On Friday it was me vs. 5 black women (A take on the “Detroit vs. Everybody” clothing line). Our worlds collided last week at the Crazy Wisdom bookstore in Ann Arbor, MI where I was warming up for a blues duo named Citizen Jones. Strolling through the art gallery on the 2nd floor, a group of women made their way to a sitting room at the back of the building.
Making my move: I saw an opportunity while Tim of Citizen Jones was tearing it up on harmonica during soundcheck.
Approaching the women who were now seated, I introduced myself as a performing artist named “Bluesdad.” The looks I get from this are always fun. “I’m just a dad who likes the blues.” Next, I invited them to the show and quickly handed them complimentary Bluesdad greeting cards.
One at a time, each person read the front, opened the card, and began smiling and laughing until the room exploded.
“Can you tell I was an elementary teacher in Detroit for 25 years?” I said to them. More laughter. “Eighteen on the Eastside!”
What were they laughing at?
Answer: Bluesdad greeting cards based on the lyrics of my songs.
You can join in on the fun by clicking the blue link to view each card—front, inside, and back. Visit my merch page
The women didn’t stay but they were clearly amused by the greeting cards which achieved its goal. It A. introduced each person to my music B. will do the same to the person who receives the card and C. gave everyone including me a good laugh.
This is why I’m in it to win it. Because I love the attention—maybe. (I do have a pinch of self-awareness). But it sure does feel good to put a smile on someone’s face and give them a little entertainment for the night. I’m pretty sure that first woman wasn’t expecting me to hand her a greeting card that read, “I’m not talkin’ ‘bout fruity tooty, I just want you to shake that booty.”
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I met Bob Hausler at the Corktown Music Festival in Detroit. We were both playing the same stage at the Corktown Tavern. Here’s my review of his new single:
Songwriters Bob Hausler and Laura Frawley do what few can achieve with “My Name is Maria.” They’ve taken on a serious subject and molded it into a wonderful song to create awareness and empathy. “My Name is Maria” glides along smoothly bringing color to our black and white perception of the hardships some girls face. I’m not here to give away the song’s storyline and subject matter, I want you to discover it on your own. But let me say this—you’ll be a better person for listening to it—more appreciative of what you have and a little closer to the goal of humility. We all need a song like this in our life—one that reminds us we’re not the epicenter of the universe.
Ron Rosco Selley’s harmonica and David Roof’s nylon string accompaniment act as tour guides—explaining all that we're seeing. Emotionally, Selley’s harp playing will bring you to a tearful trajectory before retreating. At one point, it’s evident he’s headed to a solo, but there is none. Instead, the song keeps moving forward to tell its story. There’s no time for resting. I love that about this song. It keeps moving.
Bob’s powerful voice, Selley’s swelling harmonica, and Roof’s Spanish-sounding guitar all work together on the chorus to accent lines like “There must be an answer. Some compassionate way.” Thank you, Bob and Laura, for giving the world this masterpiece—a timeless work of contemplation, a beautiful song we can’t turn away from, designed to be listened to again and again!
Credits: Robert W. Hausler- Laura Frawley, songwriters / Ron Rosco Selley harmonica / David Roof nylon string guitar / Bob Hausler- all vocals, bass, percussion, and acoustic guitars.
Places I’m playing this week:
Wednesday, Aug. 21st Battle Alley Brewing Co. in Holly, MI Thursday, Aug. 22nd The Cobblestone Bar and Grille in Grand Blanc, MI Saturday, Aug. 24th Block Party for a homeless shelter in Toldeo, OH Sunday, Aug. 25th New Hudson Inn in New Hudson, MI
Reach out to me for times for these places if you’re in the area. I would love to see you! Big thanks to my college friends Dave & Mark for coming out to see me at Crazy Wisdom Books last week. That’s it for me today. Wishing everyone a wonderful week!