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August 2019

A Change Is Gonna’ Come

We all knew it was coming.

We realize that before we know it, the weather will cool and it will be time to put away the summer toys and put up holiday decorations.

It’s funny how something as simple as a few degrees cooler on the thermometer can signal all of that and more.

“You know, it’s Labor Day weekend . . .” one regular customer said to me last night at Bumper’s Landing.  “It gets rainy after Labor Day.” he said.  And with the rain comes changes in all aspects of life here in Michigan.

We do put away most of our summer toys.  And with them quiet contemplation, relaxation and the slower pace that seems to renew our spirit.

We stow our travel, our vacations and our inhibitions along with our bathing suits, pool toys and flip-flops.

But more than that, our entire persona changes as back-to-school takes center stage.

Can holiday madness be far behind?

After Labor Day, we begin the rush of everything that comes with a Michigan fall and winter.  It happens so fast, we hardly can take a breath.

We shift our focus from flip-flops to football, our attention from potlucks to pumpkins and our thoughts from golf, gladiolas and glamping to ghosts, giblets and garland.

Oh, it happens fast all right, somehow turning on a dime some years.  That transition when it’s eighty nine one day and sixty two the next, with storm clouds hovering and the threat of winter winds on the horizon.

That was how it seemed last night, as college football took center stage and people chose to sit inside in stead of by the water.

It was sunny, but there was a message in the wind that seemed to make everything about ten degrees cooler in the soul.  The message was . . .  “Enjoy it while you can, because a change is gonna’ come.”

We were outside, Carl and I.  And to be honest, the folks who sat outside with us seemed not to notice a thing as the evening got cooler.  They loved it, and made sure that we got their favorite request to help them enjoy it even more.

Remember, boater are hearty, happy and healthy drinkers; so nothing like a few dips in the old thermometer will really rattle their cages too terribly.

They did what they always do, had fun!

Our first and second sets were a collection of songs that we don’t play all that often.  On this particular evening, we thought that we might just do some more eclectic type of songs.  You know, songs that we think are great, but maybe don’t get as much play as the more popular music.

The response was positive.  Then again, these people seem to love most anything or everything that we play.

We played more sets and more songs, but couldn’t help thinking how this summer soon will pass for good.  It will soon be gone.   Another wonderful warm memory of pleasant days and nights that could have been.

Soon the sun set, and with it most of the people who occupied the deck.  They came inside at this point to get warm and enjoy the evening glow that had settled on Bumper’s.

We finished to a few hearty souls and realized as we packed up our gear just how important it is to have someone who is always there for us.  Someone we can always trust, no matter what.

For those of you who love anniversaries and celebrate them often, remember August 31st, 2019.  There is defiantly a change in the wind.  It’s not just coming; it is here.

Rb

I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I’ve been running ev’r since
It’s been a long time, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

It’s been too hard living, but I’m afraid to die
‘Cause I don’t know what’s up there, beyond the sky
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

I go to the movie and I go downtown
Somebody keep tellin’ me don’t hang around
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knockin’ me
Back down on my knees, oh

There have been times that I thought I couldn’t last for long
But now I think I’m able to carry on
It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will

 

 

Irish Heritage And More

Entertaining at Jimmy John’s Field has been a tradition since it opened, some years ago.  We were there on the very first night, and we have been back ever since.

Always a great time, always challenging and always wonderful to be a part of the Jimmy John’s tradition of baseball and good family entertainment.

This year was no exception as we had the opportunity to share the evening with friends, family and even some who were not able to make the trek out.  (Well, they had other things more important to do . . .)

The night Was perfect, and as always, the hospitality was top-notch!

Arriving early, we had the chance to watch the staff of this cute little ballpark go through their paces as they readied the stadium for its’ loyal fans.

We were set up in no time, and even had the great fortune to run into a few fans of our own, the indomitable Brad Savage, and the legendary Cockroach band manager, Sir Paul Stevens.  (wow!)

