friends liked it too!)

We met Ron and friends, a program director associated with a local radio station from Bloomfield Hills, who along with teaching students, has been doing all he can to promote and nurture local musical artists.  Here is Biff Radio, and this is the link to his radio show: Motorcitystatic.

 

There was even a surprise visit from a friend of ours, whom we have played music with for nearly forty years: The equally legendary Adam Allen.

Adam has played in several bands and shows with us going way back to our early days in Algonac around 1977.

He played with us, then his own band; and even toured with the immortal Badfinger for a time.  He is truly the greatest guitar player we have ever been lucky enough to hear; and still plays locally.As the night drew on, the crowd, (now inside), enjoyed every note.  Finally the last song ended, and Carl and I packed up our guitars for the evening.

Working at the Mice, though rewarding, is truly exhausting.  So it was with much pride and satisfaction that we loaded the equipment into the van, for tomorrow’s performance.

Knowing that once again the musical torch remained burning brightly.

Rb

On a Thursday.

In the morning. (11:00 am, no doubt)

On a hill?

Seems preposterous, I know; but none the less we did.  It was during the work week.  It was early in the day, and way out in Oakland County, on a beautiful hill.  Picturesque as it was, we still didn’t believe that there would be anyone much at all attending this, first-in-a-summer concert-series concert.  Boy, were we wrong!

What a magical time, we had!

We played kids’ music, and had a blast!

Well, we know from our winter time that playing for kids, (usually at X-Mas), is our very favorite time of the year.  A concert like this just re-affirms it.  So much fun.

We only played an hour, but what an hour it was.  An hour filled with fun, frivolity and great music, both young and old.

We had so many great comments about what we played and how much the kids loved everything.  The parents were so gracious and patient with everything that was going on.

We began with a blast, and ended with a bounce.  We splashed, we splashed.  We jumped and we hooped!

we hope that this is an annual concert, and we will be included each year.

Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Rb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look what we found on the West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation site.  Great job capturing the fun and of the day.  What memories we created!

. . . there was even a very short video.  Can’t wait until next year!

  Click on the logo, to watch it!

RB

To be a father in this day and age is more diverse than ever before.  Nothing could illustrate that premise more than this a-tipicale fathers’ day.

Though we spent the morning with our families, the afternoon and evening was spent in the service of other fathers, (who were undoubtedly doing all they could to be the father they thought they should be to families).

Oh, its not really that complicated.

In stead of us being home lazing on the couch; we were entertaining in Roseville Michigan.  (Ok, we were lazing there, but at least we had a great time!)

Although the day started out in a mirky, quirky kind of cloudy funk; it turned quite nicely as the day evolved.  The sun came out and so did the families, as we entered the Rose-Fest carnival area on Sunday afternoon.

When we began, there was just a small crowd.  A smattering, really.  Well, possibly a gaggle, or a brace.  But not an clowder, for certain.  Ok, a smattering it was.  Until we played; then it was a clowder!

Seriously, it was a very fun afternoon.  The sun was out, but not too hot.  The music was good.  We enjoyed each and every phrase.  The crowd grew, and people stopped their merrymaking to listen; which was nice.  Even the gals in the Bingo tent had to make a pilgrimage to our stage to let us know that they were indeed listing, and they loved it!!!

Before we forget, we just have to thank the wonderful people at Gumbo’s.  Oh, my dear!

It was like nothing we have ever had.  Not only that, after requesting a few songs, and us sending out a few more, they actually brought Carl and I over steaming hot bowls of their incredible-edible gumbo!

Amazing, it was!

And more than that, it put a fitting signature on a delightful day; fit for a family, a mother or and father, celebrating or not!

 

Rb

. . . Well “Any press is good press!”, they say.  So making the cover of the Eastsider newspaper must be quite the coup.  In all seriousness, we always enjoy being on the cover of an local newspaper.  everyone gets so excited when the see it; they must show us, or save it.  Most of the time we get 14 copies.

This time someone very thoughtfully cut out a copy when the discovered it, and sent it in to us.  Good that they did, since although I had heard about it, no one had a copy, yet.

Fun show, by the way.  Both years we have been the very first act of the year.

Looking forward to it next year, already.

 

RB

Friday night at eight was the unofficial beginning of our summer schedule at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

The days are longer now, and so are the amazing nights. People dine later, and thus the later start. The time might have been an hour later than usual, but to us, the venue was just as comfortable as ever.

The Mice still felt like . . . home.

After taking care of some unforeseen technical difficulties, we had a moment to notice all the new faces at the pub. There might have been some new employees on this night, but the service and attention to the customers was still at the highest level, as usual. We have come to expect no less over the last couple years.

Kicking off our first set allowed us to relax and stretch our musical wings; playing some songs that don’t usually get much attention or coverage. In the right setting, an oft underplayed song can be just the perfect way to connect to patrons who have never experienced us.

To be honest; everything that we do revolves around our music.

It is the reason that we do what we do, after all of these years. Our music is how we communicate to our audience. It conveys so many things that we could not do on our own.

The music is the message, at any show. (You would be surprised at how many big stars forget that fact, later in their careers.). The music brings people together. It “speaks” to them in ways that many times, people cannot.

