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.