As if that wasn’t enough, Carl and I were able to do a meet-n-greet with NHL Hall Of Fame announcer, Michael, “Doc” Emrick

He was just about the nicest guy in the world and quite gracious as we had the chance to talk Irish music and baseball.  (but alas, no hockey.)

By then, it was time for us to play our opening songs before the game got underway.

Soon, with the sounds of Irish folk music wafting from the diamond, we settled in to our perch outside of the centerfield fence, awaiting our next chance to play.

It was only after the game was in full motion that we had the next opportunity to get everyone singing along.  The Unicorn was the perfect choice to bring Ireland to America in under ninety seconds.

During our breaks I had the chance to canvas the ballpark, chatting with people and taking in the sights.  Everyone seemed happy as the game played in the background.

Guinness was represented in kegs, in glasses, on sportswear and even in a few bellies, as the seventh inning stretch arrived before we even knew it.

The dancers danced, we played, the dog chased the frisbee and the ball game was a runaway for the Unicorns as they drubbed the Hoppers.  Well what would you expect on Irish Heritage Night!

Rb

Fifty Years, 50 Smiles!

We were lucky enough to be asked to entertain for a wonderful couple who were celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary, on August 25th, 2019.

It was to be held at the Gazebo hall in Warren,  Michigan.  We arrived very early and had the good fortune to meet a very sweet lady who was in charge of watching the hall while the entire party was still at mass.

She showed us around, told us stories and made us feel at ease very comfortable, even before we met the guests for the evening.

It was the perfect way to ease into a wonderful party, where all of the guests were there to honor the happy couple.

Soon, the doors opened and the guests poured through them ready for a wonderful evening of food, music, dancing and celebrating.

We were approached by the daughter of the groom who shared her vision of the entire evening.  She had worked very hard to honor her mom and dad, and we felt excited to be a large part of it.

The music was quiet and reserved to start.  Background music, actually, with just a hint of anything that would take the attention away from the bride and groom of fifty years.

Our entire first set was more listening music than anything else.  Songs that wouldn’t overpower or overbear the mood or the guests.

Dinner was the next thing on the agenda, and our time to really shine.

It was our chance to connect with the guests while they chatted and settled in for the evening.

We played music that told stories, had adventures and illustrated what life can bring out in two people who loved each other with all their hearts and souls.

There were speeches, toasts and stories of the long married couple by the children, friends and well-wishers.

From there, Carl and I took over as it was time to open up the throttle and get the people dancing to the beat.

All of the guests were involved at this point.

The kids were playing, the bride and groom were sharing stories of their lives and dispensing advice to others of how a happy  life can be attained.

It was a very rewarding evening.

It certainly made us think about what it must be like to share our lives with the the ones we love, for fifty years, or more.

We thanked the happy couple one last time, their daughter and the staff of the hall that was so very nice.

This was such a wonderful party that we vowed to be back to play at their 100th!

Rb

Looking For Fun? Just Add Water

By now it’s no secret.

The word is out and growing each and every day.

You can arrive by car, by boat, by motorcycle, Jet-Ski, Uber or covered wagon.  Bumper’s Landing is not just a great bar and restaurant, it’s a destination!

They come for dinner.  They come for drinks.  They come to hang, to chill and or to relax.  They come as a group, a gang, or a gaggle.

The meet for cocktails, pizza or the big game.

They book their fantasy draft, their bachelor/bachelorette party and their wedding rehearsal dinner.  They even had a rock star film the video for his new single here!

Uncle Cracker’s

The word is defiantly out.  And the word is Bumper’s Landing.

Take last Saturday for example: We saw boaters, jocks, kids, dogs, sports junkies, car aficionados, wedding crashers, guests, brides, grooms and even a brace of car salesmen.

They were all there, all enguaged and all happy as sailors on shore leave.  We saw them all as our very first survey of the boardwalk checked most every ocupational box.

It was a full house, and getting fuller by the moment.  We needed to set up soon, or we might not have any place to play.  (We couldn’t even find a parking spot at first try).  It was going to be a busy night.

Somehow we found our feet, or place and our sound, as a strong first set paved the way for a great night to come.