Our first set was quite enjoyable with lots of energy being drawn from the small but lively crowd. During the second set, we might have set a record for playing requests for a single table. That really makes things fun when the audience is so engaged.

After the first few sets, the crowd lessoned, but eventually picked back up at the end of the night. We met many new friends, (one thing we really enjoy), saw some old ones, and sounded pretty good for two guys that have been away for six weeks.

All in all, our first night back was a success. As always, we hope to build on it, with new music and greater dedication as the summer unfolds.

Rb

Most cities in our wonderful state of Michigan offer their residents free concert series throughout each summer.  Carl and I have been lucky to be a part of many of them.

Several cities have had us entertaining their residents for decades now.  Among them is the fine city of Eastpointe.

We have had a long and storied history of playing in Eastpointe Michigan.  In fact, back in the 80’s when we first started, (with The Boys), we would play in Kennedy Park.

It was a wonderful, warm, family-friendly venue, that was both cozy and eclectic.  The concerts there were more intimate and un-pretentious, as well as fun.  People were, right on top of us as we played.  Casual and friendly people enjoying rock n’ roll as the summer engrained those lazy days into our memories.

In the 90’s, we moved from Kennedy Park, to spindler Park.  A casual, picnic type venue jumped to a more “formal” concert look and feel.  We played on the show-mobile that was provided for us, to a usual crowd of hundreds if not thousands.

Many a wonderful night was spent watching those happy revelers dance and play to the music of both Bob and Carl, as well as The Boys.

We have even given a few concerts at the .  Those were great shows!

There was a time, as the economy tanked, that many cities could not allocate monies for concerts-in-the-park music.  The arts are usually what is cut first.  So for a few years, there was no funding, and no music.

Eastpointe however, has brought back it’s music series, with only the venue changed from years past.

Its a new location, a new vibe and a new opportunity for us.  Once again this year, we have kicked off the concert series with a performance that was partially hampered by the weather.  Since we didn’t even know up until about 30 minutes before we were to play if we were going to be inside or outside, you could only imagine what the concert-goers were thinking.  Although the venue had provided a dry place for us to play inside, we waiting until the final storms moved through, and had a wonderful night.

The storm passed, the lawn chairs popped up, and the Eastpointe Summer Concert Series was off to a flying start!

We hope to be included in the program next year, as it is always a delight to be asked to entertain in Eastpointe.  Watch your summer schedules, and by all means, support the other acts on the calendar.

Rb

 

. . . apparently, no one.

That was the reality last Memorial day at Great Oaks country Club, in Rochester Michigan.

What began as a beautiful day, turned ugly, as the weather often does here in Michigan.  And, it happens very, very quickly.  So quickly in fact; that it barely give us time to stop playing and cover our equipment.  Just one more of the enjoyable aspects of being, “rock stars”.

Right after our second set was finishing, the sky opened up on Carl and I before we could hardly unplug our guitars.  Since we were playing under a canopy, we now had to lung for the tarps that have protected us through many “iffy” shows, since the 80’s.

Grabbing them, holding on tight and saving the expensive gear was our goal.  The good news was that most everything remained unscathed from the torrential down-pour.  Only one guitar was knocked over, and some camera gear was soaked.  All-in-all, no big deal.

So, just like that, the rain pummeled us; and just like that, the sun came back out.

To the credit of most everyone who attended the first big outdoor bash at Great Oaks, everyone stayed to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.  We wiped off our gear and serenaded the crowd with a spirited version of that immortal Creedence anthem: “who’ll Stop The Rain”!

Many members sought us out after the show and thanked us for the great music.  Music to our ears!

Rb

 

 

Every few years, Carl and I have been lucky enough to be asked to travel to Alpena to entertain the local law enforcement community, for their annual ball. This year was the 45th annual affair that culminated at the Alpena Events Complex . . .

Taking our show on the road again this past Saturday had us back in the friendly confines of the Green lantern in Clinton Twp., Michigan.

Since the room was full we began early to the delight of the merry diners who were enjoying their well earned night out.

We started as we usually do on this evening, playing some easy-listening favorites that do more to soothe peoples’ tension and stress more than anything else.  Keeping it quiet and lite, tend to give patrons a chance to adjust to the changing volume and attention levels a bit more easily.

Whereas, blasting out music, (like many other bands tend to), is not really smart when your goal is to gather people, not disperse them.  (although over the years, we have become experts at both).  It can be a very difficult tight-rope to walk some nights, as you need to be energetic and exciting, yet calm and reserved.

Having played a few nights now at this family restaurant, we have chatted with many wonderful people.  They have taken time to let us know how they appreciated our music and musicianship.  Very kind words, indeed.

Beyond that, I need to mention how kind we have been treated by the staff at The Green Lantern.  Outstanding on every level.  At this stage of our careers, we find it very rewarding to have people treat us so kind.  (A thing that has not happened many times over the last 40 years).

Saturday night was a good night at the start, then dwindled as the night evolved.  On the first real warm weekend, it was inevitable that out-door cookouts and barbecue parties would cut into our entertaining.  We will just roll with it, and hope for bigger turnout next time.

Click on the pictures of the many people whom we had the great fortune of spending our night with.  Hope to see them again soon!

Rb