New programme at Ropery Hall

Introducing Taff Rapids, Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation taking the international stage by storm. Comprising seasoned musicians Darren Eedens, Sion Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor, the band blends traditional bluegrass classics with captivating originals, incorporating Welsh-language songs for a unique global appeal.

In 2023, they were invited to the IBMA World of Bluegrass Showcase in Raleigh, NC, USA, the first welsh group to receive such an invitation. UK, European, and Canadian tours followed throughout 2024, and a ticket to Folk Alliance International 2025 highlights their growing demand and undeniable talent. With electrifying performances, rich harmonies, and unmatched instrumental prowess, Taff Rapids is set to become a powerhouse in bluegrass and beyond, to show the world what Welsh Bluegrass is.

Sion Russell Jones – Guitar + vocals
David Grubb – Fiddle + vocals
Darren Eedens – Banjo + vocals
Clem Saynor – Bass + vocals

Dom Pipkin: piano from London, soul from New Orleans

Alongside a glittering session career (David Byrne, Ray Davies, Morcheeba), piano player and songwriter Dom Pipkin has been described by Blues in Britain as “one of the world’s greatest exponents of New Orleans piano”.   He first discovered the New Orleans style in the early ‘90s, and has gone on to become a regular visitor and performer in that city, with appearances that include the highly acclaimed “Piano Night” and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.  He is a regular fixture on the European blues and boogie-woogie festival circuit having played 1000s of club and theatre, radio and TV dates in a career spanning nearly three decades.  Jazz star Jamie Cullum says “I can’t hold a candle to this guy”. 

Pipkin developed a particular specialisation for the unique flavours of maverick New Orleans piano star James Booker (1939 – 1983) capturing the player’s trademark combination of driving blues married with rhapsodic classical influences.  He was invited to play at the world premiere of the documentary “Bayou Maharajah” at SXSW in 2014, and at multiple subsequent screenings of the film. 

Pipkin regularly performs and records in New Orleans, and has shared stages with legends such as Allen Toussaint , Dr John and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.  Grammy award winner Jon Cleary invites him to jam whenever he’s in town.  In live shows Pipkin mixes his own compelling songwriting with blues and Big Easy classics that “cooks up a steaming musical stew that has the crowd dancing and clapping for more”  Classic Rock Blues Magazine. 

During the Covid lockdown he performed more than 120 broadcast shows from his home and completed his solo album “C’mon Sunshine” – an all-original collection of songs on the subject of hope, jammed full of spicy New Orleans and blues piano styles.   The album “Live At The Temple” followed in 2023 – a spontaneous mix of two live sets at London’s Temple Of Art And Music. 

Pipkin’s on-screen appearances include the 2024 Netflix thriller, Black Doves,  and the 2025 A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky, and he can be seen jamming boogie-woogie with king of Mandopop, Jay Chou, in the latest Rimowa commercial.

Alongside his own career, Pipkin has travelled the world with the band Morcheeba (with whom he has been associated since the band’s inception in 1996).  He is also active as an educator, running a highly popular New Orleans jam session in London, and writes articles based around keyboards for Blues Matters magazine.

This performance is part of our Members’ 241 Offer. Please ask for details.

Kasper Rietkerk – The Happy Worrier

Multi-award winning saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk, collaborated with artists as Eddie Chacon, John Caroll Kirby, Jean Toussaint, and many others. He is also a member of the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra. His diverse career includes appearances on various TV and radio programs. Kasper has been awarded with the VDEF Next Step Award in 2025 by VandenEnde Foundation and with the Brubeck Living Legacy Prize in July 2024, by the Royal Academy of Music and Brubeck Living Legacy. The album, The Happy Worrier, that he recorded with the prize money from the Brubeck Living Legacy was launched at PizzaExpress Live on the 23rd of June, 2025. This is an intergenerational project that features some of the UK’s greatest musicians: John Parricelli, Tom Herbert, Jonah Evans and Rebecka Edlund.

To celebrate the release of this album, Kasper Rietkerk brings his guitar project to Ropery Hall. Expect an intimate blend between two guitars and a saxophone performing all songs from The Happy Worrier album.

Line up:
Kasper Rietkerk; saxophones
Billy Marrows; guitar
Dom Howard; guitar

Led by the renowned RICHARD EXALL (The Glen Miller Orchestra UK, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra) on tenor sax and clarinet, in collaboration with Musical Director, DOM BARNETT on piano, our performance has been arranged to feature some of the classic songs by the singer dubbed ‘The Mother of The Blues’ – Ma Rainey – whilst capturing the true jazz essence of the music from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.  The established rhythm section featuring drum legend, SAM KELLY (Chaka Khan, Ben E King, Ruby Turner) combines with Parliamentary Jazz Awards winner,  double-bassist, MARIANNE WINDHAM (Jazz Promoter and Chair of both Guildford Jazz and Fleet Jazz Clubs).   Complimenting this swinging ensemble are the powerful, captivating vocals of Chrissie Myles (multi-Platinum selling band, Bastille) together with jazz singer, actress and show narrator, Emily Windham, whose voices will transport you to the jazz clubs of yesteryears….

Gatehouse is a distinguished Irish traditional band known for their thoughtful interpretations, rich musicality, and deep respect for the tradition. Featuring Rachel Garvey on vocals, Jacinta McEvoy on guitar and concertina, John McEvoy on fiddle and mandola, and John Wynne on flute and whistles, the group brings together some of Ireland’s most respected musicians.

Their music blends refined instrumental interplay with compelling vocal performances, offering a sound that is both rooted and refreshing. From evocative ballads to lively dance tunes, Gatehouse strikes a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.

Their debut album, Tús Nua, received critical acclaim for its subtlety and elegance, followed by the well-received Heather Down the Moor, which further established their signature style. Their live performances have been praised for their warmth, precision, and ability to connect with audiences.

Described by Folk Radio as having an “undeniable warmth and spirit,” Gatehouse continues to build on their reputation as a group that brings both heart and craft to the Irish tradition.