Auckland New Zealand
Roger Giles & Greg Whitcombe send us off laughing all the way to Christmas with an evening of Music Hall Hilarity.
"One of the great Singing Bards of Northern England - Richard has written some of the biggest industrial and maritime songs to emerge from the revival over the years"
Keith Kendrick
The evening opens with a set of songs from Rosemary Thomas in her 'modern traditional country(ish) folk' style.
Please note this evening is a concert night, no floorsingers will be gracing the first half of the evening, but they will get their chance.....
The incomparably gifted Rider on Silver Rails
Roger discovered Titirangi Folk Club in 1996 and has been a regular there ever since. His interest in acoustic music and song writing with a particular New Zealand flavour, seemed to fit in there. This was confirmed when his song 'Old Loom, New Skein' won the song writing competition at the Auckland Folk Festival in 1997.
The years since have seen him appear as a guest at Titirangi, Devonport and Whangarei folk clubs and at The Auckland Folk Festival in 2002. He has produced two CD's of self penned songs - 'Slow Rising Tide' (1997) and 'Riding on Silver Rails' (2002).
His interest in music stretches back to 1969's Wookstock movie with a particular interest down the years in The Incredible String Band. His style could best be classified as acoustic folk with a good dose of rhythm. His October appearance at Titirangi Folk Club will draw on his song writing, including a good range of old favourites amongst newer material.
Let’s celebrate a fantastic musical year with a night out, good food, good wine and, of course, good music!
$35 pp including GST. BYO (wine only and $7.50 a bottle) but they also are fully licensed.
Please contact Vivienne Allen to book a seat for dinner. Phone 817 7164 or email via our contacts page.
Martha is a singer/songwriter of contemporary, folk and alternative country music and plays guitar, dulcimer and in fits of madness, mandolin and fiddle. She has guested at all the major festivals in NZ and been a part of the groups Gentle Annie, The Broccolli Sisters, Late Harvest & currently In Focus with Chris Priestly and Peter Madill.
Terry Free was born and raised in London where his earliest musical influences were his father, Charlie - who worked in a Foundry from childhood and supplemented his income with street singing traditional and Music Hall songs - and his grandfather, Henry - who hauled barges around the Thames canals with his two horses and turned his hand to poaching when times were hard. Terry was involved in the English folk scene of the sixties and ventured into comedy by telling jokes between songs to overcome stage fright. This combination of comedy and songs proved to be so popular that he went on to develop a successful stage act utilising both of these talents to maximum effect and is a great favourite with folk club audiences both sides of the globe. He has recently been touring the South Island and following his Titirangi appearance he will be off to the U.K. again, where he was nominated for Best Club Singer/Entertainer in the 2005 British Alternative Folk Awards.
Jo Taylor comes from a musical and theatrical family and this background, together with her own studies in music and theatre, has made her the strong performer she is today. Her extraordinary voice, masterful guitar work and exceptional bodhran playing have made her a firm favourite throughout New Zealand. She has toured extensively and has performed at all the major folk festivals. Originally from the South Island she has been a bright spot on Auckland's acoustic music scene for the past 12 years, playing solo and in various combinations. She is currently involved, as musical director and performer, in the hit show "Milo's Wake" which is coming to the end of a 3 month nationwide tour.
Terry and Jo have appeared individually as headline acts at the Auckland Folk Festival and at numerous folk clubs and each is an exceptionally talented performer. As a duo they are simply superb. Traditional singing at its finest, with more than a touch of humour, will produce an evening of first class entertainment.
The inimitable former Mancunian Man of Mirth, now a certified Welshman.
Come prepared to go home aching with laughter after stories of Polar Bears and icebergs, Dachshunds, hunting for lost camouflage nets & the War on Terror (or rather Terrier).
The evening begins with a set of Unaccompanied songs from Singer Paul Howarth
Who are Celtapommtaff? A funky Celtic Fusion three piece featuring haunting Uilleann pipes, soulful vocals and blistering flute.
A ‘Come All Ye’ night on a theme of ‘Humour’.
Sing, Say or Play something to amuse as the cold hand of winter extends its icy grip.
Rules for performers are:
1. performances must be on a humorous theme.
2. performances must be related in some way to the folk traditions.
If performers break the rules
NO GOOD WILL COME OF IT Photographs
So come and join us for what promises to be a memorable evening
——————————— for one reason or another.
We've decided to try the popular Festival ‘Blind Date’ format for our July Club Night. The Draw has been made, the unlikely groupings of Artists have gotten together and practiced (or not) and we should be in for some interesting er... music.
