So close, and yet, so far.

That would just about describe our Bumper’s experience last Saturday night.

The goal after all, was to celebrate the grand re-openiong of the Tiki bar.  Anything short of that, would mean that summer, was still waiting in the wings.

Everyone was more than ready to kick of our summer season.  Everyone, except Mother Nature herself.  Apparently she decided to throw one more cold-wave our way, just to let everyone know who’s really in charge around here.

So the weather was cool.  Fine, that almost never happens in Michigan.

You’re forgetting that boaters can roll with anything.  These boat people are hearty.  And, happy!

I don’t think that it really matters where the party is; inside or outside.  As long as the party exists, they will be there.

Looking at these photos from that night will show how content these patrons really are.  They do not worry about anything.  That in of itself is a great feeling.

When the Tiki bar is open and summer is in full force, the only difference will be the location of the party.

And that location will be Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township!

Rain or shine, see you there!

RB

. . . More than that, I believe.

There’s a reason that the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in downtown Mount Clemens looks and feels so right.  It has been a bar, or pub or speakeasy, gentleman’s gathering place and or music venue for 118 years now.

That means for way more than a century, people have been gathering on this spot to forget the troubles of the ancient world.  We come together, we mourn, we celebrate and we speculate on where we will be in one hundred years or more.

Our job, Carl and I, is to entertain those souls when they gather.  A theme-song of the human experience, so to speak.  To use music to break down the walls that the world builds around us of worry, doubt and dismay.

Paired with just the right adult libation, music can find a way into each heart and mind, freeing it to expel the demons of our modern society.

If but for a short while.

These walls have heard it all.  The exhalation and pathos we all endure in our time and trials on this Earth.  More than not, the folks that gather to share their experiences, do not seek to solve the worlds’ problems from the glistening edge of their favorite glass; they only attempt to share in the knowledge that their common thoughts and wishes can be auditioned.

We set the mood.  We begin slowly and carefully.  Not too loud, not too timidly.  We break the ice.  We become the focus in the room from the very first chord.  By coming forward to offer our musical illusions, it allows the patrons to relax and  express their inner feelings and phobias.  This process of people sharing and finding common ground in others is why people are inherently gregarious in the first place.

After all, people need people.  (I believe someone said that in a song.)

We gather in groups to share and to like; (and to hate, unfortunately).  But, if there is song involved, that gathering can be glorious.  They gathered together in the 1800’s to hear a man called Lincoln.

They gathered right here in Mount Clemens to hear a man Called Kennedy.  They gathered in Woodstock New York to pay tribute to the electric musical gods of their time.

They gather here and there, far and wide; all over the world.  Music is the new religion of our age.  Music is the tonic that soothes our souls.  It enlightens, it uplifts.

Music breaks down barriers and brings people closer together.  Music is the universal langue that we all respond to.  It can bridge the gaps between us all.  It can inspire us, unite us or ignite us, as it can be a catalyst for great change and hope.

Music is that important, and as such, we take is very seriously.

When a venue that has been such an significant gathering place for so long marries with music that has been the voice of generations, the results are awe-inspiring.

People that come through those venerable doors to lose their troubles and cares, are almost saying . . . “Take away my troubles, for a while.  Let me lose myself in song, and let me be renewed!”

We talked to many of the people that came into the Three Blind Mice last Friday night.  We thanked them for arriving, and let them know that they were welcome, and able to hear whatever kind of music made them happy.

That is our job.  We play the music, they feel good.

Friends from far away came to see us.  They talked and listened and felt better when they left.  Pretty simple.  It works.

As soon as one big group finished for the night, another came to take their place.  It worked out very well.

So many people need comfort and care And and place that they feel good.  A place that they can express themselves and the joy they feel for living.

Music helps that process.  It has for a year, or a decade or a century and more.

People, music and time.

Rb

Everything seemed to be pointing to a very slow night at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Township.

