You can download the October 2025 Balladeer here.
Joan Prior Awards close 15 September!
The Joan Prior Awards for young folk musicians will close at 11:59 pm on Monday 15 September. The award is different this year in that it’s not limited to performers. If you have a project in mind that needs a bit of funding, and you fit the criteria, you could win $500 to help you along your way – but only if you put in an application!
See more and enter on the Joan Prior entry page.
AR monthly concert: featuring Barry and Lorna Swallow, with Stephen Hill and Beans Wright
Monday 15 September, Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Plenty of parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
Barry and Lorna Swallow
Barry and Lorna met through Folkie friends back in the late 1970’s. They shared a love of the music of Nic Jones, who has subsequently been a major influence on Barry’s guitar playing.

They settled in Taupo and raised their family there, and in retirement purchased their distinctive motorhome/bus which enabled them to enjoy the music and fellowship of folk festivals. Barry uses open tunings on his guitar to work out intricate accompaniments, for songs he has chosen for their thought-provoking lyrics and strong melodies. In recent years, Lorna has developed an interest in playing tunes on low whistles, tunes chosen for their memorable melodies.
Stephen Hill

Stephen is a songwriter based in Lower Hutt in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Born and raised in Ireland he moved to Wellington in 2008. Stephen performs his folksy songs with an understated delivery but keen pop sensibility, weaving landscapes and emotions with an eye for detail and a refreshing turn of phrase. Inspired by Irish songwriters like Damien Dempsey and Iain Archer, as well as local artists like Delaney Davidson and international heavyweights like Nick Cave and Steve Earle, Stephen’s style is alternately light and dark, silly and serious, calm yet entertaining.
Beans Wright
One third of the band Don and the Divorcees, Beans’ original songs are rich with humour, honesty and carefully crafted word play, borne of a love of language combined with a vibrant imagination and inner world. Hailing from Yorkshire, Beans has played at Moon, the Newtown Festival, Wellyfest and here at Acoustic Routes, making a big impression around the local folk scene. As well as singing, they play guitar, fiddle, and other instruments.
Photo credit: Vince Cabrera

Note: The concert will be on the first floor, with access via stairs or the lift. You may have to press the button at the side of the door to gain access to the building.

Supper is not provided, but you’re welcome to purchase drinks, tea and coffee and snacks at the bar. If you want to purchase alcohol, a member of the Johnsonville Club will need to sign you in. Feel free to make your purchases on the way in and bring them up to the room.
September 2025 Balladeer
You can download the September 2025 Balladeer here.
August 2025 Balladeer
You can download the August 2025 Balladeer here.
AR monthly concert: featuring Pōneke Shanty Club, Tamara, and Divine Pitch
Monday 18 August, Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Plenty of parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
Pōneke Shanty Club
Pōneke Shanty Club (PSC) is a community of people who enjoy sea shanties and folk songs and love to sing them with friends and strangers. About 60 of them have been meeting twice a month at Welsh Dragon pub for almost 3 years, and you can also find them at Rumours Rum Bar. In short, they’re a “joyful group of shanty and song nerds who come together and have a grand old time–Shanty Club is friends” … “Fantastic, friendly and fun, where everyone is welcome.”

They’ve performed at Thunderbird and Wellyfest and they’re sure to give your vocal chords a workout! Listen to a playlist of favourite shanties and check out the accompanying songbook from their website: https://linktr.ee/ponekeshantyclub
Divine Pitch
Divine Pitch is a duo of Stephen Riddell and Megan Ward. Both have backgrounds in classical music and discovered folk music through the local folk networks in Wellington.

Stephen on guitar, and Megan on fiddle, mandolin, etc, perform songs and tunes original and traditional, at the “divine pitch” of A=432Hz.
Find them on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DivinePitchCreations

Tamara
Tamara has been lurking around the edges of the Wellington folk scene for a few years now – you may have sung with her at late-night Trad sessions at Wellyfest, or in one of the local drinking establishments. She mostly sings unaccompanied, because she can generally do that in her car or kitchen without causing any unfortunate accidents 😉
Photo credit: Gerard Hudson.

Note: The concert will be on the first floor, with access via stairs or the lift. You may have to press the button at the side of the door to gain access to the building.
Supper is not provided, but you’re welcome to purchase drinks, tea and coffee and snacks at the bar. If you want to purchase alcohol, a member of the Johnsonville Club will need to sign you in. Feel free to make your purchases on the way in and bring them up to the room.
July 2025 Balladeer
You can download the July 2025 Balladeer here.
AR monthly concert: featuring Tracey Haskell, with The PJs and West Road
Monday 21 July, Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Plenty of parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
Tracey
Haskell
“Guitar and a voice … listening or performing I have always been moved by the combination. Music is my guide, friends, family, destinations, all relate to playing the guitar and singing. Sharing songs created by others or personally crafted, performing at folk festivals, clubs, cafes, hotels, weddings, funerals, jamming…. I have managed a bit of it all. My own songs bring life experience, from old buildings to driving, shopping, gardening, working, men, working woman, happiness, sadness and all the in between. Born in Auckland I grew up all over New Zealand with a few stints in Australia and now hail from the Tahora hills of Taranaki.” (Photo of Tracey courtesy of Gerard Hudson, Music Haven Images)
The PJs
The PJs are Jenny Kilpatrick, known to many as the bass guitarist for the Madillionaires and an original member of The Eagals, and Pamela Gerrish Nunn, both long-time residents of the Wellington rohe.
Together they sing a wide range of material, largely acappella, drawing on British and US traditions but also casting a look at this country
that we all live in.
West Road

