X
X

August 2016

Summer Bumper

In a summer filled with many great moments and memories, none have stood out more than our time at Bumper’s Landing.

Still not a destination many people that aren’t boaters know with complete familiarity; for us, Bumper’s has been that “special” place this summer.

Since its our second season there, we have kind of settled in a bit more.  (If that is even a thing.)

I guess, even though I have stated several times that the one thing we can always count on about Bumper’s is that we literally have no idea what is going to happen on any given night; we can at the very least expect the un-expected.

So, that being said, Carl and I approached our Friday/Saturday weekend musical opportunity at Bumper’s with no expectations, other than, it wasn’t going to be dull.

It is rare that we have an entire weekend at one venue, so we were out to make the most of it.  Beginning like any normal summer day near the water, this day was even nicer than most.  Perfect weather.  A little hotter than most days, but a real gem, in the making.

Carl and I set up just as the boats began coming in for the evening.

Within moments of six O’clock arriving, we started the evening with our usual Jimmy Buffett tribute.  Buffett is the perfect starting point for most of our summer gigs.  Calming and straight forward.  A good way to grab people’s attention and reel them in for the night.  Jimmy Buffett is a great way to connect with the audience.  His appeal crosses most lines and demographics.

Our evening grew and grew until a crescendo during our last set of the night.  The evening was a whirlwind of craziness and chaos.  The weather being perfect for August was partly the catalyst; however, the venue is mostly what gets everyone going.

Partly destination, mostly comfortable atmosphere.

Boaters know by now, there is really only one place to be near the water in this neck of the woods: Bumper;s Landing.  Just sayin’.

So the night being what it was, pretty much perfect, played right into our hands.  Everyone had a drink in their hands, a song in their heart and a smile on their face.

Friday evening ended up just that way.  Lots of customers came up to Carl and I and told us what a wonderful night they had.  Our job was done, for a few hours, that is.

Saturday began a little differently.  Once again, the skies threatened and once again we needed to make the determination of where we were going to play; inside or outside.

That decision took care of itself as the clouds opened up on us, just as we were pulling up to unload.

Moving inside was interesting at least; there was a group of singers currently occupying the room, singing their hearts out to all the great karaoke hits from the last twenty years.  (All the songs that we usually are playing).  Nothing wrong with that, they sure were having fun.

It didn’t take much to light that fire when we eventually were all set up and ready to entertain.  All we needed to do was to start up where they left off.  They did, and we did.

Before you knew it, the rain was done outside, and we were just hitting our side inside.  Lots of great couples and groups sharing their evening with us.  They even provided a world-class tambourine player, who banged that beast so relentlessly, she broke it apart.

Another memorable night for all of us.  No matter what, it is never dull there.

We only wonder what will happen the next time we roll up and play.  Doesn’t matter, it will all be good.  The summer is flying by, but not the fun.  Fun doesn’t live in only one season.

We are saying good by to the summer Bump, and hello to sweet September.

Rb

IMG_0002 IMG_0003 IMG_0005 IMG_0008 IMG_0009 IMG_0010 IMG_0011 IMG_0012 IMG_0013 IMG_0015 IMG_0016 IMG_0024_1 IMG_0027_1 IMG_0028_1

Irish Heritage Night

“Take me out to the rainstorm!”

Ok, so that’s not exactly how the song goes.  But, you get the idea.

Rain nearly got in the way of a great time last night, as Carl and I were to entertain at the Jimmy John’s Stadium in Utica Michigan.  That being said, the rain never stopped the crowd or Bob and Carl for that matter, from doing what we do best.  Making things fun.

Let’s back up, shall we . . .

Carl and I arrived at the stadium around 4:30 in the afternoon, to set up our equipment.  Rain was in the forecast, but as anyone who has lived in Michigan for very long can tell you, it is always a matter of, when.

The decision was made of where to set up, and how to prevent most of the rain from bothering the equipment, when it eventually would arrive.  We put a tarp under us, one in front and two at the ready on the sides.  We should be good to go.

Having set up and battened down for the night, we were now ready to find out when were were to actually play.  Our manager Richard Paul was there to give us some guidance, as his acts have been working most of the summer to entertain at the ball-park.

Rick handed us off to Tim, who gave us more information, and guidance, and eventually handed us off to a Amy who would be our liaison for the entire evening.

Working off the script that Tim gave us, Carl and Amy went over just what our obligations for the evening were.  The only thing that could possibly alter it would be the rain.

