Christchurch Folk Music Club

26 May: Isabella (Izzy) Miller Bell Aka Ma Bell “My Back Pages”

Featuring MA BELL & THE CONNECTIONS

Up close and personal with one of the country’s finest acoustic folk blues jazz Celtic soul singer-songwriters.

The Christchurch Folk Club proudly presents Isabella (Izzy) Miller Bell Aka Ma Bell in concert accompanied by pianist John Bevin and upright bass player Michael Kime with special guests.

After 12 years of touring the South with the pop-up concert and Acoustic South projects Ma Bell said it is time for her to pull in the reigns, and take stock as she wonders ‘where to from here’

In this concert, Ma Bell takes us on a journey through her back pages – to her Celtic roots, featuring early work from Accent on the Blues and Blues Angel alongside some classic acoustic blues and new original work earmarked for a forthcoming album Glory Road.

Izzy celebrates her 75th year on the planet with a final series of Miller Bell Productions to be presented throughout the South in 2024.  

There is not a lot to be said that hasn’t already been said numerous times about the artistry and voice of Isabella Miller Bell. She sings the blues, country folk and rock n roll, a little bit of jazz and a whole lot of soul. She is a warm engaging performer whose influences include Doris Day, Dylan, Van Morrison, Joan Armatrading, Stevie Nicks and Billie Holiday all blended together to produce a deep earthy whisky-soaked chocolate hazelnut voice that will melt your heart.

As Ma Bell contemplates the final chapter of her 40-year musical journey this will be a concert not to be missed.

Mark it in your diaries now.

19 May: 6th Ferris Show: a feast for the ears, memories & eyes

As in all previous Ferris shows, Robin selects a variety of top-tier musicians to perform with this year’s lineup, a blend of multiple bands with distinct styles.

Bookings are highly recommended as we expect a full house for this feast for the ears, memories and eyes when these nine exceptional musicians put the 6th Ferris Show together.

Ryan Ferris [vocals, guitar and keys and James Allen [vocals, lead and bass guitar], are the brains behind the sought-after house/electronica act BEACON BLOOM. 

In total contrast, four members of the very popular YURT PARTY band: Tom Harris [piano] Lorenz Weston-Slatzer [violin] Jimmy Rainey [saxophone] and Jonty O’Connor on [percussion], specialise in stirring up their audiences with a range of racey and intricate gypsy/Balkan music. 

In addition, Petrina Chisolm, a marvellous vocalist & currently musical director of 42nd Street, joins Robin B Ferris [vocals, acoustic guitar] as the popular gal guy duo, HEAR & NOW.

As is fitting with the venue (the Irish Society Hall), May 19 sees the return of the BLARNEY BAND – an Irish 5 piece consisting of members of all of the aforementioned, performing the best of traditional and contemporary Irish folk music.

To round it off, the collective will be joined by virtuoso pedal-steel player PADDY LONG who brings his unique country/folk atmosphere to the fray.

With such a variety of styles, instruments, vocals, enthusiasm, experience and backgrounds, expect some real magic in musicianship, embracing classic numbers that have stood the test of time, many of which were highly awarded & innovative songs in their day and which are still highly regarded. The band will be playing music for the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Billy Joel, Peter Sarsted, Gerry Rafferty, David Bowie, The Pogues, Netherworld Dancing Toys, Christopher Cross and The Eagles.

There will also be the chance to enjoy originals from Beacon Bloom (recently back from two USA tours and a performance at Electric Avenue), and Yurt Party who just sold out their home show at The Church and are working on a new album.

www.robinferrismusic.co.nz

www.beaconbloom.com

www.yurtparty.space

12 May: Isabelle Wolff – German singer/songwriter

In 2015 while walking the Camino de Santiago spiritual hiking trail in the north of Spain, the decision finally came to start studying singing in Enschede (in the Netherlands) at the Popacademy Artez. She finished her Master of Music for jazz and pop vocals in 2022.

Around the same time, she began collaborating with Lulo Reinhardt, a well-known German descendant of the gypsy jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt. Several concerts with Lulo Reinhardt followed.

In April 2022, Isabelle released her first EP, ‘Liebe & Freiheit’, in combination with a book of poetry, followed by a release tour in Amsterdam.

Isabelle discovered her love of singing early on in the children’s choir and then in various student bands. Later, she gained experience in a wide variety of lineups – from acoustic duo to cover rock band. Her musical commitment was always accompanied by writing her own songs. In addition to singing lessons, she began teaching herself to play guitar at the age of 22.

She has started up to build her band and has collaborated with local artists such as the Wellington reggae band Newtown Rocksteady. They played a concert together at Mussell Inn at Golden Bay – her first official concert in New Zealand since she arrived in November 2022. A performance in 2023 with the New Zealand and Dutch-based band MyBaby at the Lunasa Festival at Golden Bay followed.

Now, after her first successful tour summer of 2023 in New Zealand, she is touring New Zealand again, playing all around the country. A Tour with local musician Craig Denham is taking place in March 2024 and she is going to perform at the Jazz and Blues Harbour Festival in Oamaru. Isabelle is also going to play as a supporting act for the Band Yurt Party in April.

Her dream is to create something that is bigger than just herself and to connect people with their emotions. She believes in the healing power of music and wants to make the world a better place by playing and singing her music.

“When I was a child, my whole family got annoyed by me running around the house with my little recorder and microphone singing along with my favourite child songs.” – Isabelle Wolff

“A young specially talented singer with beautiful written songs. A talent that should be supported!” – Lulo Reinhardt

Opening Act -“Highly Strung” is a recently formed group made up of four talented ladies playing a variety of music genres including folk, blues, country and jazz.

Liz Nichol Liz plays guitar, bass and banjo and loves singing. She has played in many lineups over the years and has recorded several CDs. She is passionate about her music and thoroughly enjoys working and performing with Susan, Eileen and Ans.

Susan Grant Susan is a fingerstyle slide guitarist who loves to play the blues. She particularly enjoys collaborating with other musicians and has played at the club before with “The Manuka Hunnies”, “The Blues Mamas” and lots of other wonderful combinations.

Ans Fonteyn Before her move to NZ from Amsterdam in 1979 Ans spent a few years in the northeast of England where the traditional style of music played in folk clubs and at festivals appealed to her. Ans has played acoustic guitar and bodhran in local Christchurch Celtic groups. In recent years she added mandolin. Joining Liz, Susan and Eileen is a fun and challenging way to broaden the musical horizons further.

Eileen Marciana Reid Eileen has been involved in the Christchurch music scene for some years both as a singer-songwriter and in promoting and supporting music activities in the community. Eileen plays fingerstyle guitar and ukulele

5 May: Open Mic Night

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