Past Events

Isabelle Wolff with Craig Denham
Sunday 10 May 2026
Isabelle Wolff is a German singer songwriter of gypsy jazz pop with German and English lyrics. 
“Isabelle is an exceptionally talented singer with beautifully written songs. A talent that should be supported!.” Lulo Reinhardt, who is a German well known descendant of the Gypsy Jazz inventor Django Reinhardt. This endorsement after Isabelle had performed several concerts with Lulo Reinhardt.
She believes in the healing power of music and wants to make the world a better place with playing and singing her music.
Isabelle will be joined by the wonderful Craig Denham, a skilled multi-instrumentalist (accordion, keyboards, whistles and vocals).

Nixie Pixie & Friends
Saturday 9 May 2026
Ex-pat Uk artist Nixie Pixie performs at Ruby Bay Store her sweet heart felt songs from her life’s personal journey. Tender, vulnerable with stories to tell.  With 20 years experience of traveling the world touching people’s lives with her music, she will be joined by musician friends in a warm fuzzy night of musical storytelling.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 25 April 2026
SO SORRY – FULLY BOOKED
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained. Clayton (vocals and guitar) will be joined by mandolin maestro Nathan Torvik and the fabulous Craig Denham (vocals, piano and piano accordion) for a great night.
We also enjoyed especially wonderful food from
Raffaello and Alessandra, of
Babagatto Italian Restaurant

Midnight Swim
Saturday 18 April 2026
Midnight Swim are excited to bring you an evening of folk-flavoured tunes in the iconic Ruby Bay Store. Come and enjoy traditional Celtic tunes, and songs from the 60s to 2000s, alongside some fresh originals. Inspired by artists such as Dolly Parton, Paul Simon, Imogen Heap and Billie EIlish, Midnight Swim reinvent well-loved and not so well-known songs with folky arrangements and plenty of lush harmonies.
The band’s five vocalists, Susy Peddie, Lydia Stallard, Rachel Pemberton, Emily Wragg and Evie Rainey, and guitarist Dustan Blay, formed Midnight Swim in 2021, and have since performed at venues all around Nelson, including at Nelson Opera in the Park last year.

Brett Perkins
Sunday 12 April 2026 –
American expat Brett Perkins has traveled to over 40 countries so far, playing more than 5000 concerts since his 1977 L.A. club debut, with songs appearing on over 20 commercial releases, including a Number One Scandinavian single, several Top 10’s, Film & TV placements (MTV’s Road Rules, NBC Movie Of The Week, ‘Anna Pihl’), Awards (1st Prize, Great American Song Contest & Australian Song Contest), vocals on albums by Runrig and others, and widespread international airplay.
“Songs and vocals in the company of George Harrison, Elvis Costello and Neil Finn” – Real Roots Magazine (BE)

The Larks
Saturday 11 April 2026
The Larks are Queensland’s leading unaccompanied harmony folk group. They sing mostly English folk songs that are centuries old bringing them to life and putting the songs in their historic or social settings. Their songs have been passed down from generation to generation with each generation modifying the words and tunes.
Their prime influence has been the Copper Family who lived in Rottingdean, Sussex (on the coast about 10 miles from Brighton) from 1593. They worked as shepherds and farm labourers until the farm they worked on was broken down for urban development around World War 1. They are now based in nearby Peacehaven. Seven generations of the family have sung some of these songs. Most uniquely the last five generations have sung songs in harmony – mostly in cross generational groups. Currently three generations of the family sing together. Equally unique the family has recorded their songs and family customs themselves and countless folk song collectors. 
The Larks songs are of love, sailors, soldiers, miners, drinking and some of the wide variety of ceremonial songs including carols, wassailing songs and pace egging songs. The Larks re-energise these old songs without losing the integrity of the folk tradition. They love singing in harmony and invite audiences to join in their choruses and refrains.
Though they come from varied musical backgrounds including folk choirs, sea shanties, and bush bands they have in a few short years become leading interpreters of old folk songs. They also sing a limited number of more modern songs that are sympathetic to the traditional material they sing.
The Larks are invited guests to the Canterbury Folk Festival at Easter and are making a short tour of Nelson-Marlborough.
“The Larks kick off the formal program at the Neurum Creek Music Festival with their gorgeous accapella harmonies!!”  Ian Dearden, photographer/performer/reviewer. 

Jesse Will
Saturday 4 April 2026
After his soulful rendition of ‘Shake It Off’ was shared by Taylor Swift, Jesse Will has been on a steady rise. The New Zealand songwriter’s voice and lyrical style own a sensitivity which have drawn comparisons to the likes of Damien Rice and James Vincent McMorrow. Jesse has been licensed in Starbucks cafes’ worldwide, playlisted by Apple Music and garnered praise from CLASH, Billboard, the Evening Standard, and the Daily Mail among others. Based in London, Jesse is preparing for a third studio release, due in early 2026.
See his website and YouTube here.

The Early Bobs –
Songs of War & Peace
Saturday 28 March 2026
SORRY – FULLY BOOKED!
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained. Clayton will be joined by mandolin maestro Nathan Torvik and the fabulous Craig Denham for a great night, playing Dylan’s songs of War & Peace.

Daisy Chain
Friday 20 March 2026
SO VERY SORRY – CANCELLED
DUE TO FAMILY ILLNESS
HOPE TO RESCHEDULE SOON
Tales and tunes woven through an Indie folk Celtic fusion. From haunting to upbeat – cello, flute, whistle, guitar and vocals exploring the spaces in between.
Daisy Chain is a collaborative music project created by singer-songwriter and guitarist Tina Mortensen (formerly of Teatree and Lemongrass). She will be joined by Helen Mayhew, local talented multi-instrumentalist and vocalist (Tom’s Field fame) and Damara Sylvester, gifted cellist and performance artist, for a night of original sounds.

RD1
Sunday 15 March 2026
RD1 is a new trio that brings together seasoned world music explorers and multi-instrumentalists Craig Denham (accordion, keyboards, whistles and vocals) and Nathan Torvik (guitar, bass, mandolin, cello) with the queen of Lonesome Mountain music Callie Crider from North Carolina on vocals, mandolin and fiddle. They’re playing a mix of Appalachian, Americana, Swing, Gospel and original songs together with virtuosic instrumentals and other bits and pieces that take their fancy. Expect nice harmonies, lonesome soulful songs, pretty melodies and blazing tunes and improvisations that span and bend genres.

Andrew Lockwood
Sunday 22 February 2026
Andrew is a travelling journeyman and songwriter from the UK, performing acoustic originals alongside other artists’ work; sharing and celebrating the healing joy of music.
A performance showcasing his new collection of material, “Songs From A Distance”, will take you on a storied journey of discovery through intimate and inviting songs crafted with honest, sensitive lyrics.
An evening of guitar, voice and your good company.

Elias Bartholomeo
Saturday 21 February 2026
In recent times, Elias Bartholomeo has been named the Best Guitarist residing in Australia, with his guitar playing being described as “Walking a tightrope between many genres all at once!” with a fearless and energetic approach to his live performances.
Elias Bartholomeo is an award-winning international touring Fingerstyle Guitarist hailing from Sydney, Australia.
From learning the guitar by his grandfather at age 4, to performing with Tommy Emmanuel at age 16. Elias Bartholomeo is a world-class entertainer ‘wow-ing’ audiences around the world.
With the blend of country, blues & jazz, mixed with his contagious humour and energy, Elias Bartholomeo has been titled as a MUST SEE show among the live music community!
“You’ve got something to share to the world, go get em’!” – Tommy Emmanuel CGP
“The best guitarist living in Australia” – NEWFM Newcastle

Scott Cook & Pamela Mae Duo
Friday 13 February 2026
Born in West Virginia and raised on the Canadian prairies, Scott Cook quit a job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan in 2007 to embark on the life of a full-time troubadour. He’s toured nearly nonstop across Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere ever since, living out of backpacks and campervans, averaging over a hundred shows and a dozen summer festivals a year, and distilling his experiences into empathetic, keenly observant verse. Since 2022 he’s been joined full-time by his sweetheart Pamela Mae on upright bass and vocals, crisscrossing 45 US States and 8 Canadian provinces in their campervan Roadetta, and covering a fair bit of Australia in their HiAce Hector. In 2026 they’re bringing the duo project to New Zealand for the first time with an extensive tour of 16 dates spread across the North and South Islands. Scott’s seventh album Tangle of Souls spent two weeks at #1 back home on Alberta’s province-wide community radio network CKUA, and earned Scott his third Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, for English Songwriter of the Year. Its second single “Say Can You See” was the second most-played song of 2020 on Folk Alliance International’s folk radio charts, and took top honours for the folk category in both the 2020 UK Songwriting Competition and the 2020 Great American Song Contest. This tour is in support of Scott’s eighth album Troubadourly Yours, which comes packaged in a 240-page hardcover book of liner notes that is equal parts memoir and manifesto. Fans of Cook’s well-travelled poetry and direct, open-hearted delivery have been captivated by the addition of Pamela Mae’s homespun harmonies and the pair’s spacious arrangements on upright bass, guitar, banjo and mbira. Fresh from the open road, these are sturdy, straight-talking songs that see the good in you.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 7 February 2026
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor and mandolin maestro Nathan Torvik are ‘The Early Bobs’. However, this time they covered Bruce Springsteen’s acoustic 1982 album ‘Nebraska’.

Seel & Sanders
Friday 6 February 2026
For over 6  years London-based guitarist songwriter Alex Seel and innovative bouzouki player Jon Sanders have been charming crowds at festivals and concerts in Europe. 
This summer brings a rare opportunity to hear their unique blend of original songwriting and worldly tunes across New Zealand at select venues on their 23 concert tour. 
A recent review in the Rhein Zeitung in Germany said of their August concert : “The audience raved about the sheer scope of musical interplay and different genres. Sanders plied his jazz-tinged Irish and Arabesque world music , weaving his compositional skills with British songwriter Seel’s pop, blues and folk ballads with almost unbelievable change in tempo. All this accompanied by Seel’s impressive guitar playing.”
Both are award winning long term musicians taking audiences through their life journeys in music and song. 
“Captivating, exhilarating and dynamic” said the Zeitung. “Quantum leaping…” said the Irish Times. A unique collaboration!

Rufous Whistler
Friday 30 January 2026
Rufous Whistler returns to Aotearoa!
Fresh from a massive 2025, including a 60-date album tour, a debut record (National Panic) that hit #2 on the ARIA Country Charts, ABC Country’s Feature Album of the Week, and international airplay, Rufous Whistler bring us their bold, harmony-rich alt-country folk. Winners of the 2025 Tussock Country Festival Virtuoso Busking Competition.

Daisy Chain
Saturday 24 January 2026
SORRY – FULLY BOOKED
Tales and tunes woven through an Indie folk Celtic fusion. From haunting to upbeat – cello, flute, whistle, guitar and vocals exploring the spaces in between.
Daisy Chain is a collaborative music project created by singer-songwriter and guitarist Tina Mortensen (formerly of Teatree and Lemongrass). She will be joined by Helen Mayhew, local talented multi-instrumentalist and vocalist (Tom’s Field fame) and Damara Sylvester, gifted cellist and performance artist, for a night of original sounds.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 17 January 2026
SORRY – FULLY BOOKED
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained. Clayton will be joined by mandolin maestro Nathan Torvik for a great night.

Adam McGrath
Friday 16 January 2026
SORRY – FULLY BOOKED
Adam McGrath is a folk singer and yarn spinner stationed wherever he can get a key! He is the winner of the 2024 Aotearoa/New Zealand Folk Artist of the Year Award at the Aotearoa/New Zealand music awards.  Described by RNZ as a “National Treasure” and the Herald as “NZ’s toughest minded songwriter”, Adam is more widely known as lead singer and songwriter with one of NZ’s  most loved roots/country bands The Eastern. He spends 8 months a year on the road between NZ, Australia, Europe and parts beyond. With The Eastern and solo he has shared stages with and opened for Fleetwood Mac, Steve Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes and many, more. His song Hope and Wire was the inspiration behind Gaylene Preston’s TV series of the same name and he is known for his service orientated approach to music in the years since. Described as “maybe part folk singer, part preacher, part boxer, and part rodeo clown he is however all heart”. Raucous, tender, roof and spirit raising a McGrath show goes straight for the spirit level in all of us, looking deep for the good parts and hoping to reach all the thoughtful bits that matter.

