Christchurch Folk Music Club
March 2024 Recap
24 March: Unity Concert – Honouring diversity within our community
Music knows no boundaries. It transcends language, culture, and borders, weaving its way into the very fabric of our existence.
17 March: Celtic Music Orchestra” & “A Feast of Celtica
Join with us to celebrate St Patrick’s Day away from the maddening crowds at the home of all things Irish in Canterbury. The Irish Society Hall.
Avoid the rush, book early.
We invite you to dress in green and immerse yourselves in a night of Irish Culture.
14 March: Suzanne Lynch, Elizabeth Braggins, Graham Wardrop
The newly formed trio of three fabulous musicians in their own right combining their immaculate skills make a powerful force of dynamism and listening pleasure for the audience. With 3-part harmonies a priority backed by top-class piano and guitar by Braggins and Wardrop, this is a must see.
The song choice ranges from some nostalgic toe tappers from Suzanne’s songbook, some jazzy numbers from Elizabeth’s and some originals and covers from Graham’s.
Suzanne’s voice has led her all over the world backing world famous musicians such as Cat Stevens and Mary Hopkins.
Elizabeth’s piano playing and her caramello voice are a firm favourite for Christchurch listeners and Graham’s guitar playing and his sensitive vocals are also in high demand around the country.
Please note that this is a Thursday night concert, this was a sell out last year so we know you will be keen to hear this trio again.
10 March: Dave Flynn – Celtic Guitar Journey
Dave Flynn is an award-winning Irish composer and musician, praised as
a “masterful guitarist” in Sing Out! Magazine.
In his show ‘Celtic Guitar Journey’ he presents beautiful guitar
arrangements of Irish and Scottish traditional music, exploring the
musical connections between these ‘Celtic’ countries. His programme
goes through the history of Celtic music, from an ancient Irish battle
march, to baroque-era harp music by Turlough O’Carolan, to 19th
century reels and jigs and then some more modern compositions that he
recorded on his acclaimed albums. There’s also some new Irish-style
tunes composed in New Zealand which represent new kind of traditional
Irish-Kiwi music.
“This event is kindly supported by Culture Ireland”
3 March: Good Habits
Highly sought-after, UK folk-fusion duo Good Habits return to Aotearoa for their extensive “Quarter-Life” Album Tour, from Jan 2024 through til late March!
After two years of the formative pandemic spent ‘happily stranded’ on tour in New Zealand, Good Habits return to their Antipodean second home for a mighty tour that includes WOMAD, Port Fairy Festival, and supporting Tiki Taane (Trio’s Garden Bar, Rarotonga), in anticipation of their new album release “Quarter-Life”, due out in May 2024.
Doors open 7pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm,
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..
How do I get tickets to concerts?
In advance: Book your tickets online. Select the concert you wish to attend and click on the link to book your ticket.
On the day: Purchase tickets at the venue from 7:15pm on the day of the concert if not sold out prior.
PLEASE BRING CASH For: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break and the club raffle. Bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility.
Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your membership card for licensing purposes. Non-members sign in at the bar if making purchases.
Half Light: Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill
19 January 2025
Soaring flute melodies, mesmerizing guitar work, award winning songs. A journey of Celtic music with two masters. Driving, hypnotic Celtic music from two of New Zealand’s top players.
Waimate Summer Folk Festival 2025
6-9 February 2025
Our guests are Blue Sea Above, a duo comprising Dean Hollebon and Tom Bolton.Their work “combines energetic violin improvisation with solidly crafted and strongly melodic songwriting”. The beautiful classical/folk fusion sound created by these two talented musicians is a whole new experience, not to be missed.
Andrew Lockwood
23 February 2025
Andrew is a traveling journeyman and songwriter from the UK, performing acoustic originals alongside other artists’ work; sharing and celebrating the healing joy of music.
Úna Ní Fhlannagáin and Michael O’Connor
2 March 2025
Úna Ní Fhlannagáin is a harper and singer based in Galway, Ireland. Rooted in the jigs and reels of North Clare and the sean-nós singing of Connemara, she is also influenced by American post-minimalists and free jazz.
Dave Flynn Celtic Guitar Journey
23 March 2025
In ‘Celtic Guitar Journey‘ he presents beautiful guitar arrangements of Irish and Scottish traditional music, exploring the musical connections between these, and other, ‘Celtic’ countries.
Andrew London Duo
4 May 2025
Andrew London’s quirky songs will make you laugh out loud as you recognise yourself and everyone around you, and all the prejudices, obsessions and weird little idiosyncrasies we Kiwis put out on display every day.
Saltwater Creek
11 May 2024
Saltwater Creek was formed in early 2024 when a group of five long-time friends and musical collaborators – Al Mackenzie, Bruce Penno, Chris Chamberlain, Lesley Askin, and Rob Allan – decided to get together and start something new.