On Sunday afternoon, Dean and I decided to go to Cantina Locale for their legendary tacos and margaritas. What we didn’t expect to find was live music on the patio. Even more of a surprise was the talent performing at the restaurant. It was none other than the brilliant Chris Ndeti.
Though it wasn’t nighttime, it was certainly the right time to stop in for a meal.
Having heard from my best friend about the street corn taco bites, we thought we would give them a try. So glad we did. The dipping sauce is divine.
The restaurant was short staffed that day and our server Maggie went above and beyond to take care of her tables. Ask for her when you visit Cantina Locale. She’s the best.
Chris Ndeti arrived early to set up and prepare for her show carrying a pink guitar case and a pink tip bucket. Her presence was one of joy, and I was thrilled to be able to finally hear her after a year of being unable to attend her shows. Dressed in black and wearing pink sneakers, Ndeti strummed her guitar then launched into a powerful rendition of “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree to start her set. The crowd on the patio quieted as she sang, and Dean and I soaked in the sounds as we waited for our tacos to arrive.
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Within a short while, we were treated to an Ndeti original, a cool rootsy number called “Do Right Blues.” While I enjoy listening to covers of my favorite songs, it’s always a joy to hear performers play their original music, and Ndeti is an excellent songwriter.
Speaking of covers, Ndeti played a wide range of classic hits including “Something to Talk Abou”t by Bonnie Raitt and “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers. When she strummed the first few chords of Blind Melon’s 1993 hit “No Rain,” my heart melted as I remembered the tragedy of lead singer Shannon Hoon’s death shortly after the band had made it big.
Ndeti’s soulful voice is an instrument in itself, pairing perfectly with the guitar. Her strong vocals carried each of the covers into another realm and made each song uniquely hers. Whether a tune by Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar or Otis Redding, the songs Ndeti performed on Sunday were pure fire. She plays at venues across the CSRA and her website is always up to date. Check her out at https://www.acousticchocolate.com
Cantina Locale is located at 2803 Wrightsboro Road in Daniel Village and serves up a delightful Mexican-inspired menu. They offer live music on Thursday nights and Sundays for brunch. You can find them online at https://cantinalocale.com
Are you hungry to enjoy a little live music by Chris Ndeti with your dinner this weekend? If so, you’re in luck. Catch her performing at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 at Stay Social Tap & Table. There are two exciting events happening beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Moose Lodge in Grovetown to enjoy the sounds of the Sassy Brass Band, the group that backed the legendary Johnny Hensley at his Imperial Theatre shows. Also, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Keith Gregory brings his high-energy show to World of Beer.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