In stead of starting out easy, (as we usual try and do); we put it in second gear right from the beginning.  It just seemed that we need to pick up the pace from the first set, and not wait a moment to get this party started.

Once set into motion, the night got stronger as it evolved.

Sometimes we try our best to pace ourselves, thinking that the tempo and tenor of the music can’t possible hold up through the night.  However, we are frequently wrong.

Possibly entertaining for nearly fifty years gives us the internal gyroscope of just what song we should play next, and how to maintain the pace for hours on end.

There are always people who step in and step up as well.  That is one wonderful aspect of what we do.  The people always come through and save us.

When it’s slow or clunky or just off a bit, the people always inherently become the catalyst to get us through.  One aspect that Carl and I never take for granted about what we do.

Our focus is music first.  And, if we do the music right, the people will always respond.

Most times we get it right.  We can see the results in the eyes and on the faces of the ones we share our experience with.

The weather may change, the building never does and the beer always tastes great; but the people are always the variable that makes our job so interesting and rewarding.

We finished our evening with some very fun gals playing percussion and dance, dance revolution right at center stage.  Just what the guys in the audience love to see.  Girls showing off and having fun!

That’s right, it’s the people who make the event.

We just manage everyone and do our best to play the music that gets them to their happy place.

To us, our destination, our happy place is always, Bumper’s Landing!

Rb

A Place For Us All

Sometimes you just want to go to a pub where you feel at home.

It’s simple, really.

Most classic things are.  Life is chock full of complicated things that we quickly grow tired of.  However, life’s simplest treats are the most enjoyable.

Sunshine, walks in the woods.  A good meal.  Music, dance and a bottle of wine.  A heartfelt conversation with a best friend.

All of these things are what we truly live for.

So when I say that there are places where we love to frequent to shield ourselves from the slings and arrows of this crazy world, you would know exactly what I mean.

One of those places is The Three Blind Mice Irish Pub, in downtown Mount Clemens.  It has filled that role in many people’s lives for more than one hundred years, now.

A refuge.

A fortress of solace.

An escape from everything this world assails us with.

Carl and I play music there, and yet some of it is more therapy than not.  You see, we use it as a form of musical expression.  Singing the songs that we have pent up inside us, provides us with a release that allows us to share and console those who frequent its bar stools, looking for fellowship, escape or redemption.

Aural therapy, you might say.

A good “watering hole” is really worth its weight in gold, as it is a true benefit to a thriving community.  It is a gathering place, a source for news and opinion, and even a clubhouse for those who need to feel safe and at ease.

It can be a barometer of how viable the community is, as well.  If the pub is full, the city will prosper, and visa-versa.  We have watched Mount Clemens, thrive and wither during our lifetime, and hope to see it’s resurgence happen again someday as well.

Although I can’t really say that we feel we have seen it all in our lives, we have been around long enough to see many things that we can’t explain, and a few we can.

We see the contentment and smiles, the happy people and the intersecting of lives in motion, all from our view in front of the whiskey barrels.

When that front door opens and customers take their seats, we know that for a short time, at least, they are giving us the opportunity to feed their souls, replenish their spirits and sometimes take them away from their troubles.  Often all at the same time.

Our hope is that our music is all part of the contentment and catharsis that lures patrons back each week and year.  We try and play songs that speak to the souls of those who listen; engaging their minds and acknowledging their feelings.

They feel welcome within these hallowed walls, and for the most part are open to anything we choose to offer them musically.  That is one great reason why we return.

On this particular Friday evening, right after we settle in to begin, we were lucky enough  to have some wonderful friends stop by and share their night with us.  Something that means so much to us, it’s difficult to even put into words.

They listened and requested songs and just made the first part of the night so warm and enjoyable.  We love it when we meet people, make a connection and then have them return for years to share their lives through the joy of music.

After they left, we began chatting with some great guys at the bar, who stopped by and got hooked not he music.  We played song after song that they liked, and really surprised them with our musical repertoire.