West Road has been together since 2008 when Christine Roseveare (vocals, bass) joined Andrea Coop (vocals and fiddle) and Ron Craig (vocals, guitar, bouzouki). Between them, they have a footing in Americana, country, rock, Irish and Scottish dance music. Expect to hear Americana with a smattering of British/Irish and even an occasional tune or two.
Supper is not provided, but you’re welcome to purchase drinks, tea and coffee and snacks at the bar. If you want to purchase alcohol, a member of the Johnsonville Club will need to sign you in. Feel free to make your purchases on the way in and bring them up to the room.

Note: The concert will be on the first floor, with access via stairs or the lift. You may have to press the button at the side of the door to gain access to the building.
AR monthly concert: featuring the EAGALS, Roy McGuinness, and Julie and Murray Kilpatrick
Monday 16 June, Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Plenty of parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
The EAGALS
The EAGALS are in town! Prepare for one of those nights taking it to the limit with these witchy women (definitely not girls from yesterday) … expect great harmonies and that country-rock sound, fun, pathos and rich talent from around the country with New Zealand’s only all-female Eagles tribute band.
Roy McGuinness
Roy McGuinness! We’ve all heard of him. In fact, his name is often preceded with the words “the inimitable”! Known for his sense of humour, cheeky grin, and a great voice for delivering his favourite Irish songs and ballads. He says, “Had a ruff time over the past year. But here he is! Up and performing again. Bringing you a selection of sad ballads, humorous tails and all possibly delivered in a kilt. What more could you ask for?” What indeed? (He’s the one on the left in the photo.)

Julie and Murray Kilpatrick
Murray has been around the Wellington Folk scene almost forever and Julie has been around as long as she has known Murray. They’ve hosted the Pukerua Bay folk club from their living room for ages and are world famous in New Zealand for forming the Famous Plimmerton Bush Band which ran for about a decade in the 1980-1990s,

