Christchurch Folk Music Club
The Club was formed in 1968 and has remained one of the most successful in the country and continues to thrive in spite of a forced change of venue due to the recent earthquakes .
We feature a wide range of music – from blues to ballads, country to contemporary, Celtic to jazz, and all styles are welcomed and encouraged. We vary our concerts and encourage local performers, as well as regularly hosting International visiting artists & groups.
Musicians Club Concert
Sunday 8 June 2025
It is with much pleasure and anticipation that The Folk Club hosts our cousins from The Christchurch Musician’s Club, to put on a musical variety performance showcasing a selection of local talent.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Martin Curtis & Graham Wardrop
Sunday 15 June 2025
Martin and Graham met in 1989 and formed a close friendship, a partnership that continues to this day. With Graham’s help in 1990, Martin recorded his 3rd album “The Daisy Patch", which was a finalist in the New Zealand Music Awards. Since then, Graham has been an integral part of all of Martin’s albums – 10 in total, both as a musician and latterly as the sound and recording engineer. They often perform together as a duo and thoroughly enjoy each other’s company.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Thomas Loefke
Sunday 29 June 2025
Harp Music from the Celtic Northwest - concert with slideshow: Northern Isles Soundscapes
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Hobnail - with Support Act, Luca Joass
Sunday 6 July 2025
Hobnail has played everywhere from Canada to Norfolk Island, Germany to Australia, Auckland to Gore, but never Vogelmorn!
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Open Mic Night - 13 July 2025
Sunday 13 July 2025
We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Nick Jackman One-Man Band
Sunday 20 July 2025
Nick Jackman is a multi-instrumentalist and one-man-band based in Christchurch, with
influences ranging from traditional Celtic folk to country, blues, punk rock and psychedelia.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Liz Braggins
Sunday 27 July 2025
After the successful concerts at the folk club in the recent past with Suzanne Lynch, Graham Wardrop and John Wright this concert will be a welcome return of Liz on her own singing and playing the songs that she loves to play solo.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
A Folky Night of Comedy, Music, and Shenanigans!
Sunday 24 August 2025
Ready to laugh, enjoy a night of comedy! This is a benefit concert to raise funds for the 50th Canterbury Folk Festival to be held on Easter weekend 2026 (3-6 April 2026)
Starring:
- Big Jim Small, our comic compere
- Copper and Steel, legendary poems, songs to make you laugh out loud and the understated subtleties of Martin's wit.
- Sue Galvin, infectious humour overflows when Sue is onstage.
- Tony Kiesanowski, with a dry humour and tremendous storytelling
Local stand-up comedians: one being Damon Brady, who will be sharing his music-focused entertainment.
There will be entertainment to fill the night with assured laughter.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Open Mic Night - 21 September 2025
Sunday 21 September 2025
We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Charlotte Yates + Show Pony
Sunday 30 November 2025
She celebrates the release of new work in the form of a brand new seven-track EP, Winter’s Eye accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Show Pony aka the fabulous Swiss Army knife of NZ music.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Sassafras - Hootenanny
Sunday 25 May 2025
The Sassafras Bluegrass Band invites you to a "HOOTENANNY"
What is a "HOOTENANNY"? It is a "banjo-brained hoedown-throwdown-don't slow down until the cows come home"!
Sassafras is from the Foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the USA, which is home to some of the best bluegrass music you will find. Sassafras pays homage to the Father of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe, as well as other bluegrass pioneers such as the Country Gentlemen, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs. Sassafras enjoys pushing the edge of progressive Newgrass music, as well. Sassafras also includes a range of other musical styles in their repertoire including country, folk, western swing, and originals.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Two new singer-songwriter's Ellen Barry & Paul Bacon
Sunday 18 May 2025
These two artists first brought their talents to The Open Mic stage at the club, where their ability stood out.
We have been delighted to have Ellen and Paul as support acts at the club.
Ellen took ownership of the stage as a support act for Amiria Grenell and received warm tributes from Amiria for this support.
Equally, when Paul supported Enda Kenny, it was like a younger version of Enda, as Paul weaved songs of stories and life experiences, along similar lines to Enda's songs, which Enda acknowledged.
