Events

Its has been years.

Years, since we witnessed the rumble, the roar and the glory of a Dream Cruise.

It began in August of 1995 to be exact.  That summer, we played our oldies for the best and the brightest at the General Motors Tech Center.

It was an inauspicious beginning to a decade of entertaining car aficionados from around the globe, right here in the Motor City.

Situated in Huntington Woods, along the bustling banks of Woodward Avenue, we played music to all that would listen.

In the summer of 1996, we set up shop in the parking lot near the bank in Huntington woods, while other entertainers occupied the big stage.  We gathered on the side, out of the way; so that we could play between all the other acts.  We were the musical MC’s as it were.

For nearly ten years we were there listening to the purring motors and squealing tires.  It all came to an end when the economy went south, and funding for some cities or townships dried up.

Fast forward to 2017 . . .

We got the call that Berkley needed some entertainment after their CruiseFest.  We were honored to be one of the groups.

So, one day before the actual cruise day, we drove out to beautiful Berkley to pick up where we left off in 2005.

The crowd was amazing.  They were all gathered in anticipation of the big parade that was scheduled to begin at 6:30.

The event was to be an hour, with another band called, Full Throttle taking the stage from the cruises’ end until we were ready to entertain at 9:30.

There was so much to see, so much to do, so much to take in.  Vendors, and people and dogs and people and car enthusiasts, and other people.

All that we needed were some music fans and we would be all set.  Fortunately, the music fans were right there awaiting the show at the conclusion of the big parade.

The parade was the focus, as two original Carroll Shelby Cobras kicked things off in fine fashion.

Car after car rolled past to the extreme delight of both youngsters and oldsters, roadside.  The motors roared their approval from under every well-manicured hood.

It was hard to judge who enjoyed the show more; the kids who had never seen such vehicles before, or the members of the “Greatest generation” that followed each auto with reminiscent delight.

Full Throttle took the stage at 7:30 upon the conclusion of the amazing parade.  Their goal was to bring back even more memories through tight, exciting vocal melodies and intricate “do-wop” harmonies.

They succeeded in a big way!

The crowd was clapping and shouting along, to the infectious rhythms and vocal stylings.

The city of Berkley was even on hand to televise the happenings around the parade, by streaming things live!

Full Throttle delivered classic after timeless Do-wop classic, all the while dancing, rocking and rolling to the well-choreographed stage show.

They started a bit late, and so their show ran a little bit longer.  Carl and I scrambled to get our gear up and ready, just as we were getting the green light to start from the camera crew.

We started.

Some of our equipment did not.  My bass pedals were all set up and ready to go when the time came for us to begin.  However, upon attempting to play my first bass note, nothing happened.

And . . . there was really no way to fix it, since we had to breaks or lull to manage it.  Oh well, the life of a Rock Star!

We blasted right through lots of oldies, to the delight of the crowd that stayed out late.  You must realize that it had been a long day, a long week, and was going to be an even longer day on Saturday for most, if not all of these fine folks.

They had been working for a month to put this event on, and, it showed.

Much thanks to everyone involved on this big night.

It was great fun for us.  To return to our roots by the muscle cars again.  Many thanks to the crew that fed us from the Lunch Cafe!

Seems as though everyone was happy on this night.  Hope to be back in Beautiful Berkley to entertain again next year.  For the new models!

Rb

It started with a simple song.

Our Shelby Art Fair, Sunday experience for 2017.  We began with Jimmy Buffett:

“Squalls out on the gulf stream,
Big storms coming soon.
I passed out in my hammock,
God, I slept 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.“

Everything for us, on this summer Sunday would start out slow, smooth and easy.  There was simply no chance that we would rush into anything on this day.

Slow, easy and deliberate.

For it was a very long and worthwhile weekend so far, and we weren’t about to do anything to jeopardize it.

We would began quiet, and peaceful, and would go from there.  Deal.

Lots of beautiful sunshine.  Lots of happy faces.  Friends from the previous day.  vendors and well-wishers alike all poked their collective heads out to acknowledge the fact that they were listening.

