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July 2017

Hot Summer Night

When the temperature hits the eights, the water is the perfect place to be.  Maybe it doesn’t even need to be that hot, but people feel the need; the need to stampede!

. . . To the water, that is.

And they did just that last Saturday night, at Bumper’s Landing, in scenic Harrison Township.  The thermostat was climbing, and the water was beaconing.

It was already busy when Carl and I arrived to set up.  There was even a table of sun-worshipers set up under the gazebo, where we usually play.

It was busy all right, but would soon get even busier.

Our set-up was pretty smooth, and before we knew it, it was time to begin playing.

We launched right into our first set with quiet confidence.   Knowing, the crowd, knowing the weather would be perfect.  Knowing our pace for the evening.  All of these things translated to a very good start to a wonderful night ahead.

Every table was full, and there were people starting to mill about when we finished our first set and got the opportunity to chat with people on our first break.

We really look forward to hearing from the patrons, as they take in all of the sights, sounds and smells of Bumper’s for the first time.  It can be very overwhelming.  (Kind of like our music).

Hawaiian shirts, bathing suits, flip-flops and canines, as far as the eyes could see.  The patio was overflowing, and everyone was loving it!

Shout-out to the hardworking waitstaff at Bumper’s.  Each night, Carl and I tip our hats to the excellent workers that go over and beyond with every shift.  They work as hard as anyone can, and never offer a word of complaint about anything.

We never see them stand still for more than a small moment at any time.  To watch them work as an unit to serve this throng was truly amazing.  We see it, night after night.  The staff at Bumper’s is second to none!

Back to the music.

Our second set was more of us trying to keep up with the barrage of requests that were coming in, hot and heavy.  The warm temperatures didn’t seem to effect the mood of the crowd, as they seemed to be enthusiastic, and loving it!

Between breaks, we had more time to talk to so many happy Bumper’s customers that it hit home the notion that people may not be when they arrive, but soon leave feeling happy!

Something transforms them when they sit by the water, listen to the music, and let themselves become open to the foreign concept of r e l a x a t i o n !

Although the sun set and the lights came out, the thermostat barely dipped at all, making it an perfect ending to a sublime evening on the water.

For our last set of the night, the crowd was more than ready to come up and shake a leg on the dance floor.  (Well, dance area).

We cranked out the tunes and turned up the beat to carry everyone away with the hot summer breeze.  The dancing got even more interesting when as several couples tried to top each other.  In the end, the one with the best top one out.

We finished with a flurry of Elton John and Loggins & Messina.  The music ended just about as hot as the night air.

This was one great, memorable evening by the water.  Going to be tough to top it next Saturday; but by then, we might be up to it.

Rb

Finding Local Treasure

Everyone loves finding treasure.  Carl and I are no exception.

That’s just what we found at The Rec Bowl last night.

A little off the beaten path, A little bit out of the way in Mount Clemens.  Across the river, over the hill, through the city maze, and just out of sight; this hidden gem welcomes the lonely hunter to sit down, to rest and renew, while quenching his thirst, filling his belly, and listening to some of the great bands and entertainers of the region.

Seems too good to be true, but it surely is.

Patty and Freddy Fox have owned and operated The Rec Bowl for decades just outside the city; and lucky people in the know have benefited from their tireless efforts without even knowing.

There has been talk of us playing there for more than thirty years, but until last Friday, we have never had the real opportunity.  That all changed last night.

Everything was easy about our first gig there.  The set up, the staff, the venue.  All things that can be problematic, were so easy that it was apparent that they have done it all before.

In fact, the wall next to the great stage was illustrated with the names and signatures of some of Mount Clemens‘ most talented artist of music.

As Carl and I played our first set, we happened to see many names of musicians that all started with us, so many years ago.  Memories that we both treasure as rich as gold.

The second thing that we noticed on this summer Friday night across the Clinton River was the hustle and bustle of a big fiftieth birthday party.

Apparently Chris was getting older, and all of his friends and family wished to share the night and the occasion.  All nice peoples and all of them sporting huge smiles.

We began tentatively with the music, as acoustically, we had to figure out how to counteract the sound bouncing back from the corner where the band stage was.

Staring a little slower gave us the opportunity to tailor our sound to the room, as best we could.

The patio began to fill up, as the party started to spill out and over.  The bar was full with the regular suspects, all happy in the knowledge that they would each have their share of treasure on his fine night.

The break between sets gave us time to visit with the attentive staff, some wonderful guests and even members of the birthday party.  Everyone we talked to was happy, and some, even proclaimed themselves ready to dance!

