Christchurch Folk Music Club

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Anna van Riel

3 August 2025

Members $20
Non Members $25
Students (with ID) $5

Celebrate the pre-launch of her 7th studio album as NZ singer-songwriter Anna van Riel joins the Christchurch Folk Club for an intimate evening of music, storytelling, and audience participation.

With a music career spanning 20 years, van Riel shares a collection of jazz, blues and folk works inspired by her adventures around the globe.

Based in a secluded valley in Lake Hāwea, near Wānaka, Anna draws inspiration from her rural homesteading lifestyle and formative vocalists across the eras. From 1930s Billie Holiday to 1980s Bonnie Tyler, Anna calls upon music from days gone by and translates the energy into works from her own adventures from growing up, and travelling around the globe.

COVID-19 spurred the launch of her 80s-inspired one-woman environmental rock opera for tamariki ‘Waste Free Wanda’, which has now reached over 20,000 Tamariki. That year also saw her launch ‘Nook Road Productions’, her vocal coaching studio and touring workshop series that tours the lower south of Aotearoa, reaching rural communities.

Deeply drawn to community connection, Anna is a serial workshop facilitator, often pairing with house concerts to build an authentic and connected audience-family.

She has sung for Prince Albert of Monaco (twice), performed at the world’s highest music festival and received no less than 3 nominations for a NZ Tūī!

Anna’s upcoming album brings together a culmination of her musical growth and passion for songwriting.

Known for her cheeky and effervescent interactions with audiences, this concert promises to be a connected and feel-good listening experience.

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.

Open Mic Night – 13 July 2025

13 July 2025
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.

Nick Jackman One-Man Band

20 July 2025
Nick Jackman is a multi-instrumentalist and one-man band based in Christchurch, with influences ranging from traditional Celtic folk to country, blues, punk rock and psychedelia.

Elizabeth Braggins

27 July 2025
Elizabeth is known internationally for her piano playing, singing and composition. Her self-titled album was a showcase of Christchurch and Wellington musicians which went on to become a finalist in the New Zealand Music Awards.

Anna van Riel: Vocal Mechanics Workshop

2-4 pm | 3 August 2025
A practical workshop offering insightful guidance to improve your vocal health and performance skills and support you find your true, authentic voice.

A Folky Night of Comedy, Music, and Shenanigans!

24 August 2025
Ready to laugh, enjoy a night of comedy! This is a benefit concert to raise funds for the 50th Canterbury Folk Festival to be held on Easter weekend 2026 (3-6 April 2026) .

Graham Wardrop

7 September 2025
Sharing songs, creativity and exceptional musicianship. Supporting Graham’s concert will be Alex Kilday.

Open Mic Night – 21 September 2025

21 September 2025
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.

Charlotte Yates + Show Pony

30 November 2025
One of our most potent songwriters’, Charlotte Yates, is a singer-songwriter with a decent sized catalogue of solo and collaborative work, including four poetry-to-song projects devoted to the work of James K Baxter, Hone Tuwhare, Witi Ihimaera & Katherine Mansfield.