It began just like that, and soon gathered speed, as you might expect on such a glorious afternoon.  The requests began to manifest themselves, to the point that we had more than our first set could even handle, musically.

We played Buffet, and Morrison and Chesney.  We played Joel and Williams and Darin.  We played country and pop.  Oldies and Island.  It was so much fun that we didn’t even think about taking a break for a very long time.

However, we needed to take a break.  Not from the music, but to gather together people’s requests for the remainder of the show.

It makes folks happy to have us play their favorites at these shows.  We get it.

We even had an older lady approach the stage and make a special point to explain to us that the immoral Glen Campbell had died that week; and that she thought that it would be very appropriate of us to play some of his music . . .

We agreed, wholeheartedly.  Which, is why we had already played three of his timeless classics, and would play another before we finished.

The people were so polite and respectful, that we were even able to ask them what they wanted to hear, one more time.

Feeling very patriotic, entertaining at one of our greatest homespun traditions: the city art fair; we thought that we would finish our two-day show with some Americana of our own.

We began our “old-timey” medley with “America The Beautiful”, to get everyone’s attention.  America morphed into The “Wabash Cannonball” and then, “I Saw The Light!” followed by a bit of, “Swing Low“.

The tempo stalled long enough for Carl and I to urge everyone within earshot to join us in the immortal, “Amazing Grace“, before we ended with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?”

Cheered rang out at our ending, as the crowd erupted with the last chorus in the books.  It was time to clear the stage and make way for Rick, Dayna and Marshall Allen!

Another plus for this event.  Hearing Rick and his band is one of the years’ highlights for us.  They are simply so smooth and enjoyable, that we can never praise them enough.  Just do yourself a favor, and get out to listen.  Oh, that Marshall sings so effortlessly!

We enjoyed our weekend at Shelby this year, more than ever in the past, I believe.  Maybe it was the pace, maybe it was the time in our summer, or maybe it is just one of our favorites, because it fits us so well.

Doesn’t really matter.  Just hope that we return next year to do its all again.

Rb

It was a different Saturday at Bumper’s Landing.

Different for us, since the weather was a little cool, a little slower, and a little more threatening.  With the possibly unstable weather, we had no idea what to expect.

Well, we usually have no idea what to expect at Bumper’s.  It’s really one of the things that we can count on.  To expect the un-expected.

In that regard, we got just what we envisioned.

Looking up, the sky was about to pour down at any moment, or not.  We couldn’t tell.  It was just one of the great things about being a rock star . . .  the unpredictability of Michigan weather near the water.

We set up our equipment as soon as we arrived, and just as predicted, (or not), it began to rain.  Not a lot, just enough to make things even more unsure.

After a few moments, the clouds moved on and we began our first set, which was already gaining momentum from several patrons who had just arrived from the Raft-off out on the lake.

The tempo was quick to begin.  Usually our first set is a little slow and smooth; however this  Saturday was different.  With the people coming off the lake that had been there drinking all day, we thought that it would be the right time to pick up the tempo, and keep the party going.

It worked, as our first set got rave reviews, as we broke and chatted with the happy people dockside.  The second set was a little slower.  We needed to pace ourselves, since we had already played the day before, and once that morning.  We really needed to get through the night.

Additionally, we had another gig scheduled for tomorrow as well.

After the second set, we picked it back up and headed full throttle as tune after tune gave the delighted patrons cause to hit the dance floor.

The wonderful crew from Total Sports arrived and was all smiles as they made themselves at home.  Some of them even commandeered the stage for a group picture or two with the dismayed band.  (Us).

It was all in good fun!

The sun had long set and the crowd began to thin as we finished out the evening in an fun but somewhat mellower tone.

Boaters were still singing along, and the beer was still flowing when we began to take down our gear for the night.

The rafters got there early and fizzled out, as they had been partying all day long.  It was another interesting Saturday at Bumper’s Landing.  As they all are.

That place is never dull.  The only thing in this business that we can really count on, for sure!

Rb

Perfection.

True perfection is as “one-of-a-kind” as any timeless masterpiece.

Perfection can be unique, and yet it can be as simple as a glorious summer Sunday in Shelby Township.

