Oct 8th: Carol Bean Band, Hope & The Hobo, Tim Thorpe, Matthew Dower

The Carol Bean Band is a crossroads where four different styles merge together, then continue as one. 

They play mix of Americana Blues and Country with a heavy helping of original songs, stylish instruments, and groovy rhythms.

You've certainly heard Carol before. She has entertained Wellington music-goers over the last two decades with her blues-based bands; Blue Highways, Mt Misery String Band, Clean Getaway and now, The Carol Bean Band.

An English girl, she grew up in California and was influenced by the West Coast music of the 60s. She hung out at McCabe’s, The Ash Grove, took guitar lessons from Dave Cohen, Ry Cooder, and with Ry’s help bought herself an old 0021 Martin, which she has carted around the world and is still her go-to axe.

With 3 albums out, she continues to write songs, play in duos, (with Nick Swan, Jack Mackenzie, and Robbie Duncan), and is a member of Wellington’s cheeky KVME Jug Band who have played Mainly Acoustic in the past

Hope & The Hobo

Jo Sheffield and Phil Hope (Hope and the Hobo) are both singer songwriters in their own right. They have been collaborating on each other’s original songs since the end of 2021.

Jo recently released her first solo album “Gypsy Mind” and also plays along with several other Wellington folk musicians in the Eagals, an all-girl Eagles cover band.

Phil is a former bandmate of Matt Hay and the Makers, and the Rag Poets. and the 80's band Hutt River Band.

Tim Thorpe

You've met him before: Tim has performed with a variety of groups in the past, such as The Tim Thorpe Trio (in its various incarnations) as well as presenting a wonderful cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Silent Night, Holy Night" at one of Christmas concerts. He writes heartfelt, soulful songs with an occasional humorous twist. He will be accompanying himself mostly on the piano.

Matthew Dower

Upper Hutt lad Matt Dower has played for us last year and at a couple of our Grab-A-Spot open mics. He has delighted us each time.

He describes his music as unsung tales of Aotearoa New Zealand. Country Blues Folk stories for generations to share. A deep and abiding love for the land and its people are Matthew Dower’s songwriting inspirations. His is a rich collection of characters: from superhero seagulls saving the day to bantam weight wrestlers within the fray. Surely there is something to take away for all the family. He also sounds a little like very early, pre-"Judas!" Bob Dylan.

We're looking forward to hearing him perform more of his songs at this coming club night.