Christchurch Folk Music Club

Sassafras

25 May 2025

Members $20
Non Members $25
Students (with ID) $5

The Sassafras Bluegrass Band invites you to a “HOOTENANNY” at The Christchurch Folk Club in Christchurch, NZ on Sunday, May 25th at 7:30pm. What is a “HOOTENANNY”? It is a “banjo-brained hoedown-throwdown-don’t slow down until the cows come home!” Sassafras is from the Foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the USA, which is home to some of the best bluegrass music you will find. Sassafras pays homage to the Father of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe, as well as other bluegrass pioneers such as the Country Gentlemen, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs. Sassafras enjoys pushing the edge of progressive Newgrass music, as well. Sassafras also includes a range of other musical styles in their repertoire including country, folk, western swing, and originals. Sassafras band members have performed at a lengthy list of festivals and venues nationally and internationally including: Grand Old Opry (Nashville, Tennessee), MerleFest (North Carolina), Mean Fiddler (London, England), Walnut Valley Festival (Kansas), Song of the Mountains (PBS TV Series), High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival (Colorado), AGEC Bluegrass (Paris, France), Hamishes’ Hoose (Scotland), Güglinger Bluegrass Festival (Germany), Albino Skunk Festival (South Carolina), Susanville Bluegrass Festival (California), Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival (Arizona), Rocky Top (Tokyo, Japan), Mussel Inn (New Zealand) and many others. Sassafras Band Members Kent Dowell (Banjo, Vocals) – Kent played banjo for the legendary Charlie Waller and The Country Gentlemen, from 1979 through 1982. He recorded three albums with them including: “Sit Down Young Stranger”, “River Bottom”, and a live recording with the Seldom Scene, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, and others, called “Bluegrass the Greatest Show on Earth”. Musically, Kent has toured over most of the USA and toured Europe in 1980. Kent still performs with his own band, Bluegrass Blend, which he formed in the mid-70’s. Sassafras is proud to have Kent as a member of the band on our 2025 New Zealand tour. Billy Gee (Bass, Vocals) – Billy has shared the stage with Doc Watson, John Cowan, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, Don Story, Mel Jones, and many other notable musicians. Billy toured as bassist with bluegrass legend Charlie Waller and The Country Gentlemen. Billy received the Dr. T.R. Bryan Wilkes Heritage Award and is a member of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. Billy has performed at the esteemed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee as a member of Darin and Brooke Aldridge Band. Billy contributes original material for Sassafras and is a founding band member when the band formed in the late-90’s. Wes Tuttle (Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals) — Wes has performed on stage with Doc Watson, Kenny Baker, Benny Martin, Terry Baucom, Mark O’Connor, Jerry Douglas, Wes Golding, and many other notable musicians. Wes has also recorded with Tony Rice, Ronnie Bowman, Russell Moore, Jim Buchanan. Wes is the consummate musician and epitomizes the “high lonesome sound” with his sterling vocal range. Wes continues to write music and contributed one of his original songs to the latest Sassafras CD. Randy Gambill (Guitar, Vocals) — Randy has performed on stage or recorded with Doc Watson, Jack Lawrence, Pete Wernick, Doug Jernigan, Steve Lewis, and Roy Huskey Jr. and many other notable musicians. While living England, Randy toured Europe promoting Bluegrass and Americana music. Randy’s original songs have been featured on BBC Radio & the PBS TV Series “Song of the Mountains.” Randy continues to write music for Sassafras and another band, NonProphets, and contributed two of his songs to the latest Sassafras CD. So, come and join us for a taste of southern Appalachian Mountain music and let’s have some fun. Y’all come!!!

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.

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