This being the depths of winter with the elements at their worst we also have some winter treats - Christmas Puddings, Wine, Cheese, Ice Cream & a Christmas Tree; though not necessarily in that order - to lure you out on what may well be a dark & stormy night.
Many of you will have heard Diane on previous visits to Auckland, so shouldn't need much encouragement to be here for this night. If you haven't heard her perform here are A couple of impressions of Diane from
George Wurzbach, National Projects Director, Songwiters Guild of America:
‘It's remarkable how Diane's songs take you someplace. They scoop you up, excite emotion, lay you back down, and you're grateful for the journey.’
and from Akustik Gitarre Magazine, Germany:
‘What would occur if one tried to find an appropriate stylistic ‘drawer’ for Diane Ponzio? Certainly one would pull out ‘folk’ as the first drawer. But then a drawer for jazz would have to immediately follow. And then for Chanson and Blues. At some point, this type of thinking would have to be given up because Diane makes, if one, after all must try to categorize it, popular music in the best sense-that is, in an intelligent manner and on a high musical level.’
and if that doesn't get you interested her press kit also describes her s having a voice that's
‘provocative & saxophone like’
The evening begins with a set from renowned local musicians Sieffe LaTrobe & Ian Bartlett
Workshop will include performance tips on stage presentation, microphone tips, and stage skills. Also included is a vocal lesson, so bring a pen and paper to take down notes.
Harp & Voice in delightful combination.
Susanne was introduced to folk music in the 70's and learned to play basic guitar, singing at Poles Apart Folk Club for a couple of years. After a long break she joined Titirangi Folk Music Club 10 years ago. She is a life member of the club and was secretary for 8 years.
She felt her guitar playing was inadequate and in 2002 decided to try the harp which was much more rewarding. She feels that singing with the harp is like singing a duet.
This is her first solo guest spot but when she was singing with Rolling Thunder they did a spot at Titirangi and East Coast Bays. She sings Celtic, New Zealand and Australian songs with her own harp arrangements.
With their own unique take on Music, Songwriting & Song Jenny Kilpatrick & Tony Ricketts are PORTABLE PANIC. They have lived in Katikati, Bay of Plenty, since 2000 but........
Jenny comes from Wellington originally, where she was introduced to folkdom by her big brother Murray. She sang in Mumble as a student in Christchurch, building up her early repertoire of mainly British Trad. After spells back in Wellington and London, Jenny moved to Auckland in 1990, and began a partnership with Tony. He had just started Easy St with Kerrin Worsfold and Chris Price, as well as working with other Auckland folkies. When Chris moved to Wellington, Jenny joined Easy St and expanded her repertoire into modern songs, including Tony's, and exploring the jazzy-bluesy women of the 40s and 50s. As well as singing she plays recorder, whistle, a spot of electric bass and a mean kazoo.
Tony originally came from the UK, played folk clubs there, where he began writing in 1975, then moved to Auckland in 1979. He won songwriting prizes at Titirangi FC in 1985, which encouraged him to record, resulting in Special Delivery in 1988. Has toured several times since then, solo, as SpaceReel with Alastair Riddell, and with Easy St. He began the new century with four years in an electric Celtic band called Tattie Jock. He sings, plays acoustic guitar and another spot of electric bass, and since 1998 has also run Portable Panic Recording, working mainly with folkie musicians.
Jenny and Tony toured the North Island in 1993 with the wonderful Kath Tait, made an Easy St CD in 1996 mainly of Tony's songs, and eventually wound up the group in 1999. They have since played under the name of Portable Panic, and recently organised a Dick Coker Spectacular at Devonport Folk Club in Auckland.
This year sees the release of two CDs from Tony, a “new, improved” version of Special Delivery, and SNAP, a new recording of sixteen of his songs. They played Devonport in March, and have an entirely different set for Titirangi, and ‘will not be bringing the bass this time’.
Westumbria is a group of Waitakere based musicians who perform in the English, Celtic and North American musical traditions but also include New Zealand and self-penned items in their public appearances. A four piece band, they blend unusual instruments such as the Northumbrian Smallpipes and American mountain lap dulcimer with guitar, fiddle and bass to produce their distinctive sound.
Originally from Scotland but a long time Kiwi by inclination - multi-instrumentalist & traditional singer not to be missed.
Jean was born in Scotland, where she spent her early childhood. In 1963 her family moved to Australia and in 1969 to New Zealand, where they settled in Nelson. In her teens Jean became an active member of the burgeoning folk music scene in both Nelson and Christchurch. Whilst living in Christchurch she played with Alistair Hulett in the band ‘Croodin Cant’ and also performed in the folk group ‘Fieldfare’. Both groups won acclaim for their appearances in various South Island venues.
