Messolonghi Music
31 May 2011
Messolonghi has been a welcoming town for cruisers either spending the winter or just s few weeks on either end of their season. Several locals became new friends to us as they provided for everything from chandlery supplies, historical tours, local cuisine, musical entertainment and even machine shop metalworking.
One of the most popular and entrepreneurial guys is Andreas who, with his hard-working wife Ria and daughter Angelika, offers up tasty homemade food and music nights at his Filoxenos Taverna. Fridays have been traditional Rebetiki, Greek "blues", nights with a couple of serious -looking guitar and bouzouki musicians. On Tuesdays cruisers bring their own guitars and throw "open-mike" sessions, sometimes with Andreas' own bouzouki accompaniment. As you may imagine, these last well into the wee hours and provide good fun for all. The photos above show Andreas playing his bouzouki with Craig trying out Sangaris' "Strumstick", Kath and Angelika, a Rebetiki trio and an instrument close-up.
Note to cruisers: Helios is a very helpful and knowledgeable chandlery owner and the shop is an easy walk from the marina. Alexos, the machinist, created some parts from scratch - a delrin block and a Stainless Steel bushing. His machine shop is off the main street "Spriou" not too far from the town gate and everyone knows where Andreas' Taverna is ... also an easy walk from the marina.