Milgi's Yurt

In any city, youre only a few yards away from a rat! In City Road in Cardiff, a well established eating area providing take away fast food and high quality eateries from nations of all persuasions, youre probably only a few feet away from a nest of the cute but freaky to some critters. It matters not, especially when the little oasis known as The Yurt (Secret Garden Sound System / Milgi’s café / restaurant), so beautifully hidden from the lights and cars and noise of the main road, offers up the best way to wrap up the weekend on a Sunday evening. Circular, one way in, one way out, furnished with a circular bed, stools and chairs and a red chaise, the Yurt is surprisingly warm and welcoming even on a November night. Tonight featured performances from four talented yet little known (and even international) artistes from Cardiff, North Wales and New Zealand.
Cardiff (HANDSOME!) legend singer-song writer and frontman for the wonderfully talented Cakehole Presleys’ Chris Ridgeway, headed an evening of entertainment in this special little venue. This particular event was promoted by Paul Courtney Clarke’s Meltdown Promotions, another well known purveyor and sponsor of local talent in operation for over a decade.
Accompanied only by his guitar and harmonica, but watched closely by his Cakehole comrades Alka, Mark and Al, Chris sang his way into the cosy crowd opening with “Slapped Arse” <<< insert real title) to the audiences grinning delight. The Ridgeway / Cakehole faithful were heard crooning (very badly) along to Chris’ dulcet tones with a look of recognition and resignation of less favourable times left behind them! It was immediately clear that both Mr. Ridgeway and his audience were loving the moment and the surroundings.
“Skipping Clouds” hit a very personal note for those wage slaves in attendance longing for the life of a local musician, barely getting by on the fees paid for such a gig, but still living the life yearned for by the not-so-free-spirited. “If ever I suss life I will let you know…..”.
“I tend to write songs about depression, introspection, addiction, but this is nice…” and Chris strums into Sweet Dreams. Had there not been the smoking ban, you could have guaranteed lighters held aloft on swinging arms, as the punters hit the first line along with the man with the guitar; “Let’s hear it for the incoherent. The scrambled. The tongue – tied….” We can all relate! Just remember to tie your shoelaces Dreamchasers!
A special treat followed for those who remember Doofer’s special lullaby “Kiss Your Forehead”, penned by Chris for his daughter many years ago. In a moment of sharing, Chris let everyone know how much she means to him, and how much he wanted her to be there tonight. Kids eh? As unreliable as parents!
The sets were divided into 3, which gave opportunity for topping up the cocktails, smoothies, lagers and nicotine habits.
By the end of the evening, after – parties were being organized on the spot for those lucky enough not to have to work the next morning, and words of thanks and congratulations to all the musicians, but in all honesty, mostly Mr. Handsome’s set, were to be heard being bandied about in appreciation of a very intimate and uplifting evening.
There may well be another Meltdown held at the Yurt, so get there while you can before the event becomes too big for the little venue. Treat yourself!