Christchurch Folk Music Club
Jonathon Harper: half a century of touring, composing & recording
Jonathon Harper needs little introduction. He has paid his dues now after half a century of touring, composing, and recording.
His career has fallen into different eras with the focus on mastering a certain type of music: Folk, Classical, Latin, Rock, Italian, Flamenco, and (naturally enough) World Music.
His recent concert at Waikanae’s public Art Gallery with his ART GHETTO band featured a multi-instrumental mix of South American, Folk, and Jazz…creating their own local version of World Music. It included two South American musicians.
Now, with his upcoming solo Road Works concert for us, he will present an equal measure of original guitar instrumentals and poetic songs that reflect ordinary life in New Zealand. Jonathon admires and likes to emulate Sam Hunt’s approach that has harnessed a sophisticated knowledge of language and poetry to successfully reflect the experience of life back to ordinary Kiwis – including shows in public bars.
Jonathon resided for seven years in Christchurch, then Wellington. He has also lived in Rome, Italy. Now he is enjoying living among the sylvan surroundings and bathing in the warm water at Laingholm beach near Titirangi in Auckland.
Some original highlights:
SONG OF A PAKEHA
FOLK MOODS FOR BRUCE (Bruce was president of the Palmerston North Folk Club and debated the nature of Folk Music with Jonathon)
BLUE ROMANCE (instrumental composed at Corsair Bay)
SIETE (instrumental with seven beats to each bar)
THE WAGON (Clydesdale Wagon versus modern cars)
MERVYN THOMPSON (you probably know the story)
Website: https://
Doors open 7pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm, you will get a seat if you arrive close to 7pm.
VENUE: Irish Society Hall, 29 Domain Terrace, Spreydon The hall is situated up the long driveway, directly next to Domain Park, and there is plenty of well-lit off-street parking.
DOOR SALES CASH ONLY: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, also bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility. Please remember to bring your current Folk Club membership card as this is required for new club licensing.
Molly’s Remedy: good vibes tonic to start 2021
14 February 2021
Performing the perfect blend of originals and covers , radiating their warmth, vitality and exquisite musicianship.
Elizabeth Braggins, supported by daughter Olivia Wilson
21 February 2021
Join Elizabeth in concert will be her daughter, Olivia Wilson.
Alpaca Social Club: Craig Denham and Jon Sanders
28 February 2021
The Alpaca Social Club hits the NZ tour trail again this summer with fresh sounds from exotic lands with a taste of Arabic, celtic, funk soul and gypsy jazz cultures.
BottleLake Junction: Vibrant trio of Dunne, Brownbrooke & Doublet
21 March 2021
Brought together by mutual respect and a love of good country music, Jeremy, Mary and Phil present original songs and tunes, top notch arrangements and tight three-part harmonies.
Down by the River: A night of Neil Young Songs by local wellknowns
28 March 2021
Peninsula Envy: Imogen Coxhead and Sue Galvin
18 April 2021
Peninsula Envy’s repertoire includes quirky pre-loved and original songs telling tales of desire, deception and disgust. They draw on artists ranging from Kath Tait and Jake Thackeray through to Indigo Girls and The Dear Janes.
Braggins and Wardrop and Dunne
16 May 2021
Three highly regarded local musicians have come together to form a trio that presents to you an exceptionally exciting programme of music.
The Lesser Spotted Bob Tits: Dames Do Dylan
23 May 2021
Featuring Isabella Miller Bell, Susan Grant, Lynette Díaz, Eileen Marciana Reid and other exciting invited guests
The Remnants, with special guests Dee Street Blues
30 May 2021
Classy, polished acoustic covers of folk and pop songs, with an emphasis on great musicianship and tight vocal harmonies.