So the second set was time to bust out the jams.  Ok, well, our version of that.  We played some Temptations, some Buffett and some Brooks.  Chesney, Morrison and Diamond.

They danced, they sang along, and they even shouted more requests.  We even met some old friends, unlooked for on this interesting night.

More fun, more treasure.

The crowd could have stayed all night, and maybe they did.  For us, though, it was time to play the last song, pack up and move on to tomorrows’ show.

Carl and I know that the next time we want to discover an amazing, but nearly secret place in Mount Clemens, we won’t need a map to find it.  We will simply continue on the road less traveled; through the city, across the river and over the hill.

When the gleam of treasure lights the horizon, we will now that we have found it.  Another good time at The Rec Bowl.

Rb

The Rain, The Dock And Other Things

I saw her sitting in the rain
Raindrops falling on her
She didn’t seem to care
She sat there and smiled at me

Then I knew
She could make me happy
Flowers in her hair
Flowers everywhere


The Cowsills

We’ve been pretty lucky this summer where the specter of rain is concerned.

Even after we take in to consideration our last Saturday night at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Twp, I would ay that we still have gotten off pretty easy.

The rain had been hanging around for about two days, so it was absolutely eminent.  Like I said, we have been very lucky so far.

We have done about forty shows outside since the last time that we were caught in a deluge at Great Oaks, as I recall.

So a little summer shower was in the cards, it would seem.  No reason to postpone the party.  Or, even a night out, for that matter.

Just as we set up, the rain began in earnest.  What began as a fine mist, turned into a strong downpour.

Mother nature would have to do better than that, to dampen the spirits of the stouthearted folk who occupy barstools at Bumper’s, though.

Rain? Please.

They hardly even flinch when it comes to rain.  They simply move away from the mist and continue the party.

So when the first forty minutes of Saturday evenings’ show was spent tending to our valuable tarps, the party was just waiting to burst when the sun eventually poked it’s head back out.

The people, sensing the break a break in the weather, came back, Lilliputian-style as we removed our tarps and shook off the droplets to begin our first song.

There was nothing that the rain could do on this night to scatter the fun, as more and more people pouring into the bar to take part in the newly found revery.

We started fast and hard, with some Creedence Clearwater Revival to dry up what was left of the rain.  Jimmy Buffet was sure to do the tricks was Gordon Lightfoot with his, “Sundown“.

The patio was hopping now.  There were dancers, and singers and well-wishers and wonder; always an amazing place to simply sit and people-watch.

Feeling guilty that we started late, Carl and I more than made up for it, with a long, long first set.  All good.

Thought the clouds were hanging around, most everyone was pretty confident that they would not dampen the party any further.

Every table was full.  every par stool was occupied inside and out, and the patrons were sincerely setting in for the evening.  You could just tell that as long as we were playing, they would be there listening.

So many great people stopped to tell us how much they enjoy the music.  So many gracious friends, made us feel valued.  The staff, though very busy, always seemed to ask us if we needed anything.

The rain might fall, but it can never break up the party at Bumper’s.

Our second set was just about as long as the first, or longer; as we did all that we could to make things right after the slow beginning.

We met many happy people on this Saturday evening, and it really gave us a great feeling about how hard we worked to share our music.  Knowing that we are appreciated goes a long way in giving us the fuel that we need to keep going.

There are many nights just like that.  It is the people that keep us playing. Always, the people.

When something like rain, or wind, or equipment that fails, or computers that break down, or general craziness occurs, we can muddle through; but, it tales its’ toll on us, in the end.

We play for the people.  The fans, the patrons, the friends, relatives, and customers.

We take our catalog of incredible music that has been created by the legends and icons of our generation, and share it with the wonderful people that congregate at our shows.

It is though the music that we are able to share our talents and emotions, to create an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.

Even the rain cannot drown the feeling.

There were birthdays and anniversaries.  Gatherings and celebrations.  There were get-togethers and parties; all within a few feet of each other, and they all shared one common thread: The celebration of life.

The music continued even after the sun went down.  soon, the mosquitoes were out in force, and after that, the fish-flies headed our way.  Even a plague of that magnitude could not keep us from cranking out the tunes to the delighted patrons.

The storm had broken, and out of the rain came an outpouring of happy people.  Always happens around here.

On any given day, or summer for that matter, a little rain must fall.  But it doesn’t have to end the party.  At least, not ever at Bumper’s Landing!

