We know the calendar says autumn, but when it’s near eighty, the sun is high and boats are zipping up and down, we just might look the other way.

And so it was last Saturday at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township.  It was on everyone’s mind, although no one would vocalize it. Days like this don’t last forever, and when you live and play in Michigan, they are as precious as gold!

Low humidity, seventy-eight degrees and no rain in sight can even make listening to Bob and Carl palatable.

Without question, the setting was perfect for an evening of enjoyment, no matter what was planned.  Great food, intoxicating intoxicants, and Yacht Rock wafting through the patio speakers set the mood to, enjoy!

That was the setting Carl and I inherited as we arrived to set up and begin what was to be a perfect evening under the pavilion.

Another change awaited us as we pulled into the parking lot.  This time, there was a new wall and fence to complete the waterfront ensemble.

The ownership at Bumper’s was doing something almost daily to make the entire experience immersive for each and every customer.

Truly, an island get-away, just miles from the office.

Our part is the music, and we take great pride in every aspect of its making.

From the very first when we arrive, our goal is to move in swiftly, professionally and set up our gear without so much as anyone noticing.  We don’t want to be in anyone’s way or displace any customer from their personal relaxation experience.

From our opening song, our attempt is to not startle anyone with its’ aural arrival.  To simply transition from the background Tiki bar music, to the dulcet tones of the patron saint of pop relaxation, Jimmy Buffett.  We want them to notice mind you, we just simply don’t wish to knock anyone over with our sound.  We prefer them to notice us between conversations and eventually let the music take hold.

This is one of our goals during the first set.  To pick songs that they will love, and will highlight our musical strengths.  (whatever they might be)

The Buffet makes them smile, the country brings them home and the rock gets them into the groove.

Right next to us during this first set is a wonderful group of people, who certainly know their music.  Even more than that, they know what music they like, and they are not shy about asking for it.

With lots and lots of requests in hand, it was time to begin the second set.  Lots of island music, some select country and even a few classic, iconic oldies.  That’s how you entertain on Saturday evening at Bumper’s Landing.

One thing the warm, lingering weather does is to keep patrons outside on the boardwalk well into the later hours.  Forget that its September, the thermometer suggests more like July!

The calendar doesn’t lie however, and as the sun goes down, it becomes evident that it’s time to savor the final set of the night.

Usually the last set belongs to the dancers in the crowd.  There are always some who want to get out there and cut a rug before the night is ultimately done.  We pick up the tempo and the groove and rocket to the finish line.

One of our trademarks is saving a few sing-a-long songs for the end of the night.  Nothing is more enjoyable for customers than to be able to join in and salute the moment in song with their fellow compadres.

Carl and I certainly enjoyed this day from start to satisfying finish.  Surrounded by friends, fans and amazing staff, there might be better ways to spend a September Saturday, but we would simply struggle to imagine what they might be.

Rb

 

IT’S Cadillac Jacks’ BIRTHDAY!

If there was ever a special day, this was it.

He’s the king, the stud, the Duke of the docks  He’s a legend in his own mind.

Jack is the one.  He’s the Man.  He’s got more in common with Elvis than Kevin Bacon.  Jack is actually who Chuck Norris comes to for manly advice.

Jack is the straw that sirs the drink.

Jack’s the pope of any port, (and its not his ring they make a pilgrimage to kiss.)

You’ve heard the line, “You don’t know Jack!”  Well, I’m here to tell you that if you did know him, you’d envy him.

You see, Jack is a fixture at Bumper’s Landing, and it just wouldn’t be the same place without him.

It has been a day that many had looked forward to all summer long, and now that it has arrived, it was time for everyone to cut footloose!

I suppose that to many this Saturday seemed almost atypical here at Bumper’s Landing,  The sun was shining and boats were jockeying for a birth by the boardwalk;  many yet unaware of the excitement awaiting them.

We set up our gear and poised for the moment of his arrival.  Tables were reserved, waitresses were readying themselves and friends and family were practicing their speeches and thank you’s all in preparation for his grand entrance.

As for us, we tried to stay calm and play our usual opening set, while keeping one eye peeled for the moment when the crowd erupted with his presence.

Meanwhile, there were old friends stopping by, lots of regulars who wanted to share a story or a “Hello!” and songs to be sung and played.  It was shaping up to be quite a day.

