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Written by Vince Barnes
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Wednesday evening I chanced upon a music evening at Fuegos Bar in Oliva. Not normally a bar one associates with live music nevertheless it was pleasing to see none other than John Ramon playing. For those of you who don’t know it, Fuegos is a English run restaurant which specialises in barbecue and meat dishes with a slant towards Tex mex flavouring. I have eaten there a few times before and the food is excellent as well as being very good value for money. Once a week on a Wednesday they have speciality theme nights and this Wednesday happened to be one of them – a Country and Western evening.
Although John normally plays music from the 60’s through to today – he has a large repertoire of songs in his black box that he can call on to entertain most types of crowd. A versatile singer and talented guitarist he can turn his hand to speciality evenings.
Fuegos, run by B and Matt, is now in its third year and they have built their reputation on providing fine food and wines to their clientele who are a good mix of English and Spanish – and you know a restaurant is good when the Spanish are there in force.
Now you would think that in the middle of winter, on a cold November evening, that the crowds would stay away – and this evening was particularly cold, but the restaurant was almost full as its near capacity 55 seats were all but taken – a testament indeed to the good food, good wine, excellent company, great service and of course fine musician.
With all 55 comfortably seated and the food put out, John started off with that well known Country and Western song – Tequila Sunrise – by the Eagles – dressed in Stetson hat and all – looking every much the cowboy.
He went through a set of just over an hour playing such songs as Road to Mandalay – the Robbie Williams country and Western song, Eric Clapton - Promises, Carol King, and ended the first set with a countrified version of Suspicious Minds – the latter song he even did a Fine Young Cannibals version – which almost sounded like the real thing.
Afterwards he took a well earned rest for 15 minutes to give the audience time to digest their desert before launching back into his routine with Proud Mary – I believe it was the Credence Clearwater Revival version rather than Tina Turners’. It was about this time that the crowd got up – well two of them did anyway – to start the dancing and warm the floor for the rest of the John Travolta’s but it would appear that this night there was a shy bunch in. Not one got up to line dance – even though there was the offer of a Tequila shot to everyone who did the line dance jig. Perhaps the shot should have been given beforehand, rather than after, to encourage more loose feet and dirty dancing.
Moving on swiftly to Stuck in the middle with you followed by Revolution, Painted Black, Brown Eyed Girl you might be forgiven for thinking that perhaps these aren’t in the spirit of the evening, but the crowd were asking for these songs as opposed to other Country greats, although he did try and keep in the spirit of the evening by throwing in the odd song from Don Williams and Co.
He then launched into a reggae section (see I told you he was diverse) with Red Red Wine, UB40 and Can’t help falling in love – reggae style. Quite unusual but nonetheless well worth a listen.
This was a great evenings entertainment and the crowd certainly appeared to enjoy themselves, helped along by the excellent food and the delightful service form the ever smiling staff. All this for a mere €14.95 including drinks – there aren’t many places left where you can get such good value round these parts.
There will be another themed music night on Dec 20th when none other than Elvis returns from beyond the grave to give a live performance – although I have a feeling it may be an impersonator. But if you want to get along there you will need to book early as reservations were being made by the people who were there. It promises to be a good night so give the restaurant a call.
If you need an all round entertainer for your private party, Xmas dinner, Bar or restaurant then John is a very able and capable entertainer and well recommended. You can book him by calling him on 630 445 204,
Good luck and remember to keep it live.
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Entertainment 
