Christchurch Folk Music Club

Dan Walsh
22 February 2026
- Members $20
- Non Members $25
- Students (with ID) $5
BBC Folk Awards Best Musician nominee Dan Walsh combines ‘virtuoso playing and winning songwriting’ (MORNING STAR). Describing what Dan does is no easy task but at the heart of it is British, Irish and American folk music delivered with a healthy dose of funky grooves – all performed with his unique and dazzling take on clawhammer style banjo helping to challenge all preconceptions about the instrument. Add to all that poignant songs, astonishing musical departures and lively humour and the result is a truly memorable live show which has wowed audiences across the world from intimate seated rooms to huge dancing crowds in festival fields.
Walsh has recorded seven solo albums to much critical acclaim. Most recently, he returned to his first love and recorded ‘O’Neill’s Tunes’ – a collection of traditional Irish tunes played in his unique take on clawhammer style, which was described as ‘expertly played’ and ‘difficult to find any fault with’ by Songlines magazine, as well as receiving airplay on BBC Radio 2. He is an in-demand performer with a hectic touring schedule across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Europe. He has also released two banjo tablature books, including a very successful book of clawhammer arrangements of Irish folk tunes, which inspired the O’Neill’s album.
He is also an in-demand session musician, particularly on banjo which he has played on countless albums, but also has a sizeable number of credits on guitar and mandolin. He has worked with Universal Studios on film soundtracks and recorded in top London studios, including British Grove, RAK and Air Studios. He has performed or recorded with a wide variety of musician,s including Darius Rucker, Ward Thomas, Imelda May, Joss Stone, Seth Lakeman, the Levellers, Duane Eddy, Martin Simpson and even the City of London Sinfonia (although rumours of a collaboration with Beyonce turned out not to be true after a hilarious misunderstanding by Wikipedia and a Daily Mail journalist). Both solo and as a member of the award winning Urban Folk Quartet, this unique and eclectic musician has stunned audiences across the world.
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.
Waimate Summer Folk Festival 2026
Gunn’s Bush Camp | 5-7 February 2026
This Festival event will have most of the familiar well loved folk festival features-concerts, blackboard sessions, blind date concerts, dance, jamming and a water fight for those with fond memories of the Tui New Year festival.
Zonnis
15 February 2026
With options to perform as a duo or a full band, Zonnis fits into any setting where music lovers are set to listen. Drawing upon their years of traveling and touring, their music takes you on a journey through upbeat and inspirational to somber and introspective, all with a healthy dose of humor thrown in for good measure.
Kindred Spirit
1 March 2026
Kindred Spirit is an Americana duo from the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Jeff Pardue and Randy Gambill have played music together in various bands for over 45 years, and as a result are Kindred Spirit.
Elias Bartholomeo
15 March 2026
In recent times, Elias Bartholomeo has been named one of the top acoustic guitarists in Australia today, with his guitar playing being described as “Walking a tightrope between many genres
all at once!” with a fearless and energetic approach to his live performances.
The Groomsmen
19 April 2026
Collectively joining forces to form ‘The Groomsmen’ these boys are looking to
take the bull by the horns and deliver the goods at every show.
You, Me, Everybody
28 June 2026
You, Me, Everybody hit the road in 2026 for a national tour celebrating Midnight, their new album inspired by the fleeting moment where one day ends and the next begins.