We watched a half million dollar speed boat slink into dock catching a  lot of people’s attention.  A fitting undercard for the palpable thrills yet to come.  It was actually en route to races down south, but thought that it should stop by Bumper’s to be involved in some real excitement and danger.  (Jack’s birthday celebration)

All at once, like lightening splitting an oak, Cadillac Jack was on the premisses!

The crowd cheered, women fainted and many genuflected to acknowledge his arrival.

After the initial excitement died down, Carl and I played some of his favorites, to the delight of the regular patrons and mere mortals.  Jack picked out several of the most beautiful women and allowed them to dance with him.

With his family was on hand to pay their respects, it was a day that will live forever in the hearts and minds of everyone lucky enough to be part of it in some small way.

I’m sure that many more things actually did happen that day; but, all we will ever remember, is how lucky we all were to be part of the legend that is Cadillac Jack!

Rb

“C’mon people now, smile on your bother, everybody get together, try and love one another right now.”

These are trying times, with turmoil everywhere in the world.  Wherever you may look, you can see evidence of man’s constant inhumanity to his fellow man.

However, what might be true for the rest of the planet, doesn’t necessarily hold true for Bumper’s Landing. Here, there are smiles apleanty, everywhere you look.

Just Sayin’

If fact, many of the people who flock to this haven from the cruel, real world seek it out to escape from the wicked realities that exists, right outside its doors.

They know that when they arrive, they will enter a place that almost protects them from the cares and worries that wear down most unassuming people.

We know that, Carl and I.

We’ve been a part of it for too long now to have it go unnoticed on our watch.  We’ve seen how folks come in, stoic and stern, and in the span of a few short hours, emerge contented and without a care in the world.  Renewed, refreshed and reinvigorated!

Bumper’s Landing is like a safe haven of sorts.  A worry-free zone where the world has no sway of the souls of its inhabitants.

We always survey the crowd as we arrive to set up our equipment, about an hour before we are scheduled to begin our performance.  It’s like stepping into another world.  No matter what trials and tribulations are making headlines at the moments in the real world, those worries seem to be abandoned at the door.

This safe haven of happiness is available and awaiting each of us, should we simply choose to be participate.  All you need to do is join us.  For an hour a meal or and evening, your troubles can melt away if you wish to let them go.

We’ll help.

Carl and I will start by offering happy, relaxing music that was created to sweep you away from the turmoil you angst that is wedged in your soul.  To lift it away and allow calming thoughts of pleasure to reside in its place.

Some Saturdays here are simply without any agenda at all.  No birthday parties or product driven sales pitches here.  Just a club house of relaxation and enjoyment.  By the water, near the kitchen, with plenty of adult libations within easy reach.

All the ingredients one needs to shed the unrelenting shackles of this mean spirited plane.

Music, food and alcohol.  The triumvirate of modern-day happiness.

They can all be found in plentiful abundance at Bumper’s Landing, in Harrison Township, Michigan.

“Seek, and ye shall find!”  it has been said.  ‘Tis true.  And if ye shall seek and find, make certain to give a good review on Yelp!

Rb

 

Summertime in Michigan.

Just reading those words should conjure many happy images.

Baseball, Birch Run,  barbecues.  Lighthouses,  leisure and Lake Saint Clair.  Paper plates, Port Sanilac and plentiful peacefulness.

There’s another one that might not be a household word, but ranks right up there with Carl and I . . .  Taylors Beach Family Campground.

Bustling with activity and family choices, Taylors Beach is a rustic retreat, only miles from the suburbs.

This is our third summer of entertaining there, and we seem to enjoy it more, each and every time we are lucky enough to be asked back.

With its own lake and lodge, every campsite has access to all the amenities that any fun-lovin’ family could imagine.  Campfires, games, swimming and exploring.  Dances, biking and putt-putt golf.

Ah, to be young and at an Rv park in the summer!

Its kind of funny, but when we do arrive on-site, there is no fanfare at all.  (to be expected). Truth is, folks are too wrapped up in the fun they are having.

We pull up, start moving picnic tables in the pavilion, and are not bothered by anyone at all.  It’s not that people are unaware, they just are enjoying whatever they are doing.  And, believe you, me, there’s plenty for them to be doing.