We look forward to a night where we experience more of their creativity, flair and their formula to bring us a night of awe-inspiring music. We challenge you to support new local talent, as these two are!
Two young artists to watch as their careers develop.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Saltwater Creek
Sunday 11 May 2025
Saltwater Creek was formed in early 2024 when a group of five long-time friends and musical collaborators - Al Mackenzie, Bruce Penno, Chris Chamberlain, Lesley Askin, and Rob Allan - decided to get together and start something new. Drawing upon their years of musical experience and wide-ranging tastes, they formed a covers band with a set-list that traverses many decades and a wide range of genres, from folk, to blues, soul, pop, and rock. Instrumentation includes acoustic, electric and bass guitars, blues harp, fiddle, and percussion. With five capable vocalists, lead vocal duties are shared around, and when all those voices combine, the result is a rich vocal texture that is not often heard in live music these days.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Andrew London Duo supported by Moccachocolata
Sunday 4 May 2025
Andrew London’s quirky songs will make you laugh out loud as you recognise yourself and everyone around you, and all the prejudices, obsessions and weird little idiosyncrasies we Kiwis put out on display every day.
There are songs about politics, social status, shopping habits, teenagers, coffee culture, neighbours and small town protocol. And insights into the unpredictable and tenuous lives of traveling musicians, based on having played a thousand gigs from the woolsheds of Central Otago to the board rooms of Queen Street.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Open Mic Night - 13 April 2025
Sunday 13 April 2025
We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Helen Capes, the Hexhamshire Lass with support Ukaholix
Sunday 6 April 2025
Helen's voice and the unique sound of the Northumbrian smallpipes - a magical combination
Christchurch Folk Music Club
James Gray with support act - Saffron Sisters
Sunday 30 March 2025
James Gray is a contemporary version of an old-school traveling folk singer. In the past decade, Gray has toured throughout Canada, Europe and Australia, seeing the world and sharing his beloved songs along the way. A unique finger style guitarist, with a vocal that is hauntingly beautiful, Gray, often accompanied by a rather droll, humorous stage patter, immerses himself in each and every song with a soulfulness and attack that is infectious and disarming.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Unity Week Concert - Celebrating Diversity
Sunday 16 March 2025
Music knows no boundaries. It transcends language, culture, and borders, weaving into the fabric of our existence.
Mothers have sung lullabies to their children cradled in their arms in every culture, songs and dance have marked commemorative passages of life throughout the world, and the sharing of music is universal and a tradition for most of us all.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
BRAGGINS & WRIGHT for a show filled with humour and warmth
Sunday 9 March 2025
After successful concerts at the Christchurch Folk Club in the recent past with
Suzanne Lynch and Graham Wardrop followed by a solo concert last August,
Elizabeth Braggins now teams up with John Wright
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Úna Ní Fhlannagáin - Award winning Harpist and Singer
Sunday 2 March 2025
Úna Ní Fhlannagáin is a harper and singer based in Galway, Ireland. Rooted in the jigs and reels of North Clare and the sean-nós singing of Connemara, she is also influenced by American post-minimalists and free jazz. Accolades include the Riada Gold Medal for Harp (2017) and the All-Ireland trophy for Senior Harp Slow Airs (Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2018).
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Úna Ní Fhlannagáin - Irish Traditional Song Workshop
Sunday 2 March 2025
LIMITED SPACES - PLEASE BOOK EARLY
Úna has taught formally and informally since her teens and achieved a first-class honours postgraduate degree in music education at the University of Limerick. She subsequently undertook specialised training in America, Canada, and Italy. Passionate about music education, she strives to make every class both highly effective and *fun*!