Seemingly as soon as they headed out to their next destination, two young guys sat down at the table right in front of us.  One of them was from Texas, and the other from Tennises, I believe.  They drank, requested songs and were delighted when we could play each and every one of them.

They bought us shots, and we played more music.  It was great fun for everyone involved.

Pretty soon it was time to finish, and look back at another amazing night at The Three Blind Mice

It truly is a place where everyone feels welcome, happy and at ease.  This safe house for song, conversation and ale will probably still be around five hundred years from now.

What makes me sure, you ask?

Because the things that last forever are simple:  Good friends, family and true love.

Burt Bacharach said it in best in song . . .

I believe in love Alfie.  Without true love, we just exist.

Rb

Alfie

What’s it all about, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?

What’s it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it is wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule?

As sure as I believe there’s a heaven above, Alfie
I know there’s something much more,
Something even non-believers can believe in

I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you’ve missed you’re nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you’ll find love any day, Alfie
Alfie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rollin’ On The River

Left a good job in the city
Workin’ for the man ev’ry night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’
Worryin’ ’bout the way things might have been

Big wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river

Rollin’, rollin’,
rollin’ on the river

Sometimes  . . .
you hear something your entire life, and yet simply don’t understand it.  Until, one day, it all makes sense.

I finally understood what John Fogerty was saying when he wrote the immortal, Proud Mary.  “Rollin’ on the river“,  a snippet of a song lyric I have been listening to since I was in high school, only now makes sense to me, having lived it.

John told about escaping the work-a-day life in the big city, to follow his dreams on the big river.

A sentiment as true today as in years gone by.

Even now, everywhere we look, we see working folk who have sought out this destination to escape their real world of economic servitude.

And when they escape, the run to the river.

It is evident every night we play at Bumper’s Landing.  They come from all over, and they arrive not just to eat, drink or to commiserate with others; they come to escape the unyeilding world that beats them down, day after day.  The real world that gnaws at them, little by little, until one day, there is almost nothing left.

They come here to wash off all the grime and the callousness that our world hurls at us, and become reborn in the process.

Somehow, the big river has the capacity to take us all in.  To nurse us from the bosom of her bounty. To heal our wounds, to renew our spirit.  We congregate at the river to feel safe, to feel well, to feel young again.

Carl and I gather on Saturday each week in the summer to pay homage to the river; and in doing so, help others renew the wellspring of their souls.

We sought out the river as others did, not knowing just why.  We are not boaters.  We do not urn to play on the waves, buoyant and carefree.  We are drawn (I believe), by the timelessness of the waters themselves.  Drawn by the fact that they may surge or recede, but they will truly never end.

Yes, part of what we unconsciously seek is one more opportunity to bathe ourselves in the timelessness of its never-ending waters.  (metaphorically speaking.). To stand by the banks of immortality, as if maybe some small current will sweep us in, forever granting us life, reaffirmed!

Boaters are truly drawn to it.  They need to be near it.  They are happiest by or on it.

Could it be the fountain of youth they have sought all along?

Carl and I may not fully understand it, but neither can we dispute the certainty of it unfolding each and every week.  They come not just for the song or the ale.  Not just for the natural gregariousness or camaraderie; they seek out a chance to be cleansed by those timeless waves, no matter how brief.

I have come to believe that is why they are so happy, these aquatic folk.  The have found the fountain of youth.

It is just a theory, you must understand.  And yet, I would be hard pressed to dismiss the results.  We return each week to play music for truly happy people who seem to never age.

For now, we’ll keep it to ourselves.  What’s next, the secret of lifelong happiness.  (That’s simple, spend the rest of your life in love with your best friend.)

We just hope that all of that soul-renewal stuff rubs off on us, a little bit each week.

And, while we’re on the subject, what particular water works best at re-growing hair?

Rb

Proud Mary
John Fogerty
Left a good job in the city
Workin’ for the man ev’ry night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin’
Worryin’ ’bout the way things might have been
Big wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis
Pumped a lot of pane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
‘Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen
Big wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
If you come down to the river
Bet you gonna find some people who live
You don’t have to worry ’cause you have no money
People on the river are happy to give
Big wheel keep on turnin’
Proud Mary keep on burnin’
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river

Shelby Art Fair 2019

We love the art fair.