Since it was our second trip to Taylors Beach this summer, we were pretty comfortable with everything.  We drive up, set up and are ready to Rock N’ Roll, as they say.

We actually began playing at one O’clock, when there was no one technically at the pavillion.  The music brought them running though.

Well, not really running, but walking a little faster than normal.  Our first set was an eclectic blend of all things musically enjoyable.  Each song different from the last, and from the next one in the chamber.

Playing our unique mix of songs also helps brings in and connects with lots of ages, genres and occupations.

Something for everyone is kinda our jam.

Country, rock, Irish, oldies or island?  Pop, blue-grass or blues.  We’ve got something for everyone.  Maybe why we have been around for so long. . . .

The songs were making the connection we envisioned, as evidenced by the way that the crowd was responding. We had some dancers, some Limbo’r’s and even some fun-in-the-sunners!

Only playing three sets, it all goes by pretty fast, I’m not gonna’ lie.  Seems as though by the time we get ready to play the first song, it’s time to pack it all back up.  That’s ok though, since we play many hours at some other gigs.

Just look at those smiling faces!

Pretty pleased, all in all.  In the end, we came, we played and we moved on.  (Actually playing at Bumper’s in a few short hours . . .)

It was another great summer day to be alive and well in the great Michigan out-of-doors!

Rb

Since dreamers began dreaming, people have been looking for a pot of gold at rainbow’s end.  Well, here at Bumper’s Landing, we believe we have found it!

Real treasure is hard to come by.  It’s illusive, it’s valuable and it’s well guarded.

However, sometimes, the reason that people can’t find it, is that they simply don’t know how to recognize it. They look with only their eyes, but simply cannot see it.

You might not believe this, but some people don’t know how lucky they are to have something so precious and amazing right in front of them, .  They’ll never recognize how rare and special it is.

Until it’s gone.

Carl and I know it, and are reminded each and every time we arrive at Bumper’s Landing in Harrison Township, Michigan.

In our musical career, we can confidently say, this is our pot of gold!

No, we’re not talking about money; money comes and goes.  We’re talking about things much more tangible.  Things that truly matter.  Things that last.

Relationships with wonderful people who work together to attain the same goals and purpose.  To strive to be the best at what they do.  To create an experience that is consistent and professional, that elevates everyone around us.

To nurture good will, excitement, pleasure and happiness.

Everyone from the owner and his family, to the managers, bartenders and servers, right  down to the bus boys and security, labor to create an atmosphere of enjoyment, safety, relaxation and wellness, under one roof.

Our pot of gold.

We have worked many many venues over our long careers, and while some have been wonderful, Bumper’s is on top of the list.  We are treated like family, and that is more than we could every have hoped for.

(Worth its weight in gold, you might say.)

No one makes a fuss over us, that’s not what we need or want.  We show up, set up and go about our business entertaining.  Working, like Rock Stars, but, not really.

We don’t make demands.  We don’t cause a fuss or problems.  We don’t show up late, sloppy or unable to perform.  Drunk or belligerent.

In that respect, we are completely boring.  We don’t need to be coddled, stroked or gushed over.  We come, we play and we leave.  Doing what is expected of us, and most assuredly, more.

We always try and do what ever it takes to make the evening a success.  Whether its music, promotion or customer relations, a huge part off what we do is communicating with patrons to gauge from their feed-back how the are enjoying themselves.

In our business, our interaction with the customers is paramount if we want them to have the positive experience, they were hoping for when they decided to spend their evening there.

Seek happiness, and you will find it here.

At any typical venue, if the patrons were enjoying themselves outside, and it began to storm, the place would be empty in about five minutes.

End of the night, and story.

Ah, but in this fairy tale, when the storm comes along and rages its best to break up the crowd, they simply wait it our and reappear with even bigger smiles on their faces!

The funniest part is: no one says a word about the rainbow that suddenly appeared over their club house.  (They all know where the pot of gold is, and no one wants to give away its location to the rest of the unappreciative world.)

It will remain our little secret.

Let me leave you with this one thought.

There is a lot of fools gold out there.  It might look shiny and bright, rich and alluring, but will never bring you happiness.  If you are lucky enough to find your true pot of gold; grab hold of it, enjoy every moment, and never let it go.  For if you do . . .

you will regret it for the rest of your days.

Rb

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