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Andrew Lockwood - travelling journeyman
Sunday 23 February 2025
Andrew is a travelling journeyman and songwriter from the UK, performing acoustic originals alongside other artists’ work; sharing and celebrating the healing joy of music.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Dave McMillan, with support act Elskan Fly
Sunday 16 February 2025
Dave McMillan has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years with his rich, soulful voice and amazing guitar playing! Also, mostly true, his funny stories behind his own songs! Dave's played concerts and festivals all over Australia, NZ and Canada solo and as part of the renowned duo "Wizard & Oz"
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Half Light: Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill
Sunday 19 January 2025
Soaring flute melodies, mesmerizing guitar work, award winning songs. A journey of Celtic music with two masters
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Chch Folk Music Club - End of Year BBQ & Concert 2024
Sunday 15 December 2024
The final concert for 2024 showcases our membership talent.
It is going to be a magnificent show and one you won't want to miss, all based on our traditional Christmas BBQ, our thank you for the support over the year.
You must book online so we know catering numbers.
The theme for this collection of eclectic and magnificent offerings will be "Weather it Rain or Shine", think creatively and broadly to capture a range of songs and contributions that will touch on the theme and unfold for us as the audience.
Of course there will be the obvious, such as "You are the Sunshine of my Life"...
Caledonian Hall
Al Park
Sunday 8 December 2024
Al Park returns to the Folk Club having released a new album,"One for the dog, one for the cat and, one for the people with a MONKEY on their back".. MONKEY for short.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Fingerpicking Delights IX
Sunday 1 December 2024
"How Guitar Fingerpicking Came to Christchurch".
In playing order, the acts are:
Phil Doublet,
the Christchurch Kings of Skiffle (Davey Backyard, Dan Heatley and Paul Keen),
the Mountford Trio (Hugh Canard, Mary Ruston and Neill Pickard),
Jon Hooker and Tony Hale,
Graham Wardrop.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
The Blue Sea Above
Sunday 24 November 2024
The Blue Sea Above are fast becoming regulars in the Dunedin music scene. Their live shows combine energetic violin improvisation with solidly crafted and strongly melodic songwriting. Dean’s virtuosic, ethereal, and intuitive violin mastery - drawing on decades of orchestral performance - blends beautifully with Tom’s easy style – sweet earthy vocals and compelling guitar rhythms.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Enda Kenny
Sunday 10 November 2024
Dublin-born folksinger Enda Kenny is one of Australia's favourite festival performers.
As a storytelling songwriter, his ability to instantly engage audiences is well known, creating evocative characters drawn from life that pull you into their stories and songs that trigger memories you didn't know you had.
He has the migrant's eye for his adopted landscape, has travelled widely across and around it and found the word pictures to bring it to life like you are travelling with him.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Too Many Chiefs
Sunday 3 November 2024
Andrew London, Wayne Mason and Rob Joass
Mates on the road rolling out top quality songwriting and musicianship, with lashings of irony and humour. - East Auckland Times
Christchurch Folk Music Club
David Evison - Here We Are
Sunday 20 October 2024
"While we have come from different places and have progressed in different ways, we have all arrived at this point because we enjoy performing music"
David Evison is a regular performer at Folk Club events, and a member of the Jamesons, a long-standing Christchurch band which plays every Tuesday night at the Bog Irish bar. He also regularly joins sessions at the Pegasus Bar and the Little Fiddle.
He will be joined by Steve Stern and Russell Gillies.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Honouring Leonard Cohen
Sunday 13 October 2024
HONOURING LEONARD COHEN..
features ANDY THOMPSON (guitars and vocals) and KRISTRINA GODFREY (vocals and percussion), they are joined by teacher and honoured folkie, MARY RUSTON (keyboard) dynamic musical director of Jazzamatazz.
They will present a brief flurry of original songs before unleashing their LEONARD COHEN works.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Ceilidh - 6 October 24
Sunday 6 October 2024
"Theo and G" are the next barndance band! Theo on accordion with Gary on guitar and calling. They are known for their nights filled with fun, great music and most of all, exceptional dancing. Bring your dancing shoes and smiles, all that is needed for an evening of merriment and "the best fun to be had with your clothes on".
A cèilidh is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering. In its most basic form, it simply means a social visit. In contemporary usage, it usually involves playing Gaelic folk music and dancing, either at a house party or a larger concert at a social hall or other community gathering place.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Open Mic Night - 29 September 2024
Sunday 29 September 2024
We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Anna van Riel award-winning songwriter
Sunday 22 September 2024
Lake Hāwea artist Anna van Riel is an award-winning songwriter with a passion for folk, blues and jazz.