Murray plays guitar, mandolin and accordion, and Julie plays ukulele, dulcimer and whistles. Both lend their voices to interpretations of covers, in Julie’s case often quite quirky ones! Murray often accompanies other musicians, but this might be the first time they have performed as a duo. Julie was awarded the AR most improved performer award in 2024.
Note: The concert will be on the first floor, with access via stairs or the lift. You may have to press the button at the side of the door to gain access to the building.
Supper is not provided, but you’re welcome to purchase drinks, tea and coffee and snacks at the bar. If you want to purchase alcohol, a member of the Johnsonville Club will need to sign you in. Feel free to make your purchases on the way in and bring them up to the room.
June 2025 Balladeer
You can download the June 2025 Balladeer here.
May 2025 Balladeer
AR monthly concert: featuring Westward, Mary Livingston & Sue Chamberlain, and Peter Berry
Monday 19 May, Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Plenty of parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
Westward are Deb and Mike Harding, Lisa Dohig and Ken Kowalchuk – a foursome named after one of their songs and for their Taranaki home out in the west. All strong vocalists, accompanied by guitar and bass, they bring songs from near and faraway places and times, from the western highways of Ireland and the streets of Glasgow to New Zealand and our own government ‘putting on the squeeze’ (Andy Bassett). Modern folk anthems with a strong message – ‘let the music speak for itself’ (Merry Hell) and ‘you’ve got to do it while you can’ (The Langan Band). Folksongs of intrigue and inspiration, solace and celebration.
Mary Livingston and Sue Chamberlain
When Mary is not snapping amazing photos around Wellington city and coast, she is a singer-songwriter and guitar-player. Sue loves singing many types of music – jazz, country, show tunes, world music and the wide umbrella that is folk. Together they are keen to share their eclectic repertoire, including songs of myth, legend and passion from the ever-restless sea.
Peter Berry
“You are old father William and well past your prime and grown uncommonly fat…” – the starting line of an old poem that seems uncomfortably accurate nowadays. But I can still sing, which after all is the reason I’m coming down to Wellington to entertain you. I can sing anything from opera to bawdy ballads, but on this occasion, I will limit myself to New Zealand songs. Of particular interest to me are the songs of the likes of Dave Jordan and Peter Cape, as well as the old tramping songs that we used to sing in the back of the tramping club truck as we headed out to the ranges.
Note: The concert will be on the first floor, with access via stairs or the lift. You may have to press the button at the side of the door to gain access to the building.
Supper is not provided, but you’re welcome to purchase drinks, tea and coffee and snacks at the bar. If you want to purchase alcohol, a member of the Johnsonville Club will need to sign you in. Feel free to make your purchases on the way in and bring them up to the room.
April 2025 Balladeer
AR Social Club and Open Mics
AR Social Club
Wednesday 2 April, Johnsonville Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road (opposite NZ Post), Johnsonville, Wellington, 1:30 pm. Parking, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $5. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
Acoustic Routes Social Club is like the Buena Vista Social Club – a place where we can go “to hang out with each other”, with the common thread of music.
This month we have the fabulous Roy McGuinness and Vikki Clayton to perform at the Acoustic Routes Social Club.
Roy is very well-known to the club for his beautiful singing of Irish ballads, not to mention his sense of humour!
Vikki is a singer/songwriter of international repute who we are lucky to have temporarily in our midst. They’ll do the first half hour and then after afternoon tea, the floor is open to anyone who would like to lead or perform a song or tune, so do bring instruments and voices!
This will be our last event at the Collective Community Hub – from May we’ll be at the nearby Johnsonville Club.
Note that due to Easter and Anzac Day occurring this month, there’s no 4th Thursday concert or Singaround. Events still going ahead are:
Open Mic at The Office, Newtown, 2nd and last Sundays of the month, 5.15-8pm Hosted by Kevin Ikin. To find out more, contact Kevin at kevin.ikin@supermail.co.nz Open mics for April: 6 April and 27 April.
Open Mic at Plimmerton Boating Club, Wednesday 9 April (2nd Wednesday of the month), 7 pm, hosted by Roy McGuinness. No need to book in, just come along and put your name on the board.
AR monthly concert: Ceann an Éisc, Skinny Dennis and Recently Decent
Thursday 27 March, Johnsonville Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road (opposite NZ Post), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Parking, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
Ceann an Éisc (“Key-arn un eeshk”, meaning ‘Head of the Fish’) bring toe-tapping tunes and soulful songs, blending the depths of Celtic tradition with exciting modern melodies.
With Em Griffiths on fiddle and vocals, Kris Nielsen on pipes, whistle, and flute, and Tom Stonehouse on bodhran, you can expect great craic with maximum groove.
Bring your dancing shoes, it’s gonna be a stomper!
Skinny Dennis, aka Eric Daubé and Glenn Barclay, have been playing and singing together for many years and the name of this duo comes from a real-life character in Guy Clark’s ‘LA Freeway’. In previous incarnations, they had more of an Americana sound, but these days they travel a slightly broader musical path, playing a mix of traditional/old and contemporary tunes with comprised of covers and originals. Eric’s wonderful singing is complemented by Glenn’s guitar and occasional mandolin – a combination honed over years of playing together and which they hope you will enjoy.
Recently Decent, Mairi Anne and Marius are originally from South Africa where they played in a variety of bands and festivals. Both play 12-string guitars and have formidable vocal range. Mairi Anne also plays bass and Marius, a rocker at heart, plays baritone guitar. Originally part of the Auckland-based Steam Punk Minstrels, since their move to Wellington they have been bringing their unique blend of Celtic and African folk music, with a hint of jazz and rock, to various local venues.
March 2025 Balladeer
February 2025 Balladeer
AR monthly concert: The Krissy Jackson Duo, and Kirsty Bromley
Thursday 27 February, Johnsonville Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road (opposite NZ Post), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Parking, bus and train nearby.
Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).
Krissy’s playing and singing honour the historical depth of folk music while making it her own. She connects deeply with her audience with music that transcends genre and stylistic boundaries. In the wonderful words of Mary Kippenberger: “those notes, those notes that make your neck elongate, your body inch upward, your hands taking an involuntary migration to the heart. Notes of such exquisite, primal purity. Or she just makes you pound your feet, clap your hands and then before you know it you are dancing.”
Keyboardist and harmony singer Peter Jackson is described as a player “whose quiet brilliance and intuition holds things together beautifully and sensitively.“ Together they create fabulous music, journeying from foot-stomping to heart-wrenching and everything in between.
Kirsty Bromley is a contemporary folk singer based in New Zealand who draws on a wide range of traditional music. She has a most disarmingly transparent voice, but in the way that she uses it, has the uncanny and beautiful knack of drawing attention to the song rather than the messenger. Her Debut Album ‘Time Ashore’ features original songs as well as carefully curated folk gems.
Acoustic Routes Christmas Party
Sunday 8 December, 21 Gordon Road, Plimmerton, 1.30 pm – note the earlier time this year.
Our Christmas party will once again be hosted this year by the wonderful Anne McGregor and Roy McGuinness.
Please bring a plate of food for the afternoon meal, a bottle of what you like to drink, and of course instruments and songs. The meal will start around 2.30pm. Disposable plates etc. will be provided but those of you who have picnic sets could bring them too, to help reduce the waste.
The Koha this year is for DCM (Downtown Community Ministry), whose vision is for communities where whānau are housed, connected, and thriving. https://www.dcm.org.nz/
We warmly invite you, your family and any like-minded and/or musical friends to come along and welcome in the season with music and festivity! Sorry no dogs.