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.
Youth and Children’s Open Mic – calling all talented singers
7 March 2021
Get up on stage and show the world of our audience you’re a star! All kids are welcome to sign up for an 8 minute shot at fame and fortune – or at least become a Folk Club favourite. Sign up begins at 5:45pm and will be first come, first served.
Open Mic: restart 2021 by performing to an appreciative audience
7 March 2021
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.
Madeleine Howard
14 March 2021
Hailing from Hawkes Bay, Singer – Songwriter Madeleine Howard infuses her pop-folk songs with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies.
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
Canterbury Folk Festival 2021
2nd – 5th April 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.
Honouring John Prine in Paradise an evening of John Prine music
2 May 2021
Featuring the talents of:
Blair Allchurch, Geoff Skinner, Andy Thompson, John Parkinson, Ans Fonteyn, Jeremy Brownbrooke, Liz Nichol and Nigel Malthus
Bards, Ballads and Bulldust Concert Tour
9 May 2021
Nine talented performers will bring a bold set of songs, stories and poems to the stage to entertain and refresh many memories of ‘The Good Old Days’.
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.