The Shelby Art Fair.  Well, all of them, actually.  Seriously, we have never met an art fair that we didn’t like.  The vibe is so relaxed, so pleasant, so different from most gigs we frequent.  It is a very much looked forward to event in our summer schedule.

What’s more, playing the Shelby Art Fair was just the beginning of our day.  And what a beginning it was!

For one thing, the weather was perfect and sunshiny.  People were everywhere, happy, enguaged and patronizing just what they really love . . .    art!

The photographs, the glasswork, the toys and knickknacks and decorations overflowing, everywhere. It really was a celebration of the senses on display.

We were scheduled to play from 10:30 until 12:30.  A two-hour show of acoustic music, spanning an eclectic blend of every musical genre.

That being said, this is one show where Carl and I make a conscious decision to include some tunes that don’t get much attention at our other gigs.

We love the setting, the stage as well as the vendors we have come to know through the years.

Arriving and parking is always smooth.  Right away it seems like home when we are setting up for another year’s show.

Lots to see, lots to do, lots of stimulation for the the eyes, ears and even the nose.

Surveying the giant stage right before we played our first song, we were struck by the picturesque nature of our setting.  People, families and vendors criss-crossing the common, all in their own little world of art and nature.

There were musicians like us offering their songs, while strolling performers entertained in other small gatherings.  Vendors of every kind, selling food, drink and even dispensing some of their own special joy and wisdom on this fabulous weekend.

We try and walk the grounds as much as our time allows after setting up, giving ourselves a chance to soak up a bit of the local artwork and signature vibe of this home-spun event.

Our first set of the two is always a bit quiet and laid-back compared to the second.  Not that we let loose by any means, but of the two, we try and ease into our first set so as not to disturb the quiet contemplation that the amazing artwork embodies.

Since we are playing with simple acoustic guitars and piano, we try and offer music that is primarily, “listening” music.  Songs that tell stories, for example.  Songs that you can whistle make up our primary set list.  Music that still has an eclectic sound as well.

We began slow and easy.

Smooth and simple.

Simon And Garfunkel. James Taylor and The Beatles.  You know, the basics.

After a little while, we felt more comfortable, and were able to spread our musical wings, playing music that spans several genres.

We played some country, island and of course, more folk music for the excited event-goers.

Some walked past and smiled.  Some stayed and listened.  Some sat on benches and rearranged their day to make more time for our songs.

We liked that.

After a short break where we got to catch up with some dear friends, we were right back at it, bringing to life songs that were written by some of the greatest artists in the history of popular music.

With several deftly selected tunes from the Woodstock era left on our play-list, it was time to finish with a medley designed to get the crowd ready for the next band of high-energy entertainers.

We finished to the delight of the art fair crowd, with one classic song, made famous by two incredible bands: The Letter.

We began the song with the classic version by the Boxtops, and after a couple verses, evolved it into the Joe Cocker version first heard at the most famous music and art fair, back in August of 1969.

After the applause fell away and several of the patrons approached the stage to thank us for our hard work and talent, it was time to clear our equipment, load it up and head out to our next gig.

It was another wonderful experience for us at the Shelby Art Fair.  We hold this event dear to us, each and every time we are lucky enough to entertain there.

Carl and I felt satisfied that we brought another great show to the people of Shelby and hoped that we left enough lastingt memories there to kindle the sparks that would bring us back again in 2020.

Rb

The Shindig

With as much as Carl and I have experienced over the last five summers at Bumper’s Landing, it is safe to say that we never know what to expect on any given night.

Saturday was something that we have never seen before.  Something different, something unique and something almost wild and weird. I was initially perplexed, and then suddenly it came to me . . . It was a

It was a happening, a rendezvous, a wild, whacky, weird, wondrous beach party.  It was a

It was a night when everyone showed up to a party they never knew existed, right on time.  The guys, the girls the food the drinks and oh, the music!

