Christchurch Folk Music Club

Peninsula Envy (Imogen Coxhead and Sue Galvin) have been playing silly, sordid and sentimental songs together since 1997. Yes, really! At the time they both lived in Dunedin. Sue has since moved to Christchurch, but these two continue to perform together, unable to give up because they are addicted to the fun they have.

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. They accompany their stunning harmonies with superb guitar (Sue, of course), occasional dulcimer, a concertina and whatever else comes to hand.

‘People say they like seeing us interact on stage,’ muses Sue. ‘We’re in the happy state that performing is just an excuse to have fairly hilarious practices, although we do enjoy getting up there and entertaining others.’ Some content may startle. ‘What did that nice old lady say? “They were funny until I saw them.” We’re going to take that to heart just as soon as we figure out what it means.’

The paradox of these Southern Belles’ classy indecorum will keep you in your seat in the hope that more evidence will help you work out what to make of it all. Expect anything; bring tissues.