VillageMusic in Mt Eden began with a simple idea, "That old hall'd make a great place for a concert Johnny...". "Yeah...Let's do it then". And so it started. The old Mt Eden wooden hall provides a unique, intimate and convivial "listening" environment to present all kinds of live music, across most (but not all) musical genres. We host 6-7 Friday night concerts throughout the winter, from roughly April to November. We keep it eclectic and we always have a great evening.
As one concert has lead to another through ten winters, VillageMusic has played host to a rather large number of New Zealand's (and the 'world's' for that matter) best and seriously talented musicians, across a wide spectrum of musical genres and styles, from solo artists such as Julia Deans, and Greg Johnson, to the 'Jubilation Choir', our Jazz Greats like Nathan Haines alongside local Greats like Caitlin Smith and David Lines with 'Neon Quaver', our country Greats like Tami Neilson and Donna Dean, upcoming contemporary artists like Lou'ana Whitney and Sarah Spicer and Adam McGrath and popular Greats like Jan Hellriegel. We've also hosted virtuoso players like Nigel Gavin, Mark Mazengarb and Jess Hindin, overseas guests like Katie Martucci, George Jackson and Loren Barrigar - even rock bands like 'The Narcs', Eddie Raynor's 'Conrays', 'The DeSotos' and Rikki Morris ...and never forgetting 'The Lady Killers' (Suzi Lynch, Tina Cross & Jackie Clarke - with Annie Crummer as a guest....wow).... and as sad as it is to miss some artists out, the list goes on for a quite bit longer.
Often the audience is spellbound, transfixed by the music and the musicianship, then again, just as likely to pull the tables back and start dancing. That's a 'village thing' I guess. But it's the musicianship, the personalities and the music that weaves the spell and sets the scene. That's the magic of 'live music' and that is what a VillageMusic Soirée is all about.
As always, bring friends, bring family, bring your ears and BYO.
i
Yes, no surprises here, just letting you know what you already know.
Our next soirée is scheduled for June 12th, so fingers crossed, we'll all be cleared to get back out and enjoy a VillageMusic concert by then.
However, I'll be having to make that 'showtime' decision 6 weeks prior, so it may well be that July 24th is our next opportunity to safely return to the old Mt Eden hall.
I'm pretty sure we'll all be 'Netflixed out' by then - and a VillageMusic Soirée will be just the tonic we all need to get back to a semblance of normality.
Stay safe for the duration folks and I'll keep y'all posted when decision makin' time rolls around.
Cheers - Wayne.
i
We're absolutely delighted to bring Jan Hellriegel and her band back for a VillageMusic Soirée.
Jan has recently produced not only a new album of songs, but also a book. "Sportsman Of The Year - A Suburban Philosophy" is Jan Hellriegel's 4th studio album, with a unique twist: it is also a beautifully produced book with photos and 12 chapters based on the new songs. She describes Sportsman of the Year as a ‘musical in a book’. The book grew out of her album project when Jan realised the songs were taking a more philosophical, personal direction. She decided to share some stories in parallel with the music, each informed by the other. It includes access to high quality music files.
As a showcase evening, , this will be a unique opportunity to hear these songs performed live and our old Mt Eden hall is a perfect place for the event. This is definitely a show to put in the calendar.
Bring friends, bring family, grab a seat or a table and BYO. See you at the door.
Tickets: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2019/jan-hellriegel-showcasing-sportsman-of-the-year/auckland/mt-eden
Kiwi music icon Harry Lyon played an intimate show at one of the popular Mt Eden “Village Music” concerts on Friday 18th October. "When Wayne approached me about performing at one of his Village Music shows I jumped at the opportunity. Playing semi-unplugged with a trio means the relationship with the audience is more personal and intimate, and I really enjoy that." - Harry Lyon
Harry was co-founder, guitar player and songwriter with NZ Hall of Fame band Hello Sailor. His songwriting credits include, Lying in the Sand and Watch Your Back from Sailor’s award- winning first album, Dr I Like Your Medicine,1981 Single of the Year for Coup D’Etat, and Muscles, that featured on Midge Marsden's Burning Rain album and was a 1991 APRA Silver Scroll finalist. Harry also played with The Pink Flamingos, Hammond Gamble and The Legionnaires for whom he wrote the Top 20 single You Bring Out the Worst in Me.
To the Sea is the first solo album for Harry Lyon. Produced by Lyttelton’s music auteur Delaney Davidson the album showcases Harry’s array of styles and influences with classic Kiwi rock, New Orleans vaudeville, Latin, Pasifika, country and a Christmas ballad for good measure. Lyrically subjects range from love songs to a life well lived and Harry’s usual wry political and social observations.
The reviews were unanimous in their praise; “..an album of so many highlights“ (Simon Sweetman)
“It should come as no surprise that Harry Lyon writes a great album,” (Graham Reid)
“They don't make them like this anymore. Classic Ponsonby Rock n Roll grooves.” (Andrew Dickens, Newstalk ZB)
“The combination of Davidson’s outsider music, which has been fairly described as country noir, and Lyon’s warm, older school rock and blues, fits together in an act of near perfect musical serendipity.
