Christchurch Folk Music Club
Thomas Loefke
- $20 Members
- $25 Non-members
- $5 Students with ID
Reserve your seat here: https://forms.gle/RpYTKio8oGLhXyGD9
Islands in the North Atlantic, like Tory Island – the Irish island of legend and myth, the Hebridies in the Northwest of Scotland, the Shetlands, Iceland or the wild archipelago of the Faroe Islands – these are the places where harpist and photographer Thomas Loefke spends a considerable amount of time every year to compose music.
Dramatic coastal landscapes, the wide open space of the Atlantic ocean and the ever changing sky reflect in the pieces of music written there. The tunes are accompanied by photographs Thomas took during his travels to the islands
and by a bunch of amazing stories, a combination which makes this solo program a very entertaining show indeed.
From the sounds of the Celtic Middle Ages, and the lively dances of Irish folk music, to his own original compositions each of Loefke’s works has its own texture, atmosphere and story to tell.
Thomas learnt his trade in Dublin from Ireland’s leading harp players – Máire Ní Cháthasaigh, Helen Davies, Jeanette Harbison and Áine Ní Dhúill. Since 1984 he has been playing professionally and has won several international prizes, including first prize at the O’Carolan Harp Festival in Keadue. He regularily tours with his band Norland Wind featuring Clannad’s Noel Duggan, with Faroese violinist Angelika Hansen as duo Norðan, with Riverdance fiddle player Máire Breatnach, with Colorado based cello/guitar duo Acoustic Eidolon, and as soloist.
“People are listening to quiet haunting music again” says Thomas. “It’s amazing how the sound of the harp takes the speed out of everyday life and brings you back to a sort of tingling slowness”.
Current CDs:
Norðan" (Laika / Tutl records), Máire Breatnach & Thomas Loefke – “Rock Pools“ (Laika)
www.thomasloefke.eu/thomas.html
Doors open 7pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm, you will get a seat if you arrive close to 7pm.
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..
DOOR SALES CASH ONLY: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility. Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your membership card for licencing purposes. Non-members sign in at bar.

Open Mic Night
11 June 2023
Perform to an appreciative audience, who will listen, engage and respect your performance. You will be amongst friends.

David Evison, with folk support powerhouses Russell Gillies & Steve Stern
25 June 2023
David Evison is a regular performer at Folk Club events, and recently became a member of the Jamesons, a long-standing Christchurch band which plays every Tuesday night at the Bog Irish bar. He also regularly joins sessions at the Pegasus Bar and the Little Fiddle.

Ceilidh a fun night of dancing brought to you by Theo & G Barndance Duo
2 July 2023
“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.

The Boys are Back: Willie McArthur, Jeremy Brownbrooke & support act Marc Seddon
9 July 2023
Jeremy and Willie have been around the Christchurch music scene for many, many years and have collaborated together in Sheebeen, the Choonz, Dublin Street and The Shameless Few.

The Hudson Street Band
30 July 2023
Hudson Street band offers gorgeous stylings of folk-pop covers. Danielle and Helen’s beautiful harmonies are backed by Adam’s blues-rock guitar, Brett’s rock-funk bass and Reuben’s cruising drums. With fresh arrangements, we mix soul, country, jazz and magic. Not your average Christchurch covers band.

The Back of Beyond: Craig Denham and Nathan Torvik
6 August 2023
Witness the coming together of two kindred musical explorers.
Craig Denham on Accordion, Keys, whistles, foot percussion and vocals and multi-instrumentalist Nathan Torvik on whatever he decides to play on the day!

Hera
20 August 2023
Hera is an award-winning Icelandic-Kiwi singer/songwriter who has lost count of how many times she has traveled around the world with her guitar. Her self-titled album released in 2020 to critical acclaim and reached #1 on the album charts in Iceland.

Frankie and The Teardrops
27 August 2023
Hot off the heels of a sellout show at Little Andromeda in March, Frankie and the Teardrops are
ready to take the songs, the stories and the love over to the Christchurch Folk Club.