Monday 16 March, Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby. 

Please be aware the lift may not be working. If not, access is via a flight of stairs.

Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities). 

Celia Briar with Mary Hubble

Between 1988 and 2012, Celia Briar and her Celtic harp were regularly seen around the New Zealand folk festivals, alone, or with friends, such as Mary Hubble, in concerts and in sessions. During those years, she also did lots of composing for the harp. 

Since then, Celia has spent time playing music in Ireland and England, where she has been adding considerably to her repertoire. Celia is looking forward to playing music with the wonderful Mary Hubble again and sharing music old and new.

The Pretty Boys —
Freddy Sayer & Pierre Lange-Gerrard

Freddy and Pierre have been making music together since primary school, after Pierre arrived from France at age seven. At ten years old, they were invited by Ruth Pretty to busk at her famous Friday Frolics in Te Horo to raise money for a drama school trip — the beginning of many themed performances and fundraising events, and the origin of their name. They played regularly at Ruth’s until her retirement in 2024.

Today, The Pretty Boys perform beautifully crafted versions of well-known songs — jazzy, folky, bluesy, sometimes satirical, and always accessible. Both are multi-instrumentalists, playing guitar, piano, ukulele and more, sharing lead vocals and rich harmonies shaped by years of performance experience.

Hex Crystals

The Hex Crystals are Ann McChesney, Mary Hubble and Sue Hirst. They have been practicing their arts since the early ’90s. After a break of some years, they made a magnificent comeback at the Wellyfest 60th celebration concert, which left them keen to hex again … With a focus on vocals and particularly harmony, they purloin material from all over the place, and have been known to write the odd parody themselves. Guitar, ukulele, and flute may be encountered. Perhaps even castanets!!

Note: The concert will be on the first floor, with access via stairs or the lift. (The lift may still be out of action.) 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.

Concert rescheduled to Friday 20 Feb

Friday 20 February, Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington, 7:30 pm. Parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby. 

Please be aware the lift may not be working. If not, access is via a flight of stairs.

Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities). 

Vikki Clayton

London-born Vikki Clayton has been immersed in music since childhood and later trained at the Trinity College of Music. A teenager in the folk-club scene, she fell hard for English traditional song, while keeping a love of rock and prog in the mix – an influence you can still hear in the breadth and drive of her performances today. She came to wider attention with cult folk-rockers Ragged Heroes, and her (unintentional) vocal resemblance to Sandy Denny led to invitations connected with Fotheringay and Fairport Convention circles. Vikki has released eight solo albums and appears on many other recordings, with guest collaborators including John Giblin (Simple Minds), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) and Liam Genochey (Steeleye Span). She’s also sung alongside folk greats such as Richard Thompson, Ralph McTell and John Martyn. Now a global citizen between NZ, Cyprus and the UK, Vikki continues to sing with a sweet, clear voice, her distinctive guitar style, and a set that can move from laughter to tears – and back again – fast. Photo Credit: Gerard Hudson

Jo Sheffield

Jo has been part of the Wellington folk scene since 2020, after moving to Upper Hutt from Levin. She’s an integral member of all-girl Eagles cover band The Eagals, and along with Phillip Hope, formed singer-songwriter duo Hope and the Hobo. Until Phil sadly passed away in 2025, the duo played locally and further afield for several years.

Jo released a solo album of her own songs in 2023 entitled “Gypsy Mind” and has also been involved in compilations with other singer-songwriters. Her compositions are quirky and thought-provoking and combine influences from UK Folk, contemporary and alternative singer-songwriters, americana and blues. She is currently working on an AV show. Expect self-accompanied arrangements and topics covering a wide variety of Jo’s own influences and life experiences.

Surprise guest – Portable Panic with Jude Douglas

The cat is out of the bag! Our ‘surprise guest’ is Portable Panic with Jude Douglas. Tony Ricketts and Jenny Kilpatrick wowed us with their performance at the Social Club earlier this month, so we’re delighted they were able to fit us into their schedule for the main concert. They’ll be joined by ace fiddle player Jude Douglas.

(Unfortunately, Nigel and Tamara were not available on the changed date. We’re looking for another time when we can have them.) 

Note: The concert will be on the first floor, with access via stairs or the lift. (The lift may still be out of action.) 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.

CONCERT CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER AND DISRUPTIONS

Monday 16 February, 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. 

Please be aware the lift is not currently in operation, so access is via a flight of stairs.

Entry: $20/$15 for members. Cash only (no eftpos facilities). 