As the best albums do, “To The Sea” appeals at first listening, only to reveal more and more charms the further you immerse yourself in it.” (Phil Gifford, North and South, 2018)
“Harry Lyon’s solo debut is a raw relevant rocker” (James Belfield, NZ Listener, 29/10/2018)
Harry’s set will feature Sailor favourites, songs from his back catalogue, and of course some from his critically acclaimed Top 10 solo album “To The Sea”. He will be joined by;
Tony Waine (Bass): Tony is an APRA Silver Scroll winner and founder of award-winning kiwi band The Narcs. The band’s debut gold album Great Divide earned 5 RIANZ Awards including Single of the Year for their Top Ten hit Heart and Soul. Tony has written songs with Shona Laing, Buzz Moller, Authur Baysting. He produced the Best of the Narcs album and Christchurch The Music, the double CD compilation.
Josh Sorenson (Drums): Josh is an in-demand drummer and respected music educator. He has played, toured, and/or recorded with a veritable who’s-who of NZ music artist, including; King Kapisi, Sola Rosa, Annie Crummer, Nathan Haines, Joel Haines, Hammond Gamble, Rikki Morris, Debbie Harwood and Hello Sailor. He has been a He also composes, arranges and plays for his own original rock band Royal Jackets.
“To the Sea” out now on CD/LP/Digital. (Norm Records/ Southbound Distribution).
CDs and LPs available at Harry’s shows.
Sarah spent 10 years playing in the USA alongside the cream of American blues artists in the San Fransisco/Bay area including John Lee Hooker with whom she recorded. She has two albums of original songs and is currently collaborating on a third album with The Blue Riders in Liam Ryan’s Torch Music studio.
Sarah delivers a deeply moving performance. Her powerful voice and soulful songs explore the road back from stardom and the inner journey to the heart.
We experienced atmosphere, real emotion and rare simpatico as Sarah weaved her magic with her seasoned, hand-picked band.
Check out Mr Johnson, her recently released exquisite tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly2MunGtPiQ
The first of 2 gigs for August -
Real pleased to welcome Brent Parlane (ex Melbourne and currently on a world tour) to our concert series and to bring Donna Dean (Tui winner) back to our stage. Donna was one of our first concert performers for VillageMusic and what a great night that was. Following that performance, Donna has won a Tui, been the subject of a documentary, played Nashville and released a whole lot of new material. Brent Parlane is one of our great musical exports. Many of us will recall his famous days in the New Zealand country music scene. Brent plays regularly around Australia and has maintained a steady output of original music to a loyal fan base. Donna and Brent have performed together in Melbourne and for this show will be joined with a couple of guest musicians for backing on bass and guitars.
This will be a very special evening. As always, bring friends, bring family, bring your ears and BYO.
The COMPANY were great - here’s a link to their website: http://www.thecompanybluegrass.com/
And now for something completely different… In keeping with all that is eclectic, VillageMusic presents the NARCS - A Village Gig.
From the golden age of the 80’s these guys have never let it slip. Rikki Morris joins us on the Village Music stage for the first time (having worked the levers for a few of our past soirées, it’s great to see him in the line-up for this one) and none other than Pete Warren is sitting in the middle seat for this session - now we really are cooking. Doesn’t matter how cold this winter gets - the Narcs know how to turn up the heat… ;-)
This was a great night - there was even be dancing - of course!
In keeping with our Village Music passion for stunning female vocalists, we are delighted to bring Lou'ana Whitney and her band to the The Mt Eden Village Centre.
Lou’ana has been steadily forging a reputation as a great talent for the past few years in various soul/funk/jazz bands and musical collectives around Auckland.
Lou’ana brings a vocal style and a gorgeous delivery that oozes with great feel and character, add to that the musical skills of Dillon Riesterer, Cam Sangster, et al and this promises to be a really delightful evening.
Lou'ana and the band are already rehearsing for it!
Can't think of a better venue than the old hall for these guys - and a Village Music Soiré is the perfect way to enjoy it.
Expecting numbers to be quite high, so get tickets sooner rather than later.
Our 2nd Soirée for our Winter Series featured the very accomplished performer and songwriter DEREK LIND, accompanied by:
APRA Silver Scroll winner Guy Wishart (guitar and banjo),
Alan Brown (Hammond A100),
Andrew Horst (Bass),
Kevin Adair (Drums) and
Glenn Ross Campbell (Weissenborn Lap-slide).
Most recently heard on Radio New Zealand a few weeks ago, Lind has played at major arts and music festivals both overseas and in NZ. He has supported international acts such as Sam Philips, Michelle Shocked, and the Hot House Flowers.
His music is in the tradition of the singer-songwriter, drawing its influences from blues, country and rock music. Influences include Dylan, Neil Young, T-Bone Burnette, John Prine, Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Richard Thompson, Peter Case, John Hiatt & Van Morrison.
This was be a concert that will linger in the memories - there aren’t too many opportunities to have a really good listen to these guys live - and we’re thankful to have welcomed them to our family.