Christchurch Folk Music Club
Irish Society Backdrop
![backdrop](http://folkmusic.org.nz/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/backdrop.png)
Showing an artistic talent few expected, commercial painter Nicky McMullan created this widely admired painted scene on canvas in late 1961 from his imagination. The castle does not exist but the skilful composition evokes mystique. It consists of four canvas panels stitched together and measures 6.5 metres wide by 3.2 metres in height. Notes from the author’s interview with Nicky’s daughter Maureen Bonham, dated 31.12.2021, state that Nicky ‘developed artistic painting skills from his uncle, but was never formally trained.’ The notes further state that smaller, framed paintings were donated to Nazareth House. The backdrop was a feature at 363 St Asaph Street until the Hall’s sale in 1987, then hung at 29 Domain Terrace for the visit of the Irish President Mrs Robinson before being rolled up and stored in the upstairs committee room. From 2019 it has graced the hall again. It is beautifully illuminated now by four white flood lights and serves as a worthy backdrop for the stage.
Liz Nichol: A Tale of Longevity
By Tony HaleLiz Nichol is known to folk music audiences in recent times mainly from her collaborations with other musicians. But in the early days of the Folk Club she was a frequently booked solo artist at the Bedford Row Folk Centre. In fact, the records for 1972-3...
Unsung hero reflects on 40 years of recording New Zealand music
Christchurch man Arnie van Bussel has been recording New Zealand music for 40 years. Jordan Luck calls him a legend. He's worked with Flying Nun legends to chanting nuns. Now a pensioner, he's still recording folk bands and death metallers. Read more>> ---...
50th Weekend
Finding our folk at the Christchurch Folk Music Club's 50th celebrations. Thank you Warren Watson for recording these wonderful memories. Thank you to Tony Hale for selected captions
Camel Cottage, Andy Thompson in Concert
Ben the Hoose – winners of Tui for Best Folk Music Album of 2006
Scottish-born musicians Kenny Ritch and Bob McNeill of the duo Ben the Hoose are the winners of the Tui for Best Folk Music Album of 2006 for the album The Little Cascade.