Being ready early, Carl and I had the opportunity to walk around the stadium as the vendors were getting set up, and the ball players were loosening up for the game.

Tonight’s contest would see the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers take on the Utica Unicorns.

The cute little stadium was alive with activity as it readied itself for fans to descend upon it in earnest.  The sky darkened and the rain began to fall, just as the doors opened for the evenings’ battle.

Each pavilion, including the one we were under started to fill, even though the sky was not about to cooperate.

Since it was Irish Heritage Night at the O’l ball-park, our job was to bring some Irish flavor to America’s pastime, if only for the evening.  We were to begin at 6:30 and play until 7:05.  During the game, and again after its completion.

As 6:30 approached, we began right on schedule, with The Whistling Gypsy.  (Our traditional first set, first Irish song).  The sound was perfect as our feed went through our equipment to the stadium sound booth and out to the PA speakers in the stands.

Our thirty minute set was quickly over and we were ready to have the teams take the field right before the game was to begin.  Mother Nature, however, had other ideas.  The rain that had been just a tiny mist, soon turned to a downpour that had to be truly reckoned with.  Fans took cover, and the tarp was put back in place to protect the infield integrity.

We volunteered to play some more, and soon were knee deep in Irish favorites once again.  Carl and I entertained for another forty five minutes; just enough time to see the rain abate and the two teams get ready again to take the field.

Before we knew it, the first pitch was finding it’s way to the catcher’s mitt; just about an hour later than it should have.

Now that the game was in motion, we would follow the script; playing minute and a half snippets of Irish tunes throughout the night.  With Amy coordinating when to begin and end with the booth upstairs, everything was going according to plan.

Until the rain returned.

Between the very first inning, another wet cell moved over head, to let u all know, once more who was really in charge.  (No, it wasn’t Rick).

It didn’t last long at least, and before you knew it, we were playing ball once more.

Once the game resumed, it began to move along quit nicely.  We played between or after each inning, interspersed with other announcements or give-aways to the delight of the hearty fans.

In the fourth inning, it was The Unicorn Song, echoing through the stands.  In the seventh, we took The Rocky Road To Dublin.

Before we knew it, the kids were running the bases, after the game concluded, to the sounds of A Nation Once Again.

It was a very interesting evening.  The rain didn’t make it easy; however, anything worth doing right, seldom comes easy.  We had several people take the time to thank us for our music and our presence at the event.

We need to thank, Rick, Tim and most of all, Amy, who worked so hard with Carl to make the night special for everyone involved.

Hopefully we will be back next season to entertain once again.  We love the stadium, the staff and most of all the enthusiastic fans.

We even had one fan who came all the way from her seat to request a special song.  She was all smiles as we played Galway Girl, just for her.  Even the rain couldn’t keep her from feeling her Irish heritage on this wonderful night.

Rb

Jimmy_johns_field1 Jimmy_johns_field2 Jimmy_johns_field3 Jimmy_johns_field4 Jimmy_johns_field5 Jimmy_johns_field6 Jimmy_johns_field8 Jimmy_johns_field9 Jimmy_johns_field10 Jimmy_johns_field11 Jimmy_johns_field12 Jimmy_johns_field13 Jimmy_johns_field15 Jimmy_johns_field16 Jimmy_johns_field20 Jimmy_johns_field21 Jimmy_johns_field22 Jimmy_johns_field23 Jimmy_johns_field24 Jimmy_johns_field25 Jimmy_johns_field26 Jimmy_johns_field27 Jimmy_johns_field28 Jimmy_johns_field29 Jimmy_johns_field30 Jimmy_johns_field31 Jimmy_johns_field32 Jimmy_johns_field33 Jimmy_johns_field34 Jimmy_johns_field35 Jimmy_johns_field36 Jimmy_johns_field37 Jimmy_johns_field38 Jimmy_johns_field39 Jimmy_johns_field40 Jimmy_johns_field41 Jimmy_johns_field43 Jimmy_johns_field42 Jimmy_johns_field44 Jimmy_johns_field45 Jimmy_johns_field46 Jimmy_johns_field47 Jimmy_johns_field48 Jimmy_johns_field49 Jimmy_johns_field50 Jimmy_johns_field51 Jimmy_johns_field52 Jimmy_johns_field53 Jimmy_johns_field54 Jimmy_johns_field55 Jimmy_johns_field56 Jimmy_johns_field57 Jimmy_johns_field58 Jimmy_johns_field59 Jimmy_johns_field60 Jimmy_johns_field61 Jimmy_johns_field62 Jimmy_johns_field63 Jimmy_johns_field64 Jimmy_johns_field65 Jimmy_johns_field66 Jimmy_johns_field67 Jimmy_johns_field68 Jimmy_johns_field69 Jimmy_johns_field70 Jimmy_johns_field71 Jimmy_johns_field72 Jimmy_johns_field73 Jimmy_johns_field74 Jimmy_johns_field75 Jimmy_johns_field76 Jimmy_johns_field77 Jimmy_johns_field78 Jimmy_johns_field79 Jimmy_johns_field80 Jimmy_johns_field81 Jimmy_johns_field82 Jimmy_johns_field83 Jimmy_johns_field84 Jimmy_johns_field85 Jimmy_johns_field86 Jimmy_johns_field87 Jimmy_johns_field88 Jimmy_johns_field89 Jimmy_johns_field90 Jimmy_johns_field91 Jimmy_johns_field92 Jimmy_johns_field93 Jimmy_johns_field94 Jimmy_johns_field95 Jimmy_johns_field96 Jimmy_johns_field97