The music showed up all right, thanks to Bob and Carl.  We were the the master of ceremonies on this zany show that began from our first verse at six O’clock and lasted until the final chorus faded away after eleven.

It was a night when almost everyone was on the very same page.  A night when all things were possible.

A night when love was in the air, as if the summer of love was reborn, some fifty years later!

Most times, people do their own thing in their own way.  Enjoying what they set out to enjoy, without really interacting with anyone else.  They arrive, enjoy their night and go back home, happy and content, but not really achieving anything else.

Last Saturday we saw people come together to celebrate as one on a perfect summer evening by the water.  They sang together, they drank together, they played and danced and dreamed together.  It was an eventful epiphany!  Ok, a 

It was the most fun that we have ever been a part of.  (and, let me tell you, we have had many fun nights in our long musical career!)

The first set was truly magical as one after another, the people began groovin’ to the beat of each song we launched into the night.  First five then ten, then the entire dance area was filled with euphoric people, all moving as one to the steady rhythm.

After the first set, we got with many of the happy participants and found out just what they had in mind for the rest of the night’s musical selections.

It was quite apparent that all they wanted to do was dance!

So, dance music it was!

Hot, heavy and classic.  Any classic song that would fill the dance floor was on the list.  Seger and Morrison.  Motown, country and good old rock & roll.  Any tune with a beat and a vengeance.

Now the dance area was filled and girls were running to pack it even more.  Each song elicited some form of musical elation as the first blasting bars exploded from our speakers.

Smooth by Santana illustrated it best: “Oh it’s a hot one, like seven inches from the mid-day sun!”

Every song we played seemed to ratchet things up one more notch as I began to fear that Carl and I could not keep up the pace.  For one thing, we were approaching our twelfth hour of working.  (We began at nine that morning as we loaded gear for a show in Shelby Township that lasted into the afternoon.)

The tempo was crazy as one dance song melded into another.  There were people shouting, singing, yelling, twirling. There was music blaring, drinks being spilling all around us.  Sometimes we barely paused between songs, and would only do so to change guitars.

The Shindig magic was absolutely working though!

Everyone was having a great time.  The interesting thing about this night in my mind was that it was like a flash mob; everyone simply showed up out of nowhere and began playing their own part in one huge ensemble.  It was as if Bob Fosse himself choreographed the unscripted chaos.

Since it was a big day on the lake for boaters, (the annual Muscamoot Bay Raft Off.) Bumper’s had made certain that there was extra security on hand in case anything were to happen.

But on this enchanted evening most security personnel were simply part of the play, enjoying the show.

Some of the lead characters began to really shine as the beat and booze filled them with enough liquid courage to cast most inhibitions to the wind.

There was the girl in the little black dress with her entourage and boyfriend, grabbing most of the spotlight.  Dan the singer man with his daughters grabbing the mic.  (amazing job, by the way!).

There was a couple who’s choreography could have been right out of The Urban Cowboy.  And a hundred other people right out of the studio audience of the timeless early sixties TV series, 

 

After ten O’clock things got really out of control.  We tried our best to hold on by throwing out every dance number we had been holding back.

The crowd was limitless at this point.  A dark shadow flickering with images of heat and rhythm descended on the boardwalk.  The country girls were two-stepping’.  The rockers were shaking their fists to the strains of Tom Petty:  “Well, I don’t know, but I’ve been told.  You never slow down, you never grow old.”

The Ford boys had a ringside seat for all the action.  Jack’s eyes were wide open, (not wide shut), through it all.  He sure does have a way with women.  He’s usually in a picture with a pretty girl every night.

It was our last set and we had found our next gear just when we needed it.  We gave them Wagon Wheel, Country Roads and Tennises Whiskey.  Brown Eyed Girl, Your Momma Don’t Dance, and did it all while pledging to . . .  Be My Lover!

The last song of the night for us was the immortal rock ballad, Love The One You’re With.  It was the epitome of the the summer of love, back more than fifty years ago, but, still as relevant on this amazing summer evening.

There were chants of encore! (and several cash offers to play more), after our last song faded.  However we just couldn’t top what we had already done.

