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March 2015

Girls, Girls, Girls!

. . . . Ok, now that I have your attention; let me tell you about last Friday night at the Three Blind Mice, Irish Pub.

Coming right on the heels of Carl and I playing fourteen hours on St. Patrick’s day, we hoisted our guitars yet again at the Mice, beginning right after the dinner hour at seven.

A nice crowd was on hand to urge us on right out of the gate; and it was just what we needed. Running on fumes from the start of the week, it was now time to put it in gear and be the all American, entertaining dynamos that people have come to expect from seeing any Bob and Carl show. (no, really).

It was a good start, and with the people still filtering in at eight and nine, the pub really began to swell with that great vibe that permeates the first floor of our favorite gig on so many occasions.

From the start, we began interacting with some wonderful groups of girls, out for a memorable night on the town. Some professionals, some friends and some relatives all meshed together as the music broke down all barriers and boundaries. Everyone smiling and joking and enjoying the fun atmosphere that is generated when people want to leave their work-life at work, to just let it go somewhere fun and re-laaaaaaaaax!

The crowd was wonderful again, as they have been all winter.  And, now that spring is right around the corner, you can tell that people are even more excited about the warm weather, and the coming of all the good times that follow.

Requestes were flying fast and furious as Carl and I tried desperately to keep up.  As the hours flew by, I do believe that we got everyone’s favorite song sent out to them.  We received more than a few compliments, and along with those warm smiles; it was a quite fulfilling night for us both.

At just about ten o’clock, and the ceiling began to shake in earnest.  It was the band upstairs on the second floor making it shake.  Killer Vibe was in the house again, and as we say in the business . . . “They were Killin’ it!”

The three-man powerhouse dressed all in black were taking no prisoners with their brand of surging rock, as the guitar sang and the bass and drums built a steady, riveting beat that shook the Mouse to its’ rafters.

While Killer Vibe was belting it out; everyone on the dance floor as well as the packed house had one thing in common with that venerable rock legend, Dave Matthews . . . they were all “feel’n Alright!”

On most night patrons will come for dinner and stay for a set or two extra; they really didn’t plan to be there for the music, but eventually were overcome by the merriment and mirth.  But, on this particular night, many a table came early and stayed late.  Making our night just as enjoyable as theirs.

Rb

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St. Patrick and The Green Lantern

. . . kinda sounds like a new Sci-Fi movie doesn’t it?

Nope, just another bob and Carl saga from the long road to Rock ‘N Roll . . .

Tired, hungry and more than a bit disappointed in the smaller-than-usual St. Paddy’s day throng that we had experienced so far on this day; Carl and I arrived at The Green Lantern Lounge in Clinton Township at around 3:30.

Everywhere we went beginning on Monday was for some reason much slower than we had experienced in past years; and the Lantern was no exception.

Undeterred and still optimistic, we sat down at the bar and waited to greet our long-time friend, Jewels.  No one has taken better care of us over the years than she.  First at the old Rosy O’Grady’s, (now Clancye’s), then Limelight in Rochester and for the last few years at The Green Lantern.

Jewels got us fed; (the pizza was incredible), told us where to set up and generally just made us feel welcome.  After lunch, which we really needed; we now had enough energy to take on the second half of our day.  All we needed was a group of St.Paddy’s day revelers to sing to. . .

At just about 5:30 when we were to begin, the lounge filled up quite nicely with the happy, smiling faces of the orange and the green.

The people who came that night to the Lantern sure made our entire day.  Friends, family and people who had no idea that they were going to be serenaded with Irish music, all banded together to make it an evening to remember.

Our great pal Jerry, his wife and friends were right up front.  Diane and the Taylors; and their friends were in the corner, and everyone else was milling about as the music got loader and louder.  I really can’t recall a show where there were more voices joining us for each chorus; but we loved it.

Each and every set got better and better, until the night culminated into a wonderfully-memorable group sing-a-long.  Just the way to usher-out another wonderful St. Paddy’s day celebration..

Rb

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Paddy’s Finally Here . . .

It took a while for winter to move on, but it did finally happen.  And when the snow subsides and the thermometer climbs it can only mean one thing . . . Spring is ready to be sprung!

Everyone in Michigan loves spring.  And, why shouldn’t they?  Spring means good times are right around the corner.  Long, lazy days; picnics and parties; rebuilding and summer vacations . . .

Wait a moment, lets not get too far ahead of ourselves, shall we.

Let’s take care of spring first.

And with the coming of spring, is the wearing’ of the green!  Yes, Saint Patricks’ annual arrival banishes more than just the snakes of ancient lore; it also forbids winter from returning to this wishful land.

