Christchurch Folk Music Club
Women of Folk Concert 23-09-2018
A special concert to celebrate the important contribution that the women of folk have achieved. Music permeates our hearts carrying a strong message that has both challenged for change and acknowledged achievements to coincide with the Suffrage 125 commemorations.
This night was no exception where music was to the fore and crafted and carried to us by talented local women, a real honour to be part of a celebrating of the significant impact the music of women and the women of music have made in so many lives. The concert will featured: Hiakatea Bull opened the night with a traditional karanga, supported by Women in Harmony. Nancy McShane compered the night in the guise of Kate Sheppard who herself was an acknowledged musician and actor.
Kate brought us her ‘Is it right?’ speech and a challenge by Kate and Nancy to consider have we fulfilled the goals set by the Suffragettes 125 years ago. Cathy Sweet and Lisa Tui shared waiata from Aotearoa’s wahine toa songwriters, Moana and the Moahunters and Princess Te Rangi Pai. Kristina Godfrey supported on guitar by Tony Hale and then keys by Mary Ruston, brought us two doyennes, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, who have strummed their way through the golden age of the peaceniks, preaching love and tolerance. ‘Gospel Select’ will share 3 songs from folk women committed to messages of love and empowerment.
Lead by Lisa Tui and Jillie Toogood this group of women; Jo Fife, Wendy Kington, Mana Fleming, Emma Rodregues Dos Santos and Lynda Delaney, have banded together in the spirit of the tribute from gospel choirs Bright on Vibes and Jabulani Choir. A refreshment break gave opportunity for the full house to talk to each other, the room was vibrant. ‘Woman’s Heart’, featured trobairses’ Mary Ruston, keys; Liz Nichol banjo and guitar, Argene Flack boodhran and low whistle, Judi Smitheram vocals, and Kirsten Bone violin bringing tunes from Wailin’ Jennys, Linda Ronstadt and Sandy Denny. Mary Dunne paying tribute to Maire Brennan, the first Lady of Celtic music and her favourite singer Cara Dillon, joined by Argene Flack on bodhran. Women have lent their incredibly important voices in the struggle for their own rights, civil rights, human rights, and the movement for peace. The Women of Folk concert were no exception.
This concert acknowledged the passionate women of folk who have made a difference through their musicianship.
More Reviews
Fingerpicking Delights VII 2022 6th November 2022
Fingerpicking Delights VII Reviewed by Sarah Maindonald In ancient near Eastern and Israelite culture and literature, the number Seven communicated a sense of ‘fullness’. Tony Hale’s seventh rendition of ‘Fingerpicking Delights’ continued his tradition of excellence...
Wahine Toa, Concert celebrating women, music & art 19 Sept 2021
Wahine Toa ā Waihangatanga: Women Heralding Creativity Sunday 19th September 2021 A night heralding women and their creativity Art exhibited by Stephanie McEwin and Jude Rogers Poetry Sara Qasem Performance Lisa Tui, Steffany Beck, Saffron Sisters, Susan Leigh Grant...
Fingerpicking Delights VI
Fingerpicking Delights VI, 7 November 2021 Reviewed by Russell Dann Tony Hale’s sixth edition of Fingerpicking Delights began inauspiciously with a sound glitch which held up the start of the concert. Happily, all was soon well as the sound men expertly got...
Lindsey Shields: Singer/Songwriter from Dunedin
Lindsey Shields Dunedin based singer and songwriter with her own take on things personal and political, on topics as diverse as Harrison Ford brought her warmth to a cold night to warm the spirits of the audience. More Reviews
Graham Wardrop & John Wright, talented local singer songwriters
Friends, Graham Wardrop and John Wright gave a night of insightful songs, highlighting their personal creations as well as performing songs together. Some old, some new, lots of finger-pickin' It has been said that John Wright's a very good opener, team member on the...
BottleLake Junction – 21st March 2021
Thank you to everyone who turned up and supported BotteLake Junction at the Christchurch Folk Music Club concert. A full house is a true recognition of the esteem these three consummate musicians are held in, a great audience and a hard-working band is always a good...
The Lesser Bob Tits: Dames Do Dylan – 23 May 2021
This very special tribute concert, produced by Eileen Reid, brought tunes to commemorate and celebrate the 80th birthday of Bob Dylan. Bringing together a group of fabulous women from a range of musical backgrounds, Isabella Miller Bell, Susan Grant, Lynette Díaz,...
Hillbilly Hoedown – Barndance/Ceilidh 11th July 2021
Brought to you by Gary Elford, supported by the Port Hillbillies and Andrew Redepenning. The music was cheerful and lively, jeans and plaid adorned the room, Appalachian and Bluegrass rhythms intertwined with jigs, reels, polkas and waltzes, and the packed room...
Fingerpicking Delights V
Fingerpicking Delights V 8 November 2020 By Russell Dann The fifth edition in this concert series was a cracking good concert with great artists delivering superb music in a well-balanced programme. It was compered with engaging geniality by Izzy Miller Bell with...
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...