After all, it was thirty degrees, with a twenty five mile an hour wind, that made it feel like about ten degrees, when we arrived for the night.

“Normal” people probably wouldn’t even venture out for the evening.  But, we all know by now, these are not normal people.  Even better; they’re boaters!

As I’ve mentioned on several occasions, boaters don’t care about stuff like that.  The weather, the temperature, the wind or the wake or the time of day really don’t get in the way of as good party.  On this night, they were going to party, no matter what.

One of those things that we can always seem to count on there; they know how to have a good time.

So as Carl and I were shivering while setting up our gear, the crowd that had already arrived got louder and louder.  Nothing better that walking in to an instant party.

Just add music!

With things so crazy, as the eight O’clock hour rolled around, it was obvious that we were not about to begin this night, musically, with anything other than party music.

No problem at all.

“Wagon Wheel” started things off.  Then some Neal Young, and Dylan and Chesney.  The hits just kept coming, one after the other, until an hour had passed and it was time to officially greet the crowd.

During our breaks, we try and go out and interact with the people to find out how they are doing.  We attempt to get their suggestions on music and how the entertaining was interpreted through their eyes.

That’s all part of trying to keep everyone happy.

The second set began with us doing our best to keep the tempo and energy up at the high level we began with.  It was pretty easy to do, considering how everyone was feeling.  Gals were dancing, and by now, even the guys got out on the floor to shake a leg!

Seems like the dregs of winters’ cold winds did little to dampen the spirits of anyone who was on hand, this Saturday night.  It was a very happy group of people.  Thank god for boaters!

The next set was more of the same, with several slow songs thrown in for good measure.  It was becoming apparent that they were enjoying cuddling up on this cold windy night as well as dancing to the up-tempo tunes.

This fun group really was entertaining themselves, if that makes an sense.

Pretty soon, we were playing our last set, and finishing up the night.  The smiles were still on everyone’s faces.

Even as people were leaving for the night, the comments were all wonderful.  They were happy, and ready to come back when the weather would cooperate.

Rb

Thinking that Bumper’s Landing is  a “boat bar” just doesn’t make sense any more.  There are too many facets to it.  True, some people show up only in the summer when the weather is hot and sticky.  They sit by the water and feel cooler just by being there.

Some people come for the food.  (When your tummy nudges you and tells you that it needs pub food, you really have no choice but to obey.)

There are the drinks.  Yes, the drinks.  Served good and cold, and refreshing and so plenty. Yes, the drinks!  Some come to Bumper’s for that.

There are those that even venture out for the music.  On the weekend, the line-up is outstanding and vibrant.  Part of the setting besides the water and sun and booze and music, is the total vibe.  Bumper’s owns it!

With all that being said, why would you stop by in late March to a bar that brags about the sun?

The big game.

Whether it’s baseball, football or hockey, the big gamer is always on.  People like it, and they like people.  In fact, they do everything they can do to make them happy.

On this particular Saturday night, the big game was of course, basketball.  The university of Michigan was on and vying for a ticket to the national championship game.  Our job was to amp up the excitement level, and entertain the folks during breaks.

We began hot right out of the gate, since the bar was full and getting ready to burst.  Since there was nothing to hold back on this evening, we didn’t even try to ease into anything.  We take our cue from the people, and the people were ready to party.

When a big game is on, everyone’s attention is riveted to the screens.  They live and die with every shot, goal or basket.  To try and play music is just too distracting for the patrons, and does not really add anything.

On this night, the game was back and forth, with many great plays keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.  The boys from Michigan were in it, and people were very optimistic for the second have.  As soon as halftime arrived, Carl and I began anew, launching some of our best up-tempo classics their way.  Most people were still too wrapped up in the game’s outcome to truly let themselves go, just yet.

As the second half began to unfold, it seemed more clear that this night was going to be very enjoyable.  The baskets were dropping and the cheering became a never-ending exclamation point on a night destined for a big, party.