We experienced perfection last weekend, as we were lucky enough to be asked back to perform at the Shelby Art Fair.

When I say, lucky, I mean just that.  It is truly one of our most favorite shows that we play, year in or out.

The setting is truly picturesque.  The people are warm and friendly.  The vendors are cordial and accommodating.  They listen, they thank us, and occasionally, even offer us some small bribes!

Perfection!

The weather Saturday was wonderful, even though it threatened rain as the day unfolded.

We took the big stage when we arrived Saturday morning at nine.  As the sleepy little fair began to rub its’ eyes and awake, we placed our gear carefully on the stage at just the right angle for optimum sound coverage.

In the past, carl and I have used our acoustic gear to perform at this fair, however, this year, we would use all of our equipment.  Drums, bass and electric guitars.  The risk of being too loud and obtrusive was one that we were willing to take.  In the end, the choice was . . .  perfect!

We thought that it would best, to show everyone our versatility.  I think that we made the right choice, since we received several wonderful comments after just playing one set.

Here is Carl and I playing music in the background, on Facebook Live!

Click on the picture at right.

Our first set was an eclectic blend of many musical genres.  Country, oldies, pop and Island music.  Lately our fans haven’t been able to get enough of Buffett, so to speak.

One thing that never changes about the Shelby Art Fair, is the feeling that we can do more listening music, than just banging away at our oldie collection.  They are here to listen and drink in the words as well as the music.

Nothing could be better.

Since we were only performing for a short, two-hour show, we only broke for about five minutes before jumping right back into the fray.

The break however, did give us a chance to chat with some very happy onlookers.  We talked with vendors and art fair staff alike.  All of them pleased with what they heard.

Before we knew it, the next band had arrived and it was time for us to tear down and load it for the next gig at Bumper’s Landing, in a few hours.

We enjoyed our first of two days at the fair.  We settled in and still left with many, many songs still left to be sung next time.

Saturday was perfect.  How could we ever top it?

(Little did we know that it would happen much sooner than I ever thought possible.)

Rb

Sitting in the van, as we prepared for our Saturday evening show at Bumper’s Landing, we had absolutely no clue as to what was in store for us.

So, it was about like always.

All day, all weekend to that point, the weather was cool and windy and anything but inviting.

All of that would change.

Around five O’clock, as we began to set up our gear, the sun peeped out, the wind died, and the tables began filling up with the weekend warriors that have begun to populate Bumper’s Landing on a regular basis.

We didn’t expect the break in the weather, but welcomed it with open arms.  Drinking in all of the sights and sounds before our first set, it was apparent that this night was going to be even more special than usual.

Apparently the “Parade of lights” was scheduled to happen later that evening, to the joy of all boaters and on-lookers alike.

Also, there was a bachelorette party arriving by boat, as well as a huge crowd in the area to watch all the sights.  It wasn’t going to be another sleepy little evening at Bumper’s.

Just kidding; it never is!

With the huge crowd, and the scheduled festivities, Carl and I were asked to entertain for  another hour; right until midnight!

The first set was great fun, with people settling in to enjoy every aspect of the venue, inside and out.  The dock was full with every table overflowing, even at that early juncture.

Playing our signature “Island” music, gave us a chance to get our feet under us, as the evening started in an relaxed fashion.

The first set was long but rewarding.

During our first break, there were many happy customers who noted how much they enjoyed the the style of music we played; as it reminded them of being on vacation in the Bahamas.  We take great joy in hearing patrons echo those exact remarks, week in and week out.

Perfect; that’s just what we were going for!

People began to pour in by the middle of the second set.

Additionally the bachelorette party arrived, and everything got cranked up another to notch!  All great girls, and none of them out of control.  This is how to do a girls-night-out party; they were all having fun, but no one got crazy or out of hand.

Speaking of out of hand, wow, we had never seen it that busy at Bumper’s before; and it has been busy!

As the evening turning to night, the dancers packed the dance area, and even the moon came out to join the party.  The boats were cruising by, the venue was packed and getting even more busy.  Cars were triple parked everywhere, the street was jammed and the deck was overflowing onto the boats.

