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September 2014

Lucky Seven!

Friday’s this fall still mean that we are looking forward to entertaining at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens, Michigan.  And you know, that is a wonderful thing.  Each and every Friday gives us the opportunity to play for friends, family and new patrons.  Something that we enjoy more than most things.

As the summer slips away and fall grabs our attention with its incredible color and character, we will be beginning our shows at the Mice starting at 7:00 pm, and finishing at 11:00 or, when the crowd winds down.

This will allow people that wish to have dinner sooner, a chance to listen to us as the sun sets earlier and earlier into the evening.  The Three Blind Mice is such a wonderful place to entertain, because the intimate atmosphere is perfect for interacting with the audience.   The atmosphere is totally relaxing and unpretentious.  Happy people become even happier as the food, drink and music weave a tapestry of enjoyment that must be experienced to believe.

“Let’s begin at seven, shall we?”

See you there!

Rb

Inside The Mouse

It was another beautiful day on Friday, outside.  The temperature has been just perfect all week; with no end in sight.  We’ll take it, that’s for sure.

And, although the patio was filled early, it would get cool as the sun hid itself for the evening. Upstairs There was a rumor that the great Orbitsons were to entertain later; but for now it was quiet there too.

The real party on this night was inside the mouse house.  The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub is what I am referring to; thee destination in Mt. Clemens if you are looking to have dinner, an elusive drink or some good live entertainment.

Although the night for us was to begin at 9:00, we were notified when we arrived that we would start at 8:00.  Good news to us.  And, from now on, the acoustic entertainer would all begin at 7:00 and play until 11:00 for the winter hours. Beginning at 8:00 was just perfect on this night, as that is when the crowd was ready to settle in and enjoy some great songs, served to the liking.

We were blessed with the opportunity to enjoy meeting some new friends on this night;  something we really love about the Mouse.  Even better, was seeing some wonderful friends stopping by to share their evening with us. As I have said many times, it is the people that make the night when we get the chance to play.

Being able to play the songs that people want to hear is a wonderful thing.  Helping patrons relax, unwind and enjoy their time in the pub is very rewarding; and we feel in part that it is because of us. The night began slow, but unfolded nicely as it the crowd swelled to nearly overflowing.  Everyone singing, laughing and smiling. (even with the beloved Tigers getting walloped). There were people who had returned from as far away as Lake Orion to take part in the fun.

Upstairs eventually got hot.  Outside stayed cool; but the party inside the mouse never abated until the last song ended.  Great night!

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Fall Ahead?

As the temps begin to fall, and the days now get short; we opened our show at 9:00 this Friday. A departure from our comfortable 8:00 start time that we had be accustomed to for the better part of the last year. We will now begin our show an hour later, until we hear otherwise. Nine O’clock it is!

The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub was mostly full of happy patrons as we began our set on this beautiful Michigan evening. The Tigers had an important game on the TV, the food was creating an irresistible aroma that most of the patrons could not resist. Top that with any wine, liquor or ale that you could possibly ever imagine; and throw in great conversation and atmosphere for good measure. Now, you have the recipe for a truly enjoyable evening. (As long as we didn’t screw things up, it would be a win – win for everyone).

Well, I don’t think we did, as we had some great conversations throughout the evening, while entertaining new friends. One of the really enjoyable aspects of playing the “Mice” is the fact that most of the revelers are literally right on top of us. Tables are so close in the front, that we can actually rest our beer right on them. Having people be that close, gives us the chance to let them open up about what they love to hear. And that is good for everyone.

We never have a planned set list when we entertain. We might begin the set with a song or two in mind, but after that, we go where the music and the clientele takes us. Some times that’s good, some times its bad, but more times than not, it makes for an experience that everyone enjoys. When you get that instant feedback, as an entertainer, it really helps us do our job better. We want to do the best job that we can each and every week, and take great pride in doing so. We might not be that talented, but we always try and be as professional as we can. We hope that it shows.

The band upstairs sounded great as three guys blasted out the rock, to the delight of the upstairs crowd. All in all it was a good night for staff, musicians and lucky local patrons. As the fall is right around the bend, we are hoping for lots more to come . . .

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Summer’s End

Summer has all but ended, and now passes its torch to our amazing fall.   Everyone in Michigan has this internal clock that makes us all focus on each and every precious summer day, as if it were a gold nugget unearthed and hoarded.
We wait all winter.
We save dates.
We plan, we savor, we enjoy to the fullest.  And, when those summer days are upon us, we revel in the memories that we make or re-live those from summer’s past.

 The summer wind, came blowin’ in – from across the sea It lingered there, to touch your hair – and walk with me All summer long, we sang a song – and then we strolled that golden sand Two sweethearts, and the summer wind

Like painted kites, those days and nights – they went flyin’ by The world was new, beneath a blue – umbrella sky Then softer than, a piper man – one day it called to you I lost you, I lost you to the summer wind The autumn wind, and the winter winds – they have come and gone And still the days, those lonely days – they go on and on And guess who sighs his lullabies – through nights that never end My fickle friend, the summer wind

So it was this Friday night.  Summer is all but done; only holding on by its finger nails.  No more outside patio.  Now, the patron at the Three Blind Mice were all huddled inside, seeming for good as the temperature makes it uncomfortable to linger too long outside for too long.

That’s all well and good for us.  We like the huddled masses inside.  They laugh, they drink.  They eat and they sing.  Tonight, we experienced each and every bit of that as the night was pure Michigan fall magic, on an technically summer night.

We had friends visit.  We entertained.  We even had some new friends sit in and play some great music to entertain as we took a break.  Upstairs we a fun band as well.  Zombie Karma.

It was a great night; Carl and I enjoyed every moment, and hopefully so did the patrons.  So the summer is coming to an end . .

no matter . . . we will revel in the fall.

Rb

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Stormy Friday

Once again, as we arrived at The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens, mother nature would play a hand in our evenings’ entertainment. Huge storms were rumored to be coming out of the dark north; so we made the proactive decision to play inside, as apposed to out on the patio.  Although at the time we arrived for set-up, it looked beautiful out there; we knew better. . .   and boy were we right!

The storm DID arrive.

Rain poured and poured outside as trees and buildings were pummeled. However inside, nothing could dampen the spirits of some of the best patrons we have ever experienced.  There were birthday celebrations; tearful good-byes for cherished co-workers; as well as several friends and families that just wanted to go out and enjoy their evenings.  All good.

As the wind and rain howled outside, Carl and I howled inside.  The result was an evening that although wasn’t wall-to-wall people, focused more on quality and not quantity.

Every night can’t be a wild party; and this night was a lot like that.

Even the talented band upstairs, UNDER THE COVERS while blasting out great dance music; had their night somewhat hindered by the storm as well.  People just didn’t want to venture out after that storm slammed through.

To tell you the truth . . .   we understand.  And on those night when it is a little slower, it allows us to play more intimate music for the ones that truly make it special.

Rb

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Labour Of Love

Labour Day 2014 is now in the books.  We were lucky this year as the rain held off just long enough for us to entertain the membership at the Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester Michigan.

Having played for each summer holiday for more than twenty years, we are always surprised and honored when we are asked back to entertain for another year.

To say that it is a pleasure to play at the Great Oaks is an understatement, as the entire staff as well as the members are always so happy and pleasant to us, year in and year out.

We set up by the pool and try and frame our music to create memories that will last for many years, as well as evoke some long past.  The pool, the food the staff and those smiling, happy members keep us coming back, year after year.

Carl and I are already looking forward to another opening of the summer season on Memorial Day 2015, if all goes well.

See you then!

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BOB AND CARL