Christchurch Folk Music Club

A special concert to celebrate the important contribution that the women of folk have achieved. Music permeates our hearts carrying a strong message that has both challenged for change and acknowledged achievements to coincide with the Suffrage 125 commemorations.

This night was no exception where music was to the fore and crafted and carried to us by talented local women, a real honour to be part of a celebrating of the significant impact the music of women and the women of music have made in so many lives. The concert will featured: Hiakatea Bull opened the night with a traditional karanga, supported by Women in Harmony. Nancy McShane compered the night in the guise of Kate Sheppard who herself was an acknowledged musician and actor.

Kate brought us her ‘Is it right?’ speech and a challenge by Kate and Nancy to consider have we fulfilled the goals set by the Suffragettes 125 years ago. Cathy Sweet and Lisa Tui shared waiata from Aotearoa’s wahine toa songwriters, Moana and the Moahunters and Princess Te Rangi Pai. Kristina Godfrey supported on guitar by Tony Hale and then keys by Mary Ruston, brought us two doyennes, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, who have strummed their way through the golden age of the peaceniks, preaching love and tolerance. ‘Gospel Select’ will share 3 songs from folk women committed to messages of love and empowerment.

Lead by Lisa Tui and Jillie Toogood this group of women; Jo Fife, Wendy Kington, Mana Fleming, Emma Rodregues Dos Santos and Lynda Delaney, have banded together in the spirit of the tribute from gospel choirs Bright on Vibes and Jabulani Choir. A refreshment break gave opportunity for the full house to talk to each other, the room was vibrant. ‘Woman’s Heart’, featured trobairses’ Mary Ruston, keys; Liz Nichol banjo and guitar, Argene Flack boodhran and low whistle, Judi Smitheram vocals, and Kirsten Bone violin bringing tunes from Wailin’ Jennys, Linda Ronstadt and Sandy Denny. Mary Dunne paying tribute to Maire Brennan, the first Lady of Celtic music and her favourite singer Cara Dillon, joined by Argene Flack on bodhran. Women have lent their incredibly important voices in the struggle for their own rights, civil rights, human rights, and the movement for peace. The Women of Folk concert were no exception.

This concert acknowledged the passionate women of folk who have made a difference through their musicianship.