Rb

Boat People

Boat people got it all.

No, I’m not referring to possessions, fortune or fame.  I’m talking about being happy.

Happy is the one thing that everyone is chasing.  Maybe they just a aren’t looking in the right place, because as far as I can tell, it’s right there, by the water.

I can say that because happy is what we encounter as we roll up to the Tiki bar at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township, every time we play.

We look at the people who are already there, and they are happy.  We set up and get ready to play, and they are happy.

We play music, we drink, we people watch, and they are happy.

If it rains . . . happy.

If it snows . . .            well, I’m not sure, but I guarantee they would be out playing in it with big smiles on their faces!

You see a pattern here, at all?

We do.  Boaters are the happiest people we have encountered.  No matter what, they arrive, they enjoy, and the whole time, they are happy.

Carl and I feel that it probably doesn’t matter what we do or play, because, they would still be right where they are, smiling, drinking, laughing, boating.

Its all good, all right.

That is the biggest reason that we love playing at Bumper’s.  Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty more reasons.

The staff is so hard working and dedicated.  They take care of us, and treat us with friendship and respect.  (you don’t always get that.)

The venue has a great vibe for musicians.  For a stage, there is a nice pavilion that is shaded and easily accessible.

The owner treats the help like they are real people.  That is a rarity these days.  He obviously knows the value of hard work, because, you can see him setting up ,tearing down and even busing tables as needed.

When staff people see the big boss working as hard as he does, they will work even harder and longer, since they feel a kinship and appreciation.

So with that “happy” mentality, we began our musical journey on Saturday afternoon at six O’clock, by the water.

It was busy, and about to get really busy.  That suits us just fine, as the music got increasingly faster, livelier and more personal.

The crowd was all-in as they beer-lifted the boaters up a wave to another whole elevation.

Out came the hula-hoop accompanied by more and more dancers.  People were everywhere.  The outside as well as the inside was packed with more and more happy revelers.

We try and play to our audience, as the evening progresses.  We played for more than five hours and really only took three breaks.  That is how much fun we were having!

Just when you think that it can’t be any better at Bumper’s, it proves us wrong!

The boaters bring out the best in us, as was we try to desperately keep up.  We can bring the music all right; the smiles are on them.

And, the Happy is free for everyone to share.

Rb

 

 

Another Summer Of Love

“If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some gentle people there”

Scott Mckenzie

This summer of 2017 will be fifty years since the one and only “Summer of love“.

Fifty summers since the one incredible, amazing, tempestuous summer of 1967 that changed not only the world, but how we as a society eternally view ourselves.

The summer of ’67 was a artistic, cultural and political watershed that forever stamped an idealistic movement of young and wide-eyed innocent self-rightous optimists into our memory.

I say that because Carl and I grew up in the sixties, and it was then that we became musically aware of how artists can reach out and change the world with something as simple as song.

We witnessed it so many times in those days; but only now, in retrospect, can we take a greater part in the timeless unfolding of its’ ideals and values.

Those young people shunned the mantra of outdated thoughts and attitudes: To work and slave for “The Man“, only to come home to your two bedroom ranch with the one car and TV dinner.

The youth of that time, yearned to break free from the mantle of what their parents thought was important.  To reach out and embrace other people of the world with love and peace, rather than hate and violence.

They protested the war in Vietnam.  They distrusted the government, and they railed against pollution, waste and corporate greed.

Those things still bother the youth of today, however they are simply inept in any attempt at expressing it artistically.

Fifty years ago, the world was alive with the sounds of young, talented musicians from every nation, joining together to create a movement of hope, love and peace.

Those musical influences spawned an entire generation of counter-culture idealists, better known as “Hippies”.

Those hippies walked a path of love and righteousness, rather than one of turmoil and oppression.

Most of that change that began in the early sixties, gathered momentum year after tumultuous year, until by the end of the decade manifested itself in upstate New York, at a small farm, that will forever be known as The Woodstock Music & Art Fair.

Those thought and ideals we were born of, are still part of musical thread that we attempt to weave during each performance we play.

Understanding rather than mistrust.
Hope rather than darkness and doubt.
Love and unity rather than racism and deceit.

The music that we play each night is sprinkled liberally with those values; values that have always been treasured by us in our own lives.

They are nothing new, yet, it seems that fifty years later, they are all but forgotten.

On a suddenly hot and sunny Thursday evening in Sterling Heights, fifty years after its’ initial spark, that incredible movement was re-kindled.

