The Casa de la Musica is a private bar run by Hilari and Sandra a young couple who have inherited the stewardship of the property. Originally owned by a radical poet back in the days of the independence struggle. (look it up on Wikpedia for the historical notes). The walls are lined with bookcases containing everything from National Geographic Magazine to George Orwell's 1984, all in a multitude of different languages.There are 3 floors with lots of different alcoves and balconies all lit by candlelight, it is a magical place.
The Casa de la Musica is not officially a bar and it is not advertised anywhere, no signs adorn the door and if you have never been, you would never find it. Word is spread by friends of friends who introduce new visitors and so it goes. My first visit was in the company of ex patriot German Gary who showed me where to put my hand through the hole in the door and open the lock. On that occasion there was no music and Gary insisted on leaving to seek further pleasures, frankly I would have preferred to have stayed amongst the literature and Che Guevara Posters basking in the ambiance by candlelight drinking beer and listening to the sweet Cabo Verde folk music on the hi fi by candlelight, but he could not be pursuaded, and he was determined to show me some Mindelo life.
On my next visit, late one Sunday night I met Hilari, the proprietor who played me some interesting CDs of local folk music, later he got out his guitar and I strummed a few tunes on it while he played glorious violin. There were no customers that night, for which I was eternally greatfull, because I am not adept at playing nylon strung guitars with a neck wider than a cricket bat, but I managed to get an invite back on a music night with my guitar.
What a night that was, musically exciting, a couple of guitars, the violin of Hilari, several hours of energy and they love what I do, which I find amazing. It was late when we left so I left my guitar in Hilari's safekeeping, I went back to get it on the following Friday and ended up playing until 3am with guitarists, violin and many people on percussion. It was a full house and I was not allowed to stop.
Today, Sunday in the morning I went to buy cigarettes and the only place open was a cafe so I went in for a coffee. Who was there but Hilari and Sandra. I said I had to come to get my guitar and they said I had to come again to play so tonight I am playing again....more on that later.
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Its a day full of rain the sky's falling down again, I get so tired of these winter blues.Its Cold today but I'd just like to say it wont be long before I'm pulling on my sailing shoes...
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Summer almost arrived in the South East last week and took the opportunity to go and have a busk in Canterbury High Street. Got to thinking that more of that kind a playing be good ...Need a stand up bass and fiddle player....
On a recent rip to Montreal i got an invite to Play in Grumpy's Bar. A bit nervewracking to say the least but a great gig none the less, everyone was very welcoming and loved my work.
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Countrydave / Blog
The Casa de la Musica, Mindelo, Cape Verde
The Casa de la Musica is a private bar run by Hilari and Sandra a young couple who have inherited the stewardship of the property. Originally owned by a radical poet back in the days of the independence struggle. (look it up on Wikpedia for the historical notes). The walls are lined with bookcases containing everything from National Geographic Magazine to George Orwell's 1984, all in a multitude of different languages.There are 3 floors with lots of different alcoves and balconies all lit by candlelight, it is a magical place. The Casa de la Musica is not officially a bar and it is not advertised anywhere, no signs adorn the door and if you have never been, you would never find it. Word is spread by friends of friends who introduce new visitors and so it goes. My first visit was in the company of ex patriot German Gary who showed me where to put my hand through the hole in the door and open the lock. On that occasion there was no music and Gary insisted on leaving to seek further pleasures, frankly I would have preferred to have stayed amongst the literature and Che Guevara Posters basking in the ambiance by candlelight drinking beer and listening to the sweet Cabo Verde folk music on the hi fi by candlelight, but he could not be pursuaded, and he was determined to show me some Mindelo life. On my next visit, late one Sunday night I met Hilari, the proprietor who played me some interesting CDs of local folk music, later he got out his guitar and I strummed a few tunes on it while he played glorious violin. There were no customers that night, for which I was eternally greatfull, because I am not adept at playing nylon strung guitars with a neck wider than a cricket bat, but I managed to get an invite back on a music night with my guitar. What a night that was, musically exciting, a couple of guitars, the violin of Hilari, several hours of energy and they love what I do, which I find amazing. It was late when we left so I left my guitar in Hilari's safekeeping, I went back to get it on the following Friday and ended up playing until 3am with guitarists, violin and many people on percussion. It was a full house and I was not allowed to stop. Today, Sunday in the morning I went to buy cigarettes and the only place open was a cafe so I went in for a coffee. Who was there but Hilari and Sandra. I said I had to come to get my guitar and they said I had to come again to play so tonight I am playing again....more on that later.
Reply
Sometimes the Winter gets me Down
Its a day full of rain the sky's falling down again, I get so tired of these winter blues.Its Cold today but I'd just like to say it wont be long before I'm pulling on my sailing shoes...
Reply
Odd Stuff Notes and Thoughts
Summer almost arrived in the South East last week and took the opportunity to go and have a busk in Canterbury High Street. Got to thinking that more of that kind a playing be good ...Need a stand up bass and fiddle player.... On a recent rip to Montreal i got an invite to Play in Grumpy's Bar. A bit nervewracking to say the least but a great gig none the less, everyone was very welcoming and loved my work.
Reply