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October 2015

A Devil’s Night Out

svg_bat_halloween-1969pxRight from the start, we could tell that it was going to be an interesting evening.  There was something in the air, you might say . . .  (Ok, bats, vampires spooks and spook-ettes!)

Yep, it was nearly Halloween night; and all through the pub, every creature seemed to be stirring . . . their drinks!

Or partying or boogying.imp

All right, no one boogies any more.  With the possible exception of the Boogey man.  On this particular right, almost anything and everything seemed to go.  Men dressed as women, women dressed as men, or beasts or um, I’m not really sure . . .

What I do know is that when we began or first song, the crowd already seemed engaged and involved.  All the patrons of every phylum were shouting out song requests at a ravenous pace.

We did Irish, country, soul, folk and Motown, and still they were hungry for more.

After the very first break; well into the night, Carl and I had some time to chat with the customers and pick their zombie brains for more requests.

With a devilish look in her eye, one of the young “flappers”, begged for some Johnny Cash.  (along with Cat Stevens, Garth Brooks, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Led Zeppelin). Nothing makes us happier than to fill those requests as soon as we possibly can.

As far as our three eyes could see, there were some amazing creatures, costumes and props on display.  And when I ventured upstairs to peruse that throng, it was even more evident that so many of the Three Blind mice’s patrons, go all-out on a night like this.

Paper Covers Rock was on the main stage, whipping them all into an ghoulish blood-bath of festering frivolity.

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Around midnight, there was a costume contest that had everyone on pins and daggers to see what misanthrope would win.  In the end, the top three were nominated and called to the stage for a final  vote.

While Woody, Jessie and Freddy Kruger were pretty good; it was the three visually challenged mice who won our hearts and the gift certificate.

Nothing could have been more fitting.  Possibly it was what swayed the judges in their mousey favor.

Carl and I were asked several times if we were in fact, real doctors.  (Although we have played them on occasion in the past).

It was an interesting night, to be sure.  Exhausting, but interesting.  Upstairs was packed.  Downstairs was engorged as well.

We survived, in the end.  Satysfied that we had given our hearts and souls to keep the dead at bay for another year.halloween-creepy-hand-appearing-from-under-the-soil_318-30235

 

Rb

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Friends In High Places

“On a Wednesday night in Mt. Clemens . . . “

Ok, most classic novels haven’t begun with those exact words.  However, I am here to tell you that last night, we were all players in an modern-day fairy tale that unfolded right in front of our eyes!

Carl and I were lucky enough to be asked to entertain at the rehearsal dinner of Alex and Kara.  Two great kids who happened to hear us a while back, right here at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in Mt. Clemens.

On the night that they first heard us, (click guitar guitarto re-live it . . . ), they seemed to enjoy most everything that we played.  I guess in their hearts, they were “old School” when it came to music.  Beatles, Stones, Creedence and all the other “Classic” music of our the ages.

Right up our alley, as they say.

We hit it off that night; and soon word got back to us that we were to be asked to play their rehearsal dinner.  Actually, quite an honor for us.  And, because the entire wedding party and family was so nice to us; we were really looking forward to being part of their upcoming nuptials.

Allison, one of the managers of the Three Blind Mice, met us on the second floor as we climbed the long stairway to set up. We could tell how excited she was to be co-ordinating the special night.  Almost as excited a we were.

As the guests arrived, we could tell how much fun the evening was going to be.  Smiles, smiles everywhere we looked.  People that were enjoying things so much already really couldn’t have their evening ruined by us, now could they?

Ok, don’t answer that.

Anyway . . .  we started early, since everyone was in place and ready to enjoy the night. Trying to hit all of their favorites, we began with some Eagles music.  Not too fast, not too slow, not too loud, not too soft.

After breaking the musical ice, we began to explore some of the other legendary bands that were suggested.  Each song seemed to hit the mark, with smiles, applause and accompanied vocal support.