With a music career spanning over 20 years, Anna has performed at the world's highest musical festival in Ladakh, across two summers in the Cote d' zur, through earth homes and permaculture farms in North America and through festivals across the East Coast of Australia. She has even performed for Prince Albert of Monaco...twice!
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Anna van Riel - Vocal workshop
Sunday 22 September 2024
Have you always wanted to sing and speak with freedom and power?
Join award-winning singer/songwriter Anna van Riel from Nook Road Productions for the 101 vocal workshop and discover a powerful toolbox that will support you to become your own best vocal coach.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Nick Smith
Sunday 15 September 2024
Nick has a long standing interest in British folk music, attending folk clubs and festivals back in the U.K. before emigrating to NZ 20 years ago. Nick and his family settled in Gisborne for 12 years, where he was an active participant on the local music scene, performing in an acoustic duo and forming a folk / Irish band called Barleycorn.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Gary Elford
Sunday 8 September 2024
This folk club concert will be 2 small shows.
The first “Coming of Age” is a collection of Gary’s works in both verse and song
The second is “From Paterson to Prine”.
This features Gary reciting his favorite Banjo Paterson poems which tell the stories of Aussie bush characters and display his love of the genre; Bush Poetry.
These works are interspersed with his second great passion, the poignant, funny, sad and
uplifting songs of John Prine.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Sionna - Songs and Tunes from Ireland (ish)
Sunday 1 September 2024
Sionna are a dynamic folk duo formed in Christchurch in 2023.
With Helen’s haunting vocal harmonies and top class fiddle alongside Lorcan’s natural traditional Irish vocals and stunning accompaniment on bouzouki and guitar this duo will not only perform but thoroughly entertain audiences with their talent and witty personalities to boot.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Bruce Watson
Sunday 25 August 2024
Bruce Watson is an icon and longtime favourite of the Australian folk scene.
His performances are joyful and thoroughly engaging, with witty lyrics and energetic presentation.
He is a masterful craftsman of songs, be they evocative, heart wrenching, or side-splittingly funny.
Bruce has appeared at almost 200 folk festivals as well as innumerable folk clubs and other venues across Australia, NZ and the UK. He has received a stack of prestigious songwriting awards and had his songs covered by performers of the calibre of Eric Bogle, Joe Dolce, Greg Champion, and a host of other Australian and international performers. He has been a support act for many high profile international performers.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Adam McGrath
Sunday 18 August 2024
Adam McGrath is a folk singer and yarn spinner stationed wherever he can get a key! Described by RNZ as a “National Treasure” and the Herald as “NZ’s toughest minded songwriter”, Adam is more widely known as lead singer and songwriter with one of NZ’s most loved roots/country bands The Eastern.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Liz Braggins - Solo Show
Sunday 11 August 2024
Elizabeth’s enthusiasm and aptitude for music led to her first music lessons when she was very little but after a few lessons her music teacher suggested she learn the alphabet first. She started learning music again a little later and continued to do so until her mid twenties, teaching herself chords and modern music. As a teenager she learned classical guitar, clarinet and the french horn but the piano and singing have always been her forte.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Muddy Mama’s Blues Band Live & Bluesy Seasoned with Jazz
Sunday 4 August 2024
You are invited to lose yourself in some wondrous blues and jazz rhythms, the aim is simple: great music, great fun. Join us as the band holds down a smouldering groove behind Judi’s sultry, bluesy voice and passionate stage presence, for this concert designed to showcase talents and the love of song in a sincere spirit of musical expression.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Just Janie
Sunday 28 July 2024
Just Janie is a folk musician born and raised in the heart of Central Otago, and currently residing in Ōtautahi, Christchurch where she is pursuing music and art full time. Janie’s lyrical landscapes offer
an intimately raw window into her experiences of the world around her, love and loss, the disillusion of rose-tinted memories, and what it means to write and perform her music.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Open Mic Night - 21 July 2024
Sunday 21 July 2024
We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Ceilidh - 14 July 2024
Sunday 14 July 2024
"Theo and G" are the next barndance band! Theo on accordion with Gary on guitar and calling. They are known for their nights filled with fun, great music and most of all, exceptional dancing. Bring your dancing shoes and smiles, all that is needed for an evening of merriment and "the best fun to be had with your clothes on".