On moving to Auckland she played with ‘Roome for Companie’ and later formed the hugely successful ‘Touch of the Times’ with Audrey Todd and Pat Bowley. The most recent group she was associated with was ‘Thursday’, a band which included a number of Titirangi Folk Club members.
Jean has played with many of the top New Zealand folk performers over the years and one of the highlights for her was performing with Bev Young and Martha Louise as the opening act for Don McLean at the Auckland Town Hall. In recent months she has been singing with her daughter Andrea and they have been receiving resounding ovations for their outstanding performances.
She has performed, both solo and with others, at Auckland and Wellington Folk Festivals and at many folk venues throughout New Zealand. She plays guitar, dulcimer and mandolin and is one of New Zealand folk music’s top female vocalists. Although her first love is songs from the British tradition she has a wide repertoire which contains material from various musical influences. A night with Jean Reid is a night to remember.
of Maritime Crew, Brouhaha, Paddymack & Festival Beer Tent fame - & well deserved fame it is too.
Jez Lowe - Vocals, Guitar, Cittern, Harmonica
Kate Bramley - Fiddle, Vocals
Andy May - Accordion, Northumbrian Smallpipes, Keyboard, Whistle
Sean Taylor - Fretless Bass, Percussion, Vocals
Jez Lowe, master songwriter and performer, presents an evening of vivid social commentary, great tunes and intelligent humour. Jez is widely renowned as one of England's best folk rock songwriters and one of the most entertaining performers on the international scene. With a blend of memorable lyrics, humour and lively tunes, Jez's songs reflect his roots in the North East of England. Among those who have recorded their own versions of his songs are Fairport Convention, The Dubliners, Gordon Bok, The Black Family, Liam Clancy and literally hundred of artists from as far away as Australia, Canada and the USA. Some of his songs have generated scores of cover versions and are now classsics of their kind.
Jez is one of the busiest artists on the international circuit, performing both as a solo artist and with his backing band The Bad Pennies, who have played with him at some of the most prestigious venues in the folk world. Although Jez has toured New Zealand several times this is the first time The Bad Pennies have accompanied him here
With 14 full length recordings to his credit, numerous tracks on compilation projects, three songbooks and a consistently full international touring calendar, Jez Lowe has proven himself as one of the most popular and respected performers on the international folk scene.
Born and raised in Scotland, Owen now lives in New Zealand and is well known for his pure voice, gentle guitar accompaniments and sense of humour. He has a diverse repertoire, performing his own original songs as well as a long list of covers.
His versatility as a performer is obvious when his singing history is explored. This includes busking, performing in a 'medieval' trio, solo gigs in cafes and pubs, entertainment at local markets, lead singer in a variety of bands ... the list goes on.
And while he prefers the label "new acoustic" over "folk" there is no doubting his popularity in the folk scene. He has been a welcome and popular performer at many folk clubs and festivals in New Zealand and the UK. His seven CDs are all independently produced and reflect his many and varied life experiences.
However it's in his live performances that both the power and the humour of his lyrics and delivery actually hit home.
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, dance teacher and caller, Pete has been a much-loved guest performer at the Auckland Folk Festival for the past 4 years.
He is a native of Coventry, England and has been singing and performing since the age of four. On leaving school he started a folk group in which he was lead singer and composed many of their songs and tunes. In the seventies he started playing with the Sherbourne Ceilidh Band, first on bass guitar and later on melodeon, and began calling dances.
Over the years he has become increasingly interested in learning, playng and teaching a wide variety of dances from both the English tradition and further afield. He travels extensively as a Morris dancer with Coventry Morris Men and for his job as "The Melodeon Repairer", which brings him into contact with many dance groups from whom he continues to expand his repertoire.
Despite his increasing interest in dance, the singing never stopped. He has won a number of singing awards, including the coveted Sidmouth Singer competition. He is a popular and much sought-after solo performer, one who can adapt to an audience of any size and present a varied and entertaining mixture of material.
at Auckland Folk Festival Kumeu Showgrounds from Friday January 27th – Monday 30th January 2006. Our Club will be hosting the Titirangi Folk Club Showcase concert with Westumbria, Clive Pearce, Jean and Andrea Reid and Judith McNeil.
An opportunity for you to bring your voice and/or instrument & give a final run-through infront of a real audience to those items you're going to amaze us with at the Festival.
If you are strictly 'Audience Only' then come along to hear what the best of our local musicians have on offer - with so much going on you might miss them next weekend!
An evening full of surprises.
Last Update: 2010-02-01
The Club was conceived in 1965 when the Clancy Brothers didn't come and someone had the astounding idea of having a sing-a-round thus transforming an audience into a folk group. Formally established in 1967 we're still going strong.