I heard that you could sell a table for twenty dollars to those waiting!

I have no idea how the incredible staff at Bumper’s kept up with this mass of humanity, but they certainly did.  I heard no complaints from anyone at all.

Great job!!!

Since there were so many people, Carl and I had to turn up the music, just to hear ourselves.  With the louder decibels, came an uptick in tempo and tunes.  We played song after song without even stopping to catch our breath.  It was a bit of unorganized chaos.

Island music turned to oldies and then to good old rock and roll, as the boats began illuminating the water.  After three of four groovy dance tunes, we had to slow it down with a seldom heard rendition of the legendary Lenard Cohen song: “Hallelujah”.

It was the calm before the storm, as the last set to twelve contained even more dance and listening favorites.

There was a little bit for everyone sprinkled in this set: Garth Brooks, Kid Rock and Billy Joel.  The crowd was singing, the crowd was dancing and oohing and ahhhing at the passing boats who blasted their music back in salute.

Tearing down our gear and packing it away for another gig, while in the dark, gave us a moment to recover.  It was an amazing night for everyone.

So many people.  So many happy souls, coming together by the water.  What a glorious summer, so far.  We have been through so much.  We have seen so many amazing sights.

And, so much more to come!

Rb

When the temperature hits the eights, the water is the perfect place to be.  Maybe it doesn’t even need to be that hot, but people feel the need; the need to stampede!

. . . To the water, that is.

And they did just that last Saturday night, at Bumper’s Landing, in scenic Harrison Township.  The thermostat was climbing, and the water was beaconing.

It was already busy when Carl and I arrived to set up.  There was even a table of sun-worshipers set up under the gazebo, where we usually play.

It was busy all right, but would soon get even busier.

Our set-up was pretty smooth, and before we knew it, it was time to begin playing.

We launched right into our first set with quiet confidence.   Knowing, the crowd, knowing the weather would be perfect.  Knowing our pace for the evening.  All of these things translated to a very good start to a wonderful night ahead.

Every table was full, and there were people starting to mill about when we finished our first set and got the opportunity to chat with people on our first break.

We really look forward to hearing from the patrons, as they take in all of the sights, sounds and smells of Bumper’s for the first time.  It can be very overwhelming.  (Kind of like our music).

Hawaiian shirts, bathing suits, flip-flops and canines, as far as the eyes could see.  The patio was overflowing, and everyone was loving it!

Shout-out to the hardworking waitstaff at Bumper’s.  Each night, Carl and I tip our hats to the excellent workers that go over and beyond with every shift.  They work as hard as anyone can, and never offer a word of complaint about anything.

We never see them stand still for more than a small moment at any time.  To watch them work as an unit to serve this throng was truly amazing.  We see it, night after night.  The staff at Bumper’s is second to none!

Back to the music.

Our second set was more of us trying to keep up with the barrage of requests that were coming in, hot and heavy.  The warm temperatures didn’t seem to effect the mood of the crowd, as they seemed to be enthusiastic, and loving it!

Between breaks, we had more time to talk to so many happy Bumper’s customers that it hit home the notion that people may not be when they arrive, but soon leave feeling happy!

Something transforms them when they sit by the water, listen to the music, and let themselves become open to the foreign concept of r e l a x a t i o n !

Although the sun set and the lights came out, the thermostat barely dipped at all, making it an perfect ending to a sublime evening on the water.

For our last set of the night, the crowd was more than ready to come up and shake a leg on the dance floor.  (Well, dance area).

We cranked out the tunes and turned up the beat to carry everyone away with the hot summer breeze.  The dancing got even more interesting when as several couples tried to top each other.  In the end, the one with the best top one out.

We finished with a flurry of Elton John and Loggins & Messina.  The music ended just about as hot as the night air.

This was one great, memorable evening by the water.  Going to be tough to top it next Saturday; but by then, we might be up to it.

Rb

Everyone loves finding treasure.  Carl and I are no exception.

That’s just what we found at The Rec Bowl last night.

A little off the beaten path, A little bit out of the way in Mount Clemens.  Across the river, over the hill, through the city maze, and just out of sight; this hidden gem welcomes the lonely hunter to sit down, to rest and renew, while quenching his thirst, filling his belly, and listening to some of the great bands and entertainers of the region.