The year of our lord, twenty fifteen proved to be a mostly quiet, and contemplative St. Paddy’s celebration.  More like a lamb than like a lion, this year.  That’s ok, as many factors seemed to enter in to the people’s perception of how to go about celebrating one of the most beloved of all traditions in America.

Carl and I began the day as we have for the last decade, with our good friends at Clancy’s Irish Pub in Clinton Township.  Vince and his staff always treat us well.  They go above and beyond to make us feel at home in the early morning hours of the long day ahead.

This year, as in the others as well, we even played the night before.  Sort of a “St. Practice day”, so to speak.  (Actually that tradition began for us back in the 1980’s).

Monday night was good fun.  The dinner crowd was merry and enthusiastic as Carl and I warmed them up with some favorite Irish melodies.

The best part of all was that when the doors opened up at 7:00 am the next morning; many of those same patrons strolled right through them, ready for more!  It takes a special type of person to begin drinking green beer first thing in the wee hours of the morning; but are we glad they showed up!

The music began at eight bells, with accompanying hand claps, whistles and lilting voices.  What a treat, to be in an Irish pub on St. Paddy’s day!

Colleen, Rick and Stewy held court at their usual table, joined for the first part of the day by Vince himself.  (our great friend and proprietor of this fine establishment).

As the hours advanced, the crowd began filling the pub.  And, although it was much slower, everywhere this year, everyone was truly on their best behavior to be sure.

There were bagpipers, dancers and merry-makers all standing elbow to elbow in the hold of this Irish celebration.

Clancy’s Irish Pub is always good to us.  One of the best places to look forward to playing music at.  It was a very pleasant year on the little stage, and God willing, we shall be back again next year.  But for now, it was time for us to move on to our next stop . . .

RB

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Our Rite Of Spring!

Looking outside, you might have already noticed that the weather has broken and winter has lost its’ icy grip on our psyche.  Another sure sign would be the annual Bob and Carl St. Patrick’s Day show that is only a few days away.

For many years now, we have begun the day at Clancy’s Irish Pub in Clinton Twp., and this year is no exception.  There are many traditions that we have enjoyed throughout our musical careers, but none more rewarding or enduring as our annual rite of spring – St. Patrick’s Day.  Carl and I have been at Clancy’s for more than twenty years; (since it was Rosy O’Grady’s, actually).  Vince treats us like royalty, the weight staff is awesome and there is usually something fun going on.  This year, as in years past, we will usher in the the big day beginning on the night before.

We began playing Irish music back in the early 80’s to satisfy the bar owner we were playing for. (The Wooden Nickel).  We performed that year by playing ten songs throughout the evening.  These days, there are over a hundred Irish tunes, songs, fables and toasts in our repertoire; and still expanding.

Each year, even before the rising of the sun, we are poised and ready to take on the unique challenges of the day. There are smiles, laughter and good feelings by most everyone we come in contact with.  Its not an easy day; as we play most years in excess of ten hours.  Sometimes we have played three venues on the same day; and once, entertained for twenty-two hours!  However, we would not give up the experience easily, if we didn’t have to.

Last year we had the incredible experience of being live on tv.  We were Live In The D, with Karen Drew and Guy Gordon.  Check out the video and maybe it will get you into the mood early!

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We were there a few years ago when they opened, and we will return on Tuesday to start again, right where we left off.  The Green lantern, in Fraser has invited us to help them celebrate “The wearing’ O’ the Green”, as no other place can.

Everyone at the Lantern will be doing all that they can to turn this years St. Pat’s into a tradition for years to come.  Come on by and show is your green!  (or, anything else you might want to show us).

Here is the schedule or 2015:

Monday March 16, 2015 – Clancy’s Irish Pub – 6:00 – 9:00 Pm

Tuesday March 17, 2015 – Clancy’s Irish Pub – 8:00 Am – 2:00 Pm

Tuesday March 17, 2015 – The Green Lantern – 5:30 Pm – 10:00 Pm

Hey,

Maybe this will tide you over until the big day arrives . . .
Click on this link to download and listen to Irish Hearts, our very own record that we uploaded just for you.  Everyone has a favorite Irish tune, and chances are, yours is included here.

irish-hearts-coverWhy not send us a note to let us know what you think, after you enjoy the music!

RB

Not, Another Saturday Night

Twice in the last month, Carl and I have played at the Three Blind Mice on Saturday night; and twice now, it has been epic!

Though slow to begin with; eventually this night rebounded quite nicely.  What we really enjoyed on this particular night was the fact that several tables arrived at 7:00, and stayed unit the very end.  Offering us the wonderful opportunity to get to know them along the way.  For us, that end came after midnight, to the raucous sounds of Neil Diamonds’ “Sweet Caroline”!

Ok, let’s rewind, shall we . . .

