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September 2016

Thirty and Counting

On Friday night at the Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mt. Clemens Michigan, there was a big celebration.  Ryan Taylor had his 30th birthday party in our pub, and shared it with us.  The best part is that Ryan is my nephew, and a pretty great kid.

Even though he has an awesome job, a wonderful new bride and some of the best friends a guy could ask for, he still shared his big night with his family and everyone at the Mice. We were just lucky enough to be there to entertain.  And what a night it was.

The evening began very quickly, as a group of our fans descended on us before we were even set up with a long list of requests, created by somewhat of an committee.

No problem at all.

In fact, it is well known that Carl and I really enjoy a good challenge.  We began our first set with several of those requests, and the night escalated from there.

The list was long and very thorough; with two sides, actually.  Probably the best list of requests that we have ever been a part of.  It must have taken a very long time to come up with all of those artists and songs.  The very least we could do would be to honor it appropriately enough, but playing as many of them as we could.

After the first set was in the books, we had barely made a dent in it, but had plenty more to offer.  The birthday party was ramping up nicely, as more and more chairs became added to the party table.  (Quite understandably, really, as Ryan is quite the celebrity.  Among all the things he does, he has been modeling and has even been part of a commercial that aired nationally).  The mouse was full and roaring, at that point.

What ensued was a battle-royal for what song we would sing next.

With both tables vying for our musical attention, there were no innocent bystanders. Everyone was now part of the audio fallout.  We sang Irish, country, pop, oldies, island and even a few novelty tunes thrown into the mix, as the evening settled in nicely.

The entire first floor was packed, with the upstairs being open for the first time this fall. It was a very good night.

With a crowd of this size, it would be normal to assume that the wait-staff couldn’t keep up; not true!  The gals that work at The Mice are some of the hardest working, nicest, smartest, most patient women that we have had the great fortune to work with.

From the kitchen, to the serving floor to back behind the bar, every one of them excels at what they do.  They are real testament to the owners and management staff, as each one of them gives their all to each and every customer, with a smile on their faces.

Carl and I see everything that goes on as we entertain, and generally don’t take enough time to thank them for making our job easier.  Also, they bring us beer, so there’s that.

Anyway, back to the birthday party that began winding down around midnight.  It seemed a huge success.  I know that we had a wonderful time, just being part of it.

There were friends, there was family, there was even cake, and singing, and laughing, and shots and just some making of wonderful memories.  It means so much to us when a group wants to share their big events with us.  It really says a lot.

Everyone seemed to be in great spirits on this Friday evening.  We had old friends gather in the corner and stay most of the night.  We also had friends at the bar-top stay for a few drinks before surrendering to dinner hunger.  We even had the return of one special guy named Boo.

Yep!

So, all and all, it was another memorable night at The Mice.  And just when we thought that it couldn’t get any more memorable, the door opened, and twenty people all walked in, around midnight.

Seems as though a group that was performing at The Double D Bar & Grill down the street, had a problem with their gig.  Their bar had to close down, so they thought they would take their friends and their party up-town to the Three Blind Mice!

It’s always something in this business.  Carl and I were only too happy to give up our stage so that they could do their last set for their friends.

The Shelly Miller Band grabbed our guitars and away they went.  (Well, musically, that is).

Shelly began belting out some of her best/most passionate originals as her crowd cheered them on.  Incredible guitar playing and tight harmonies made listening to their band very enjoyable.  Great to see two wonderful performers, so into their music.

After their stunning set, Carl and I took back the stage for one more song to put a nightcap on this memorable evening.

Thirty years goes by pretty fast, I’ll tell you.  And its getting faster by the day.  we were there for many of the birthdays in Ryan’s life, and hope to be for many more.

We know that he will make the most of his days, just like he has so far.  We wish him well, and plan to be part of the next celebration, if in ten, twenty of fifty years!