Rennie Pearson & Kushla Kozeluh
Saturday 20 December 2025
Rennie Pearson is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist specialising in the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Maritime Canada.
His dynamic performances balance foot-stomping dance tunes with soul-stirring slow airs and evocative storytelling. His engaging stage presence, humour and deep knowledge of the music and its history, opens the door for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the music he plays on the wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, bodhrán, fiddle and voice.
He has toured extensively across New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, and China, performed at major festivals, and appeared alongside artists such as Yo-Yo Ma on international recording projects.

Chris Priestley Kiwi Song-Catcher
with Craig Denham
Friday 12 December 2025
Chris Priestley…is a Singer Songwriter & NZ Historian. He has recorded eight CDs/Lps three of which were Tui Folk Music Award Finalists. As a hospitality entrepreneur he was co-founder of Real Groovy Records &
Café/Music Venues Java live, Kerouacs Atomic and Café One20ne in Ponsonby. His professional life has supported his development as a fine
musician, singer and song writer in a musical career spanning over 30
years. Maybe you’ve never heard of the Taranaki Highwayman, the ghost of the Vulcan Hotel, Antonio Williams “The Black Doctor” from Invercargill or Cabbage Tree Ned Devine the King of the Whips..
Right here, written in the pages of our own New Zealand story is a line-up of characters up there with any gunslinger from the Wild West: heroes and villains, do-gooders and ne’er-do-wells, high-flyers and low-lifers – we’ve got more than our share.
Joined by the fabulous Craig Denham, this will be a great show.
“This is a fascinating musical concept, based on actual people and events that occurred
in our colonial history. You won’t believe your ears – or the incredible stories contained
herein. Rogues, rebels and folk heroes, and a truly valuable exercise, bringing all this
history together in music”, NZ Musician Magazine.
“Musically, Chris has written some beautiful melodies and he has a wonderful, simple,
direct singing style. He has surrounded himself with some of Auckland’s finest players. The end result is the most entertaining New Zealand history lesson you’re likely
to encounter this (or any) year”,
Marty Duda The 13th Floor.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 6 December 2025
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained. Clayton and mandolin maestro Nathan Torvik performed Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks”, bringing the sound of Dylan in the 70s.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 29 November 2025
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained. Clayton, mandolin maestro Nate Torvik and Craig Denham will be performing Dylan’s “Infidel”, bringing the sound of Dylan in the 80s.

ANZAC: The Greek Chapter —
Film Fundraiser
Thursday 27 November 2025
April 1941 – Hitler launches his invasion of Greece. In homes across Australia and New Zealand people feared what lay ahead for their loved ones who were sent as part of the Allied force sent to defend Greece. This documentary tells the story of that valiant defence like never before. Narrated by Barrie Cassidy whose father served in the campaign, the documentary is a unique account of this campaign and of the Anzacs who served there. A fitting document of this essential part of the Hellenic link to the Anzac story. Not to be missed.
Made by New Zealand producer and director John Irwin, and director Peter Ewer.
The screening will raise funds for John and Peter’s new documentary series, Out of Their Own Hands, telling the stories of the women of Crete during the German Occupation of 1941-1945.

South Pacific Short Films Festival Fundraiser
Doors open 6pm
Films start 7pm
Sunday 23 November 2025
Screening a collection of short films, with the option of fish ‘n’ chip dinner while you watch.

Port Hillbillies
Sunday 16 November 2025
Emerging from the shadows of the Port Hills, Christchurch: American Justin Rogers on mandolin, guitar and vocals, Aussie Gary Elford on guitar, acoustic bass and vocals, and a six-toed Kiwi singer, banjo and guitar player Steve Stern. They share their love of bluegrass, old-time and Americana music. Playing together for more than five years they have developed into a well-balanced instrumental and vocal trio, driven by Steve’s banjo playing and Justin’s sympathetic and innovative mandolin ornamentation. Gary’s contribution on guitar and bass pulls the whole thing together into the tight unit that is the Port Hillbillies. They play a range of songs and tunes from toe-tapping, recognisable standards to obscure songs from neighbouring genres that are given the Port Hillbillies once-over.

Tastes of Palestine:
Food, Film and Fundraiser
Saturday 15 November 2025
Nelson chef Fadia al Husseini makes delectable Palestinian food. She’ll serve a three-course dinner, and will provide explanations of her dishes’ origins.
Gaza: Doctors Under Attack (formerly known as Gaza: Medics Under Fire) is a 2025 documentary on doctors working during the Gaza war, detailing the killings and torture of healthcare workers and attacks on hospitals by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the conflict. It was produced by Basement Films.
The documentary will be screened at 7pm.
Proceeds will go to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (not via PayPal!).

Sonia Wilson & Nigel Gavin Duo
Saturday 1 November 2025
Auckland-based Sonia & Nigel are a multicultural acoustic duo: French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals and ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand in December 2014, the pair have become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand folk music scene. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their original compositions.
They are also both members of the wonderful Unsung Heroes.

Elisha Hobbs
Saturday 18 October 2025
Local indie/folksinger-songwriter Elisha Hobbs’ innate ability to mine her interior life for inspiration makes for a composition style which seizes your senses and stops you in your tracks.

Not Only Fred Dagg: Movie Fundraiser & Fish ‘n’ Chips
Sunday 12 October 2025
New documentary about the great gumboot philosopher Dagg and his creator John Clarke. Made by Clarke’s daughter Lorin. Screening to benefit Volunteer Service Abroad.
Sold Out Sorry.

Amalgo
Saturday 11 October 2025
Amalgo hail from the Nelson and Motueka region, and play a mix of progressive groove-based, modern Celtic music and songs. 
They bring new interpretations of traditional Celtic music and their own original compositions. Their music is foot-tapping, danceable and steeped in the tradition of instrumental folk music.
Amalgo are Tamsin Leenhouwers on fiddle and vocals, Dave Remnant on guitars and vocals, Steve McGlone on mandolin, Irish bouzouki and vocals and Dan Callahan on double bass and expletives.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 4 October 2025
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 6 September 2025
Bob Dylan’s third studio album is a landmark recording in his discography and a powerful statement of the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. While some found it less musically diverse than his previous work, the album is lauded for its strong social commentary, particularly its civil rights movement anthems. The title track, along with “With God on Our Side” and “Only a Pawn in Their Game”, are considered highlights, showcasing Dylan’s evolving songwriting and his ability to capture the spirit of the era. 
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained. He’ll be joined by mandolin maestro Nate Torvik for a great night.

Tastes of Palestine:
Food, Film and Fundraiser
SOLD OUT
Saturday 23 August 2025
Nelson chef Fadia al Husseini makes delectable Palestinian food. She served a three-course dinner, and gave explanations of her dishes’ origins.
2025 Oscar winning documentary ‘No Other Land’, a joint Palestinian-Israeli-made film, then screened.
Proceeds to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (not via PayPal!).

Elisha Hobbs
Saturday 16 August 2025
Local indie/folksinger-songwriter Elisha Hobbs’ innate ability to mine her interior life for inspiration makes for a composition style which seizes your senses and stops you in your tracks.

Amalgo
Saturday 26 July 2025
Amalgo hail from the Nelson and Motueka region, and play a mix of progressive groove-based, modern Celtic music and songs. 
They bring new interpretations of traditional Celtic music and their own original compositions. Their music is foot-tapping, danceable and steeped in the tradition of instrumental folk music.
Amalgo are Tamsin Leenhouwers on fiddle, and vocals, Dave Remnant on guitars and vocals, Steve McGlone on mandolin, Irish bouzouki and vocals and Dan Callahan on double bass and expletives.

Rennie Pearson
Sunday 20 July 2025
Booked Out!
Rennie Pearson is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist specialising in the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Maritime Canada.
His dynamic performances balance foot-stomping dance tunes with soul-stirring slow airs and evocative storytelling. His engaging stage presence, humour and deep knowledge of the music and its history, opens the door for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the music he plays on the wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, bodhrán, fiddle and voice.
He has toured extensively across New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, and China, performed at major festivals, and appeared alongside artists such as Yo-Yo Ma on international recording projects.

Hobnail
Sunday 13 July 2025
Hobnail are three time finalists at the New Zealand Music Awards (Best Folk Album and Best Country Song twice).
Hobnail celebrated 30 years of active service in 2024, and in 2025 are touring across New Zealand with new album by core members Rob Joass (vocals, guitar, mandola) Jo Moir (vocals, violin) and Hamish Graham (vocals, guitars, percussion). The new album features reworked versions of some of their much loved originals as well a some crowd favourite Kiwi and Australian cover versions. These songs highlight the vocal and instrumental interplay between these three exceptional musicians.
Refreshingly down-to-earth and lovely with vocals so tightly knit they could be family. Mike Alexander, NZ Herald.
With“Jo Moir’s barnstorming fiddle”, great songs and spectacular harmonies, Hobnail’s live show will make your heart sing.
Rob Joass (also of ‘Love Shack’) will be back playing at the Ruby Bay Store on Labour Weekend Saturday with ‘Too Many Chiefs’ along with Wayne Mason & Andrew London.

Jason Mciver with Guests
including Elisha Hobbs
Saturday 12 July 2025
With songs from his new EP
The Third Door Jason brings his special fusion of alt-folk, country and rock. Singer/songwriter Jason Mciver carefully crafts catchy and groovy songs and has handpicked a fantastic and diverse set of musicians to play and record with. The players originate from a range of New Zealand rock bands such as Primacy, Broke, Opium Eater, Remote, Blackleaf Gardens and Heathen Eyes. The Jason Mciver Collective shows that boxes are for building with, not staying in.
Their first E.P. The Big Blue was well received with great reviews, and made it into the Top 20 independent album charts for four weeks on release.
The JMC play energetic and vibrant live shows, showcasing their upbeat songs. 

Rhythm & Kin: Fundraiser
Saturday 5 July 2025
Tamsin and Phoebe are a mother-daughter duo from the beautiful Riwaka Valley in the Nelson/Tasman region. The music they bring is inspired by traditional Celtic and folk songs, as well as other genres such as Kesmic, tango, Balkin and Gypsy. Phoebe and Tamsin write a lot of their own original music and their set features violin, vocals, tin whistle and guitar. Tamsin studied classical viola at Massey University before falling in love with the wildness of celtic, gypsy, jazz and folk styles. She started writing her own music and managed to share the flair with her four daughters. So when Phoebe picked up the guitar, started singing like a lark and also found she could write beautiful music, mother and daughter struck up a musical alliance. 
They began performing for the local community at public functions such as fairs, festivals, concerts, ceilidhs, parties and weddings and have been guest artists at Canterbury Folk Festival and Whare Flats Festival in Dunedin. 
Rhythm and Kin have brought dancing, joy and love of good music to their community.

Thomas Loefke
Friday 20 June 2025
Islands in the North Atlantic, like Tory Island – the Irish island of legend and myth, the Hebrides in the Northwest of Scotland or the wild archipelago of the Faroe Islands situated between the Shetlands and Iceland – these are the places where harpist and photographer Thomas Loefke spends a considerable amount of time every year to compose music. Dramatic coastal landscapes, the wide open space of the Atlantic ocean and the ever changing sky reflect in the pieces of music created there. The tunes are accompanied by photographs Thomas took during his travels to the islands and by a bunch of amazing stories, a combination which makes this solo program a very entertaining show indeed. From the sounds of the Celtic Middle Ages and the lively dances of Irish folk music to the many original compositions each tune has its own texture, atmosphere and story to tell. Thomas learnt his trade in Dublin from Ireland’s leading harp players – Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Helen Davies, Janet Harbison and Áine Ní Dhúill. Since 1984 he has toured across Europe, Canada, the USA and New Zealand and has won several international prizes, including first prize at the O’Carolan Harp Festival.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 14 June 2025
Featuring Bob Dylan’s 1965 album ‘Bringing It All Back Home‘, which was Dylan’s turning point musically, and as Dylan often did, tremendously influenced the direction music would take in music’s integral late ’60s years. It set him on a path of musical experimentation and defiance that exceeded what he’s done before, and even 56 years later, it still is seen as one of the most influential albums ever created. 
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take the few decades between them. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained. He was joined by Mandolin Maestro Nate Torvik for the great night.

