Honoring the Legacy of ROB ERVIN

“To make a long story short…”

They just don’t make them like Rob Ervin anymore.  If you had not already reached this conclusion, one look through the wave of heartfelt testimonials and condolences that flooded social media as the word of his untimely passing spread on August 29th will solidify it.

For many of us the story picked up when Rob and his wife Luann acquired Bemo’s Bar on Madison Street in Bay City.  Early on the couple committed themselves to being a place that featured live music. Over that expanse of time not only did their mission come to fruition, but for many Rob served as a patriarch for the scene. 

He earned this respect by continuing to be himself.  Easy going and affable, he still carried himself with the posture of the star athlete he was as a young man.  If you could get him to talk about himself, you would learn he came up through a variety of skilled trades and was not afraid of hard work.  This is part of the story, as you come to realize many of the relationships that make Bemo’s special started on hockey rinks, baseball diamonds and job sites decades ago.

For instance, singer and open mic icon Tom Grant recounted. “I’ve known Rob since we were about 8 years old.  Playing hockey together.” Longtime friend Scotty Causley, the owner of Scotty’s Sandbar, added “My heart is broken. I worked with Rob on a barge and in construction in addition to music.  He will be sorely missed.”

If there is one thing you can’t fake, it’s your history.  Your legacy is written one day and one relationship at a time.

Many of the quotes that circulated from musicians, employees and patrons reflected a role he had evolved into over his years “behind the pine” at what evolved into a South End landmark.

Cassandra Johnson, who formerly worked for the Erwins as a bartender summed up a lot of people’s thoughts.

“Rob was a wonderful human, I never felt like he was my boss, he never made me feel like anything but a friend. He always greeted me with a hug and a kiss. And I never left without getting another. He was love, man. I'll never forget him and I'm a better human because I knew him.”

I got to know Rob over the years through dozens of gigs, including several years with a regular residency with my band Catfood Sandwich.  I got the chance to hang out with Rob at the bar shortly before his passing and we both had a laugh about the only time he saw me mad.  I’ll sum that story up by saying Rob handled it and all involved were quickly able to bury the hatchet. I only saw Rob mad a couple of times.  The only reason I mention that was in those instances he was mad on behalf of someone, not at someone.  There are times when you need another guy to have your back.  For many of us, in many instances, Rob was that guy.

For all the strong memories that friends and coworkers have of Rob, it is what he, Luann and Bemo’s have meant to local musicians that will likely form his lasting legacy. I’ve had the regular pleasure in my day job of referring musicians - many new to town - to the Bemo’s scene.  When someone was looking for kindred spirits it was always easy to say “Well, I can tell you where the musicians hang out …”

Many local bands consider Bemo’s to be a headquarters or home base of sorts.  The bar has been especially friendly to new acts or those who wanted to play original music in addition to their favorite covers. Shannon Schnettler, lead singer for Winaschnitzel, summed her experience in a way that sounds familiar to many local musicians:  “Anyone who knows us knows that (my brother) Steven and I got our start at Bemo’s. We have been performing on Bemo’s stage for over a decade. It's where I first got the courage to step on stage and sing in front of people, post high school choir. I was met with instant community, encouragement and love from Bemos, their patrons, the owners and this establishment.”

Veteran musician Jeff Poirier added, “What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Rob? My family has a long history at Bemo's. (My son)Terry cut his musical teeth there. We played shows as The DNA Chain. Terry and (daughter) Elise were still in high school. Rob always greeted you with a smile and a kind hello. Looking back now, he almost feels like a character in a movie. The epitome of the warm bartender. A guy that made you feel at home as he smiled and handled you that first welcomed beer. He and Lu poured their hearts into the place. It isn’t just a bar, but a haven for all kinds of musicians and music lovers. They truly built a one-of-a-kind venue.”

Mike Beattie, a regular patron who serves as the unofficial videographer of the local music scene, also reminded us of how Bemo’s turned into a community and an important gathering place for people when he mentioned the tradition of opening the bar on Thanksgiving for an annual pot luck.  “(The tradition started) because they recognized not everyone had a place to go for the holiday, so they had a “family” gathering at the bar and all were welcome.”

In a time when traditions are eroding, families are splintering and communities feel increasingly divided, there is a lot to love in the story of Bemo’s and its “dad” behind the bar.  It goes beyond the music if you let it. My enduring vision will be of him leaning against the counter, taking it all in with a huge smile on his face.  While you wouldn’t ever get him to take credit for any of it, you can tell he was immensely proud of what he and Luann had created. 

There is no question this moment is tragic and the shock involved is real.  As our hearts go out to those closest to him, it is hard to imagine a world without Rob in it.  And as we all move forward from this moment it is easy to realize it is on a path he helped pave.

The legacy of Rob Ervin will be celebrated with a memorial in due time.  Follow Bemo’s or any of their regular musical acts for details as they evolve.  In the meantime hug your friends and tell your family you love them.  It’s what Rob would want you to do.  That’s the Bemo’s way.