After all, what would you expect when you were just part of a real live 

 

Rb

 

The Festival Of Lights

When it comes to a party that lights up the night, nowhere else on the water can handle it as well as Bumper’s Landing.

Not just the amazing staff, security and accommodations, but the planning as well.  A big event like this comes off so well because of all those elements working in concert.

They have the room, they have the help and they have the civic minded owner who gives of himself to make events like this happen.

When the parade of lights finally passed by on Saturday night, to the delights of thousands of people, it was because of the hard working people just like this that tirelessly and selflessly promoted it and make it a reality.

As for Carl and I, we try to do our part.  We entertained the crowd as best we could.

It was a very good night.

Even as we arrived, it was evident that this night was going to be over and above what most nights have been this summer.  The parking lot was beyond full and there was an overflow going.  And all of that was before five O’Clock.

We were a little late as we needed to get some things hung up in the van for the evening.

Somehow, we found room to get our gear unloaded and all set up and ready to go without too much of an issue.

By then, Bumper’s was packed and ready to explode.

Now every fine watering hole in America has its regular clientele and Bumper’s is no different.  Carl and I know just about all of them at this point.  However, on this night, they were the exception as most of these people were patrons that we haven’t usually seen before.  Always great to entertain some new customers, and hope that they spread the word about all of the amazing things that are going on here.

Oh, the regulars were in attendance as well, and everyone was all smiles on this perfect afternoon.

Jake, Tony and the boys.  Lisa, Cathey and Julie.  The guy who need to hear, Heart Of Gold.  The guys that love to slow dance.  The girls that need to boogie and the smokers.

The dogs, the beer affectionados, and first time families.  Boaters, bikers and builders.  Wives, widows and wild men.

Everyone gathering in one amazing clubhouse by the water to share an evening of fun.

How amazing that Carl and get to witness it all on a nightly basis.

With all of that, there was even a special guest or two on premises to do the judging of the boats, right from our docks; the county executive, Mark Hackel and former Michigan Secretary of State, Candice Miller.

Right from the very first song, people could tell that it was going to be a different night.  There was no pacing ourselves tonight, as our goal was to just unleash the dogs and let them off the chain to howl!

We began the long night of entertaining with the usual Jimmy Buffett, but not the usual type of song.  We started with Margaritaville, and things heated up from there.

The pace was quick and upbeat with very little time between songs for the people to even catch their breath.  We were on a mission and the mission was to give these folks a night to remember.

As for Bumper’s the staff, they were keeping up with the multitudes by doing what they do best; working their butts off.

All we needed to do was to keep the music hot and groovin’ !

Every boat well was taken, as well as every parking spot.  They were even reminding  people that the several cars that were parked illegally needed to be moved before they were towed.

Our first and second set were over and things were going very well. There we’re so many people it was quit difficult to talk to any of them, one-on-one.  So, we worked as hard as we could to find out what requests we could mine, and made sure that everyone was happy with the songs we are playing.

After that, things kind of got all blurry.  (Not in an alcoholic way, but like the movie, Fast & Furious, way.)  We played every dance song we could think of, and only threw in a few slow dance numbers, so that people could catch their breath.

Nobody was slowing down, that’s for sure.  Well, we sure weren’t.  It was inching towards our sixth hour of playing, and there was no end in sight.

One more barrage of up-temp dance music, and we might just make it until the end.

The crowd was thinning at that point, just in time to save us from the seventh hour.

We played until the police notified us that it was time to stop.  That was around 12;30.

Just like the good o’l days!

It didn’t  matter, since everyone was more than happy at that point.

The boats with the pretty lights had come and gone by then.  The drinks had been drunk.  The food had been eaten.  The dances had been danced.

Life couldn’t get any better for these happy people.  It was our privilege to be able to entertain at this year’s festival of lights.

We loved every minute of it.

To the casual observer, a crowd of this size might be attributed to the festival, however, we know better.  Just another summer night at Bumper’s Landing.  The funnest place on the planet!

Rb

BOB AND CARL