Holly ‘Cookie’ Baker On Tour
Thursday 12 June 2025
Raised on a farm by the seaside in rural South Australia, Holly ‘Cookie’ Baker’s trademark sparkling vocal and the poetic grit of her cool wordsmithery paint a portrait of this pint-sized melodic force to be reckoned with. Now based on Kaurna land, Cookie creates lyrically-rich alternative country folk and dreamy pop that is all at once breathtakingly intimate, cinematic and compelling. Cookie’s LP, ‘This Is Not A Love Song’, is the perfect introduction to her wide range of influences and the whip-smart character of her songwriting. It swings the pendulum dramatically from tongue-in-cheek and unapologetic country nursery-rhymes-for-adults, to sweeping indie pop heartbreakers, to introspective and sparsely decorated contemporary folk.

The Best of Francis Maxino
Saturday 7 June 2025
Francis Maxino is a composer, pianist-singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who originally harks from Canterbury. In his early twenties he established himself as a veritable Pied Piper of Christchurch, where he was involved in a variety of capacities including Arts Centre entertainer, composer/producer for dance choreography such as the 1994 Festival of Flowers, town hall pianist, minstreling at medieval themed corporate events, session musician, work for TV and Film production, collaborations with other local and international professional musicians and groups, Freedom Tibet concerts, Hiroshima Peace Day ‘piper’, and performing live at innumerable venues, festivals and events throughout the country and abroad. From the street to the concert stage his music has enthralled and delighted audiences of all ages and backgrounds for many decades, whether it is in the role of a merry piping minstrel at markets or cobblestoned European town squares, performances of his moving piano solos, serenading with classic ballads, high energy contemporary songs or occasional late night, beat driven, live electronic pop, rock and dance music.             
Having performed with exotic musicians and thereby learnt and been introduced to various types of music from all over the world, Francis regards his approach to the art of music as ‘progressive’. By melding elements from non-western ‘world’ and traditional folk music of various  global cultures, western music from historical ancient medieval to neo-romantic/contemporary classical, jazz, blues, latin, reggae, folk, rock and other modern genres he blends styles to create new flavours of music that could come from anywhere, everywhere or anytime, but in a unique futuristic way all his own using ancient and modern instruments and methods. 
For the Ruby Bay Store gig, Francis has compiled a personal ‘best of’ collection of his life’s works including  a few favourite covers. They range from piano solos and songs to larger scale electronic and ‘orchestral’ pieces utilising voice, acoustic piano, his state of the art synthesizor workstation, guitar, recorders, ocarinas, whistles, melodica and yidaki/didgeridoo.

Butter Wouldn’t Melt
King’s Birthday
Monday 2 June 2025
Butter Wouldn’t Melt will melt your heart with soulful stories, far-away fables and whimsical songs. “Smooth groove, cool & interesting”, …”lovely melodic harmonious, visually poetic, heartfelt lightness”.
Wellington based,  americana-folk band Butter Wouldn’t Melt are about to celebrate the release of their sophomore album – Where the roots grow deep, available everywhere August 9th 2025.
Finalists for the 2023 Best Folk Artist Tūī | Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa with their first album 1931. Butter Wouldn’t Melt is the very definition of a grassroots, do-it-yourself band. Every note, every frame, every brushstroke is their own— written, recorded, mixed, mastered, promoted, filmed, and designed. 
The band includes Andrea Reid (Vocals and rhythm guitar), Nick Burfield (Vocals and lead guitar), Cara Brasted (Fiddle and vocals),and  Marz Connelly (Double bass and vocals).
Butter Wouldn’t Melt blend folk,americana  bluegrass, and country influences with a distinctly New Zealand flavour, promising an evocative performance defined by their poetic lyricism, powerful harmonies and thought provoking stories.

Rufous Whistler Trio NZ Tour
Saturday 24 May 2025
Rufous Whistler’s debut album, National Panic, debuted at #2 on the ARIA Country charts in March 2025 and was named ABC Country’s Feature Album of the Week. With national airplay, a fervent live show, and chart-topping songs, the band’s blend of folk and alt-country is resonating deeply with audiences. Hailing from Northeast Victoria (Wiradjuri Country), Rufous Whistler combines raw storytelling with modern alt-country arrangements, reminiscent of I’m With Her’s harmonies, Gillian Welch’s storytelling, and the energy of Trampled by Turtles. The band is touring extensively across Australia and New Zealand in 2025, including a headline slot at New Zealand’s Tussock Country Music Festival. This is alt-country music that hits home and leaves you wanting more.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 17 May 2025
This time showcasing songs from Bob Dylan’s ‘Masterpieces‘, versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Dylan almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained.

HAPPEN Films Presentation;
“Ben and bEartha” &
“The Rubbish Trip“
Sunday 11 May 2025
Ben & bEartha follows the story of passionate composter Ben Bushell of Nelson’s Community Compost. Through the inspiring story of Ben and his dedicated composting community, we get to know bEartha, an automatic composting machine that’s about to revolutionise small-scale commercial composting. 
Why is composting important? What is aerobic composting? How can mechanical composting support the need for food waste solutions? And what’s the story with “community composting” anyway?
Find out in this inspiring film about a potentially game-changing approach to making compost on an urban scale.
The Rubbish Trip; What does it mean to be on the zero waste journey? Why is it important for us each to take personal responsibility for our waste? Hannah and Liam are the motivating couple behind The Rubbish Trip, originally a nationwide tour offering free zero waste workshops around Aotearoa New Zealand. Now experts on the why’s and how’s of reducing waste, Hannah and Liam are our personal zero waste heroes. Eight years without a rubbish bin, they are educators, advocates, and activists on a subject that is ultimately about so much more than waste.
For this film, we asked Hannah and Liam about their perspective on what it means to be zero waste, what it’s taken for them to make suitable lifestyle changes toward that goal, and their work in advocacy and activism. This short film offers inspiration and encouragement to all of us, no matter where we are on our waste minimisation journey.
Hannah and Liam’s story offers another opportunity for Happen Films to contribute to the global conversation about waste. It is topical and it needs urgent action. We see it as a critical subject to be discussing in our households, communities, businesses, and with our governments: how can each and every one of us assume responsibility for our impact on the planet and on each other and work towards the necessary system change?

Jacquie Boer
Saturday 3 May
Jacquie Boer (ex-Walters) has been a professional singer-songwriter for more than 30 years. During that time she has written more than 100 songs, recording and releasing more than half of them. Jacquie was a founding member of “Pounamu” with Arts Laureate Ariana Tikao in the early 1990s before she went to study in the UK. While in the UK Jacquie performed with Kate Bramley (now of Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies).
She’s playing with James Wilkinson for this concert at RBS. James is a masterful guitarist & producer, playing with Jacquie for over 30 years and currently working with her on her latest album “The Stories Well Tell”.
Since 2000 Jacquie has recorded four solo albums, “Dreamwalking, “Step into the Light”, “Light for a Broken World” and “The Forest”. Several of her songs have achieved
accolades in international songwriting competitions and have been recorded by other artists. Jacquie has performed regularly at The Mussel Inn during the past 30 years and at Fairfield House and Yaza Cafe (for the Acoustic Routes Folk Club).
Jacquie has a clear and powerful voice and her songs touch people’s hearts.
“If I can move an audience I feel that I have succeeded,” says Jacquie. “Some of my material is serious and thought provoking but there are also plenty of love songs and laughter between songs to keep an audience entertained.” “She is a storyteller with a voice that is achingly beautiful, poignant, subtle and strong.” Nelson Mail concert review.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 26 April 2025
This was be the final gig from this local Americana band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, & American John Ray. John and his family are returning to the US, and we will SO miss his wonderful playing and dulcet tones!

The Moth Birds
Saturday 12 April 2025
A co-creation of female singer songwriters. Layla Moth brings her exceptional talents as a multi-instrumentalist, skillfully playing the piano, saxophone, flute, and lending her captivating vocals to their performances. Shanti Shoney complements this with her soulful voice, prowess on the guitar, and percussion creating a beautifully balanced musical experience. Together, they embark on a truly magical journey sharing their original music. 
“The Moth Birds”, through their music, aim to connect with listeners on a profound level, sharing stories that resonate and inspire. 

Jesse Ray Smith
Wednesday 9 April 2025
Jesse Ray Smith’s smooth baritone rock voice backed by long time writing partner Sean C. Briar’s harmonies and guitar work leads this West Coast Americana soul recharge. The band’s top-notch improvisational abilities and the stellar song-writing make for a live show that is full of love & power and will keep the audience guessing and leave their soul soaring. Jesse is currently nominated for Best Country or Americana Artist at the 2025 San Diego Music Awards and his latest single, “Santa Ana Winds” is Nominated for Best Country or Americana song as well.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 5 April 2025
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. This time featuring Dylan’s third album, The Freewheelin’. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and also ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. Clayton does Dylan proud, and with banter that keeps the audience happily entertained.

Eden Iris Trio
Friday 4 April 2025
Originally from Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Eden Iris is a songwriter/performer who has been described as “…an artist in tune with the roaming troubadour wordsmiths of old” (Tom Hilton, Aldora Britain Records). Eden pushes the boundaries of indie-folk/americana music by combining infectious pop melodies, confessional lyrics, and the grit of alt-country stringed instruments to create a unique and compelling experience for her listeners. Moving to Los Angeles at twenty years-old with just a suitcase and a guitar, Eden’s music has taken her to cities such as Nashville, Austin, and New Orleans to write and perform with established songwriters. Commanding a strong live performance with her dynamic rhythm guitar technique, she has supported acts such as Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and co-written with songwriters such as Maia Sharp (Bonnie Raitt, The Chicks), Dean Fields (Garth Brooks) and Cy Winstanley (Tattletail Saints). 

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 29 March 2025
This time with their Grateful Dead Gig, our local band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, John Ray return to the Ruby Bay Store, with special guest Sue Ware on Cello and Banjo, to wow us some more. These are very talented folk.

The DeSotos:
Acoustic Routes Tour
Friday 21 March 2025
Americana and country blues artists The DeSotos are hitting the road again this March for a five date tour that incorporates a Wellington appearance and four upper South Island shows.
As the name suggests, these shows feature the band in acoustic mode with Paul using exclusively acoustic guitars, Vic providing brushed drums, and Stuart pinning it all down on the bass.
Their live shows are defined by the quality of the vocals and instrumentation, and the intimate sound landscape created by these highly experienced musicians.
Visit their website here, or their facebook page here

Movie Fundraiser
“SiCKO” by Michael Moore
Sunday 16 March 2025
Movie Fundraiser for Sophie Browning for Vascular Surgery. The Michael Moore 2007 Oscar nominated film, Rated PG, is all about the American health system.

St John Community Resuscitation and AED Training Session
Sunday 16 March 2025
CPR and AED training session, run by St John, giving our community the tools to save a life.

SMOS
Saturday 15 March 2025
SMOS are an acoustic duo that bring a heartfelt mix of pop tunes, traditional songs, and Belgian classics to life.
Sam Michielsen is a traveling guitarist and vocalist, and Evy Vermeire is a singer playing baritone ukelele, based in Nelson. Having blended their voices together for over a decade, they create intimate, soulful performances that resonate with a wide variety of audiences.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 8 March 2025
This gig featuring the 1966 album ‘Blonde on Blonde’.
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. Clayton and Nathan Torvik do Dylan proud, and with banter that keep the audience happily entertained.

Homegrown Comedy
Friday 7 March 2025
A fresh bunch of laughs from this special line-up of local Comedians.

SORRY, CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS.
SO SORRY TO CANCEL AT SUCH SHORT NOTICE.
Isabelle Wolff
Saturday 1 March 2025
Isabelle Wolff is a German singer songwriter of gypsy jazz pop with German and English lyrics. 
“Isabelle is an exceptionally talented singer with beautifully written songs. A talent that should be supported!.” Lulo Reinhardt, who is a German well known descendant of the Gypsy Jazz inventor Django Reinhardt. This endorsement after Isabelle had performed several concerts with Lulo Reinhardt.
She believes in the healing power of music and wants to make the world a better place with playing and singing her music.

The Barleyshakes Duo
Saturday 22 February 2025
Brewed in Ireland and distilled in Australia, the Barleyshakes are a Celtic band with worldly influences, combining intense energy, beautiful harmony and driving dance rhythms in their live performances. 
Queensland Music Award winners in the World Music category in 2011, the Barleyshakes are loved for their blend of traditional and original material, and their uplifting and joyous approach to live performance. The Shakes skilfully blend their “bent” Irish sound with many other styles in their fast paced songs and instrumentals.
Touring New Zealand over Summer 2025 as a duo, true Dubliner and founding band member Alan Kelly and Australian Kristin Kelly gave our audience a night to remember.