Bump Up The Rain!

Never dull at Bumper’s.

That is our mantra when we are referring to Bumper’s Landing, in sunny Harrison Twp.

Just last Saturday evening Carl and I got a refresher course in just how true that phrase is.

As the sky darkened and the threat of rain urged us to make the decision on where to set up for the evening, we looked at the radar map, up at the sky, closed our eyes and wished for devine guidance.

That was about all we could do to plan for a night of music and fun at this happenin’ place.

Just as the sun broke out and washed then entire riverside in golden warmth, we retreated inside to set up our equipment.  Better to be safe than sorry when trying to protect expensive musical gear.  We have had several instances where we have made the wrong decision, or simply reacted too late, and paid the price.

So we set up inside, just as the tables were filling outside along the water.  Tough to look outside and see everyone awash in sunshine, while we were preparing for rain.

We began at six O’clock, just as the raindrops began falling on the boardwalk in earnest.

As the room began to fill, we were informed that the Fraser class of 1991 was also going to be in the house, celebrating their fifteen year reunion.  Add that to a birthday party, and each of the boats in the area looking for safe harbor and you can see what fun was awaiting us.

Never dull at Bumper’s.

We began a little on the mellow side, let people get acclimated to the volume of the room.  Then, as the requested began rolling in, we let out the gas a little bit more with some young and old country tunes.  Everyone in this area seems to really enjoy the country favorites.   Johnny Cash, Elvis and Garth Brooks, to name a few.

After the first hour, we had a few moments to chat with the patrons.  While Carl talked with some friends of neighbors, I chatted with some people from the class of 91.

It began to get very busy inside about halfway through the evening.  About the very same time that it got hot, the music started to really roll.  We trotted out the dance anthems, and dance, they did!

The floor was filled to overflowing as the tempo and volume escalated toward the end of our night; the moment when DJ Aaron took over.

We had a great time, yet again at Bumper’s.  Never dull, nope.

It will be another week until we are back again.  I am confident that no matter what, rain or shine, there will be more fun to be had.

The only thing that we know for sure, is that you really don’t want to miss it!

Rb

IMG_1235 IMG_1236 IMG_1237 IMG_1238 IMG_1241 IMG_1242 IMG_1243 IMG_1250 IMG_1260 IMG_1262 IMG_1264 IMG_1265 IMG_1253

A Hard Day’s Night

We’ve played enough Beatles music over our forty-some year career that we can borrow a phrase or two from Ringo.  I doubt that he would mind at all.

The night began for us as it always does.  A half hour of introspective conversation of an adult beverage or two, and then inside the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub to set up and get ourselves ready to rock.

The when the magic hour of eight O’ clock comes around, we sling the guitars over our shoulders and set the entire night in motion.

On this particular Friday evening, everything started as it usually does.  We settled in and began pouring out the musical requests, as usual.  The patrons were happy and enthusiastic.  We had a few who stopped by that had seen us on other occasions.

There were many tables with happy faces and clattering glasses.  Just the sounds we like to hear.  We played lots of oldies and some of every type of favorites that we could offer.