The crowd counted down the win, as the final buzzer sent the boys from Ann Arbor to the national title game.  It was a perfect night for everyone.

Now Carl and I could relax, let loose and lead the happy crowd in song.

On a night that was more about sports than music, we we’re happy to let the people be the show.  It happens more nights than you might know.  After all, we are there for the people, Our job is to entertain them.  To let them find their “happy place”, right here for a few hours.

It was another great crowd.  Most of them nearly exhausted because of so much adrenaline  being spent.  The relief, the elation and the worries, all washing over the patrons as the night few to it’s conclusion.

Another fun time at Bumper’s for us all.  Just another way to enjoy the spring, the fellowship and the fun that is this amazing venue.

Rb

Carl and I have always held tradition in high regard.  When you work for things and create connections and memories that resonate with people over time, it becomes even more important and fulfilling.

Throughout our long careers in entertaining, we have established many of those connections with people and venues that have spanned years and even in some cases, decades.

Recently however, one of those traditions has been lost and hopefully, a new one begun.

For many, many years, Carl and I have entertained on Saint Patrick’s Day at a couple of local establishments; all day, from early morning until late evening.

We’re talking twenty years or so, for the same people.  Well, this year, due to circumstances beyond our control, those events did not happen.

Thankfully, a new opportunity presented itself, and gave us a chance to share our Irish music with our friends once more.

Bumper’s Landing, on their very first St. Paddy’s day, allowed us to stop by and sing about those green alligators, live and in person!

Talking about it nearly a week before the big day, neither one of us really knew what to expect.  So much depends on the weather and word of mouth, and the bar never being open for the Irish holiday before.  We truly had no idea if anyone was going to be there or not.

Much to our delight, when we arrived, Bumper’s was jumping.  The sky was blue, the temperature was not too cold, and people were definitely ready for the beginning of spring!  St. Paddy’s means a new beginning to a lot of folk, green or not.

It was something new for the staff and a lot of the patrons at Bumper’s, to hear us do nothing but Irish music.  They actually seemed to like it.  Who knew?

We began with our traditional opening song.  (Yep, we love our traditions . . .), The Whistling Gypsy, and then moved right into more songs about whiskey and women.

Irish songs are full of spirit and life, that’s for sure.  That is the connection that people can hear, no matter what your heritage is.  And, on Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!

Knowing by now that everyone was immersed in the “wearing’ of the green”, Carl and I lunged deeper into the heart of the Irish spirit.  We played music about drinking, and fighting, and loving and sailing and fighting and more drinking and even more drinking, until everyone was singing along.

It was very satisfying to know that we were the entertainers to bring Irish music to these boaters.  It was a great fit.  After all, no-one loves a good party more.

The music was taking hold at this part of the evening.  There were smiles and song everywhere you looked.  The glasses were full and the people were happy.

The very first St. Paddy’s celebration at Bumper’s was a success.

Who knows where we will end up on March 17th next year.  Maybe, just maybe we have started another wonderful tradition.

Rb

 

 

On a beautiful Friday in March, Carl, Jerry and I set out for the Ramsdell Theater, in downtown Manistee Michigan. Who’s Jerry, you might be thinking . . .      (Jerry Long, the Mighty Mighty Plumber AKA longtime band-friend who masquerades as our road manager).

It was to be a four hour road trip; however, the memories we made would last a lifetime.

The trip was great, giving us time to relax and soak in the beautiful Michigan landscape.  We even stopped for a break or two, so that we could enjoy every moment.  Time flew by, as we listened to some set recordings of our 2012 St. Patricks’s Days show.

Arriving early, (as we like to do), we caught our first glimpse of the Ramsdell Theater.  It was quiet and stately, as it soared high into the Manistee city-scape.  Although we were not sure how old the building was, it appeared as though it would last another 100 years, or more, with little or no help from us.

