Christchurch Folk Music Club
Russell Gillies – The Night of the Melomaniacs
9 August 2026
- $10 – All
The Night of the Melomaniacs
Russell Gillies is leading this group of passionate music lovers.
Expect to see and hear Lynne Hurley, Sophia Bidwell, Simon Musgrave and David Evison, all accomplished musicians based in Otautahi.
Be prepared to be entertained with folk and popular songs and tunes spanning the ages. From a song purportedly penned by Keith Richards circa 1652 to more contemporary items from this and the last century.
There will be Guitars, Fiddles, Accordions, Flutes, Mandolins, Bodhrans, Pianos, Banjos, passions and enthusiasms.
Because we just want to share our love of music with you and not your money the door charge will be set at $10 (there are still some fixed costs to cover)
See you there – bring a friend.
Melomania is a noun that describes an abnormal fascination, obsession, or excessive enthusiasm for music. A person who experiences this intense, singular passion for music is called a melomaniac.
The word is a combination of two elements:
Melo-: Derived from the Ancient Greek word melos, meaning “song” or “melody”.
-Mania: Rooted in Greek and Latin, meaning a frenzy, madness, or excessive enthusiasm.
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.
Blair Morgan & Jessie Shanks
2 August 2026
Sacred Harp Singing Workshop
16 August 2026
This workshop will briefly cover the history of the Sacred Harp tradition, as well as how the tradition is currently observed through weekly and annual singings.
Southriver
6 September 2026
Pairing the heartfelt lyrics of Sarah August with the slick skills of Brendan Schenk, these two have been performing and writing together since 2021 creating a repertoire of troubled tunes for troubled times.
Saffron Sisters
20 September 2026
The three voices of the The Saffron Sisters – Kristina Godfrey, Mary Ruston and Frances Caldwell – blend in three-part acapella harmonies, and frequent accompaniment by Mary on the keyboard and Kristina’s percussion.
Kameleon
30 August 2026
With a new name, new energy, and some great new material, Kameleon are ready to share their love of music with a patiently waiting world.
Port Hillbillies
27 September 2026
Emerging from the shadows of the Port Hills, Christchurch. One American, Justin Rogers on mandolin, guitar and vocals, one Aussie Gary Elford on guitar, acoustic bass and vocals. They meet up with a six-toed Kiwi singer, banjo and guitar player Steve Stern to share their love of Bluegrass, Old Time and Americana music.
Liz Braggins
11 October 2026
‘Liz Braggins’ has been a familiar name on the Christchurch music scene. She has a unique style developed from many years of immersion in the music industry. Her highly original versions of well-known songs are an eclectic mix of genres highlighting her background in most musical styles.
Celtic Caim – Pauline Vallance (Scotland) and Heather Innes
8 November 2026
Celtic Caim concerts have been described as “hauntingly beautiful harmony singing,” a capella and accompanied by clasarch, flute or bodhrán. An eclectic mix of Celtic songs, songs written by various songwriters, including Pauline & Heather, plus jigs or reels on flute and bodhrán to get your feet tapping!