The drinks flowed, the food arrived and there were couples exploring the dance floor.  It was a magical night for everyone.

During our break, Carl and I got the chance to talk with many of the guests.  They seemed very content.  I learned that I coached the groom many, many years ago in the YMCA ‘Bitty Basketball program over in Shelby.  Must be why he turned out to be such a great guy!  They were also, both students of Fraser Public Schools, where I work.  Small world.

As the night unfolded and the alcohol did too; we had one of the group come up and sit in with us, as we attempted to play “Hotel California” by the Eagles.

Everyone loved it, and cheered each and every chord he played!

Nothing could better that song, but somehow we found a way.  As we launched into a Garth Brooks‘ favorite, the groom jumped up and stage and grabbed the mic!

We were so glad that he did.  He was amazing as his voice filled the room with that old country anthem from the 90’s!!!

Since nothing could top that, we didn’t even try.  We were just very glad that we were given the chance to share in this wonderful couples’ life together.

A classic union that will last as long as the classic music they love.

Rb

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Ladies Night

Like a musical box of chocolates, Friday nights at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in downtown Mt. Clemens, Michigan have become an enigma, in that each and every night has something different awaiting us when we arrive.

This particular, unique Friday began just as auspiciously as any of them.  Until our set-up routine determined that one of our guitars would not send any sound to our PA.  That was a problem, alleviated only by sending for another guitar.

After settling in with a long first set, it was time to greet several good friends who came to support us.  John, Kelly and Dennis arrived to savor the extensive adult beverage selection.

(Dennis flew in from Colorado to give his blessing to our musical endevour.)

Believe me when I tell you that these three are experts in all areas involving alcoholic consumption practices.  Getting the “Thumbs up!” from them was quite an endorsment.

As the second set began, we were joined by another group of friends who came as far as the Florida keys to share their evening. Justina and her entourage descended on the Mice to bring us the “girl flavor”, we had been sorely lacking.

While playing our usual mix of Irish, country, folk, rock, island and whatever, I noticed some people singing along at the very far end of the pub.  (thank goodness!)

It was only when they moved to the first table that I recognized who it was.  Rose and her sisters had joined us again, to our great delight.  (oh, and a cousin too!)  They had seen us back in February, and finally got everyone together to share another special night.

They all loved music, and made it quite evident, as they sang just about every song with us for the rest of the night.  What a great experience for us, being able to play to some really special people that enjoy each and every note.

Another unique, “happening” took place early on, as a gentleman on his way to the bathroom, requested Carl give him a mic, so that he could “Send a message out to all the ladies . . . ”  All we know is Calvin had them all swooning in the blink of an eye, with only the use of his incredible voice!

If anyone thinks that LA, or Nashville is where our country’s musical talent lies, I would certainly make an argument for Motown, without much hesitation.  There is no richer bed of musical heritage anywhere.  We see and hear it most every time someone sits in to share it with us.

As the evening evolved, Justina took my place and became the center of attention, strumming and singing several of her favorite “Chick songs”.

There was some Alanis Moressette, Melissa Etheridge and even 4 None Blonds to keep everyone entertained.

After a short get-together with our friends it was time to take back the stage to finish the night.  Halfway into the first song, the entire crowd was singing and clapping as one.  It was a wonderful feeling to be able to move everyone to song.  Very rewarding.

Although I feel I have said it a thousand times; it is the people that make each night unique and wonderful for us.  By being there.  By singing along.  By sharing their stories and thoughts and musical ideas, in ways we could never have imagined.

Smiling faces and hearty laughter is a great way to spend a Friday night.  Throw in a few good songs, and it might just be musical nirvana.

On this night it was all about the ladies.  Carl and I both hope that they realize how special it is to have them there to share our talents with.

And for those people that came from far and wide; we hope that they take back with them a memory or two of both melody and mirth, curtesy of Bob and Carl.

Rb

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BOB AND CARL