As one door closes, another luckily opens
THE RITZ SHOWBAR AND FUNCTION SUITE WILL REOPEN AS A LIVE MUSIC VENUE
REGULAR readers of the Mail’s Clubspot will know that over recent months we have lost some of the area’s most iconic venues. The St Vincent’s Social, The William Gemmell and eventually The Buckingham have all closed and are a big loss to the members, staff and the local communities they supported.
Last Thursday night The Ritz Showbar and Function Suite closed its doors when its long-standing owner Steve James decided to sell the venue.
Steve and family bought the Ritz 17 years ago and it has been a great venue for private functions busy weekend meet-ups and cabaret nights.
In recent times The Ritz was leased to several landlords with the latest being Wendy Deacon and Andy Barley who did a great job.
As a team they decided to move on to a new venture but I was thrilled to hear that the new owners of The Ritz Showbar and Function Suite plan to give it a comprehensive makeover. Richard John and son Christopher John will reopen as a live music and function venue.
Retiring owner Steve James said: “Well it’s the end of an era for me today.
“I am no longer the owner of my much-loved Ritz Showbar.
“It’s nearly 18 years since I bought her and what a ride it has been. I’ve made some lovely friends over the years and lost some too, but I have some fond memories from the place that I will cherish forever.
“I want to thank all the staff and customers for their support during my years there and it helped to make it the massive success we all enjoyed.
“I have been assured that The Ritz will be reopening as a function and music venue in the very near future and I’m so pleased.”
Wendy Deacon and Andy Barley, who ran The Ritz, added: “We have just met the new owners of The Ritz Showbar.
“Christopher is a lovely, generous guy and the most polite man. Please support him and his son in the near future and I’m sure they are going do their best in keeping The Ritz Showbar name going.
“There is a lot coming your way to look out for and myself and Andy will be supporting them all the way.”
TONIGHT, local entertainer Lee Kamen is hosting the last of his fundraisers for Dove House Hospice.
The final event is being held at The Original Keys in Market Place, Driffield.
The evening will hopefully feature Donna Atkinson, Donna Marie and many more.
Entry is free but you’ll need to take along some money for the usual fundraising activities and you will enjoy a great night’s entertainment.
Last week’s fundraising night held at the Sutton Arms on Goodhart Road in Bransholme raised more than £900 on the night.
I WAS saddened to learn of the passing last week of the local singer and guitar player Davey Rich.
He had a special gift for playing country music but could turn his hand to just about anything.
There were many messages of condolence posting on social media from his friends, including his good pal Colin Metcalfe, with whom he ran weekly free and easy sessions at The White Hart for many years.
Colin said: “Some sad news on the passing of Davey Rich, he was a special friend, well liked and we had some fantastic evenings together.
“A big thank you to Davey for being my right hand man over the years.
“He was a great friend, a talented musician, he had a wonderful sense of humour and he will be sadly missed.”
Condolences go to his many friends and family on their sad loss.
LOCAL musician Leroy Wainman has announced that he will be hosting a new open mic night at the Grafton Hotel on Grafton Street in Hull.
The evening kicks off next Monday night running from 6pm to 9pm and will be a regular weekly event.
Leroy said: “The Grafton has some top history and I’m really looking forward to the night.
“There will be some mellow music to the ‘Monday Vibes’ and all players, poets and singers are most welcome to join in the fun.”
AMONG the other gigs of note this week include this afternoon’s Wednesday Get Together at The Ryder on Coltman Street with guest artist Caroline Seymour and resident compere Ric Owen.
Tonight, The Willows Country Music Club on Holderness Road features the very excellent outfit The Darren Busby Duo with entry £3 on the door.
On Friday night the award-winning vocalist Rachel Mills is appearing at The Grange pub on Hopewell Road and on Saturday night star vocalist Martin Jackson is appearing at The Hornsea Ex-servicemen’s Club. On Sunday night the New Walton Club on Walton Street will feature Kristian.
■■If you have a festival, free and easy night, afternoon club or special event coming up email dave@sandfield.karoo.co.uk