It was kind of slow at 6:30 as we set up our equipment in front of the statley whiskey barrels.  Although the early dinner time was winding down, there were actually some tables without patrons to fill them.  However, as you will see, that didn’t last very long.

Enter Guinness Blonde!

Just when things seems destined to be slow and sleepy; a beautiful girl and amazing gentleman from Guinness came to the rescue – (With Guinness Blonde in hand).

They were dispensing some of the new ale, in both samples and collectable glassware.

It has been my experience that a hot woman dispensing free beer pretty much gets everyone’s attention, and tonight was no exception.  While they poured, we played.  While they gave away free samples; we put our heart and soul into each and every song.  The formula worked!  Before we could even blink, the entire pub was packed and gyrating nicely.  Friends we smiling, patrons were laughing, and our new best friend, Lisa was playing a mean tambourine!

I can say one this for certain on this rollicking Saturday night; everyone who was there was having a great time.  So many people, so many happy faces; so many smiles.  We also recieved lots and lots of song advice, (which we loved).  And in the end, without fail every song seemed to fit, just right.

We met a great group of guys who not only helped us decide on what to play next; but also helped us sing along, just when we needed it most.  (which is pretty much always).

In addition, we met a trio of sailors from Selfridge who are currently stationed in Sicily; that took time off from protecting our freedom, to make sure everyone had a memorable time.

It was truly not another Saturday night; but another night of total enjoyment by everyone.  As always, we are looking forward to being right back there in two weeks to do it all again!

RB

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Click HERE to listen to Bob and Carl’s second set from Saturday night!

We’ve Been Busy!

Hey everyone,

We have been working hard to make a lot of improvements to the webpage that you may or may not have noticed.

Take a look:

  • Finally got the LISTEN LIVE page working.  Now you can listen to our latest show, if you happened to miss it.  Listen and let us know what you think.

https://bobandcarl.com/?portfolio=in-tempus

  • Re-formatted all of our posts to look better than ever.  (Ok, you won’t really notice that one.  But I sure do!)

To all you Twitter-Heads! . . . .

  • Bob and Carl are now on TWITTER.  Not really sure why, but hey, we are dragging ourselves into the next digital age, wether we like it or not.  So, uhm, there is now a link, (that works) on our front page.  All you Twitter-files should tweet at us.  (or, in us. or around us, whatever it takes).

https://twitter.com//bobbandcarlz

Past Events

While we performed our very first musical “gig” in the summer of 1972, we only began saving the information from those gigs in the 80’s.  We began recording most all of our shows in the 2000’s.  So, we have done a bit to archive our musical careers, so to speak.

  • What we have now on-line, is a link to not only our EVENTS page, but also, our PAST EVENTS.  By clicking one of our links, you can take a peak at the list of shows we did corresponding to that calendar year.  For now, we have every year listed beginning with 1991.  Hopefully soon, we will do our best to fill in the other dates, way back to the 70’s.

https://bobandcarl.com/?page_id=2843

Please remember . . .
Everything we do, we do for you; our fans.  If there is some new feature or content you have seen; send us a link.  Give us a shout-out.  But, please tell us.  Fill out the form on this, or any page and lets us know.  Our fans have great ideas all the time for music or places to play, or just things in general.  Don’t hold back, now is your chance to share your valuable thoughts.

Ok, more improvements to come, I promise! . . .

Rb

Let’s Switch

Weekends at the Three Blind Mice, in Mount Clemens Michigan are simply the best.  Really doesn’t matter if it Friday, or Saturday.  And, from what I hear, the Sunday brunch is amazing too.

So when we got the call about this weekend, to switch from Friday night to Saturday, we were not disappointed in the least.  They are both good.  For years Carl and I have worked Friday nights at most places.  It just seems to suit us.  I think that we have always felt a more symbiotic relationship with Fridays, because we were both “working men”.

Fridays to us have always been about working hard, playing hard and enjoying hard. The people that come in, always seem to be trying to shake off the mantle of the long work-week.  They have labored un mercilessly, and now were ready to be entertained and unwound.

We get that.  We admire that.

That has always been what we have been about.  We never play to show off; or to try and impress.  We are there to help people relax, re-new and replenish.

On Friday night this weekend, the “Mice” will welcome back our great friend Shelby Hansen to the lower level.  Always entertaining, always talented, ALWAYS unpredictable.

Friday night will be amazing, for sure.

And, we will be there Saturday night.  We played a few weekends ago on a  Saturday night, and it was very, very memorable.  A good time to be had by everyone.

We are looking forward to a fun night, so mark your calendars.  (Ok, re-mark your calendars then). Sheesh.

Cya at the Mice!

 

Rb

BOB AND CARL