A local band born of its’ ideals was coming to town to re-awaken the very best attributes of the hippy movement in those attending their concerts.

The Magic Bus plays music from the late sixties through Woodstock.  They are a tribute band that doesn’t focus on one band, but on a musical time of our youth.

Seven very talented musicians create a musical time machine that transports everyone within earshot back to that cherished moment in our lives.

No time in the twentieth century was as fertile for music growth and expression as the late 60’s.  It is when popular music came of age.  Songs in our modern culture went from simple melodies of wide-eyed love and happiness, to stinging anthems of social awakening and protest.

All of those songs that crafted the heartbeat of a generation are still alive and kicking when the Magic Bus gets together to play.

Since Carl and I have such a fond reverence for that musical era, and those songs, we have felt a very special kinship with that band.

We do what they do, so to speak.

One of the reasons that we have always played was to keep alive and express those thoughts and ideals of the best of each artists and their music.

We do it one song at a time.

Thursday evening, we opened for the Magic Bus at Dodge park.  We took the stage at exactly 6:30 and did a whirl-wind thirty minute set.  Our goal was to light the fire of the sixties’ sound so when the Bus took the stage, they would build it to a feverish musical pyre, worthy of any headband wearing anarchist.

We opened with The Everly Brothers.  Happy-go-lucky music, designed to simply get peoples’ toes tapping.  We ventured under the boardwalk, and out in the rain; The Drifters and Credence Clearwater Revival, respectively.

We played a three song Dylan retrospective, to honor the sounds the musical and cultural icon.  Even in our accelerated state, we could see that the song-seeds were beginning to take root in the receptive audience.

Song after song began to weave the musical tapestry needed to tell our important story.

We finished our twelve song set with the legendary Hollies tune: Bus Stop.  Our way of handing the torch to the group that everyone was there to hear.

After quickly clearing our gear off the stage, the Magic Bus cracked up the magical-mysery tour to full speed as they played song after treasured song, to the delight of the enraptured fans.

Carl and I watched and listened to every note as the magical night wrapped around us.

This show will be one of the warm, treasured memories for us.  One that we can take great pride in being a small musical part of.

Rb

 

 

 

Enchanted Night

Sometimes, even in this business, everything can go right.

It doesn’t happen very often, mind you, but occasionally, it does happen.

Just such an occurrence came to pass this past Saturday afternoon, as we arrived at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Twp.  We thought that it might be a little cool and cloudy, as the weather had been “bumpy” most of the day.

As you already know, the weather in Michigan is an iffy proposition on most days, but in the summer, when its hot, hot, hot, a storm could manifest itself almost instantaneously.

On Saturday afternoon, although not in danger of storming, the air was cool and a little disenchanting, if I was a boater. (Which, sadly I am not).

It seemed like the type of day that could go either way in an moment.  However, when Carl and I arrived to set up, the wind stood down and the sun came out to bless everyone.

The boaters were already in place doing what boaters do: enjoying each and every shred of each moment.

After a smooth set-up, Carl and I gathered ourselves for the first set; still aching and tired from yesterdays’ long evening of playing.  We thought that maybe we would put it on auto-pilot and let the music do the rest.

Nope.

Right from the very first song the audience was engaged and empowered.  They directed us to play song after song of each and every genre possible.

That was fine as well.  You know how we love to be requested.

So the music was flowing, the wonderful staff of amazing waiters and waitresses, did all that they could to bring us liquid refreshments and encouragement.

The afternoon was settling in to an almost picture-perfect setting all around.

People poured into Bumper’s faster than we could even imagine.  That’s fine by us, we would love to entertain them all.  Smiles were everwhere.

Patrons wanted to request songs, shake hands, take pictures with us.  It was so much fun that we didn’t want it to end.

Inside was crowded, outside was packed and the boats were still coming in!

Dogs, dresses, cover-ups, hats, beer, nachos and sunglasses ruled the dock-side.

Before we even knew it, we were into our last set under the watchful eye of Mr. Moonlight.

It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday 
And the manager gives me a smile 
‘Cause he knows that it’s me they’ve been comin’ to see 
To forget about life for a while

Billy Joel

Sometimes, its hard to describe any singular show that we perform.  There are always things that stand out about any gig we entertain at; and this one was no exception.

What we’ll remember about this particular Saturday night, is simply how each and every phase of it was absoloutly perfect.  The people, the night, the music, all as good as it gets.

When people ask us how we enjoy being “Rock Stars”, we always laugh.  However, sometimes, when everything is perfection, it feels pretty damned good!