Pete Flynn Project
Interstellar
Friday 21 February 2025
Pete Flynn sings ‘Interstellar’ – Songs from a lonely planet. Indie folk music and more. Presenting original Contemporary folk music that ranges from introspective and thoughtful through to uplifting and joyful songs, Pete has been performing solo shows but has expanded the sound with drums, guitars & backing vocals with a collaborative trio of GB musicians.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 15 February 2025
Focussing this time on the album ‘Desire’, versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. Clayton and Nate Torvik do Dylan proud, and with banter that kept the audience happily entertained.

South For Winter
Thursday 13 February 2025
For a really special sold-out treat, we were SO lucky to have this trio back for their second year tour all the way from Nashville. Have a good listen online or via Spotify to these full-house pleasers, South for Winter. With their blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads, New Zealand-formed and Nashville-based trio South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as their origins. The act is comprised of Kiwi Nick Stone, Coloradan Dani Cichon, and Michigander Alex Stradal, and together the three multi-instrumentalists and songwriters combine elements such as percussive acoustic guitar, cello, mandolin, suitcase stomp, resonator guitar, and effortless harmonies into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as “impeccable”. The band has landed accolades such as a Semi-Finalist in the 2023 and 2022 International Songwriting Competition, Finalist for Best Group in the 2023 International Acoustic Awards, Official Artist at South by Southwest Music Festival in 2023, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International in both 2022 and 2024, and “Most Wanted” Emerging Artist at Falcon Ridge Festival in 2018. Their latest album, Of Sea and Sky – released May 16, 2024 – has already reached hundreds of thousands of listeners, raised over $20,000 via a Kickstarter campaign, and sold-out shows across North America, New Zealand, and Europe.

Elisha Hobbs
Saturday 8 February 2025
Local indie/folk singer-songwriter Elisha Hobbs’ innate ability to mine her interior life for inspiration makes for a composition style which seizes your senses and stops you in your tracks.

Clayton Taylor’s Sensational ’60s
Saturday 1 February 2025
Clayton Taylor, of The Nelson County Playboys and The Early Bobs, brings you a night of wonderful songs of the 1960s, accompanied by friends including Chrissie Small. Featuring music of The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones and more.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 25 January 2025
This local band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, Nathan Torvik & John Ray return to the Ruby Bay Store to wow us some more. These very talented guys play the music of Steve Earle & others.

The Nina Lane & Bryan Owens Duo
Saturday 18 January 2025
Folk singer-songwriter duo Nina Lane and Bryan Owens have been collaborating since 1998. After a 20 year stint living in Portland, OR, USA, the duo have settled back in Nina’s native Aotearoa and continue to be an active part of the music community in Whangarei. This Summer, they will tour the South Island with Nina’s latest album ‘Holding the Flame’. Be sure to catch their stop at Ruby Bay Store.

Half Light:
Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill
Monday 6 January 2025
SOLD OUT
Driving, hypnotic Celtic music from two of New Zealand’s top players.
Half Light are two virtuoso players of original music combining the sounds of wooden flute, whistles, guitars and an array of pedal sounds.
They play original music that is deeply rooted in Celtic traditions, drawing also from a wide variety of other musical styles such as American music, Indian classical, Middle Eastern and classical music. The music is transportive. It takes you on a journey to faraway lands with primeval forests, soaring mountain tops and wooden glades where the faerfolk dance. There will be toe tapping jigs, reels, polkas, slides and all the heart lifting dance music of Ireland and Scotland, expertly weaved in with songs that paint a picture or tell a story so real you can touch it.
Their conversational style pieces weave mellifluous flute and whistle melodies with expert fingerstyle guitar, which morphs into driving rhythm guitar as the pair reach full tilt. The pair really get going, bringing to bear all the energy of timeless traditions mixed with boundless creativity.
SOLD OUT

The Early Bobs
Saturday 4 January 2025
SOLD OUT
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. Clayton and Nathan Torvik did Dylan proud, and with banter that kept the audience happily entertained.
SOLD OUT

The Early Bobs – John’s Choice
Saturday 14 December 2024
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. Clayton and his fellow musicians do Dylan impeccably and with banter that keeps the audience entertained.

Lindsey Shields
Friday 6 December 2024
Lindsey Shields is a singer and songwriter with her own take on things personal and political, on topics as diverse as MIQ, Harrison Ford, love, war and the menopause. An avid traveller, Lindsey has been a guest at the Australian National Folk festival in Canberra and the Vancouver Island Music Fest. She has featured at the Auckland Folk Festival and performed at several other New Zealand folk music festivals. She has completed two tours of New Zealand folk music venues and has also performed at house concerts and folk gatherings in the UK.
Lindsey’s home base is near Dunedin, NZ, where she has been involved in the music scene for some years as a member of Folkalyptica, the Irish band Erin St., harmonising and making choreographed fun in the a cappella group Rhonda and the Ravers, singing jazz standards with the Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra, performing, recording and touring with the Pioneer Pog ‘n’ Scroggin Bush Band and playing in the Central Otago duo Fandango.
Lindsey’s solo performances feature her strong vocals, varied melodies and distinctive guitar style. In her songs no topic is off limits, sometimes featuring a lighter take on things, at others painting moments of poignancy. Her lyric writing and chord structures often slide away from the expected and predictable.
She has produced two solo albums of original songs: For the Trees and Echoes, both available on Bandcamp here.

South Pacific Film Festival Fundraiser
Sunday 1 December 2024
NZ & International Short films, including a feature documentary on the UK musician Nicky Hopkins.

Peter Rowley
Saturday 30 November 2024
‘Last Man Standing’…Peter Rowley is well known as Billy T James’ offsider in the Billy T James NZ TV show. Peter co-wrote skits beside, and for Billy. In this retrospective of Peter’s years in comedy, we learn about his time with Billy and some other great NZ comedians, as well as his roles in some of NZ’s iconic films.

South Pacific Film Festival Fundraiser
Sunday 24 November 2024
NZ & International Short films, including a feature documentary on the UK’s first female film director Jill Craigie.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 23 November 2024
This local band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, & John Ray returned to the Ruby Bay Store to wow us some more. These very talented guys play the music of Steve Earle & others.

Sugarbowl
Saturday 16 November 2024
Sugarbowl are Stephan Gilberg (guitar and harp) and Ali Lenton (vocals). Their broad repertoire draws from legendary artists such as Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Jimi Hendrix, and is an eclectic mix of folk, rock, pop, indie, and blues songs.

The Geriatric String Band
Friday 15 November 2024
A group of muso’s who have been playing together for years, in their homes and local pub/folk sessions.
A mix of New Zealand, Australian, Old English, Celtic & Breton songs & tunes.
Bob and Judy together have gathered numerous tunes and take pleasure in playing them….leading the music for the other musicians, Wayne, Mike, Bruce and Lynn providing vocals and back up.
Really just a bunch of pensioners having fun.

Gumbo Combo
Saturday 9 November 2024
The Gumbo Combo, with Steve Mitchell (Mitch) Jack Karaitiana (West Coast Blues Band) stand-up bass/vocals; Paul Denny (West Coast Blues Band), harmonica; and Alan Burden (Nelson Jazz Big Band), drums. Playing the sounds of New Orlean, stir in some vintage Country Blues, choice cuts of post-war urban Blues and you have a soul stew to savour.

Mark Laurent & Brenda Liddiard
Friday 8 November 2024
For more than three decades Mark Laurent and Brenda Liddiard have been playing music together, part of that secret army of ‘indie’ musicians who fly just below the commercial radar, playing grass-roots, mostly un-plugged music throughout New Zealand, Australia and the UK.
Mark Laurent plays the blues like his life depends on it! His guitar is just about as expressive as his vocals and confirms the guitar hero status that he earned several decades ago when his professional music career kicked off in the 1970s.
His wife and performance partner Brenda Liddiard has a voice born of true folk, protest and alt country sentiments. Brenda has been greatly influenced by English and American acoustic music and found her niche as a songwriter during her passionate involvement with environmental and anti-nuclear issues dating from the 70s and 80s. Her album, Box of Memories, was a finalist in the 2013 Tui Awards for Best Folk Album.
Laurent and Liddiard together present an eclectic mix of material that can be ‘pin drop’ delicate, or sound like a full band. They sometimes pepper their sets with short bursts of poetry and stories of a road well travelled.
This is sure to be a fantastic night, so don’t miss out!

The Early Bobs
Saturday 2 November 2024
Blonde on Blonde Part Two
Another wonderful Clayton Full House 🙂
Blonde on Blonde, released in 1966, was the first double-album masterpiece of the rock era.
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. Clayton and his fellow musicians do Dylan impeccably and with banter that keeps the audience entertained.

Chris Lippy Teeny Tiny Te Tau Ihu Tour
Saturday 26 October 2024
Labour Weekend
A night of Irreverent comedy by Te Tau Ihu’s own Chris Lippy.
After two successful Fringe Festival shows, Chris is touring with a smorgasbord of his greatest material, magic, and songs right across the Top of The South to your own wee town.
Chris has been in the comedy scene for many years and has opened for the likes of Cori Gonzalez, Raybon Kan, and Ben Hurley.
But wait, there’s more.  As a special guest Tom Baker, the self proclaimed Captain (and Tenille) of one liners will be there to split your sides then drive you to a hospital.

Comedy Workshop
Saturday 26 October 2024
Labour Weekend
Comedians Tom Baker and Chris Lippy run this comedy workshop that covers comedy writing from one liners to epic yarns, as well as performance and stagecraft.  This workshop is perfect for not only stand up comedians, but actors, writers and public speakers looking for a bit of zing in their speeches.
Tom Baker made his start on the Auckland scene, competing for spots with some of New Zealand’s finest comedians.
Chris Lippy made his start in Blenheim of all places learning under TV and Comedy legend Nigel Corbett.
With years of experience under their belt, and eager to see the local comedy scene grow, they are stoked to be able to put this workshop together.
For more info email Chris
comedychris@outlook.co.nz

Movie Fundraiser for FreshFM
“The Moon is Upside Down” R16
Friday 25 October 2024
Three women – a duped mail-order bride, a numbed anaesthetist determined to have a romantic weekend, and an empty-nester on an unexpected mission of mercy – each venture through unfamiliar landscapes and the contours of the human heart. NZ Film featuring Elizabeth Hawthorne, Jemaine Clement and Robyn Malcolm.

Burgin, Kerr & Norman
Saturday 19 October 2024 and
Sunday 3pm 20 October 2024
From Wellington for two shows, Irishman Andrew Kerr (ex. Jacky Tar) and Alan Norman (The Warratahs, Rag Poets, Bill Lake’s Slow Bake) have been playing as a duo for many years. They have recently expanded to a trio and are joined by Paddy Burgin (The Wooden Box Band, The Zimmermans), and his magical guitars. Paddy, a world-renowned luthier, was a member of The Scarborough Connection, who featured on Andrew and Alan’s critically acclaimed 2023 release ‘For the Record.’
“…..one of the year’s best albums in Americana/folk….a thoughtful, passionate, and musically rich collection that holds up under repeated listens….” Anne Hollister 
http://www.theindiesource.com
A swampy melting pot of country, folk, Americana and blues, they combine a mutual love of story-telling and rhythmic grooves with narratives about the human experience. They perform predominantly original material, with contributions from each member, calling on a wide range of instrumentation including piano, acoustic and Weissenborn guitars, accordion, bodhran, and percussion.
Check out Andrew, Alan and Paddy playing – “Dancing Eyes” at Alastair’s Music, Wellington, 2023
“I’m a big fan of this album… It doesn’t preen or pretend to be anything it isn’t, but it nonetheless practically crackles thanks to the fidelity it has for accurately rendering life’s experiences. It’s an intensely human collection of songs that you can return to time after time.“ Heather Savage topbuzzmagazine.com

The Early Bobs
Saturday 12 October 2024The Basement Tapes – released in 1975. After his motorcycle accident, Dylan and the Band camped out in Woodstock and made earthy, funny, back-to-basics music. Terrific (but horribly recorded)!
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 21 September 2024
Released in 1966, Blonde on Blonde was the first double-album masterpiece of the rock era.
Versatile and inimitable musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’. The Early Bobs musicians are Clayton Taylor with Geert Hermsen on harmonica, and Nathan Torvik on mandolin & guitar. Clayton is also joined by Craig Denham on keyboards when he’s available. Clayton does Dylan impeccably and with banter that keeps his audiences entertained.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 7 September 2024
Hugely popular local band, featuring Clayton Taylor with Nathan Torvik and John Ray, covered our favourite American icons including Steve Earle.

