Christchurch Folk Music Club
October Ceilidh
6 Ocober 2024
- Adults $10 (members and non members)
- Children $5
Please follow this link to register your attendance:
https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/11296
“Theo and G” are the next barndance band! Theo on accordion with Gary on guitar and calling. They are known for their nights filled with fun, great music and most of all, exceptional dancing. Bring your dancing shoes and smiles, all that is needed for an evening of merriment and “the best fun to be had with your clothes on”.
A cèilidh is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering. In its most basic form, it simply means a social visit. In contemporary usage, it usually involves playing Gaelic folk music and dancing, either at a house party or a larger concert at a social hall or other community gathering place.
Cèilidh music may be provided by an assortment of instruments including fiddle, flute, tin whistle, accordion, bodhrán, hammered dulcimer and in more recent times also drums, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and electric bass guitar.
The music is cheerful and lively, consisting in Ireland mainly of jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, slip-jigs and waltzes, with Scotland adding strathspeys, and England adding regional forms such as the northeastern rant.
The basic steps can be learned easily; a short instructional session is often provided for new dancers before the start of the dance itself.
Dancing at Cèilidhs is usually in the form of Cèilidh dances, set dances or couple dances. A “Set” consists of four to eight couples, with each pair of couples facing another in a square or rectangular formation. Each couple exchanges position with the facing couple, and also facing couples exchange partners, while all the time keeping in step with the beat of the music.
However, about half of the dances in the modern Scots Cèilidh are couples’ dances performed in a ring. These can be performed by fixed couples or in the more sociable “progressive” manner, with the lady moving to the next gentleman in the ring at or near the end of each repetition of the steps.
Some of the dances are named after famous regiments, historical battles and events, others after items of daily rural life. The “Gay Gordons”, “Siege of Ennis”, “The Walls of Limerick” and “The Stack of Barley” are popular.
There will be cold water and glasses provided to refresh those dancing, however the bar will be closed. You are welcome to bring something to drink if you’d like though. The traditional supper: hot drinks, biscuits and cake will be available during the break.
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.
Just Janie
28 July 2024
Just Janie is a folk musician born and raised in the heart of Central Otago, and currently residing in Ōtautahi, Christchurch where she is pursuing music and art full time.
Muddy Mama’s Blues Band Live & Bluesy Seasoned with Jazz
4 August 2024
You are invited to lose yourself in some wondrous blues and jazz rhythms, the aim is simple: great music, great fun. Join us as the band holds down a smouldering groove behind Judi’s sultry, bluesy voice and passionate stage presence, for this concert designed to showcase talents and the love of song in a sincere spirit of musical expression.
Elizabeth Braggins
11 August 2024
Elizabeth is known internationally for her piano playing, singing and composition. Her self-titled album which was produced by Nigel Stone and Malcolm McNeill was a showcase of Christchurch and Wellington musicians which went on to become a finalist in the New Zealand Music Awards.
Adam McGrath
18 August 2024
Adam McGrath is a folk singer and yarn spinner stationed wherever he can get a key! Described by RNZ as a “National Treasure” and the Herald as “NZ’s toughest minded songwriter”, Adam is more widely known as lead singer and songwriter with one of NZ’s most loved roots/country bands The Eastern.
Bruce Watson
25 August 2024
Bruce Watson is an icon and longtime favourite of the Australian folk scene.
His performances are joyful and thoroughly engaging, with witty lyrics and energetic presentation. He is a masterful craftsman of songs, be they evocative, heart wrenching, or side-splittingly funny.
Gary Elford
8 September 2024
This folk club concert will be 2 small shows. The first “Coming of Age” is a collection of Gary’s works in both verse and song The second is “From Paterson to Prine”.
This features Gary reciting his favorite Banjo Paterson poems which tell the stories of Aussie bush characters and display his love of the genre; Bush Poetry.
Nick Smith
15 September 2024
Nick has a long standing interest in British folk music, attending folk clubs and festivals back in the U.K. before emigrating to NZ 20 years ago. Nick and his family settled in Gisborne for 12 years, where he was an active participant on the local music scene, performing in an acoustic duo and forming a folk / Irish band called Barleycorn.
September Open Mic Night
29 September 2024
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.
Too Too Many Chiefs
3 November 2024
Three songwriters argue over headline billing, playing order, and whose shout it is, while talking about themselves and playing their self-selected ’Greatest Hits’.