Christchurch Folk Music Club
February 2024 Recap
28 February: George Jackson & Brad Kolodner
At the heart of all traditional music lies two important coordinates, the time and place of origin; objective definitions in the ever-evolving aesthetics of folk music. These coordinates are the concepts explored with infinite new possibilities by New Zealand-born, Nashville-based fiddler George Jackson and Baltimore-based American banjoist Brad Kolodner. The two musicians met years ago in a late-night jam session at the hallowed Appalachian String Band Music Festival in West Virginia and have since formed a musical bond that runs deep, across continents and through a number of recorded projects. From the moment the fiddle bow hits the strings and the fingers grasp the fretboard, George and Brad are locked in, weaving their way through ancient melodies made new again. From trance-inducing moody original tunes to classic barnburners, their show has something for serious or casual folk music fans alike. They play with a mischievous curiosity that keeps listeners on the edge of their seat
25 February: Mishra
Mishra are a global folk duo with strong roots in U.K folk, currently on their debut tour of Aotearoa NZ. They weave a tight web of intricate, Indian-influenced original music that defies definition and has brought them awards recognition since their formation in 2017. Kate Griffin on vocals, banjo, and dobro (The Magpies) and Ford Collier on low whistle, calabash/percussion, and guitar (BBC R2 Folk Award nominated The Drystones) are the songwriting partnership behind Mishra, drawing on their unique base of influences that encompasses folk music of the UK and America, Indian classical music, and soul to create a surprisingly accessible sound that audiences instantly connect to.
18 February:Sassafras
Sassafras is based in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Sassafras is a bluegrass band who pays homage to the Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs era, but also enjoys pushing the edge of progressive Newgrass music as well. Their repertoire includes a range of musical styles including Ole-time, Country, Folk, Western Swing and originals. Members are Wes Tuttle, Randy Gambill, Gray Tuttle & Randy Pasley.
11 February: The Soul Salute to Van Morrison
The multi time sold out Soul Salute to Van Morrison is back, this time stripped back and live at the Christchurch Folk Club.
Featuring Adam Hattaway singing his favourite Van Morrison songs from Astral Weeks, Veedon Fleece, Into The Music, Moondance,
St Dominic’s Preview and more. Backed up by and incredible lineup of Ōtautahi’s finest including;
Elmore Jones on Guitar
Michael Kime on Double Bass
Doug Brush on Percussion
Marian McCurdy on Flute
& Lorenz Weston-Salzer on Violin
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.
Braggins & Wright
9 March 2025
After successful concerts at the Christchurch Folk Club in the recent past with
Suzanne Lynch and Graham Wardrop followed by a solo concert last August, Elizabeth Braggins now teams up with John Wright.
Unity Week Concert – Celebrating Diversity
16 March 2025
This concert honours the importance of both music and culture in our lives, and sharing music and culture brings us a greater appreciation of and the importance of multiplicity.
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.
James Gray
30 March 2025
James Gray is a contemporary version of an old-school traveling folk singer. In the past decade, Gray has toured throughout Canada, Europe and Australia, seeing the world and sharing his beloved songs along the way.
Helen Capes: the Hexhamshire Lass
6 April 2024
Helen’s voice and the unique sound of the Northumbrian smallpipes – a magical combination.
Open Mic Night – 13 April 2025
13 April 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.
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.
Ellen Aster & Paul Bacon
18 May 2025
These two artists first both brought their talents to The Open Mic stage at the club, where their ability stood out. We have been delighted to have Ellen and Paul as support acts at the club.
We look forward to a night where we experience more of their creativity, flair and their formula to bring us a night of awe inspiring music. We challenge you to support new local talent, as these two are!, Two young artists to watch as their careers develop.
Sassafras
25 May 2025
The Sassafras Bluegrass Band invites you to a “HOOTENANNY”. What is a “HOOTENANNY”? It is a “banjo-brained hoedown-throwdown-don’t slow down until the cows come home!”