Rb

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Last Bump

So with the close of the summer season, it was time to say goodbye to the Bumper’s boaters. We played the final show of this incredible summer; and what a summer it was.

Interestingly enough, Saturday night was a complete microcosm of our time at Bumper’s Landing.  One set hot, one set cool, and most of them enjoyable and eminently memorable.

Our arrival at five O’clock was announced by an pleasant and mostly problem free set-up.  We met some fun people who wanted nothing more than one more chance at prolonging their endless summer.  They were geeked up, and ready to rock N’ roll.  No problem, that was just what we were there for.  We began fast and amped up right out of the gate.  Seems as though this group of boat people didn’t come across the water to find freedom, but to party down!

They needed 80’s music, and that was fine too.  We could do that.  So, we played some eighties, mixed with country, pop and some of the best classic rock any group could muster.

The first set was fast and furious, as request after request came showering down on our unsuspecting heads.  As we got our sea legs under us, we were more than happy to oblige each and every request that was lobbed our way.  That is, except that legendary Journey classic, “Wheel In The Sky“.  Sorry boys.

Well, they must have been pretty happy, because they sent us the appropriate thank you; two delectable shots of Jack Daniel’s whiskey!

When Carl and I reconvened to offer our second set of the evening, the sun was just about going down.  That was our que to play the Kenny Chesney hit of the same name, to the delight of everyone those country fans on the patio.

Just about then, we noticed that there was another class reunion in the house. The Warren high school class of 1981 was gathering to say hello to their long lost classmates.  Seems as though the high school was going to meet inside for the moment, although we would stand fast and man our post under the sheltering pavilion.

The darkness fell on the waterfront, and with it, a gusty wind that sent many of the patrons inside for warmth.  We stayed outside to share our music with the hardy customers who snuggled together by the cabana.

Under the navigational lights of the bar-top, we let loose with the dancyest songs in our repertoire.  The breeze died down just as the patrons found their second wind.  We finished the night with more Johnny Cash, and a little bit of Willie Nelson, as we announced it was time for us to be “On The Road Again“.

People were happy, satisfied and just this side of content.  We couldn’t have asked for any more than that, as the summer of sixteen came to an magnanimous conclusion.

It seems as though Carl and I will be back again next summer, as Paul, Natasha and company were so very enjoyable to work with.

Next year should be better than ever.  The word is out about Bumper’s Landing, and the word is . . . FUN!

Rb

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Sunday In Flat Rock

Today, we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

We returned to Flat Rock’s annual Riverfest this Sunday afternoon to entertain some of the most appreciative people we have ever had the great fortune to played for.

The weather was picture perfect, (to start), and the setting was just as picturesque.   On a sunny September afternoon, what place could be better to take the entire family?

Everywhere you looked you could see revelers enjoying this amazing day.  Families were out sampling the food, the drinks, the rides, the atmosphere and the wonderful entertainment, all around them.  Smiles were as plentiful as popcorn.

It was our job on this, the final day of Riverfest, to bridge the entertainment gap during the time it took one band to finish and the next one to begin.

Carl and I played under the calm and quiet of the Riverfest beer tent.  People sat, relaxed and enjoyed the music while sipping on the latest micro-brew.

This idyllic setting needed nothing more than music and a simple desire to retreat from the world, to be the perfect lasting memory.  We could do the music part, that is, with a little help from some very talented bands.

In Flatrock, they love their country music, their rock and even their rock ‘n roll.  No wonder we fit in so well there.  Even the mayor comes out to enjoy the day while glad-handing his contented constituents.

The prefect formula for us is a light day of entertaining and interacting with other local bands, then taking in the event and enjoying some relaxation both mental, physical and liquid all.

To begin, Carl and I set up in the roomy beer tent to the left of the stage and adjacent to the VIP tent on the other side.  The “courtyard” in the middle was a perfect place to listen to whatever band was playing.  They have scheduled continuos entertainment throughout the weekend, an idea that is entirely focussed on the enjoyment factor.