The Mice is a very intimate place to play.  There is no hiding at all, as the tables are crowded right up next to you.  That is the way Carl and I like, as a matter of fact.  A setting like this has many benefits.

First of all, you are right next to people.  No hiding what you are doing or playing at all.

Kind of like a magician who works the crowd; you are very vulnerable and so, need to be prepared and professional.  You can’t fool people when you re just a foot away from them.

It prompts you to up your game.  To get better.  To sharpen your craft.

So we played through the first half of the night, just that way.  With hard work and professionalism.

The second half of the night was more of a struggle.  As it has been at times this summer, the nights have become unpredictable.  The weather, the calendar and the whims of the patrons have been up and down; just like the ale in the mugs of beer.

The rest of the evening it was pretty slow, which happens some times, as people want to spend their evenings outside on the nights in Michigan that aren’t filled with bugs, humidity or rain showers.

That’s ok.  When that happens, we are able to dip into our mixed bag of favorite eclectic tunes.  We dust them off and offer them up to all of the willing patrons that are still thirsty for a great song.

That is how we ended the night; playing our favs to the hearty souls still occupying tables when the clock reached one.

All the nights can’t be explosive.  Some nights will be of a different variety.  After working all day, and then entertaining until the wee hours, we had earned this hard days’ night.

As the fall approaches, people will fill our favorite place once again, and everything will be right with the world.

Rb

IMG_1230 IMG_1232 IMG_1233 IMG_1234 IMG_1235

Thursday, At Bumper’s

Just another Thursday evening at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township.

What do we mean by that?

Who knows.  We have no idea what we mean.  Thursday night, or Friday or any night at Bumper’s for that matter.  It makes no difference what night of the week it is, we are just as clueless on a Wednesday as we are on Saturday evening.

Bumper’s is a lot like Michigan weather; you can’t really predict it, you just hold on and ride it out.  That’s what we have learned to do.  Just hold on.

We never know who will be there, how many, or even what to expect beyond, whomever arrives will want to have a great time.  We do know that.

Bumper’s is a party destination.  Most everyone has a smile on when they come ashore.  They gather to relax, refuel and share a story or two with their friends, family or stranger.

After our second summer of entertaining on the glorious banks of the Clinton River, we do know that.

Last night was no exception, as we arrived as we usually do with no clear idea just what lay ahead.  The parking lot was barren, only an hour before we were to entertain.

However, as began to set up our gear, the boats began docking and people started to fill the tables and stools.  By the time we were ready to light up the first song, there was a group of revelers ready to fill their bellies with ale and delights from the kitchen.

Although apparently there was a big fund raising event the previous night, it looked as though the weather was going to be perfect.  A factor that was sure to bring in a big crowd, even though it was only a mere  Thursday evening.

We began tentatively enough; with our old stand-by Jimmy Buffett to lean on.  He never lets us down.  Jimmy, Bob and Johnny all had a hand in the first set.  Creedence, Young and Phillips grabbed hold of the second.  Before we knew it, the entire deck was filled, frenetic and fun.

Once again, Carl and I simply tried to hold on and go where the crowd willed us to go.

The only thing that we could do was to keep stoking their enthusiastic fires with more and more music.  Before we knew it, the moon was up and bathing the entire riverside in the warm, summer glow of well earned happiness.

With the sounds of Bob Marley’s one-world urgings of “One Love” reverberating down the water, we closed our eventful evening.  Everyone was happy.  Well everyone we could see by the soft moonlight.  Our job was done.  Time to pack it all up, throw it back in the van until tomorrow night.

We might not know what to expect when we arrive at some of our shows; but we can usually count on what will happen when we give our all through our music.

I guess it our way of restoring some order to thus unpredictable world.

Rb

IMG_1187 IMG_1188 IMG_1189 IMG_1191 IMG_1192 IMG_1193 IMG_1194 IMG_1195 IMG_1198 IMG_1199 IMG_1200 IMG_1208 IMG_1207 IMG_1210 IMG_1211 IMG_1212 IMG_1223 IMG_1214 IMG_1215 IMG_1216 IMG_1219 IMG_1228 IMG_1222 IMG_1226 IMG_1229

Art, Done Just Right

Sunday was just right.

The Shelby Art fair, that is.  Sunday was perfect.

Saturday . . .

Well, in the life of a “rock star”, you have to learn to roll with the punches.  To take the good with the bad.  Saturday was hot, sticky and hectic.  We needed to do everything we did to accommodate the other bands, the other people and mother nature.

