Tue. June. 3rd, Dave Murphy & Neil Billington, Dave Murphy & Janet Muggeridge + Carol Bean
Dave Murphy & Neil Billington
Well-known for his driving blues and finger-style picking, Dave lays down a powerful rhythm on his Advanced Jumbo Gibson re-issue with rosewood back and sides and long-scale neck.
Neil Billington is one of the leading exponents of the harmonica to come out of New Zealand, and combines a rare capacity for both the traditional blues harmonica and the less typical chromatic harmonica.
He is equally at home whether playing in the ‘Chicago-style’ of Little Walter on the blues harp or reflecting the more sophisticated jazz sensibilities of Belgian jazz great, Jean ‘Toots’ Thielemans on chromatic harmonica.
Together they will keep you transfixed and entranced.
Dave Murphy & Janet Muggeridge
On top of Dave's Delta blues, finger-style guitar playing, that will likely have your feet begging for rest, is Janet's fluid yet precise mandolin playing, counterpointing Dave's rhythm with chords & licks in a seemingly effortless manner.
Their two voices blend like a hand in glove, yet each stands out with it own individual character. Both are songwriters but expect to also hear their unique renditions of songs by the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, JB Lenoir, & Jimmy Rogers to name a few.
Don't take our word for it though, come hear and see for yourself, you will likely leave with a big smile and a warm memory in the back of your mind.
Carol Bean
English-born, California-raised, Carol was influenced by the West Coast music of the 60s and the blues of Mississippi John Hurt, Mance Lipscomb, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Doc Watson.
She was taught at McCabe’s Music Store and The Ash Grove where she learned her picking style from a young Ry Cooder who encouraged her to buy the Martin guitar that she still plays.
Carol has fronted several bands and recorded 3 studio albums, all on Spotify. She continues to perform at the Wellington blues club and in the Kelburn Viaduct Municipal Ensemble Jug Band.
Tue. June 10th: Niels and The Cartertones, Kevin Meehan, Georgie Swan-Hay.
Niels and The Cartertones
A collaboration between four extraordinary, Wairarapa-based musicians, for a special concert, covering many of Leonard Cohen’s best loved pieces.
This concert is an alliance between:
Niels Gedge, fingerstyle guitar and lead vocals, a well-known singer songwriter on the folk scene, with two albums of original songs. He has also performed extensively in cafes and bars and at events in the UK and throughout NZ. Niels' vocal range is very similar to Leonard Cohen.
Kate Marshall, multi-instrumentalist and vocals. As well as singing in a duo with her partner Bob Cooper-Grundy at clubs, pubs and festivals, Kate is a key member of the much-loved Raven Mavens, the all-woman Boogie/Blues band that plays regularly around the Wellington Region, and beyond. Bob is an Americana/blues musician who plays finger-picking guitar, mandolin, and slide guitar. Bob has opened for Americana Greats: Guy Clark, Townes van Zandt, Tom Russell and Jimmy LaFave.
Steve Trotman, vocals and acoustic guitar. Inspired by the bands of the 1950s and 1960s and singer/songwriters, such as James Taylor and Paul Simon, Steve fronted various Wellington groups in the 1970s before heading overseas. He co-founded Verandah Band in the early 2000s, playing a mix of genres in every Wairarapa venue (and beyond) for the past 20-odd years, including Toast Martinborough and Summer Hummer.
Georgie Swan-Hay
Georgie performs originals and is from Pukerua Bay.
She writes "Started off as a drummer for various bands around the Wellington region but over the last few years, I have become more focused on writing and performing my own music."
"I released my debut EP in 2023, “Swan Dive” and I am currently recording my second EP with Rokalok Music in Lower Hutt."
"My sound is a mixture of alternative acoustic/electric folk with easy riffs and heartfelt lyrics written about my life and experiences paired with driving bass lines from Tom my bass player and producer."
Kevin Meehan
Kevin Meehan loves the old English ballad with its stories of life both as it was, and is now.
His repertoire includes songs from: Ewan MacColl, Tom Paxton, The Kinks, Bob Dylan, and Richard Thompson [to name a few], as well as a few originals.
He also is the former president and instigator of Mainly Acoustic Music Club and is looking forward to plucking a few from his songbook.