When we arrived, The Roosters were belting out the rock music. Heavy on the Tom Petty, they had everyone that was listening, tapping their toes with musical enjoyment.  Another good local band, it was a perfect way to begin music at the park.  The played for an hour as the sound of whirling amusement rides filled in the quiet moments between rock favorites.

As soon as their set was complete, Carl and I fired up the Bob and Carl machine.  Just a few tables gathered in the big beer tent, but on a day like this, it was nice to play no matter if it were ten or ten thousand.

After a short set, it was time to give way to a very young and talented Athen’s Creek band.  Their forte was doing the young country hits in their own semi-acoustic style.  Everything they did sounded great, and soon more and more people were finding their way over to the music area of the park to take a listen.

As they finished, it was once again time for us to show the crowd a little different way of approaching relaxation town. It was right there in front of them, but simply needed the acoustic road map that only we could provide.

After an hour of sing-a-long songs, done just right on this sunny afternoon, we got the word that the next group was running a little late.  That was really our sue to play another half hour.  No problem.   It was so enjoyable, we felt that we could have played all afternoon in the park.

Eventually, the final band took the stage to put the finishing touches on entertainment that had been running nearly none-stop all weekend long.

Crush came all the way from Toronto to share their tribute to the legendary Bon Jovi band.

They assaulted the stage with their talent and musicianship, totally dominating the attention of every enthusiastic fan in attendance. If you closed your eyes, it would have been nearly impossible to tell the difference between Crush and Jon Bon Jovi as hit after hit was offered and enjoyed during their two hour set.

We were heading home, knowing that we did all we could to help the park goes from Flatrock have the very best time possible.

We certainly hope to be able to do it all again next year, as this concert ushered in annually the fall season, and bids adieu to a summer that will some day take on mystical status.

Rb

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Labor Of Love

Playing music at Great Oaks Country Club in beautiful Rochester Michigan is about as close as any music event gets.

The club is nestled in the countryside of amazing, upscale Rochester, with easy access to any major road in the area; so its a breeze to get to.

The venue is beautiful inside and out; with every detail immaculately maintained for optimum elegance for its membership.

Plus, we are playing on the pool deck, so close to the “beautiful people” that we probably should have a restraining order.

We begin early in the day, and end in the afternoon: Perfect!  No late nights here.

The food is plentiful and delicious.  The scenery is spectacular and they even pay us for it!

As we were telling one of the long-time members this weekend, Brian Connolly brought us to the Oaks from Gowani Golf Course in Harrison township, back in the early 90’s.

Brian’s focus in those years was to challenge the old-school mentality of a club that catered to adult golfers, and broaden its appeal to include families, kids and team athletics.

In the early days, we played music for the older members down by the great oaks, themselves.  A group of oak trees down in the valley past the clubhouse.

They were removed in the late nineties to make room for some social improvements.  When that transpired, we moved to the tennis courts.  Some years later, under the new management, we were moved to our current location by the pool deck.

The transformation took some years, but the difference is astounding, as evident in these holiday pictures taken of the current membership enjoying the pool.

Now, at Great Oaks, Families rule!

Brian has long since moved on, however, we are still part of his enduring legacy.  We have played each Memorial, Fourth Of July and Labor Day since.  We treasure our time at Great Oaks; the venue, the members, the music and the memories.

After each and every performance, we still hear welcome comments from the delighted members.  They still seem as happy to hear our music as we are to offer it.

This year was no exception, as the mixture of perfect weather, sumptuous food and adult beverages plied the smiling faces and exuberant bodies into a state of musical nirvana.

Carl and I hope to entertain under the Great Oaks for many, many more years.  Ok, by the pool, but you get the idea!

RB

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The Mouse Returns

They’re back.  The Three Blind Mice, that is; from a long summer vacation.

Friday night Carl and I enjoyed a wonderful night of music and fun as we entertained the crowd at the Mice.

