Coinciding with the start of Scallop Week, the Ypres Castle Inn (the Wipers) has restarted its Sunday music events after the winter break. The place was full with lots of familiar faces and very noisy with a buzz of conversation.
To start the show and get everyone in the mood, Reg Marchant and Chris Fisher entertained us with music and occasional anecdotes. Well known in Rye, they are both excellent singers/musicians and certainly know how to put listeners at ease and make them laugh. Reg, in particular, is irrepressible.
Irishman Phil Trainor, who plays traditional Irish folk songs as well as his own compositions, also gave us a rendition of his favourites.
The event took place between 4pm and 6pm and was too early for scallop tasting but as the little creatures will be everywhere in the town for the week, there will be plenty of other opportunities to consume them.
The same night, together with some German friends, I visited the Grapevine in Conduit street where an American, Steve Zackin, was playing the piano. Steve moved to Rye with his English wife about four years ago after performing in the USA, but mostly singing on cruise ships.
His music is varied and eclectic and he loves requests. He is also a composer and there are many songs on his website. “I want my music to touch your hearts, challenge your mind, heal and ennoble your spirit,” he says. He is well worth looking up on his website.
As you can see on the poster below, he will be back in the Grapevine very soon when there will be a marathon music day in this cosy venue, which is becoming a hot spot for blues and jazz. £15 for the day.
Photos by Heidi Foster