A cèilidh is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering. In its most basic form, it simply means a social visit. In contemporary usage, it usually involves playing Gaelic folk music and dancing, either at a house party or a larger concert at a social hall or other community gathering place.
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Suss4
Sunday 7 July 2024
A group of four friends (with an occasional ‘augmented 5th’!) who play and sing an eclectic mix of jazz standards, Cuban and Brazilian classics, R&B, blues, rock & pop – and even some actual ‘folk’!
Christchurch Folk Music Club
Amiria Grenell
Sunday 23 June 2024
Daughter of legendary country musician John Grenell, Amiria grew up on a farm in Whitecliffs, Canterbury, where her family hosted decades of music festivals in the back paddocks. She has followed her heritage into a colourful and long-standing career as a touring artist and respected songwriter. Winner of a Tui NZ Music Award for her album THREE FEATHERS (2011) and finalist for the same award for album AUTUMN (2015), her new album THE WINTER LIGHT is sure to be yet another album to be embraced across Aotearoa.
Christchurch Irish Society
Andrew London Duo
Sunday 16 June 2024
Andrew’s songs have contributed to popular trio Hot Club Sandwich, country band The
Cattlestops, the Too Many Chiefs quartet and numerous other collaborations at jazz, blues, folk, country and arts festivals from Queenstown to Auckland, Melbourne to Norfolk Island and Sydney to Saudi Arabia.
The enforced isolation of the Covid lockdown saw the duo rearrange Andrew's entire repertoire to suit, with the results viewable on eight 40-minute Youtube episodes called ‘Live at The Londons’.
Andrew London’s quirky songs will make you laugh out loud as you recognise yourself and
everyone around you, and all the prejudices, obsessions and weird little habits we put out on
display, every day, in this funny little country.
Christchurch Irish Society
Jessie Rose Shanks
Sunday 9 June 2024
Having traversed the countryside for the last fifteen years in New Zealand’s hardest working band The Eastern, Jessie Shanks is a renowned guitar picking, banjo frailing, foot stomper with a sweet southern voice and a raft of songs built from years on the road. Shanks has cultivated her own unique approach to roots music, performing haunting contemporary folk tunes steeped in time and place and woven from her countless travels.
Christchurch Irish Society
Isabella (Izzy) Miller Bell Aka Ma Bell "My Back Pages"
Sunday 26 May 2024
Featuring MA BELL & THE CONNECTIONS
Up close and personal with one of the country's finest acoustic folk blues jazz Celtic soul singer-songwriters.
The Christchurch Folk Club proudly presents Isabella (Izzy) Miller Bell Aka Ma Bell in concert accompanied by pianist John Bevin and upright bass player Michael Kime with special guests.
After 12 years of touring the South with the pop-up concert and Acoustic South projects Ma Bell said it is time for her to pull in the reigns, and take stock as she wonders ‘where to from here’
Christchurch Irish Society
6th Ferris Show: a feast for the ears, memories & eyes
Sunday 19 May 2024
As in all previous Ferris shows, Robin selects a variety of top-tier musicians to perform with this year's lineup, a blend of multiple bands with distinct styles.
Bookings are highly recommended as we expect a full house for this feast for the ears, memories and eyes when these nine exceptional musicians put the 6th Ferris Show together.
Christchurch Irish Society
Isabelle Wolff - German singer/songwriter
Sunday 12 May 2024
In 2015 while walking the Camino de Santiago spiritual hiking trail in the north of Spain, the decision finally came to start studying singing in Enschede (in the Netherlands) at the Popacademy Artez. She finished her Master of Music for jazz and pop vocals in 2022.
Around the same time, she began collaborating with Lulo Reinhardt, a well-known German descendant of the gypsy jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt. Several concerts with Lulo Reinhardt followed.