We did, but, it was a lot of work and stress.

Sunday, was simply a day for us to enjoy all by ourselves.

Once in a while that happens.  Everything falls into place, and we get a rare day that is very very enjoyable.  Today, was one of those experiences.

From the moment we arrived at the Shelby Park, the vibe was so much slower and enjoyable.  We didn’t have to compete with anyone for a parking space, the stage or anything, for that matter.

We got in early, set up and had time to chat with some great people and vendors at this year’s show.  Sometimes after the hectic concerts we have been putting in, a day with a nice slow pace is so welcome, that it is even hard to express or explain.

“Easy like Sunday morning.” I believe is the phrase.

And so it was today.  We got in, set up and after a while began the first of two sets.  (As a matter of fact, we were so eager to begin our show, we started ten minutes early.  A far cry from the day before.

On Saturday, last, we were running, dodging, playing and escaping.  We needed to hurry to set up.  We needed to hurry to take our equipment back down; and we had to make sure that the rain didn’t inundate us at any point.

I can say that we managed to succeed at every level, though I believe that after a long month and night like we had just experienced in Friday, we did so barely.

Still reeling from the incredible night before, we needed to pull ourselves together on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 to serenade the sparse crowd at the park.

Sparse because of the eminent rain approaching.

We did a fair job. (No pun intended), and had more than a few pleased comments.  However, to us the entire pace of the day was way too hectic and sticky to really enjoy.

Sunday, on the other hand was everything that we enjoy in an event and a little bit more.

From the very beginning of the day, it was apparent that Sunday was going to be the pick of the litter.  The humidity was way down, the temp was comfortable and the pace was noticeably slower and outwardly more pleasing.

In fact, as Carl and I pulled up to the stage well before 11:00, we had the entire area to our selves.  After quickly and easily setting up, we were so eager to play that we began nearly ten minutes early.  (Don’t tell our manager).

As we announced several times to the bustling throng of art-fair aficionados, we were truly enjoying the opportunity we had to play.  It is one of our very favorites events of this or any summer.

We really, really love playing art fairs.  It is an chance focus to play a very different genre of music.

We are afforded the opportunity to play “listening music”.  Music that you may not get to hear at many of our shows, for one reason or another.

We can dip into our mixed bag of musical diversity, by tapping into our forty year repertoire of not-so-classic, for the aural edification of the artistic enthusiasts.

Huh?

You know, music lovers.

At an rate, we were having a great time, entertaining the Shelby Township art fair goers.

Song after treasured song was offered and enjoyed by the eager patrons.  We did all that two men with little or no talent and two fairly expensive guitars could do.  It was now, time to move on.

But not before we listened to the next band, The Rick Lieder Band, with special guest Marshall.  What a talented band.  Carl and I could listen to them all day, every day and not get tired.

So smooth, so enjoyable.

Sunday was special to us.  The laid-back vibe we felt was the perfect way to begin a wonderful summer Sunday.  A summer that while being incredibly busy, has been extremely memorable.

The calm before the next storm, we’re sure.

Rb

IMG_1040artfair IMG_1041artfair IMG_1044artfair IMG_1045artfair IMG_1046artfair IMG_1047artfair IMG_1048artfair IMG_1049artfair IMG_1050artfair IMG_1051artfair IMG_1052artfair IMG_1054artfair IMG_1056artfair IMG_1057artfair IMG_1058artfair IMG_1059artfair IMG_1060artfair IMG_1061artfair IMG_1063artfair IMG_1064artfair IMG_1067artfair IMG_1069artfair IMG_1072artfair IMG_1073artfair IMG_1074artfair IMG_1076artfair IMG_1077artfair IMG_1079artfair IMG_1080artfair IMG_1082artfair IMG_1086artfair IMG_1087artfair IMG_1089artfair IMG_1090artfair IMG_1097artfair IMG_1098artfair IMG_1099artfair IMG_1101artfair IMG_1103artfair IMG_1111artfair IMG_1113artfair IMG_1116artfair IMG_1120artfair IMG_1121artfair IMG_1122artfair IMG_1123artfair IMG_1133artfair IMG_1135artfair IMG_1136artfair IMG_1137artfair IMG_1140artfair IMG_1141artfair IMG_1142artfair IMG_1143artfair IMG_1145artfair IMG_1148artfair IMG_1149artfair IMG_1150artfair IMG_1151artfair IMG_1152artfair IMG_1153artfair IMG_1154artfair IMG_1155artfair IMG_1156artfair IMG_1157artfair IMG_1158artfair IMG_1159artfair IMG_1160artfair IMG_1161artfair IMG_1162artfair IMG_1163artfair IMG_1164artfair IMG_1165artfair IMG_1166artfair IMG_1168artfair IMG_1169artfair IMG_1170artfair IMG_1171artfair IMG_1172artfair IMG_1185artfair

 

The Bay City Strollers

One of the wonderful things that we get to do in the summer, (Or any time of the year, for that matter), is to play a show for children.