Hannah Everingham
Friday 30 August 2024
With an ever-growing array of live performances under her belt from New York to New Zealand, Hannah Everingham has quickly garnered a reputation for herself amongst New Zealand’s independent music scene. Within the last year she has been opening across the country for the likes of Tiny Ruins, Erny Belle, Ebony Lamb & Recitals among others, before spending three months in New York City over a northern winter, performing and writing. She returned to this hemisphere and toured Aotearoa this April, in a series of special shows in celebration of the release of her sophomore album.
“Alternative Folk & Indie Rock from one of the most talented songwriters we’ve heard in some time. For fans of Tom Waits, Patti Smith, Aldous Harding & Courtney Barnett.” (Flying Out Records, ‘Siempre Tiene Flores’ Album of the Month March 2024

The Early Bobs
Saturday 24 August 2024
Versatile musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’.
The Early Bobs musicians are Clayton Taylor with Geert Hermsen on harmonica, and Nathan Torvik on mandolin & guitar. Clayton is also joined by Craig Denham on keyboards when he’s available.
Clayton does Dylan impeccably and with banter that keeps his audiences entertained.

Donna Dean:
Butterflies and Bees Tour
Wednesday 7 August 2024
She’s an artist not to be missed. A velvet voice with something to say. A songwriter’s songwriter. New Zealand’s Donna Dean has gone about the business of making her music over the years, winning multiple APRA and Tui awards for her songwriting and record production, recording and performing  with the likes of Willie Nelson, Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Webb, Paul Kelly, and Don McLean, and writing the title track to Rhonda Vincent’s 2010 Grammy nominated bluegrass album –  “Destination Life”. 
Donna’s new album, “Kisses & Other Things” features instrumental work by Dunedin bassist John Dodd, a longtime stalwart of New Zealand music. Also in the lineup is John Egenes, a go-to multi-instrumentalist who fills the role of producer for Donna’s recordings. Dodd and Egenes open for Donna on the tour.
“Most artists wait a lifetime to write one as good as this. Her music sparkles and sparkles and stays with you even when it’s not playing anymore. Donna Dean is far closer to the traditions of an Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Rhonda Vincent, Mary Chapin Carpenter… The proof is in the music.“
~ No Depression Magazine, USA
Experience her for yourself. Not just another singer songwriter with a pretty voice. Donna Dean is the real deal. 

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 3 August 2024
This local band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, Nathan Torvik & John Ray return to the Ruby Bay Store to wow us some more. These very talented guys play the music of Steve Earle & others.

Gypsy Pickers
Saturday 27 July 2024
Another lovely night was had – sold out too. The Gypsy Pickers are a well-traveled band based in Nelson Bays. Lindy Valente and Ron Valente are a multi-instrument duo, known for their engaging performances that have kept them busy on the NZ and international touring scene. These two lively entertainers have a captivating show and an extensive repertoire to suit any event, and their original music has featured regularly on TV, film and radio. The Gypsy Pickers make music to move you and make you move – with rock, popular, reggae, bluegrass, world, latin, jazz, blues, roots, hits and originals – to suit the occasion. For a night of floor-shaking dance music or a quality concert experience, the Gypsy Pickers are known for consistently pleasing crowds of all ages. Punchy on rhythm and lead guitars, bass grooves, banjo, mandolin, melodica, rich vocals and percussion.

Sunday Lemonade
Saturday 20 July 2024
Another fabulous sold out gig!
Since winning the Emerging Artist award at Nannup Music festival in 2020, Sunday Lemonade have created a fizz as the infectious rom-com act of the Australian indie folk scene. Loz & Tys have supported Australian favourites such as 19-Twenty, Thirsty Merc, The Rubens, Ash Grunwald, Steph Strings & the Pierce Brothers amidst multiple nation wide tours, featured on festival line ups alongside Little Georgia, The Bamboos and Tones & I, and most recently taken out the People’s Choice award as a top 10 buskers finalist at Tamworth Country Music festival. Like a refreshing glass of your favourite bubbles, nomadic duo Sunday Lemonade are powered by a good story, laughter and connection, evident in their uplifting, energetic performance. 

Skin & Bone
The Cowboy Lounge Tour
Tuesday 16 July 2024
Skin and Bone are a swing, string and sing unit from the gin-and-tonic end of the Cowboy Lounge. Members include well known musician and Dunedin record store owner John Dodd. This is a new line-up of old hands, grown out of iconic Dunedin folk/country/acoustic band the Chaps and celtic duo Catgut and Steel. It’s a five piece – fiddle, clarinet, guitar, bass and drums. Two women and three men, all with years of playing behind them. Skin and Bone’s repertoire consists of Moroney and Dodd originals together with a sizeable collection of classic dance swing tunes. This is great music to dance to as well as for listening. Skin and Bone have just finished recording an album ‘Last Bus to Brockville’.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 13 July 2024
Ruby Bay Store regulars The Early Bobs are back for another fantastic show!
Versatile musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’.
The Early Bobs musicians are Clayton Taylor with Geert Hermsen on harmonica, and Nathan Torvik on mandolin & guitar. Clayton was also joined by Craig Denham on keyboards when he’s available.
Clayton does Dylan impeccably and with banter that keeps his audiences entertained.

Warren Love – Love Songs
Matariki Tour
Saturday 29 June 2024
New Zealand country folk songs with a uniquely beautiful voice – a curb side story teller. Warren Love on vocals; Patrick Bleakley (ex-Blerta) on double bass; and Louise Perzigian on banjo.
Tasman resident Louise bought her Om banjo while living in the US and has been dedicated to learning to play it ever since. Nationally recognised singer songwriter Warren, who was nominated in 2006 for a NZ Music Award in the best country music category, heard her play at a recent birthday party “I was struck by the subtleties of Louise’s playing. It has a delicacy that is rare in an instrument renowned for being loud and dominant when played in a bluegrass context.” Bluegrass country is not really what Love does. His songs are better described as soft, alternative country folk. His voicing has the subtlety of a Leonard Cohen. Perzigian’s banjo is a good match.
It also happened that jamming at the birthday party was Patrick Bleakley one of New Zealand’s finest jazz double bassists and Perzigian’s dad. These three fine musicians come together to undertake a Matariki weekend tour which includes their last tour gig at the Ruby Bay Store. “We are looking forward to playing in the theatre. It has an intimacy that lends itself to our acoustic focus,” says Love. A fortuitous synchronicity has been a feature of the trios formation, “When booking the tour I had no idea Louise lived nearby.”
Good fortune all round indeed!

The Early Bobs
Saturday 15 June 2024
Versatile musician Clayton Taylor has been performing classic Bob Dylan’s music almost as long as the bard himself, give or take a few decades of years between them. Clayton is known for his former duo ‘The Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Nelson County Playboys’.
The Early Bobs musicians are Clayton Taylor with Geert Hermsen on harmonica, and Nathan Torvik on mandolin & guitar. Clayton was also joined by Craig Denham on keyboards when he’s available.
Clayton does Dylan impeccably and with banter that keeps his audiences entertained.

Blues Swap Meet
Sunday 9 June 2024
International Blues master guitarist Mike Garner flies in from the North Island to sit in with two of Top of The South’s best-known musicians.
The Ruby Bay Store hosted The Blues Swap Meet – Mike joining slide guitarist/songwriter Steve Mitchell and drummer Warren “Wozza” Houston for an afternoon of acoustic Blues, ragtime, Americana and original songs.
Mike Garner has toured extensively through Australia, Japan, Europe, the US, The Pacific Islands and Nepal to back up a successful recording career.
Steve Mitchell has toured the UK and Europe before moving to Nelson where he formed original band Humankindness. He now performs as a solo artist, or with original funk band The Scintillators, the acoustic R&B quartet Le Gumbo Combo and The Barnstormers.
Warren Houston has been touring the World with Mike Garner for 25 years and played extensively around the North Island and NZ before moving to Motueka. He drums for various bands in the region including JukeJoint, Katrina Kallil & Friends, and The Barnstormers – the house band of The Tasman Bay Blues Club.

Songware
Saturday 8 June 2024
“Prog Folk at its best. They go from screech to sublime; Punk to poignant; gangsta to gorgeous. Not to be missed.” – Chris Penman
Jo Taylor comes from a musical family and has been in numerous musical incarnations in the folk and rock world. From the power house alt folk all girl band Brazen in the 90s to The Johnnies (all girls all Johnny Cash) more recently. She is a powerful and charismatic presence on stage and sings and plays guitar and bodhrán.
Craig Denham is an intrepid musical journey man and has played everything from early Cuban music, Gypsy Jazz, folk, funk reggae, and Celtic music. Based in Prague for 10 years he has now returned to New Zealand. He plays accordion, keyboards, whistle, foot percussion and sings.
Reconnecting after almost 20 years apart, Songware delivers the music of old friends doing what they love with joyous harmonies, humous and driving grooves. Expect eclectic awesomeness.

Luke Hurley
Saturday 25 May 2024
Luke Hurley – original music from this singer/guitarist and busker, who toured back in the day with Michele Shocked and Marianne Faithfull. Luke was joined by Special Guest Kane Hogan.

Gumbo Combo
Friday 24 May 2024
The Gumbo Combo, with Steve Mitchell (Mitch) Jack Karaitiana (West Coast Blues Band) stand-up bass/vocals; Paul Denny (West Coast Blues Band), harmonica; and Alan Burden (Nelson Jazz Big Band), drums. Playing the sounds of New Orlean, stir in some vintage Country Blues, choice cuts of post-war urban Blues and you have a soul stew to savour.

Singer Songwriter Showcase
Friday 17 May 2024
We had a great line-up of singer songwriters!
Takaka’s Nick Feint brought heartfelt storytelling to his songwriting style, with thoughtful, emotive lyrics, and frank, Kiwi flavoured vocals.
Rachel Hird is a Wellington based singer-songwriter who has studied music and played piano for many years. Her songs are inspired by people and situations past and present.
Taranaki duo Farley Hokopaura and Pete Norris brought heartfelt lyrics and melodies capturing genuine experiences and emotions.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 18 May 2024
This new local band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, Nathan Torvik & John Ray returned to the Ruby Bay Store to wow us some more. These very talented guys play the music of Steve Earle & others.

Polly & The Minstrel
Saturday 11 May 2024
Locals Nathan Torvik and Siobhan Sweeney return to The Ruby Bay Store, bringing their beautiful music with them.
“He’s a great guitarist, and she sings like an angel”. Many of you will know this pair, having entertained in the region and beyond for many years as ‘Polly and the Minstrel’, performing folk, reggae and more. They perform Siobhan’s original songs, carried by Nathan’s phenomenal musicianship, . These two create a heart warming, relaxed atmosphere.

The Nile Street Project
Saturday 4 May 2024
With their blending sounds of chiming and softly percussive instruments The Nile Street Project produce lushly harmonic and sonorous modern classical atmospheres with their interpretations of contemporary compositions from around the world.

The Connor Family with Special Guest Zac Griffith
Friday 3 May 2024
This musical Nelson-based family wowed The Ruby Bay Store with their talent. Mum and Dad Luke and Paula met through music and their children were born into it, learning how to harmonise from around the age of seven.
Gearing up to head away to Paihia and Gore, The Connor Family Band shared some of the songs they’ve prepared in an intimate show at The Ruby Bay Store.

St John Community Resuscitation and AED Training Session
Sunday 28 April 2024
CPR and AED training session, run by St John, giving our community the tools to save a life.

MJ Kennedy
Saturday 27 April 2024
Local Golden Bay Blues/Folk singer songwriter MJ Kennedy performed songs off his new EP released at the start of 2024 as well as covers. MJ toured with 8 shows through the middle of the country from Christchurch, Nelson, Picton and Wellington through March and April 2024 promoting his EP release.
The blues/folk musician is a “one man band”, performing on stage with a kick drum, tambourine and snare/clap pedal while playing guitar as well as harmonica.
With influences such as CW Ayon, RL Burnside and the Bones of JR Jones, MJ’s raspy voice and slick guitar playing showcase a rare musical and emotional range.
You can find MJ’s music here on Spotify.