Obviously it had been recently restored, and now appeared at the apogee of it’s beauty once more.

Poking around the front of the building, we were greeted with open arms and ushered inside to partake of Ramsdell‘s majesty.  It was orate, yet not opulent.  Historic and homey at the same time.  Its’ vibe was very comfortable and cosy.  Growing up in a small town, it made me feel like I was returning to put on a show for friends and family, long missed.

Just at about the time when we were going to sit down and relax, the headline act arrived; Crossbow.

This high-energy group pf young, talented musicians, filled the theater with personality as soon as they arrived.

Lots of time was taken for their set-up, as each and every instrument needed to be tweaked just so for the impending show.  Concluding our three minute sound check, the stage was set and everyone was ready for the big night ahead.

Upstairs in the big hall, high above us all, the patrons were dining on a feast of Celtic treats for the occasion.  Drinks were flowing both upstairs and under the stage, for good measure.  The pre-show excitement was most certainly in the air.

Xavier, the master of ceremonies, greeted the crowd that had finally settled into their seats  with the promise of “An evening to remember.”

Right on cue, Carl and I began with our traditional Irish opening song, The Whistling Gypsy.

For two guys that are used to playing four, five, six or up to twenty two hours on several St. Paddy’s days of the past, only playing forty five minutes can be a battle to decide just what music to share with an appreciative audience.

Our goal was to get everyone in the mood for the coming of spring.  So, to “Get their Irish out”, so to speak.  We did just that, as it became apparent that the music we did select made a permanent connection with everyone within earshot.

We played The Black Velvet Band, Whiskey, You’re the Devil!, and Galway Girl.  We sang every song that we could think of that would evoke that feeling of being with good friends in an Irish pub at the ending of a day.

When we finished, the crowd erupted with applause and appropriate adoration, hardly  being able to wait until the big stars took the stage for their performance.

The break between shows allowed us the opportunity to commiserate with many of the patrons that had just listened to our set.  These were truly some of the nicest people that we had ever entertained.  They had so many wonderful things to say to us, it was a real joy to visit with them, and hear their treasured feedback.

However, just like that, Crossbow took over the stage.  Their Celtic rhythms and melodies, got the crowd tapping their toes and clapping their hands to the Irish melodies and moods.

Fiddles were flying, pipes were whistling and bass notes were dancing to the unrelenting beat of a jig and whirl.

It was the perfect blend of the entire breadth of music Ireland had to offer.

Our down-home, earthy melodies and sing-song stories, paired with Crossbows, rhythms, rhymes and raiper-like notes!

As the echoes of the ovation barley dissipated., we were once again on our way home.  The four hour drive, flying by in the night.  Most of our thoughts were still on the show, and the historic impressions that would resonate in our minds.

The show was grand.  The music was good, the venue was amazing, but the people . . .

. . . the people were what we would remember.  Folks so nice, that took special time to approach us both and genuinely express how much joy they felt as we played for them.

That, to us was the historic part of this trip.

Rb

 

Since it is nearly twenty years since we recorded our Irish Hearts CD, we thought that it might be time to re-post the link so many of our friends could enjoy it again this spring.

We had a wonderful time recording it, and we believe that it still holds up, after all these years.  As always, your comments and critiques are more than welcome.
Rb

Irish Hearts

Sometimes it seems that there is just something in the air.

…….something that turns seemingly normal girls, a little crazy.

Crazy fun, though.

That’s exactly what we witnessed last Saturday night at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Township, Michigan.  Crazy fun.

You know by now that there are some people that drink and want to fight.  Some people that drink and want to complain, or pontificate.  Some folks get boring; or boorish.  Some get lazy, some get aggressive and some just get plain weird.

We’ve seen it all in our years entertaining in the pubs.  Most of it good.  And, sometimes……

Well, the other night as we were playing, we saw some gals having a great time at Bumper’s. And, since they were having a great time, so was everyone else, because of them.

