Monthly Archives: November 2025

Acoustic Routes Social Club: featuring Mary Livingston

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.


AR monthly concert: featuring The Madillionaires, with Hunter Giltrap and the Short(er) Blacks

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.