The Loose Units Jazz Trio
CANCELLED – NEW DATE TBC
Saturday 20 April 2024
Pop with lounge bar style from Nelson’s singer/guitarist Joanna Millet, Nick van Dijk (keyboards, horn) and Tassie drumming import Dan Callahan.
Joanna has been in Melbourne honing acting and performing till she started the Loft Theatre Nelson. Nick has played with The Black Seeds and Fat Freddy’s Drop, and has a variety of leather musical instruments at home.

Chris Long
Sunday 14 April 2024
Chris Long was raised ‘off-the-grid’ at Gorge River, in the wilds of South Westland, New Zealand. Two long hard days walk from the nearest road, in a small house overlooking the rough Southern Ocean. His family is known as “New Zealand’s most isolated family” and he and his sister Robin grew up without the internet, TVs, computers, play stations and game boys.  Instead they had fishing rods, wooden toys, tree houses, a river, a kayak, snorkelling gear, surf boards and books to keep them entertained. Chris presented a video of his Antarctic adventures, along with some great stories. His recently published book “The Boy From Gorge River” was also on sale.

O Sister
Doors Open 6pm
For 7pm Music Start
Saturday 6 April 2024
O Sister (formerly The Singing Sisters) perform a mix of acapella and accompanied, playing guitar, bass and flute with some body percussion thrown in. Performing their own unique version of covers with some of their originals, O Sister promises to be a great night!

The Early Bobs
Easter Saturday 30 March
Guitarist/drummer and beaut singer, Clayton Taylor is particularly special with Bob Dylan’s music. Clayton has played in ‘Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Revelators’.
Back this time with Dylan’s eighth album ‘John Wesley Harding’, The Early Bobs musicians are Clayton Taylor with Nathan Torvik.

Documentary: The Trust Fall (2023)
Julian Assange
16 & 17 March 2024
Feature length 2023 documentary on the life and trials of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Roger Waters narrates.

Double Feature Film Night: The Unseen; and Diving Without Getting Wet: Underwater World
Sunday 10 March
Two short and very different films about preserving our planet. The first was about the battle to save Te Waikoropupū Springs at Golden Bay, a living taonga, with speakers including Kevin Moran, and an iwi representative doing a Question & Answer session after the film. The second was Kester Macfarlane’s film about his drive to make an environmental difference.

The Loose Units Jazz Trio
Saturday 9 March 2024
Pop with lounge bar style from Nelson’s singer/guitarist Joanna Millet, Nick van Dijk (keyboards, horn) and Tassie drumming import Dan Callahan.
Joanna has been in Melbourne honing acting and performing till she started the Loft Theatre Nelson. Nick has played with The Black Seeds and Fat Freddy’s Drop, and has a variety of leather musical instruments at home.

Luke Hurley
Saturday 2 March 2024
Luke Hurley – original music fromthis singer/guitarist and busker, who toured back in the day with Michele Shocked and Marianne Faithfull.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 24 February
FULLY BOOKED
This new local band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, Nathan Torvik & John Ray came back to wow us some more. These very talented guys play the music of Steve Earle & others.

RBS Comedy Showcase
Friday 23 February
A fresh bunch of laughs from this special line-up of local and Christchurch Comedians.

Charlotte Squire
17 February 2024
If you love soulful original acoustic music, with sing-a-longs to 70’s and 80’s hits by Fleetwood Mac, Simon and Garfunkel and John Farnham, check out singer/songwriter Charlotte Squire’s show ‘Together’. ‘Together’ is an interactive show where the audience is encouraged to participate. Charlotte plays a mix of songs she’s written, and popular cover songs. She gives people simple, fun parts to join in on. She creates a fun, inclusive, relaxed atmosphere in her shows, where everyone is welcome to sing. Charlotte has been a musician for 20 years and is also lead singer of seven piece Golden Bay band The Forge. She’s currently recording her third album. Click here for more about Charlotte and to watch a video about her show ‘Together’
Some Audience Feedback;
“I was mesmerised by Charlotte – a beautiful human with a beautiful voice.” – Marie
“Our evening with Charlotte truly was outstanding in every way. So blessed to have been there.” – Rachel
“An exquisite evening with a rising star.” – Vicki
“What a fabulous night!  One to remember forever!” – Justine
“The night was incredible. Everyone who was part of your music was moved beyond what I could have anticipated. Thank you.” – Terri
“I was gobsmacked. Every nanosecond of your amazing music is being replayed, savoured and replayed in my head.” – Vince

Winter Wilson
10 February 2024
Singing out for the underdog in glorious harmony. Original songs packed with punch and emotion that will get beneath your skin, and all delivered with great humour. Pre-Covid, Winter Wilson had completed tours of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most of Western Europe, in addition to the UK. Their eight studio albums had all received rave reviews, and 2019’s “Live & Unconventional” (recorded on tour withfolk-rock icons Fairport Convention and onstage at Cropredy Festival) was no different. “If you need evidence of just how special the duo Winter Wilson is, then Live & Unconventional delivers in abundance.” Steve Caseman, RnR Magazine.
Back in Lincolnshire throughout the pandemic, the pair streamed “Live from the Lounge” for 60 consecutive weeks and also wrote and recorded “The Passing of the Storm”, their tenth album, adding further to their reputation as superb writers, singers and musicians, and great all-round entertainers.
Now performing stunning new songs alongside old favourites, Kip Winter and Dave Wilson are thrilled to be back on the road.

South for Winter
Saturday 3rd February
A fantastic sell out night – Wow!
With a blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping Folk and bluesy murder ballads, South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as the band’s origins. The trio is composed of New Zealander Nick Stone, Colorado native Dani Cichon, and Michigander Alex Stradal, and together the three multi-instrumentalists combine elements such as cello, guitar, mandolin, suitcase stomp, and three-part harmonies into a genre-bending sound described by American Songwriter as “laden with delicate harmonies, intricate guitar-work, and earthy vocals… impeccable “.  Between tours throughout the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Europe, South for Winter has been nominated as a Semi-Finalist in the 2023 International Songwriting Competition, Finalist for “Best Group/Duo” in the 2023 International Acoustic Music Awards, Official Showcase Artist at the 2023 SXSW, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance International in 2022, Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliances Southwest and Midwest Regional in 2021, Top DJ Pick by John Platt of NYC’s WFUV in 2021, and Most Wanted Emerging Artist at Falcon Ridge Festival in 2019.

Robert Zielinski and Manuela Centanni
Friday 2nd February
Irish instrumental music at its best. Traditional melodies along with original compositions inspired by the Great Southern region of Western Australia.
International musicians Robert Zielinski and Manuela Centanni are known for their tone, their arrangements and uncanny unison playing, and haunting slow airs.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 27 January
Guitarist/drummer and beaut singer, Clayton Taylor is particularly special with Bob Dylan’s music. Clayton has played in ‘Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Revelators’. This time it was the Desire album and once again we were sold out!
The Early Bobs musicians are Clayton Taylor with Geert Hermsen on harmonica

Paul Bond
Saturday 20 January 2024
Fantastic Sold Out Gig!
Paul Bond is a local singer/composer of Kiwi folk-style music. Paul is a 20 year resident on a “life sentence” block in Motueka valley. He writes and sings songs and poems about the Kiwi lifestyle. His fascination with established NZ folk music began in the 1960’s. At the gathering last year of the Cable Bay Players he presented a 30 minute set of his songs in the open air. He is booked for this year’s Paretai music festival to take a ‘song writing workshop’. Paul began song writing in the 60’s, and recorded an LP “In Sight of the Mountains” in 1980  with lyrics influenced by life in the country. He produced a CD of original Kiwi songs early this century called “Kiwi to the Core”. His ‘greatest hit’ is “As Long As We Beat Australia”, which seems to come back into vogue whenever the All Blacks lose. Paul performs regularly at Thursday folk nights at Mapua Sprig & Fern and Upper Moutere Inn. He is a music enthusiast and listens to a wide range of music including Classical, Jazz, World, Country and old Pop.

Songs of Shane MacGowan
13 January 2024
Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs & Nelson County Playboys is back to wow us with his range of talent, joined by the talented Jo Taylor and Craig Denham, playing songs of Shane MacGowan (of the Pogues) in tribute.
Such a fantastic night! Absolutely wow!

Isabelle Wolff
Saturday 6 January
Isabelle Wolff is a German singer songwriter of gypsy jazz pop with German and English lyrics. 
“Isabelle is an exceptionally talented singer with beautifully written songs. A talent that should be supported!.” Lulo Reinhardt,
who is a German well known descendant of the Gypsy Jazz inventor Django Reinhardt. This endorsement after Isabelle had performed several concerts with Lulo Reinhardt.
Isabelle is touring New Zealand with local musician Craig Denham in 2024.
She believes in the healing power of music and wants to make the world a better place with playing and singing her music.

RBS Second Comedy Showcase
Friday 5 January 2024
The Evening’s Comedians were joined by Steve Wilbury (MC), a genre defying entertainer. 

The Geriatric String Band
Saturday 9 December
A group of non professional muso’s who have been playing together for years, in their homes, and local pub sessions, which had the advantage of not having to clean up the cups and sauces afterwards.
A mix of New Zealand, Australian, Old English, Celtic and Breton songs and tunes.
Bob and Judy together have gathered numerous tunes and take pleasure in playing them….leading the music for the other musicians, Wayne, Mike, Bruce and Lynn providing vocals and back up.
Really just a bunch of pensioners having fun.

The Early Bobs – Part Five
Saturday 2 December
Popular guitarist/drummer and singer, Clayton Taylor is a consummate entertainer particularly special with Bob Dylan’s music. Clayton has played in ‘Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Revelators’. He’ll again transport us with his rendering of some more gorgeous early Bob Dylan numbers including Lilly, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts.
The Early Bobs musicians include Nathan Torvik on guitar, with Craig Denham on Keyboards.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 25 November
This new local band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, Nathan Torvik & John Ray is back to wow us some more. These very talented guys play the music of Steve Earle & others.

Coppermine Junction
Saturday 18 November
This colourful foursome bring you spirit raising, foot stomping songs in the bluegrass and Americana tradition. Enjoy the hot picking on mandolin, the rollicking twankle of the banjo, awesome flat picking on guitar, soaring harmonies, layer on fab fiddle playing and round out with the double bass. Featuring Sean Magee on Banjo and mandolin, Shanine Hermsen on fiddle, Steve McGlone on guitar and Sue Ware on bass…and everyone weaving in on the vocals.

The Bill Lake Slow Bake
Saturday 4 November
“Gentle, sometimes witty and just as often moving reflections at every turn” – Graham Reid.
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Lake is one of New Zealand’s most respected and long-serving practitioners. For more than four decades the singer and guitarist led the iconic country-blues band The Windy City Strugglers, as well as playing with pioneering rock group Mammal in the 70s and fronting brassy funk-rockers The Pelicans in the 80s. His songs have been covered by Midge Marsden, Darren Watson, Kokomo, Rag Poets and Marg Layton.
Bassist Steve Hemmens played with Bill in Mammal. Recently returned from many years in the UK, he adds warmth and swing to the mix.
Long time popular musician Alan Norman played percussion. He is a member of both NZ’s seminal Country band The Warratahs, and Wellington band Rag Poets.
The Bill Lake songbook was perfectly suited to our Ruby Bay Store’s setting.