In April 2022, Isabelle released her first EP, ‘Liebe & Freiheit’, in combination with a book of poetry, followed by a release tour in Amsterdam.
Christchurch Irish Society
Open Mic Night - 5 May 2024
Sunday 5 May 2024
We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience
Christchurch Irish Society
Christchurch Musicians Club - a musical variety performance
Sunday 21 April 2024
It is with much pleasure and anticipation that The Folk Club hosts our cousins from The Christchurch Musician’s Club, to put on a musical variety performance showcasing a selection of local talent. Four separate acoustic-based acts will deliver a veritable banquet of tunes across the musical spectrum, from smooth jazz to pop, blues, country, classics, originals and quirky numbers you wouldn’t expect
Christchurch Irish Society
Ceilidh - 14 April 24
Sunday 14 April 2024
"Theo and G" are the next barndance band! Theo on accordion with Gary on guitar and calling. They are known for their nights filled with fun, great music and most of all, exceptional dancing. Bring your dancing shoes and smiles, all that is needed for an evening of merriment and "the best fun to be had with your clothes on".
A cèilidh is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering. In its most basic form, it simply means a social visit. In contemporary usage, it usually involves playing Gaelic folk music and dancing, either at a house party or a larger concert at a social hall or other community gathering place.
Christchurch Irish Society
Rachel Dawick presents: ‘London Labour and the London Poor’
Sunday 7 April 2024
Rachel Dawick is a New Zealand folk artist whose previous album, ‘The Boundary Riders’, was finalist for the NZ Tui Award Folk Album 2015.
She returns after living in London for the last four years with her new folk album and book ‘London Labour and the London Poor’, based on Henry Mayhew’s work from the mid 1850’s when he took to the streets to interview east Londoners, releasing these interviews as part of a series of articles in the Chronicle Paper and later as a three volume book.
Christchurch Irish Society
Unity Concert - Honouring diversity within our community
Sunday 24 March 2024
Music knows no boundaries. It transcends language, culture, and borders, weaving its way into the very fabric of our existence.
Christchurch Irish Society Hall
"Celtic Music Orchestra" & "A Feast of Celtica"
Sunday 17 March 2024
Join with us to celebrate St Patrick's Day away from the maddening crowds at the home of all things Irish in Canterbury. The Irish Society Hall.
Avoid the rush, book early.
We invite you to dress in green and immerse yourselves in a night of Irish Culture.
Christchurch Irish Society Hall
Suzanne Lynch, Elizabeth Braggins, Graham Wardrop
Thursday 14 March 2024
The newly formed trio of three fabulous musicians in their own right combining their immaculate skills make a powerful force of dynamism and listening pleasure for the audience. With 3-part harmonies a priority backed by top-class piano and guitar by Braggins and Wardrop, this is a must see.
The song choice ranges from some nostalgic toe tappers from Suzanne’s songbook, some jazzy numbers from Elizabeth’s and some originals and covers from Graham’s.
Suzanne’s voice has led her all over the world backing world famous musicians such as Cat Stevens and Mary Hopkins.
Elizabeth's piano playing and her caramello voice are a firm favourite for Christchurch listeners and Graham’s guitar playing and his sensitive vocals are also in high demand around the country.
Please note that this is a Thursday night concert, this was a sell out last year so we know you will be keen to hear this trio again.
Christchurch Irish Society Hall
Dave Flynn - Celtic Guitar Journey
Sunday 10 March 2024
Dave Flynn is an award-winning Irish composer and musician, praised as
a "masterful guitarist" in Sing Out! Magazine.
In his show 'Celtic Guitar Journey' he presents beautiful guitar
arrangements of Irish and Scottish traditional music, exploring the
musical connections between these 'Celtic' countries. His programme
goes through the history of Celtic music, from an ancient Irish battle
march, to baroque-era harp music by Turlough O'Carolan, to 19th
century reels and jigs and then some more modern compositions that he
recorded on his acclaimed albums. There's also some new Irish-style
tunes composed in New Zealand which represent new kind of traditional
Irish-Kiwi music.
