Days with the Dorans

It was time for another Open Mic Night and it was great to have Dave back on bass. The place was absolutely packed and we had to stand for quite a while before we could even get a place to sit! A table finally opened up and it was a good thing because Wendi, Scott, and Bradley came to watch too! Brad is one of Joe's best friends and I love that he came out to watch him play! Of course I took video too so HERE is a video of full songs that they played and HERE is a shorter video with highlights.

Jeff makes fun of me a bit... I didn't always go to Open Mic Nights when it was just him but now that Joe's doing them with him, I don't miss them. It helps when they are on the weekend though- like this one. Then I do go and see my hot hubby! Dave couldn't make it so it was just "Jeff and Joe." Andy's is is Holly and it was PACKED! It was such a busy place and super friendly and I swear you walk in and it's like there's no covid. No masks, no nothing... I still had mine on but I think I was the only one. I took if off once I got to our table and I got a beer. Joey showed me how to put snapchat on my phone so I could see where it was on a map with these cute emojis (even though he told me that his is usually turned off). The guys were great and I took videos of all the songs they did HERE and also put together a shorter video with highlights HERE . I do love that they take pictures though so we also found these gems!

I love listening to this kid play. I don't think I ever shared THIS cover on the blog. I like it better than the original. I think this artist is more talented too! ;-)

  The guys decided to hit Billy's for an Open Mic Night. Jeff had played there before but I had never gone. Now that Joey is joining them, I find myself going... it's a mom thing (and it's summer)! It was SOOOO loud! And we sat through about two hours of 70s music before the guys got to play! I swear the house band (who seemed to join any singer) made every song about 10-15 minutes because of solos and things. It was funny at first but then it just got annoying... When the guys finally got to play, Jeff had sound issues which was irritating and they played a different style of music that I liked but not sure how well-received it was. Wendi, Scott, and Bradley came though so that was cool! Matt (their regular drummer) couldn't make it so an 18 year old that Dave knew joined them on drums and did a great job. I don't think they'll be going back to Billy's any time soon but it did make for some cool still pictures. They had quite the set up with lights, smoke a...

So Joe has joined Jeff's band now a couple times and it has been such fun to watch and listen to them play but this was my favorite because joey also SANG! I tried to do a facetime live video (I've learned that the sound isn't the greatest that way but I knew my mom wanted to see it. Next time I should just record and post later. Jodie and Kyle joined us too and it was so much fun. I'm so proud of Joey! I'm so thankful for Jeff too. Love that Joe is following in his dad's amazing footsteps with that guitar!

  Well, we were supposed to run but no races are allowed because of dumb covid. We still decided to head north to Elk Rapids and it was so nice to get away. We did some running there but what I really liked was just being together and getting away! It is the best place to run! Joey played on the beach and I took a video of one of his songs (Fake Plastic Trees) and posted it HERE . My little fishies got in the pool! I thought it was cold!! We did actually find an outdoor place to eat. It was fun and yummy! We even made friends and had a sing-along at the bonfire!

  I love that Jeff does open mic nights and it's almost like they have formed a little band. I thought it was so cool that they had Joe join them and I know he was excited to! I have no idea why I didn't get video! I definitely will have to get video next time! I did get some pictures though! Dad showing him how to set up. Nana & Papa came too- She didn't want a picture, but oh well! The Pink Tickler is my favorite and I love their glasses! Such a cool place! Cold drink of water to calm the nerves. They were behind glass but the pictures still turned out cool. Listening to other bands and debriefing with Papa. I love this boy!

  Joey is getting ready to go play with dad and it's the coolest thing! I love listening to them!