Andrew Kerr & Alan Norman
‘For the Record’
Full Moon Sunday 29 October
Irishman Andrew Kerr has made his home in Wellington, New Zealand since 1995. Growing up in a musical household, his early musical influences ranged from traditional Irish and folk music, alternative rock and metal to acoustic Mississippi blues.  He left home in 1995 and became part of Wellington’s music scene, cutting his teeth in the Irish pub scene, mainly with Celtic rock outfit ‘Jacky Tar.’ They recorded three albums, one of which was a finalist in the NZ music awards and toured Northern Europe extensively from 1999 – 2004.
In more recent years, he has teamed up with the legendary Alan Norman (The Warratahs, The Rag Poets) on piano, accordion, percussion and backing vocals. Together they have honed a fluid and instinctive style based on mutual influences, including Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Ry Cooder and Paul Kelly. “I enjoy the pared-back approach that we naturally seem to find” says Alan.
Their debut album, ‘For the Record’ is out now; eight tracks including four originals from Andrew, two from Alan, with covers of Paul Kelly’s ‘Petrichor’ and ‘Raise the Road’ by Ronan O’Snodaigh also included.
The album features some of Wellingtons finest from a variety of genres – Paddy Burgin on Weissenborn and Resonator guitars, Dan Yeabsley on clarinet and saxophone, Andrew Laking on double bass, Maurice Newport on percussion and cameos from Bill Hickman (guitar, backing vocals), Zoe Kerr-Le-Grange (backing vocals), Marian Price-Carter (clarinet), Nick Swan (banjo, mandolin), Grant Shearer (low whistle), Thomas Friggens (drums)and Nigel Masters (banjo, guitar).
A combination of folk, blues, ethnic, and rag-time sounds, it was recorded at The Surgery and Home Run Productions in Wellington, with other tracking laid down at The Boatshed, Tauranga and Jim Perkins Music, Rarotonga. Engineered by Andrew Downes and produced by Andrew, Alan and Andrew Laking, it will be available across all online platforms from June 2023.
They’ve just released the brand spanking new video of ‘Roll On’ (click on the green words). Further tours and festival appearances are also on the cards over the coming summer.

Richard Grainger
Wednesday 25 October
A prolific and diverse artist, Richard Grainger is a singer, songwriter and musician who has been performing on the British Folk Scene since the 1980’s. Richard’s new ‘studio’ album ‘Hard Road To Prospect Hill’ was released at the end of 2015. In 2021 his first compilation album ‘Blood of the Land’ was released. Richard tours frequently worldwide from his base in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

The Nelson County Playboys
Saturday 21 October
The much anticipated debut of this new band featuring Clayton Taylor of the Early Bobs, Nathan Torvik & John Ray. These very talented guys played the music of Steve Earle & others.

Steve Mitchell’s Swingometers
Election Escape Special!
Saturday 14 October
Rhythm and blues at RBS with Steve Mitchell and the Swingometers.
Never mind the ballots, the exit polls, the safe seats and the marginals. This was the trusted party!
Following his recent solo show, Nelson songwriter/guitarist/singer Steve Mitchell makes a welcome return to the store – this time with a bespoke quartet of some of Nelson’s best Blues and Jazz players.
It’s going to be a night of hot, swinging, old-timey Rhythm & Blues, drawing on carefully chosen tunes from the 1920s to early 1960s, from Blind Blake to Irma Thomas, from New Orleans to Chicago – with a few original songs for added spice. With appearances at many major festivals and most venues across the Top Of The South, Steve is a familiar name to music audiences and well-known for his slide guitar playing. He will be joined by three of the region’s finest, most experienced musicians – Alan Burden on drums, Jak Karaitiana on upright bass and Paul Denny on harmonica.

RBS Second Comedy Showcase
Friday 13 October
The Evenings Comedians were:
Steve Wilbury: (MC) is a genre defying entertainer. 
Nick Marer: has been described as a two dollar shop Joe Rogan so if you’re after a cheap laugh then he’s your guy!! 
Chris Lippiatt: comedian, karaoke legend, and political bronze medalist. 
Archie Smith: a local act working his way up the ranks.  Unapologetic and obtuse, Archie has been reported to be twice as good as he was when he was only half a good as he is. 
James Murray: aka Hawkman. Superhero or disappointing alter ego? You never quite know who’s going to turn up in an emergency.
Tom Baker: is not Dr Who,  although some may think he’s a space case, he likes to let his comedic work speak for itself.

Jason McIver
Saturday 7 October
Jason McIver is a local musician that has, in the last two years, relocated back to the area. Over the past few years he has featured in NZ Musician Magazine, Radio NZ, TVNZ Good Morning, The Rock FM, Fresh FM, Face TV and TedX Tauranga to name a few. His two solo albums have been featured in both the NZ Top 40 album charts and the NZ Indie Charts (under the name The Jason McIver Collective, available on all streaming platforms). His show at RBS will be originals with a few friends thrown in to the mix. Special guests included the wonderful Kane Hogan, and Elisha Hobbs.

Ceol Manawatū
Friday 6 October
Ceol Manawatū is a two piece Celtic-influenced duo featuring multi-instrumentalist Paul Turner and guitarist and singer-song writer Craig Prichard. Palmerston North, labelled dull and boring by some (including world cup winning  Spanish women’s football team), has been getting a bad rap of late. This duo are on a mission to change all that. Not ones to think too far outside the square, their show features songs and tunes written exclusively about and within a 50 km radius of the  ill-famed Manawatū city. Their myth busting performance of humorous, uplifting, startling and sensitive songs and tunes will, they hope, make Palmerston North the musical and cultural capital of Aotearoa.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 30 September
Sold out again!
Popular guitarist/drummer and beaut singer, Clayton Taylor is particularly special with Bob Dylan’s music. Clayton has played in ‘Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Revelators’. He’ll again transport us with his rendering of some more gorgeous early Bob Dylan numbers including Lilly, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts.
This time, The Early Bobs musicians were Clayton Taylor with Geert Hermsen on harmonica.

Maddison Connor in Concert
Saturday 23 September
It was an intimate evening of beautiful ballads and timeless classics performed by young up and coming performer, 15 year old Maddison Connor.
This talented singer/pianist performed a multi-genre two hour concert, along with special guests, as a fundraising event to assist her in getting to the 2023 NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year event in Auckland, where she has qualified as a finalist.
This intimate performance included songs from The Beatles, Adele, Dolly Parton, Carole King & many more. The sensitivity, musicality and maturity she brings to each arrangement will be sure to tug at audience heart strings.
Nelson born & bred, Maddison is no stranger to the stage having grown up as part of a musical family, and has been performing since as far back as she can remember. Maddison has won numerous awards including being named the 2022 National Solo/Duo Winner at the NZ Smokefree Rockquest alongside her duet partner Zac Griffith for their debut single ‘You Owe Me That‘.

Singer/Songwriter Showcase
Saturday 16 September
RBS Singer Songwriters Concert features three Tasman based musicians over three generations of musical storytellers.
KC is a 13 year old beautifully talented songstress, with a voice & songwriting ability that far exceeds her years.
FLO PAULS is a loop pedal artist, who takes one guitar and turns it into a full bodied ensemble along with his lovely voice supporting his lyrical tunes.
HARMONY AQUARIAN is a well rounded multi-instrumentalist, who also uses a loop pedal to enhance his songs, many of which are satirical in tone.
Come along to see and hear these wonderful artists in the RBS’s intimate theatre presentation.

Kath Bee
Sunday 3 September
Children’s Songwriter & Entertainer Kath Bee has been a multiple Apra award winner for best children’s music. Kath Bee’s new book was released on 1st Sept, which is also a song, written with NZ icon Suzy Cato, following the success of their first award winning song ‘Sprinkle A Little Sunshine’.

Craig Hubber
Saturday 2 September
Queenstown based singer-songwriter Craig Hubber’s musical career began treading the seedy stages of Sydney’s ‘The Rocks’ district. Night after night, he honed his craft of performance and vocal dexterity as lead singer in a plethora of cover bands.
A passionate writer, Craig decided to turn solo after his bands refusal to include original songs in their repertoire. A decision the band was to regret soon after, as his self-penned song, ‘Bondi Dream,’ became a local hit, getting high play rotation on Bondi FM, establishing him as a top local singer-songwriter. A chance encounter on a return visit to his native Invercargill, saw his song, ‘Kiss Twist,’ being picked up for the movie, ‘The Fastest Indian.’ Craig, accompanied with hand pick session players, performed his song in the Tisbury Hall dance scene. The fastest Indian became an international success and his song has been heard by millions. Craig’s songs are of travel and relationship. Listening to Craig is going on a journey. A journey that stimulates, entices and leaves the listener feeling all the better for it.
The wonderful troubadour Andrew White opened for Craig.

Ruby Bay Store Comedy Showcase
Saturday 26 August
Tom Baker (top-right)
Banished from Auckland this mediocre comic has mildly entertained an audience. Tom Baker specializes in transandental comedy. Jokes that are funnier in side than they are on the out side.. he’s not much to look at …. he’s not very good at fixing things…… but oh my gosh…. is he average at comedy.
Maurice Davies (top-left)
Kiaora tatou tomatoe.
Ko Maurice toku ingoa!
As part of The New Zealand Comedy Party of Aotearoa or TNZCPoA, for short, I promise to build 100,000,000 houses, fix puberty, build a roads and help people who can’t read good! If my policies fail, I can also tell you some jokes. Car pie key a tar toe!
Steve Wilbury (middle-left)
Steve Wilbury is  genre defying entertainer. Hugely impressive
yet intimately informal, Steve’s stage work has won awards and wowed audiences on three continents.
Todd Hopkins (middle-right)
Todd is a Native Californian who fled the chaos of America in 2018. Being trapped here during lockdown, he make the choice to call Aotearoa home. 
Out of his isolation of lockdown, Todd developed a horrific habit of standing in front of an audience and saying funny things, whether they laughed or not. He’s beyond rehab at this point but still enjoys performing……
Jennifer-Rose (bottom row)
Jennifer-Rose has been doing her comedy since this time last year, jumping straight into the Wellington Raw Meat Quest and making it through to the Semi-Finals. Since then, she has performed in many areas of the Lower North Island, attracting nominations for ‘Best New Comedian’ (Welly Awards), and ‘Best Visiting Comedian’ (Fresh & Funny – Palmerston North). Jen has now moved to The Mainland where Nelson is now home.

Midnight Swim
Friday 25 August
Midnight Swim’s five singers, Lydia Stallard, Emily Wragg, Rachel Pemberton, Susy Peddie and Evie Rainey, and accompanying guitarist, Dunstan Blay, have performed together in various musical groups throughout their lives. They formed a group in Nelson in March 2021 to sing songs they love in a folk style, with close harmonies and plenty of emotion. Midnight Swim love teasing the essence out of an original piece and weaving it through with new harmony and texture. Since forming, they’ve performed at Acoustic Routes events, fundraisers, the Cable Play festival, and open mics across Nelson.
This concert will feature traditional folk tunes, beloved songs from the 70s and 80s, some modern hits and even an original piece or two.
Check out their Facebook page

The Early Bobs – Part Three
Saturday 19 August
Guitarist/drummer and beaut singer, Clayton Taylor is special with Bob Dylan’s music. Clayton has played in ‘Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Revelators’. He’ll again transport us with his rendering of some gorgeous early Bob Dylan numbers. The Early Bobs musicians include Nathan Torvik on guitar, Shanine Hermsen on fiddle, and Geert Hermsen on harmonica. Nathan ended up locked down with COVID, but Shanine and Geert were sweet accompanists.

Jacquie Walters
Saturday 5 August
Jacquie Walters has been a professional singer-songwriter for more than 30 years. During that time she has written more than 100 songs, recording and releasing more than half of them. Jacquie was a founding member of “Pounamu” with Arts Laureate Ariana Tikao in the early 1990s before she went to study in the UK. While in the UK Jacquie performed with Kate Bramley (now of Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies).
Since 2000 Jacquie has recorded four solo albums, “Dreamwalking, “Step into the Light”, “Light for a Broken World” and “The Forest”. Several of her songs have achieved
accolades in international songwriting competitions and have been recorded by other artists. Jacquie has performed regularly at The Mussel Inn during the past 30 years and at Fairfield House and Yaza Cafe (for the Acoustic Routes Folk Club).
Jacquie has a clear and powerful voice and her songs touch people’s hearts.
“If I can move an audience I feel that I have succeeded,” says Jacquie. “Some of my material is serious and thought provoking but there are also plenty of love songs and laughter between songs to keep an audience entertained.” “She is a storyteller with a voice that is achingly beautiful, poignant, subtle and strong.” Nelson Mail concert review.