Rb

Country Living

Being a member of an country club has got to be a pretty great feeling.

Being with good friends and all-around wonderful people in an idyllic setting to play the challenging pastime of golf; pretty amazing.

Well, Carl and I are not members of Gowanie Country Club in Mount Clemens, but we did get the opportunity to entertain some of their members last Friday evening.

I think that all in all, it was a very enjoyable evening for everyone involved.

After a leisurely set-up, Carl and I settled in for a smooth afternoon of playing.  It was our first show at this venue in a couple years, and the very first engagement to entertain their membership.

If Fridays’ event was any gauge of what to expect, I certainly hope that we will be back in a bigger capacity.  The members that we chatted with during our breaks and even during our performance thoroughly enjoyed what they heard.

The music seemed right in their sweet-spot, as we played request after request to the delight of the group.

The food, drink and music all seemed to be the perfect formula on this wonderful summer evening.

There were lots of clouds and storms for regular people in Macomb County, but none for the members of Gowanie.  As the wind and clouds raced past us, we became nervous of what might happen to the picturesque evening; but quickly dismissed it as weatherman’ folly.

The only thing that tried to dampen an otherwise perfect setting were the suddenly ravenous mosquitoes.

Although they drove the members inside to the bar for our last half hour of the night; they couldn’t stop the show.

Carl and I just grabbed our acoustic guitars, and followed the people inside for an impromptu serenade by the bar!

What fun!

We are coming back again to Gowanie, and will be looking forward to it with great fervor.

It was a great night.  Thanks to everyone who made us feel like, members for the night!

Rb

 

 

A Fourth Of A Kind!

If you know anything about our summer gigs for the last, say, thirty years, you will know that Carl and I have played each and every Memorial Day – Fourth of July – Labor Day at The Great Oaks Golf and Country Club, in Rochester Michigan.

Its been pretty close to thirty years now that we have been asked back there on those dates, and we have enjoyed it immensely.

This year, for the fourth, Great Oaks, went with a DJ.  (Thats music entertainment jargon for a Disk Jockey).  (Now, don’t ask me what a “disk” is, because I simply don’t remember!)

Anyway, since we were no longer scheduled to work at the Oaks, we thought that we would take the good people at Bumper’s Landing up on their invitation to stop by there for the 4th and entertain.

They are so very good to us at Bumper’s Landing, we hardly can refuse anything they ask us to do.

On this particular fourth, we needed to begin at 4:00 Pm.  They thought that maybe we could stretch out the day, to give people even more time to enjoy the entertainment.  (even though, the entertainment, was US!)

We set up in the cool of the music pavilion, after some nice guests were so kind to let us displace them.

At four, the music did begin, appropriately enough with some Jimmy Buffet.  Once began, we could hardly slow down at all; with Buffet, Lightfoot, Morrison and company, close behind.

When we eventually did take a break, we connected with several really nice people who made their requests important to us.

By now, you know how much we enjoy playing patrons’ requests.  Well, its safe to say, that it’s a LOT!

Once into the mid part of the second set, we noticed an entire group of fans from Great Oaks, had gone on a “Field trip”, to come see us.

How cool is that?

They said that the DJ, was not quite their cup of tea; so they packed up the kids and grabbed the ladies and headed to Mount Clemens, to catch us live.

That really says a great deal about some wonderful people, and it bit about how much people appreciate how hard we work to entertain.

Five O’Clock soon turned into six, and then seven and song after song, and request after request.  Carl and I tried to make America proud, by evoking what we all love about our great land through interpretive song.

There sure is a lot to like about being free in America; no matter how disgruntled people may be these days.

Boaters sure have an amazing time.  They gather and drink, and smile and laugh and poke fun, and request and occasionally fall in the lake.

Oh well, it happens!

We are really enjoying playing at Bumper’s this summer.  By the calendar, it will  be year three for us; but it seems all new since the re-model.  So many people have told us how they love all the hard work that the owner and staff have put into making this venue the best place not he water to have fun.

The people were all having a wonderful time, right up until 9:30 when we called it a musical day.

We will return Saturday afternoon to pick up right where we left off, hopefully.

We know we will work hard.  We know that the boaters will be smiling and partying.  We know that things will go on that we might see, but not understand.

We know all of these things; and a little more each time we play.

We know that we missed the Great Oaks this 4th of July, but will return there in September.

That being said, we also know that being at Bumper’s for this years’ independence day was en event we won’t soon forget.

God Bless America!

Rb

 

BOB AND CARL