Seems too good to be true, but it surely is.

Patty and Freddy Fox have owned and operated The Rec Bowl for decades just outside the city; and lucky people in the know have benefited from their tireless efforts without even knowing.

There has been talk of us playing there for more than thirty years, but until last Friday, we have never had the real opportunity.  That all changed last night.

Everything was easy about our first gig there.  The set up, the staff, the venue.  All things that can be problematic, were so easy that it was apparent that they have done it all before.

In fact, the wall next to the great stage was illustrated with the names and signatures of some of Mount Clemens‘ most talented artist of music.

As Carl and I played our first set, we happened to see many names of musicians that all started with us, so many years ago.  Memories that we both treasure as rich as gold.

The second thing that we noticed on this summer Friday night across the Clinton River was the hustle and bustle of a big fiftieth birthday party.

Apparently Chris was getting older, and all of his friends and family wished to share the night and the occasion.  All nice peoples and all of them sporting huge smiles.

We began tentatively with the music, as acoustically, we had to figure out how to counteract the sound bouncing back from the corner where the band stage was.

Staring a little slower gave us the opportunity to tailor our sound to the room, as best we could.

The patio began to fill up, as the party started to spill out and over.  The bar was full with the regular suspects, all happy in the knowledge that they would each have their share of treasure on his fine night.

The break between sets gave us time to visit with the attentive staff, some wonderful guests and even members of the birthday party.  Everyone we talked to was happy, and some, even proclaimed themselves ready to dance!

So the second set was time to bust out the jams.  Ok, well, our version of that.  We played some Temptations, some Buffett and some Brooks.  Chesney, Morrison and Diamond.

They danced, they sang along, and they even shouted more requests.  We even met some old friends, unlooked for on this interesting night.

More fun, more treasure.

The crowd could have stayed all night, and maybe they did.  For us, though, it was time to play the last song, pack up and move on to tomorrows’ show.

Carl and I know that the next time we want to discover an amazing, but nearly secret place in Mount Clemens, we won’t need a map to find it.  We will simply continue on the road less traveled; through the city, across the river and over the hill.

When the gleam of treasure lights the horizon, we will now that we have found it.  Another good time at The Rec Bowl.

Rb

I saw her sitting in the rain
Raindrops falling on her
She didn’t seem to care
She sat there and smiled at me

Then I knew
She could make me happy
Flowers in her hair
Flowers everywhere

The Cowsills

We’ve been pretty lucky this summer where the specter of rain is concerned.

Even after we take in to consideration our last Saturday night at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Twp, I would ay that we still have gotten off pretty easy.

The rain had been hanging around for about two days, so it was absolutely eminent.  Like I said, we have been very lucky so far.

We have done about forty shows outside since the last time that we were caught in a deluge at Great Oaks, as I recall.

So a little summer shower was in the cards, it would seem.  No reason to postpone the party.  Or, even a night out, for that matter.

Just as we set up, the rain began in earnest.  What began as a fine mist, turned into a strong downpour.

Mother nature would have to do better than that, to dampen the spirits of the stouthearted folk who occupy barstools at Bumper’s, though.

Rain? Please.

They hardly even flinch when it comes to rain.  They simply move away from the mist and continue the party.

So when the first forty minutes of Saturday evenings’ show was spent tending to our valuable tarps, the party was just waiting to burst when the sun eventually poked it’s head back out.

The people, sensing the break a break in the weather, came back, Lilliputian-style as we removed our tarps and shook off the droplets to begin our first song.

There was nothing that the rain could do on this night to scatter the fun, as more and more people pouring into the bar to take part in the newly found revery.

We started fast and hard, with some Creedence Clearwater Revival to dry up what was left of the rain.  Jimmy Buffet was sure to do the tricks was Gordon Lightfoot with his, “Sundown“.

The patio was hopping now.  There were dancers, and singers and well-wishers and wonder; always an amazing place to simply sit and people-watch.

Feeling guilty that we started late, Carl and I more than made up for it, with a long, long first set.  All good.