Steve Mitchell
Saturday 29 July 
A familiar name to music audiences around the region either as a solo acoustic performer or with Nelson bands The Scintillators and Humankindness, the emphasis is on Steve’s original songs. Drawing on a love of classic Pop and Soul songwriters from the 60s/70s, Steve strives to create songs that are thought-provoking, hard to define but easy to enjoy. Best-known as a slide guitarist, he describes his guitar playing as “a homegrown funky finger style of no fixed genre – a mix of folk guitar, gospel and pre-war Country Blues.” Lyrics matter most to Steve, but there has to be a hookline. “I’m always so pleased when people pick up on the lyrics, that’s where the hard work goes in! Putting meaningful words to a good tune is the age-old challenge. I write songs with the hope that people find them rewarding and enjoyable”.
He was a member of Sun City Soul & plays in The Barnstormers – the house band of the Tasman Bay Blues Club. Steve has opened for artists as diverse as Jackie Bristow, Grant Haua & Adam McGrath & recently played guitar for Kiwi-born Australasian boogie-woogie piano legend Jan Preston.

Andrew White
Saturday 15 July
Andrew White is a troubadour. He is one of those rare artists who can skilfully combine brilliant finger-style guitar work with a compelling story in lyric and deliver them both in an engaging live performance. After a well-deserved break from the rigours of touring, Andrew returns to the international stage showcasing material from his new studio album ‘Beautiful Trouble’ – his sixteenth album to date – his forthcoming solo Ragtime/Blues album, ‘Where the Wild Winds Moan’, and his first children’s book -‘Dingle the Dolphin.’
Some past notable performances include international tours and collaborations with artists such as: The Corrs, Michelle Shocked, Clannad, John Martyn, Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads), Janis Ian, Mary Black, Cappercaille, Eddie Reader, The Indigo Girls, Taj Mahal, The Strawbs, John Renbourne, Roy Harper, Seals and Crofts, Tommy Emmanuel, Juan Martin, Ottmar Liebert, Andy Mckee, Don Ross and many others. Andrew’s music has been described as a road map of the experiences of a musical life coupled with guitar technique that has left thousands of people breathless. While technically brilliant, his guitar work is not just out to impress – it has a pleasing, highly melodic structure. Andrew White is one of the few who combine international class guitar playing with skilfully crafted and beautiful songs. A humble and gifted musician, Andrew’s music takes you on a spiritual journey over the mountains and rivers of life.

Bryce Wastney
Saturday 8 July
Discover the music of New Zealand singer/songwriter Bryce Wastney. Inspired by the song-craft of Cat Stevens, Neil Finn and Kings of Leon, Bryce’s music naturally traverses the pop-rock, country and folk genres – always soulful, whatever the genre, it’s the ideal soundtrack for the traveller and free spirit in us all. Born in Nelson, Bryce Wastney is well-travelled and has mastered his craft performing hundreds of gigs starting in Taranaki, then New Zealand wide, and a relentless tour schedule in Australia, when he was based in Melbourne for two years. Bryce’s songs capture your imagination. With his relaxed and confident stage presence you’ll find yourself getting drawn in to the music while time stands still. Bryce is back here, based in Nelson. He is also an accomplished Producer, currently working on his fourth studio album with a top producer in the UK.

Lipscombe Swan
Saturday 1 July
Duo Mike Lipscombe, guitarist, vocalist & storyteller, and Steve Swan, extraordinary vocalist played for us.
After a long break these guys are back to release their newly recorded song, ‘Ngati Tai Ao’ and to present a concert of original songs along with a folk rock collection of their favourite musicians.
Mike and Steve began performing as a duo with shows at Eelco’s Gallery at the Chez Eelco. In the 15 years they performed together they recorded eight CDs, won Songwriting Awards, staged concerts for Peace, the environment, and anti-war shows, including dozens of Nelson musicians in their projects. The duo entered and won Nelson’s Got Talent, resulting in a performance backed by the Wellington Vectra Orchestra at Opera in the Park, alongside Topp Twins and Bella Kololo among other opera soloists.
Their music is  known nationally, especially their environmental protest ballad ‘E Wharepapa’, a collaboration with Tasman vocalist Chrissie Small, and for other songs that have also been recognised through NZ including ‘Aotearoa’, (often referred to as a new National Anthem) and ‘The Inangahua Earthquake Song’.

The Early Bobs
Saturday 24 June
Back by popular demand for a Dylan “Part Two”. Guitarist/drummer and beaut singer, Clayton Taylor is special with Bob Dylan’s music. Clayton has played in ‘Cutty Wren’, and the legendary ‘Zephyr’ band, and is also a member of ‘The Revelators’. He transported us with his rendering of some gorgeous early Bob Dylan numbers. The Early Bobs musicians include Nathan Torvik on guitar, Shanene Hermsen on fiddle, and Geert Hermsen on harmonica.

Songware
Saturday 17 June
“Prog Folk at its best. They go from screech to sublime; Punk to poignant; gangsta to gorgeous. Not to be missed” Chris Penman.
Songware is the new project of seasoned professional musicians Jo and Craig.
Jo comes from a musical family and has been in numerous musical incarnations in the folk and rock world. From the power house alt folk all girl band Brazen in the 90s to The Johnnies (all girls all Johnny Cash) more recently. She is a powerful and charismatic presence on stage and sings and plays guitar and bodhrán. Craig is an intrepid musical journey man and has played everything from early Cuban music, Gypsy Jazz, folk, funk reggae, and Celtic music. Based in Prague for 10 years he has now returned to New Zealand. He plays accordion, keyboards, whistle, foot percussion and sings. Reconnecting after almost 20 years apart Songware delivers the music of old friends doing what they love with joyous harmonies, humour and driving grooves. Expect eclectic awesomeness.

Coppermine Junction
Saturday 10 June
This colourful foursome bring you spirit raising, foot stomping songs in the bluegrass and Americana tradition. Enjoy the hot picking on mandolin, the rollicking twankle of the banjo, awesome flat picking on guitar, soaring harmonies, layer on fab fiddle playing and round out with the double bass. Featuring Sean Magee on Banjo and mandolin, Shanine Hermsen on fiddle, Steve McGlone on guitar and Sue Ware on bass…and everyone weaving in on the vocals.

Elisha Hobbs
Saturday 3 June
Guitarist/singer/songwriter Elisha Hobbs‘ innate ability to mine her interior life for inspiration makes for a composition style which seizes your senses and stops you in your tracks. Prepare to be transported by up and coming New Zealand music at its finest.  After releasing her first original E.P. “Never Going Back” following a show stopping performance on New Zealand’s iconic Good Morning Show in 2013, Elisha has focused on refining her impressive original repertoire and honing her skills and instrumentation to ready herself for the world stage. With a wealth of experience under her belt already, things are only getting better for Elisha Hobbs as she carves out her place in the industry. 
Hers is a journey well worth becoming a part of.
“Her set left me appreciating what it takes to be a solid musical act worth hearing again.” – Barnaby Weir
“Elisha Hobbs is gonna be a National Treasure.” – Paul Ubana Jones
Listen here via You Tube

Chris Long
Friday 26 May
Chris Long was raised ‘off-the-grid’ at Gorge River, in the wilds of South Westland, New Zealand. Two long hard days walk from the nearest road, in a small house overlooking the rough Southern Ocean. His family is known as “New Zealand’s most isolated family” and he and his sister Robin grew up without the internet, TVs, computers, play stations and game boys.  Instead they had fishing rods, wooden toys, tree houses, a river, a kayak, snorkelling gear, surf boards and books to keep them entertained.  There were videos of his Antarctic adventures, and he told some great stories. His recently published book “The Boy From Gorge River” was there too.

Matt Joe Gow and 
Kerryn Fields tour with
‘Your Heart of Gold‘
Wednesday 17 May
Have a listen to this great interview of Kerryn Fields by Kim Hill on RNZ 7/5/23 and Kerryn’s gorgeous song ‘Atlantis’.
‘Your Heart of Gold’ is the hook-laden debut single from
Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields
from their forthcoming album, due for release in 2024. The song finds the duo trading verses over a bevy of acoustic instruments, where a golden sunset frames the troubadours out on the open road, nostalgia running deep between them.
“With you I feel like a child again
Like when the rain came down in the summertime
Bare Feet on warm pavement
And all the hope in my heart”
With multiple awards to their names and thousands of miles between them, Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields are bonafide masters of their craft, having discovered a natural chemistry as performers, the union of their songwriting enables them to explore new depths in their music.
Their ragged edge comes steeped in Alt-Country influences,
building their sound around acoustic instruments and
honest songwriting while devouring records from Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Tracy Chapman, Grant Lee Phillips,
Dave Dobbyn and Neil Finn.
Matt grew up in Dunedin in the South Island of New Zealand, a place with bad weather and good music, meanwhile Kerryn was raised in the North Island with one hand on guitar and the other firmly upon her heart. A kindred connection with their homeland brings an emotive strength to their music and gives their songs a sense of place and purpose.
“The combined talents of both these two artists is really a perfect match and the chance to see them performing together should not be missed” – Myles O’Neil-Shaw PBS FM
Celebrated artists in Australia, Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields are Music Victoria Award winners for their respective solo records and have appeared on festival stages such as Port Fairy Folk Festival, Out On The Weekend, Queenscliff Music Festival, Riverboats, Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Out On The Green and Tamworth Country Music Festival. They’ve brought their live show home to Aotearoa to celebrate their debut release in conjunction with NZ music month!
Matt Joe Gow – You Tube
Kerryn Fields – You Tube

We Mavericks
Saturday 13 May
Returning to Aotearoa this May, We Mavericks pack mighty punches, but bring songs to heal your scars. Featuring only a foot-stomping Kiwi and a small-town Australian, this troubadour duo make music that is more than the sum of its parts. 
Lindsay Martin’s masterful violin, mandolin and vocals meet Victoria Vigenser’s mesmerising voice and guitar work, in driving rhythms and a connectedness you must see to believe. Imagine an organic blend of lyrical pop and acoustic folk, but with echoes of soulful Americana in the harmonies, and Celtic roots running deeply throughout the instrumentation.
A certain trademark tightness and their strangely gritty, evocative performances have seen them on a steep and fast rise to the big stages in both home countries; Spotlight showcase artists for Folk Alliance International 2022, nominated Aotearoa (NZ) Music Awards “Best Folk Artist” 2022, nominated Australian Folk Music Awards “Artists of the Year, Best Duo/Group/Ensemble” 2021 and recipients of the 2020 Troubadour Foundation Award, We Mavericks continue to enthral audiences far and wide. Touring their keenly-awaited debut album “Grief’s a Gardener” they bring connected and grounding originals that can melt even the hardest of hearts.

We Wayward Divas
Saturday 6 May
Gilly Darbey and Vikki Clayton; “We take our music very seriously but we love to have fun too”. Both are famed for their beautiful voices, write much of their own material and between them play several instruments. Singing songs of love and life. Not to be taken lightly these women have impeccable pedigree when it comes to musical careers. Between them, and sometimes together, they’ve worked with Van Morrison, Richard Thompson, John Martyn, Fairport Convention, Joan Armatrading, Ralph McTell (blah blah – the list is endless) and they are too modest (old) to remember them all – Needless to say highly respected by their peers, they’ve toured the world, played major festivals and events (did ya spot Gilly at Live Aid?) and, armed with nothing but their voices, charm and prosecco, they thrill audiences everywhere. Both of them born in the UK but now happily living in New Zealand.

Nick Feint, Flo Pauls
& Pluto’s Eyes
Saturday 29 April
Sharing the love of songwriting and using music to tell stories and convey a message.
Singer-songwriter Nick Feint has an innate ability to bring in depth stories to life in his songs with heart and good humour. Bearing traces of Billy Bragg, Nick’s musical mix of wordplay and direct emotion makes for a strong and satisfying set…” Charlotte Yates, Musician.
Nick’s album “Next Exit From Babylon” is available on Spotify.
Starting out as a solo act, Flo always felt that only one guitar and a voice wouldn’t do it for him. Inspiration came when watching Ed Sheeran live-looping at his concert. So Flo got himself a loop station and spent many a night in the sleep-out, hoeing away at crafting beautiful songs using only a loop pedal and guitar to create unique, whole song experiences. Music that will invoke moments of reflection and inspiration as well as opportunities to dance. “Mesmerising to watch!”
Flo’s songwriting has received praise and recognition by the NZ Songwriters Trust contest.
Flo has lived and worked at the Riverside Community for more than the last ten years. His family are the inspiration for quite a few of his songs.
Pluto’s Eyes are Phoebe and Ruby. They have been playing together for over two years. They both contribute to all aspects of their songwriting process, weaving humour, poetry and  harmony into a folky, indie, rock-pop sound. They love sharing their thoughts through music. They’ve performed in many places including open mic nights, parties and festivals.