We just got a chance to do just that, on Wednesday.  Of course, we had to travel a few hours to accomplish that; but it was well worth it.

Carl and I jumped in the van, and at the chance to do a kids’ show on another side of our wonderful state.  Bay City.

It was a beautiful day, though a little on the sweltering side, for sure.  That being said, it was a very enjoyable ride, across the Zilwaukee bridge.

Arriving in that fair city, we quickly located the waterfront, and our location near the band shell.  When I say, “near” the band shell, I mean, just that.

Of course it would have been wonderful to be on the band shell stage, because, then, we would have been out of the incredible heat.  But now, the stage was reserved for setting up the evening entertainment.

So, we would set up in front of the stage.  Perfect.  What better way to further celebrate just what it means to be an urban rock star.  Also, we would be much closer to the kids.  That was the important reason that we were on the ground.

We prefer to work in close proximity with the kids, so we can interact with them much easier.  After all, we use a tremendous amount of props, and it works much better that way.

So at 11:30, we began our show.  Gearing all the music to either fun songs, or fun things that the children could participate in.

There was a Unicorn, a creaky ship and lots of chicken lips stew all mixed together in a harmony that ended with Sebastian singing about the perils of the Human world.

Hula hoops, bubbles and plenty of shakers gave the youngsters a way to join in on the fun.

The hour flew by, and soon Carl and I were winging our way back to reality in Macomb.

Taking pause before we embarked to gaze up at the rafters of the band shell, where the placards of so many gifted musicians lined the walls.  An amazing testament to years and years of talented musicians who have given so much of themselves to bring entertainment and music to this quaint community.

Although we didn’t leave our publicity still, (We don’t actually have one), we did hopefully leave even more than our sweat and enthusiasm; an enjoyable musical memory.

But that is not for us to decide.

Rb

IMG_0702 IMG_0703 IMG_0704 IMG_0705 IMG_0706 IMG_0707 IMG_0716 IMG_0717 IMG_0718 IMG_0719 IMG_0726 IMG_0730 IMG_0734 IMG_0735 IMG_0736 IMG_0737 IMG_0738 IMG_0739 IMG_0740 IMG_0741 IMG_0742 IMG_0743 IMG_0744 IMG_0745 IMG_0746 IMG_0747 IMG_0748 IMG_0752 IMG_0760 IMG_0761 IMG_0762 IMG_0773 IMG_0776 IMG_0780 IMG_0781 IMG_0787

The Magic Mirror

“Magic mirror won’t you tell me please
Do I find myself in anyone I see?
Magic mirror if we only could
Try to see ourselves as others would.”

Leon Russell, 1972

Our night at the Three Blind Mice was slower than usual, this past Saturday.  That’s ok, though.  It gave us time to reflect.

Reflection can be very enlightening at times.  It gives us pause to look at things we usually never see.  Sometimes it even forces us to look even deeper into ourselves.

That was what we took away from our last show.  When things are going fast and furious, at break-neck speed, it is very difficult to set aside any time to look deeper into where we are as individuals, as well as musically.

Sure, we observe and grouse about everyone else around us in our lives, daily.  But how many times do we look inward?

That is what’s really difficult.  To try and imagine ourselves as the world sees us.  Objectively.  Not real easy, I know.

That level of introspection is just what I experienced the other night, as I sat and talked with several interesting customers.

The night was quite, and that gave Carl and I time to pause and reflect on what was going on in the other people’s lives.  We talked with several people at tables near and far on the main floor of the Mice.  People that come in to share their night with us, are of particular interest.

We begin by offering them an introduction, a chance to share their feelings and eventually a suggestion that we could use to introject one of their favorites into our next set.

Usually, that is a great starting point, to let them get to know us, and eventually break down the barriers of shyness that we hold onto.