You know, some people work really, really hard, day after day.  And when they get the chance, they play really really hard too.  You all know someone who fits into that mold.

As soon as our first set began, we could see how much fun this night was gong to be.  Everyone was in a playful mood.  The bar was completely full on this late-winter night.

There were no particular games on.  There wasn’t anything outside of this bar that was going on anywhere in the world that was more important than the fun that everyone was having, by just being there.

The music was flowing, the people were smiling and the mood was fun and mischievous.  Almost like cabin fever was taking hold of everyone.

I would imagine that for a boater, (the people that need to be outside most of the time to be happy), that a long, tiring winter would seem to be even more frustrating than for us land lubbers.

We didn’t mind at all, Carl and I.  No matter what was going on around us, we simply played another song.  We played country, oldies, rock, pop and Irish.  Every song from each and every genre was fuel for the happy fire.

The gals were dancing, by now.  With themselves, with each other, with everyone and anyone within reach.  It was quite fun to watch.

Most nights at Bumpers are just like that; we show up, set up and hold on . . . .

On these “transition” nights, you never know what to expect, as the temperature and weather conditions dictate how many people are will to come out and brave the cold and elements to arrive.  In the summer months, they come by boat.  This time of year, its not as easy.  So the people that do make the trek are truly out to have some fun.

We try and do our part.  We play the best party music we can.  We give it our all, and then some.  Most times we begin a little early and play late.  We try and keep our breaks short and timely.  In any event, no matter what, we certainly enjoy entertaining for those whom enjoy it.

This night was so much fun for everyone.  People are so over winter, and so very ready for the spring to take hold.  Tonight, Carl and I were simply the side entertainment.

As it is on most nights at Bumper’s Landing, the people were the real entertainment.  We just do all we can to manage things and make sure no one gets injured.

Best job in the world!

We will be back soon, and looking forward to all the fun and high jinx yet to come.

Rb

Summer is right around the corner, we’re sure it is!

I know that you feel the same way that I do, even though we might both be just wishing fools.

And so it seemed on Saturday night at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Twp.  People were wishing for summer to appear like Obi-Wan in the snowstorm.  (Probably need to be a Star Wars fan to understand that last part.)

The weather, although unstable more than not at this time of the year in Michigan, went from not too bad, to worse in the matter of moments.  It really didn’t matter to the patrons of Bumper’s though.  They were there to have a good time.  Nothing was going to get in the way of that.  I know that we weren’t going to.

We began our first set right down the middle.  Not too slow, not too fast.  Not with a whisper, but not with a shout either.  We take our lead from the crowd, and on this evening, they were going pretty well right from the start of the evening.

They were loud though!

Man, it was loud in there.  Its interesting that we can be outside, on the banks of the mighty Clinton River, near the constant drone of boats with high-octane engines, revving and jockeying for position with three hundred people watching and milling about; and yet, it is still louder inside!

So it was really loud.  But fun.

Fun and friendly and festive.  All of the things that we might associate with the summertime.

Each day now, it seems we see small peeks of the weather changing for the better.  People are so over winter at this point.  We get that.  We are ready to play, dockside too.

Carl and I try to evoke the hot weather in each song that we select to sing.  Songs of sunshine and sunlight.  Songs of beaches, and sand and sweltering bodies. . . .
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!  We can tell that everyone is ready to put away their winter coats and slip into their tank tops.  We’d love that too.  All that we can do to help, is to play more of that good O’l summer-time music.

That’s what made it all the worse when we looked outside and saw the snowstorm covering  everything as far as the eye could see.

Ughhhhhhh!

Well, too late on this particular evening.  We were already evoking the presence of summer, and nothing was going to stop us at this point.  After all, what’s another two inches at this point.  Ok, don’t answer that.

So, back inside, the crowd at Bumper’s was oblivious to everything outside of their little world.  (Remember, Boaters are very happy people, no matter what.)