Thought the clouds were hanging around, most everyone was pretty confident that they would not dampen the party any further.

Every table was full.  every par stool was occupied inside and out, and the patrons were sincerely setting in for the evening.  You could just tell that as long as we were playing, they would be there listening.

So many great people stopped to tell us how much they enjoy the music.  So many gracious friends, made us feel valued.  The staff, though very busy, always seemed to ask us if we needed anything.

The rain might fall, but it can never break up the party at Bumper’s.

Our second set was just about as long as the first, or longer; as we did all that we could to make things right after the slow beginning.

We met many happy people on this Saturday evening, and it really gave us a great feeling about how hard we worked to share our music.  Knowing that we are appreciated goes a long way in giving us the fuel that we need to keep going.

There are many nights just like that.  It is the people that keep us playing. Always, the people.

When something like rain, or wind, or equipment that fails, or computers that break down, or general craziness occurs, we can muddle through; but, it tales its’ toll on us, in the end.

We play for the people.  The fans, the patrons, the friends, relatives, and customers.

We take our catalog of incredible music that has been created by the legends and icons of our generation, and share it with the wonderful people that congregate at our shows.

It is though the music that we are able to share our talents and emotions, to create an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.

Even the rain cannot drown the feeling.

There were birthdays and anniversaries.  Gatherings and celebrations.  There were get-togethers and parties; all within a few feet of each other, and they all shared one common thread: The celebration of life.

The music continued even after the sun went down.  soon, the mosquitoes were out in force, and after that, the fish-flies headed our way.  Even a plague of that magnitude could not keep us from cranking out the tunes to the delighted patrons.

The storm had broken, and out of the rain came an outpouring of happy people.  Always happens around here.

On any given day, or summer for that matter, a little rain must fall.  But it doesn’t have to end the party.  At least, not ever at Bumper’s Landing!

Rb

Boat people got it all.

No, I’m not referring to possessions, fortune or fame.  I’m talking about being happy.

Happy is the one thing that everyone is chasing.  Maybe they just a aren’t looking in the right place, because as far as I can tell, it’s right there, by the water.

I can say that because happy is what we encounter as we roll up to the Tiki bar at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township, every time we play.

We look at the people who are already there, and they are happy.  We set up and get ready to play, and they are happy.

We play music, we drink, we people watch, and they are happy.

If it rains . . . happy.

If it snows . . .            well, I’m not sure, but I guarantee they would be out playing in it with big smiles on their faces!

You see a pattern here, at all?

We do.  Boaters are the happiest people we have encountered.  No matter what, they arrive, they enjoy, and the whole time, they are happy.

Carl and I feel that it probably doesn’t matter what we do or play, because, they would still be right where they are, smiling, drinking, laughing, boating.

Its all good, all right.

That is the biggest reason that we love playing at Bumper’s.  Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty more reasons.

The staff is so hard working and dedicated.  They take care of us, and treat us with friendship and respect.  (you don’t always get that.)

The venue has a great vibe for musicians.  For a stage, there is a nice pavilion that is shaded and easily accessible.

The owner treats the help like they are real people.  That is a rarity these days.  He obviously knows the value of hard work, because, you can see him setting up ,tearing down and even busing tables as needed.

When staff people see the big boss working as hard as he does, they will work even harder and longer, since they feel a kinship and appreciation.

So with that “happy” mentality, we began our musical journey on Saturday afternoon at six O’clock, by the water.

It was busy, and about to get really busy.  That suits us just fine, as the music got increasingly faster, livelier and more personal.

The crowd was all-in as they beer-lifted the boaters up a wave to another whole elevation.

Out came the hula-hoop accompanied by more and more dancers.  People were everywhere.  The outside as well as the inside was packed with more and more happy revelers.

We try and play to our audience, as the evening progresses.  We played for more than five hours and really only took three breaks.  That is how much fun we were having!

Just when you think that it can’t be any better at Bumper’s, it proves us wrong!

The boaters bring out the best in us, as was we try to desperately keep up.  We can bring the music all right; the smiles are on them.

And, the Happy is free for everyone to share.

Rb