"This event is kindly supported by Culture Ireland"
Irish Society Hall
Good Habits
Sunday 3 March 2024
Highly sought-after, UK folk-fusion duo Good Habits return to Aotearoa for their extensive “Quarter-Life” Album Tour, from Jan 2024 through til late March!
After two years of the formative pandemic spent ‘happily stranded’ on tour in New Zealand, Good Habits return to their Antipodean second home for a mighty tour that includes WOMAD, Port Fairy Festival, and supporting Tiki Taane (Trio’s Garden Bar, Rarotonga), in anticipation of their new album release “Quarter-Life”, due out in May 2024.
Irish Society Hall
George Jackson & Brad Kolodner
Wednesday 28 February 2024
At the heart of all traditional music lies two important coordinates, the time and place of origin; objective definitions in the ever-evolving aesthetics of folk music. These coordinates are the concepts explored with infinite new possibilities by New Zealand-born, Nashville-based fiddler George Jackson and Baltimore-based American banjoist Brad Kolodner. The two musicians met years ago in a late-night jam session at the hallowed Appalachian String Band Music Festival in West Virginia and have since formed a musical bond that runs deep, across continents and through a number of recorded projects. From the moment the fiddle bow hits the strings and the fingers grasp the fretboard, George and Brad are locked in, weaving their way through ancient melodies made new again. From trance-inducing moody original tunes to classic barnburners, their show has something for serious or casual folk music fans alike. They play with a mischievous curiosity that keeps listeners on the edge of their seat
Irish Society Hall
Mishra
Sunday 25 February 2024
Mishra are a global folk duo with strong roots in U.K folk, currently on their debut tour of Aotearoa NZ. They weave a tight web of intricate, Indian-influenced original music that defies definition and has brought them awards recognition since their formation in 2017. Kate Griffin on vocals, banjo, and dobro (The Magpies) and Ford Collier on low whistle, calabash/percussion, and guitar (BBC R2 Folk Award nominated The Drystones) are the songwriting partnership behind Mishra, drawing on their unique base of influences that encompasses folk music of the UK and America, Indian classical music, and soul to create a surprisingly accessible sound that audiences instantly connect to.
Irish Society Hall
Sassafras
Sunday 18 February 2024
Sassafras is based in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Sassafras is a bluegrass band who pays homage to the Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs era, but also enjoys pushing the edge of progressive Newgrass music as well. Their repertoire includes a range of musical styles including Ole-time, Country, Folk, Western Swing and originals. Members are Wes Tuttle, Randy Gambill, Gray Tuttle & Randy Pasley.
Irish Society Hall
The Soul Salute to Van Morrison
Sunday 11 February 2024
The multi time sold out Soul Salute to Van Morrison is back, this time stripped back and live at the Christchurch Folk Club.
Featuring Adam Hattaway singing his favourite Van Morrison songs from Astral Weeks, Veedon Fleece, Into The Music, Moondance,
St Dominic's Preview and more. Backed up by and incredible lineup of Ōtautahi's finest including;
Elmore Jones on Guitar
Michael Kime on Double Bass
Doug Brush on Percussion
Marian McCurdy on Flute
& Lorenz Weston-Salzer on Violin
Irish Society Hall
Chch Folk Music Club - End of Year BBQ & Concert 2023
Sunday 10 December 2023
The final concert for 2023 showcases our membership talent, highlights our winning soloists, groups, bands and duets, such as The Saffron Sisters, David Evison, The Flamin'D's, Cooper & Steel and some surprise performances.
It is going to be a magnificent show and one you won't want to miss, all based on our traditional Christmas BBQ, our thank you for the support over the year. Members you will get the BBQ and concert for free, however essential that you book so we know catering numbers.
The theme for this collection of eclectic and magnificent offerings will be "A Fruitful Life", think creatively and broadly to capture a range of songs and contributions that will touch on the theme and unfold for us as the audience.
Of course there will be the obvious, such as "Lemon Tree"; "Strawberry Fields Forever", Day'O (Banana Boat Song), "Blueberry Hill", "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree..", "In My Life", "Circle of LIfe", You decorated my Life", "You are the Sunshine of my Life"...