Each song was met with accompanying fervor and friendliness.  Everyone was singing and smiling along.  The rest of the night was on autopilot.  We played, they enjoyed.  The staff took care of every last customer that stayed.

It was a very happy night.  Forget about the snow, it will turn to summer before we even know it.

Rb

 

Ok, now that we have everyone’s attention, let’s think about what that actually means.

First of all, neither one of us is Elvis.  Never have been, and never will be.  If you read that Elvis was in a movie called, Pajama Party!, one can only imagine all of the thoughts  and images that title would conjure up.  Girls everywhere, shaking and waggling to all the latest dance grooves.  There would be Elvis, right in the middle, with the spotlight splashing each and every hip-thrusting gyration for the cameras.

Ok, now that we have covered what didn’t happen last Saturday evening at Bumper’s Landing, let’s talk about what did.

It was the first annual, Bumper’s Landing Pajama Party, and it was . . . . great fun!

Carl and I had a blast, watching all of the happy people spend a much warmer evening than planned in a bar on the water in the winter.  Most of the girls in pajamas, were the staff at Bumper’s, actually.  They were fun, comfortable and hard working as always.  I have said this before, but it bears repeating: these gals never stop working.  We don’t know how they do it, but they keep going, hour after hour after hour.

The party began officially at 8:00, to a bar area that was nearly full and almost rowdy;  but completely happy.  There were smiles on every table, drinks on every hand, and hope for spring in every step.

Our music was simply a bonus on a night like this, since the crowd was so content on their own.  Don’t get me wrong, we were more than happy to play music for the patrons, but as for entertaining; well, I think that they were pretty much entertaining themselves.

We played lots of up tempo tunes that first set.  Thankfully, each one of them went over well, like the sound track to the party that was already in full wing.

Seems as thought the Pajama Party theme was doing its job of putting everyone in a wonderful mood of relaxation and abject contentment.

About then we noticed that there were some friends of ours in the house.  One couple of friends we have known for just about forever.  Interesting thing about Rick, is that he was coming to listen to us play music back in the 70’s when we played in Algonac.  Those were some early rock and roll days that we still treasure.  So nice to see people that have been coming to listen to us for more than forty years.  I guess, it reaffirms our belief that it is possible to keep getting better at what you do, if you keep on keep’n on!  (Well, they used to say that back in the seventies.  Look it up!)

More songs poured out of us, as we felt pretty content on this festive, pajama challenged night.  Sometimes entertaining at Bumper’s Landing is kinda like shooting happy fish in a barrel.  They are usually in such a great mood, they don’t even notice that they are being entertained.

Some nights we are all over the place musically.  Not sure if it us us being bored with the usual expected, requested songs, or not.  On some nights we just have to go off the beaten path, musically.  On those nights, we are country, and rock, and pop and Irish, or Beatles.  We are always thinking in the back of our minds, while we are playing a song, what the next one will be.  Something different or unusual, or hardly ever played.

I’m sure you understand that we can get tired of playing certain songs at times, even though they are true bonafide classics.  On those nights, we try very hard to go in a different direction, musically.  It keeps it fun for us, and hopefully for the audience as well.

Well all of that to say, on this particular night, we had none of that.  We simply played all of the usual, classic party songs.  We played them right in order and just let the patrons party to each one.  Most nights we have learned to go where the people take us.  They give us direction.  With our vast musical knowledge, we can hang with them, no matter where that is.

Now well into the evening, it was time to crank up the sing-a-longs.  Time to see how this group can carry a tune.  Billy Joel, Van Morrison and John Denver did the trick to get the ball rolling.  We even had some folks appreciate several of the Kinks classics that we offered up.  Good times.  We like these Pajama Parties.

The night ended as it began; with smiles and drinks and singing and fun.  Everyone happy, everyone pleased.

We look forward to every night at Bumper’s.  We may never really know what is in store for us, but we do know that it will be fun!

Rb