I've been manically crocheting a big custom order - more about that tomorrow! - so haven't had much blogging time this week, hence why this post about a lovely gig we went to on Friday is a few days delayed. We've discovered a second great gig venue, Upstairs at the Crown And Sceptre in St Marychurch.
The pub itself is a genuine traditional local with a good range of drinks. Their food is apparently excellent too. One bar was absolutely crammed when we got there and we could hear a small jam session coming from the other. Once the thirty-odd of us for the gig started to clear out upstairs, I'm sure it was more comfortable in the bars, but when we came back down at the end, the pub seemed just as busy without us! Upstairs is a small function room with assorted chairs and long tables. I loved the black and white timbered walls and the random decorative curios. Musicians have a tiny corner space and they were using mikes and speakers although, considering the space and the attentive audience, I'm not sure they needed to.
Crown And Sceptre, Torquay
Singer-songwriter Kelley McRae tours with her husband, dobro player Matt Castelein, performing Americana music inspired by their travelling lifestyle. Like us, they like to be on the move and spent a couple of years touring America in a VW campervan - even more compact than our caravan! They are now based in our favourite American city of Austin, Texas. Neither Dave or I knew anything about the duo prior to seeing this gig advertised so we turned up having seen a few YouTube videos and trusting in the Crown And Sceptre's reputation for good music. We weren't disappointed! We were both impressed with their gorgeous harmonies and I liked the thoughtful lyrics to their songs. Matt's dobro guitar was a more unusual addition to the show and its sound worked well in the cosy space. I would certainly go to see Kelley McRae again!
Kelley and Matt have five more UK gigs in their The Wayside tour and you can see details on this page of Kelley's website.
The next gig Upstairs at the Crown And Sceptre is Tim Easton. The Facebook event page is here and we've already got our tickets!
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