Vikki Clayton

London-born Vikki Clayton has been immersed in music since childhood and later trained at the Trinity College of Music. A teenager in the folk-club scene, she fell hard for English traditional song, while keeping a love of rock and prog in the mix – an influence you can still hear in the breadth and drive of her performances today. She came to wider attention with cult folk-rockers Ragged Heroes, and her (unintentional) vocal resemblance to Sandy Denny led to invitations connected with Fotheringay and Fairport Convention circles. Vikki has released eight solo albums and appears on many other recordings, with guest collaborators including John Giblin (Simple Minds), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) and Liam Genochey (Steeleye Span). She’s also sung alongside folk greats such as Richard Thompson, Ralph McTell and John Martyn. Now a global citizen between NZ, Cyprus and the UK, Vikki continues to sing with a sweet, clear voice, her distinctive guitar style, and a set that can move from laughter to tears – and back again – fast. Photo Credit: Gerard Hudson

Jo Sheffield

Jo has been part of the Wellington folk scene since 2020, after moving to Upper Hutt from Levin. She’s an integral member of all-girl Eagles cover band The Eagals, and along with Phillip Hope, formed singer-songwriter duo Hope and the Hobo. Until Phil sadly passed away in 2025, the duo played locally and further afield for several years.

Jo released a solo album of her own songs in 2023 entitled “Gypsy Mind” and has also been involved in compilations with other singer-songwriters. Her compositions are quirky and thought-provoking and combine influences from UK Folk, contemporary and alternative singer-songwriters, americana and blues. She is currently working on an AV show. Expect self-accompanied arrangements and topics covering a wide variety of Jo’s own influences and life experiences.

Nigel & Tamara

Nigel Parry is synonymous with Soulful Folkiwi Music. As well as People’s Choice at Wellington Folk Festival, Nigel is an award-winning songwriter.
Tamara has been involved with the Wellington folk scene for a few years, singing mostly unaccompanied. You may have sung with her at one of the late night trad sessions at Wellyfest.
We’re really looking forward to hearing them perform together as a duo.

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.

Wednesday 3 December, 1:30pm at the Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane (off Johnsonville Road), Johnsonville, Wellington. Plenty of parking up the drive at the venue, bus and train nearby. 

Entry: $5 (for the musician) 

Mary has been part of our local folk scene since she arrived in Wellington 50 years ago, with forays into classical guitar and various choirs. She has sung with many people…in the early days it was with Dave Nicholson & Mary Hubble. Later, she linked up with Sarah Duckworth & then Robin Brew, the Magpies (acapella 4 part), and Dr Livingston and the Presumptions (band with Don and Jill). Her current singing partner is Sue Chamberlain although Mary and Robin are dusting off their voci for an airing in early 2026! Mary loves to harmonise, and aims to not just come up with something that sounds nice, but that actually tries to enhance the sound of the singer with the tune – a technique learned from her barbershop-Sweet Adeline sojourn. Today however we are going to hear Mary as a soloist. She will share a range of songs that she likes to sing on her own, and puts the harmony in with her guitar work. Some will be her own songs, and the rest is likely to focus on her take on some Celtic favourites using a DADGAD tuning on her guitar. Some of the songs will be familiar to you, but others less so. She is pretty excited about doing this, as it is rare for her to sing alone.

In the second half, we’ll go around the circle and you’re welcome to lead or share a song or tune. All welcome; bring instruments and voices.

Afternoon tea 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.

Monday 17 November, 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 Madillionaires

The Madillionaires are Peter Madill, renowned luthier and musician, Jude Madill, the next generation, instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, and Joseph Coleman, the third generation, on accordion, mandolin, and singing. Combining dynamic and diverse musical styles with strong vocal harmonies they perform original songs and a wide range of music from elsewhere. As well as having three vocalists in this line up, The Madillionaires play guitars, fiddle, accordion, banjo, mandolin, octave mandolin and attitude. The Madillionaires will entertain you with songs from the Americana/Country/Folk realm with some jazz-influenced solos to keep it interesting.

Hunter Giltrap

Hunter Giltrap is a Wellington born and raised vocalist and fiddle player. He has a great love for unaccompanied singing of folk songs, and can be found regularly at the Pōneke Shanty club sessions held at the Welsh Dragon. His inspirations include David Coffin, Peter Bellamy and Americana artists such as Bruce Molsky or Tim O’Brien. Hunter is a former recipient of the Joan Prior and Walker Trust youth awards.

The Short(er) Blacks

Roy says, “Ahha! Two old crusties still doing what they love. The Short Blacks! Since I lost my legs, now known as The Shorter Blacks.”

“Bringing you Celtic ballads with guitar in the hands of an English man. Go figure! Sit back, relax and maybe the odd stretched yarn too.” The Short(er) Blacks are Roy McGuinness and Julian Ward. Definitely not short on personality, humour or musical talent!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.