Christchurch Folk Music Club
Adam McGrath
June 2018
There is an interwoven thread of connections between Adam McGrath and the Christchurch Folk Club spanning many years. He has previously performed at both the Folk Club and the Canterbury Folk Festival, and we hope to have him or The Eastern Back again to share the music over again. Adam’s song ‘Hope and Wire’ became the inspiration for the TV3 drama series ‘Hope and Wire’ directed by Gaylene Preston.
Adam didn’t know that this television series was a fundraising opportunity for the Folk Club. Through contacts within the club many of the extras in the series were club members, and the choir scenes are filled with club faces which was a much needed boost to the coffers, thank you Adam for the opportunity. Adam opened the night with a story from a Folk Festival where a conversation with a festival attendee challenged his choice in songs, telling Adam that there was ‘no room for politics in folk’, so he thought he’s start the concert off with an Woody Guthrie song.
There was an appropriate appreciation of the irony of the song choice. Adam was a well received guest artist at the club. President Martin Kraakman advised that never before has he received so many positive comments about one of the Sunday night performers, it is such a pleasure to know that the guests that we bring to the stage as so well appreciated by the audience.
It is easy to understand why Adam was such a success, he has the gift of the spoken word, exceptional storytelling and vocals that have a strength which seemed specially talented. The encore that was drawn from Adam showed us this ability as he walked off the stage and into the audience and sung without a mic, the strength of his vocals ensured that his voice filled the room and no one was struggling to hear. An awesome talent and Adam’s projection phenomenal.
Adam’s vocal strength gave evidence of his strength, however it was in his storytelling that the greatness of his heart was shared. He spoke of an initiative from the Christchurch City Council to collect the stories from those in the Eastern suburbs, he spoke of the human vulnerability and triumphs over hurdles that he was in the privileged position of hearing and in these “sit in’s”.
Then the generosity of the songs that arose from this opportunity shone, and the translucency of Adam also shone. Looking forward to the next time that Adam graces our stage, it will be something to look forward to.
By Judi Smitheram Secretary
More Reviews
Adam McGrath and Esther Swift Friday 21st February 2020
Adam McGrath and Esther Swift a night of contrast and exceptional musicianship. Esther from the Northern hemisphere brought grace, exquisite techniques that highlight her talented compositions juxtaposing against the raw energy of the Southern hemisphere boy, who...
Jackie Bristow: Nashville based singer songwriter on NZ tour – 1 March 2020
Jackie Bristow gave a concert from her heart that optimised her extensive experience on stage to deliver a show of impeccable musicianship. A natural connection with the audience shone as Jackie wove stories with both her words and songs. Truly a night where...
Ceilidh: the dancers pulled on their dancing shoes and enjoyed – 27 September 2020
Sunday 27th September 2020 The dancing shoes were on, and the Ceilidh caller Gary Elford ably with humour and panache led the dancers to step through lively tunes performed by the Ceilidh band comprised of the well practiced session musicians Russell Gillies, Sophia...
The Grainstore Sessions Tour,The Mitchel Family
Saturday 10th October 2020 Jenny Mitchell was on the road for the first time with a new show featuring her sisters, Nicola and Maegan, and Dad - Ron Mitchell. Jenny, Nicola, Maegan and Ron Mitchell concluded the first part of their South Island tour at the...
Good Habits – 15 March 2020
There are times when with quiet dignity the unknown artists take the stage and hold my presence in the palm of their hand. Bonnie and Pete achieved this with compassionate decorum and a gentle understanding that what they were gifting us as an audience was truly...
Elizabeth Braggins and Olivia Wilson: a winning familial duo
The familial connection between Elizabeth Braggins and her daughter Olivia Wilson shone on stage, both their love of each other and the beautiful sounds they were creating were beacons of enjoyment. There was a mixture of solos and duets, audience participation songs...
Open Mic No. 1 2020, Our First Face-to-Face Open Mic Event
More Reviews
Online Mini Concert -17/05/2020
This night offered another opportunity to reconnect with friends, family and fellow folkies. We were treated to three heartwarming acts that brought light to our autumnal night. Locals Rosie Laing and Martin Kraakman, shared both poetry and musical tributes. Rosie's...
Online Mini Concert – 19/04/2020
The inaugural online mini concert. As a way to continue to enjoy live music on Sunday night we will alternate with an online mini-concert 7-8.30pm and an online open mic 4-6pm. We were delighted to begin this series with three stunningly fabulous acts: SteffanyBeck,...
Molly’s Remedy -25 August 2019
25th August 2019 A night filled with vibrant and soulful music, that was awarded a standing ovation from an extremely appreciate audience. Jamie Millar, shone as the opening act. Inspiration for Jamie was fostered from his childhood, from close family: including his...
Hobnail 25th Anniversary “Boots and All” Tour
14th July 2019 In 2019 Hobnail celebrate 25 years of touring far, wide, and tirelessly throughout New Zealand. To mark the occasion they are embarking on a national tour and releasing a “Best Of” album showcasing tracks taken from their 7 studio albums, we were lucky...
Love Notes, Women in Harmony
More Reviews
Jed Rowe, with Monique Aiken, 30 Sept 2018
The night opened with the returned to her home city after seven years proving her guitar and singing skills in the Wellington folk scene, was Monique Aiken Monique presented confidently bringing us her own songs eloquently crafted delivered with vocal...
Review: The Beggarmen Fundraiser Concert
Reviewed by Tony Hale There is an octopus that has the ability to turn itself inside out; reviewing your own concert is a bit the same but I was asked a week later if there was a review and as not, here goes... Read More >> The Christchurch Folk...
Best Enemies – 7 July 2019
Fellowship fostered by music has been to the fore over the past months at the Folk Cub as the club celebrated 50 years of live acoustic music in November 2018. Seeing the friendships and collaborations over that weekend was truly awe inspiring, a testimony to the...
Review of September Club Concert – the Christchurch Folk Music Club Visit
by Alison Pickford Tonight, we had a full house for the visit from the Christchurch Folk Music Club. Judi Smitheram, Secretary of the Christchurch club an MC for the evening, was introduced by Anna …and here, let’s acknowledge Ian Paterson, sound desk wizard who has...
Waimate Folk Festival, 31 May – 3 June 2019
Waimate Folk Festival at Gunns Bush, Waimate District, Canterbury from Friday 31st May to Monday 3rd June Where musicians both experienced and new from Christchurch, Dunedin, and everywhere in between and further afield. Came together for a weekend of music, dance and...
The Long and Short of it: Danny Tawhiti and Iain Mitchell
21st July 2019 We welcoming back Mitch (Iain Mitchell) to the Christchurch Folk Club, he has treaded our boards before, as well as being a hard working President and committee member of the club. Mitch has been singing British Celtic music semi-professionally since he...
The Muddy Mama Blues Band 26 August 2018
What a night we shared at the Folk Club on Sunday! From the moment the first few bars hit the air the audience was captivated by The Muddy Mama Blues Band. Lead singer Judi Smitheram showed great form, revelling in the mighty musicianship of her five-piece...
The Ceilidh Dance 16 Sept 2018
A cèilidh is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering, where dance and music is the binding factor. The dancers were certainly bound in joy for the dance and the Monday Night Session Band brought music that was dance-able and enjoyable. The delight...