Caledonian Hall
Fingerpicking Delights VIII
Sunday 3 December 2023
Tony Hale is pleased to invite you to his 8th annual guitar concert, with its emphasis on the plugged-in acoustic guitar and the fingerpicking style of playing. New artists mix with returnees back by demand.
Irish Society Hall
INLIMBO
Sunday 26 November 2023
Quirky, fun and fresh are words that describe INLIMBO perfectly. INLIMBO is a duo made up of Danice Dearborn (guitarist/singer/songwriter) and Shelley Wright (guitarist/singer/songwriter). Danice and Shelley play a combination of covers and originals in their own authentic, unique way.
INLIMBO have wide experience as musicians, supporting major performers The Topp Twins and Jenny Morris and sharing the stage with Jan Hellriegel. They have also recorded at both Tandem and Nightshift Studios and were awarded an NZ Performance Grant to play during the ‘International Year of the Woman’. They are also known for playing at private events such as birthdays, house concerts and weddings.
Irish Society Hall
Tom Bolton and Dean Hollebon
Sunday 12 November 2023
A chance encounter at Waimate Festival put this pair in the same room at the same time, leading to a brilliant musical combination. Dean’s virtuosic, ethereal, and intuitive violin mastery blends beautifully with Tom’s easy style – sweet gravelly vocals and compelling guitar rhythm. Tom is a fine singer/songwriter, drawing on life’s ups and downs, and his songs are powerfully elevated by Dean’s solos. You won’t want to miss seeing and hearing their spellbinding performances.
Irish Society Hall
Mark Laurent and Brenda Liddiard
Sunday 5 November 2023
For three decades Mark Laurent and Brenda Liddiard have been playing music together, part of that secret army of ‘indie’ musicians who fly just below the commercial radar, playing grass-roots, mostly un-plugged music throughout New Zealand, Australia and the UK.
“The highlight of the entire evening took place when Mark launched into some blues during which he played blistering, brilliant acoustic guitar licks, while voice-mimicking lead guitar sounds note for note, nuance for nuance in a masterful display of technique and taste that stands as one of our clubs most memorable performances to this day. He almost brought the house down.”
Brendan Hanley, Byron Vista Social Club, Byron Bay, NSW
Irish Society Hall
Richard Grainger
Sunday 29 October 2023
Richard Grainger first performed in the Folk Clubs of North-East England during the 80’s and was a member of several musical partnerships, including the five - piece Teesside Fettlers and an early duo with Charles O’Connor, later of HORSLIPS fame.
Since 1993 he is often heard accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Chris Parkinson. However, it’s as a solo performer he’s best known, touring throughout the UK & Eire, Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and this will be Richard’s 4th tour of New Zealand.
Irish Society Hall
Open Mic Night
Sunday 15 October 2023
We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience
Irish Society Hall
Renaissance: an Elizabethan Consort
Sunday 8 October 2023
Renaissance is a wonderful combination of period instruments - treble viol, flute/recorder, bass viol, cittern, bandora and lute. The combination of instruments with the wind instrument - the flute or recorder - combined with the treble and bass viols and plucked strings of cittern, bandora and lute lead to it being given the name – ‘broken consort’. Just google ‘broken consort’ to see more details and background. This is arguably the first chamber music ever written with each instrument being specified in the quite extensive repertoire of music available.
It is many years since NZ has had the opportunity to hear a broken consort.
Roger Buckton: treble viol, flute, recorder
Nicolette Paul: tenor viol, recorder
Jane Brown: bass viol
Jonathan Le Cocq: lute
Scout White: cittern, violin
Liam Oliver: bandora, setar,oud
with special guest
Esmail Fathi: Persian tonbak and frame drum
Irish Society Hall
Too Many Chiefs
Sunday 1 October 2023
Too Many Chiefs are four of New Zealand’s busiest singer/songwriters: Rob Joass, Andrew London, Wayne Mason and Lorina Harding all tour their own respective shows, sometimes internationally, and once or twice a year come together in Too Many Chiefs to share songs and stories from the road. Their individual influences and performing styles range from blues and jazz to country and folk, often with an element of social commentary, personal reflection and occasional satire.
Irish Society Hall