Patrons have been away for the most part this summer; on their boats and their patios or outdoor malls.  But, inside a pub in the late evening, is not where they have been for the most part.

While we have had lots of fun, the crowds have been thin and early to elope.

Now with the fall nearly upon us, the urge to gather together with food and ale has united people in the quest for a night out with entertainment.  Glad to oblige everyone.

It was nearly full when we began on Friday, with requests beckoning us, right out of the gate.

It was quite apparent, early on that this night was going to be a bit different than those that we have had lately, as the crowds began to grow after the first set was completed.

Our usual mellow opening music quickly gave way to a bevy of un rehearsed up-tempo hits , to the delight of the enthusiastic audience.  Our customary Jimmy Buffett appetizer was now transformed into a delicious John Denver entree.

A old Pirate Looks At Forty gave way to a majestic Rocky Mountain High.  I doubt that on this night, it mattered much what we played; it was more about that way we played them.  We kept the tempo high and loose and the music fun and daring.  Just what the people needed.

During our first break, we got to know several of the happy customers who stopped by on this particular Friday night.  People from West Bloomfield, people from Troy, people from Tennessee, all sharing a night out with food, drink and fun.

Carl and I spent our second set playing our version of Stump The Band: the game where we throw out some music trivia, and make the audience think a little bit, without the aid of their precious cell phones.

We won, as we usually do, since most everyone pales in comparison to our uncanny musical knowledge.  Ok, except some old guy who knew that Fire was written by Bruce Springsteen.  Lucky guess, probably!

Anyway the night was going great.  People would give us requests and delight as we shared our version of their favorite songs with them.  It was a challenge that we were more than ready to except.

For the most part this summer, the nights would start out good, but then dissipate quickly like fish flies in the breeze; but not tonight.  Tonight the crowd got bigger as the night wore on.

We hauled out all of our party music, and even dusted off the classic tale: A Boy Named Sue, for a very special request.

I was a great high to begin what we hope to be a wonderful fall.  This summer of sixteen has been magical.  If this fall is even somewhere close, it will be the stuff memories are made of.

Rb

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The Summer Wind

“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”

Johnny Mercer

Yeah, it wasn’t that romantic.

The summer wind came in all right, and nearly blew us off the patio.  It was cold, it was windy and it was lonely.  Awe.  I know, poor urban rock stars, right?

Of course, I’m exaggerating.  It wasn’t that bad.

We were scheduled to play Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Twp. right on the banks of the scenic Clinton River, beginning at 6:00.

The only problem was it was in the fifties, and very windy.  Carl and I have learned that when it rains at Bumper’s the boaters just hunker down inside.  It is very busy and fun and happy.  When it’s windy and ccccold . . .  we just play on the patio to mostly ourselves.

There were a couple of hearty groups of people out there to keep us company, and enthusiastically endorse each song choice.  But, for the most part, we were alone in the darkness.

Not a problem, as it doesn’t happen too many times.  We played, played and kept playing.  From 6:00 until 10:00 Pm.

Our interaction with those wonderful people was what stood out about the evening.  One group contacted us online telling us that they had seen us before and were going to be at our evening event.  An awesome way to show support.

Another group of friends were just out enjoying the camaraderie, and happened to hear us for the first time.  They were very kind and generous with their requests, and hung around until it was dark.

The other couple was enjoying the music so much, that they stayed around, even though it was cold and breezy.  We even had the opportunity to play a very special song for them.

Shout out to Nadine!

That made our night, as it showed us the strength and power of music and the connection please have with it.

Other than that, the night went by pretty fast, and will be remembered as just another night when it would be great to have Sonny Elliot on our eternal speed dial.  That way, we wouldn’t have a problem knowing wether to set up inside, outside or not at all.

RB

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
The summer wind
Warm summer wind
Mmm, the summer wind

 

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BOB AND CARL