After we have played one or more of their favorites, they become even braver in their offerings. All good.  Sometimes, we will share song upon song, until the night has reached its apogee.

This is something that we have always enjoyed.  Probably the challenge of being able to reach back into our repertoire of music and find just the song that will delight the customer.

We began and ended Saturday night in just such a way.  Several conversations with wonderful couples, tables of friends sharing the night, and a big group in search of just the right place to celebrate a birthday.

Each table, each group sharing requests, smiles and cheer.  Reinforcing everything we have always know about ourselves and our customers at The Mice.  A wonderful place to play, to enjoy and simply to, be.

A mirror has the ability to show us what we already know, albeit from another angle.  We see our world as it reflects back at us; making us feel comfortable in what we know and perceive.

However, if we look again.  Look harder.  It sometimes forces us to look at ourselves in a different way.  Deeper, longer and professionally.

Sometimes musically.

It stands to reason, that if we cannot play the music that our patrons wish to hear, we either need to learn it, absorb and understand it, or find a different line of work.  Probably at this point, just be easier to learn the right music.

Well, as slow as it was this Saturday, it turns out that we did in fact know the right music.  We played what people liked; they told us so.  But something else happened beyond that.  Something unlooked for.  Something not of song or rhyme, but of humanity.

I did something that I was not comfortable with, personally.  I looked inside my self, and eventually, was rewarded for it.  Rewarded with the gift of an interesting person’s life story.

Several times over the last couple years, I had seen Summer, but didn’t understand who she was.  I made several un-enlightened assumptions as to who or what she/he was, based on simply watching her from afar.

On a usual night at the Mice, I never would have taken the time to say hello, ask for a request, or even engage in a conversation at all.  But this night was different.

Time seemed to stand still as I sat down and asked her for a request.  She asked if we knew any Beatles.  That was a great beginning; since The Beatles were pretty much why we began playing music in the first place.

That common ground seemed to say to me, that even though we are all different, we are all pretty much, the same.  We began by sharing the Beatles, and then, The Bee-Gees and Elvis.  One song led to another, as one request opened an entire lifetime of conversation.

Summer’s musical requests culminated with her offer to us, to play some songs that we thought were special, or important to us.  That was when Carl reached deep into his musical bag of must-loved songs and pulled out one of his treasured favorites. . .

The Magic Mirror, by Leon Russell.

Leon, you see released that song an an album, (Carny) the very same year that we began playing music; 1972.  Carl had it on something called an 8-Track tape.  We learned most of those songs on that album that summer, and have never really forgotten how it made us both look at a new world in ways we had never even dreamed.

And for two boys in their teens, that reflection opened up many conversations on many summer nights.  All these years later, we know more about ourselves and who we are; but there is much mystery yet in our world.

How after all we have learned about ourselves and the human condition, that we can still treat others with contempt, prejudice, hate and mistrust.  How we would rather fight or shun others, than reach out and love them.

We still seek to know and understand the enigmatic mirror of people and what makes them who they are.  Many times we still feel like those young teens who knew nothing of the wide world.

So, on this night, when given the gift of quiet introspection, I had the opportunity to look deeper, past what I see of a person on the outside.  Past the reflection.

All I had to do was to share something I loved so passionately; music.

And music opened the conversation with Summer.  A very personal conversation.

How she grew up, and never really felt right about herself.  She grew up, a boy.  That, to her, was at the core of her problem.

After a troubled and tumultuous childhood and time as a young adult, Summer moved around and eventually got the courage to be the person that she had always wanted to be.  A decision that was met with cruelty, heartache and at times, euphoria.

We talked about how she was treated during her life, and how people still treat her today.  And, while her story was very interesting, yet foreign to me, it was also very compelling.  In the end, I thought still, that although we are very different, there was still much common ground we shared.

Mostly though, Summer wanted the same things that all people want: some possestions to call her own, the chance to pursue her dreams, and more than anything else, just to be treated kindly by others.  The stuff that Carl and I have been singing about, in one way or another, for more than four decades.

The common ground of our music, led us to look deeper into ourselves on a special night.  That simple introspection allowed me to see things in a way that I never would have before.

Before I looked into the magic mirror.

Rb

IMG_0675 IMG_0676 IMG_0677 IMG_0678 IMG_0679 IMG_0682 IMG_0687 IMG_0688 IMG_0689 IMG_0691

BOB AND CARL