The Levin Folk Music Club has a concert on Friday the 26th January 2024 that we are quite excited about. Not just one band or artist but ten of them! Each one will perform a number of songs for the audience but don’t be surprised if there are some who join up together to make music you will remember for a very long time.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. This is an earlier start time than usual. Don’t be late to get there as the Hall can hold only 99 people due to fire regulations. First in, first to get a seat.

The venue is the Horowhenua Scottish Society Hall, 155 Bartholomew Road, corner Bartholomew Road and Middlesex Street, Levin.

Admission, which includes a light supper, is Adults $7.00, Children and Students $3.00. Cash only (no eftpos facilities).

Line-up

First up is Waireka. We have been lucky enough to have heard them several times and each time Cam and Juli have entertained the audience to some acclaim. They sing Cam’s original songs – playing guitar, ukulele and cahon. Ranging in genre from jazz, swing, country, folk and reggae and a love ballad or two! New they may be but they also have what it takes in the industry.

Second up is Hope and the Hobo. Phil Hope and Jo Sheffield share their life experiences with vocals, guitars, mandolins – all with original material. Phil has been involved with many acoustic music combos. Jo is originally from Northumberland in the UK and has made NZ her new home. Boy do they sound good.

Wandrella is third in the line-up. After a chance meeting in December 2016, Gill Allen (keyboards and guitar) and Kate Ward (guitar, banjo and mandolin) began to create a blend of their music and vocals, to develop a style and synergy unique to Wandrella. A couple of club members were lucky enough to attend a Wandrella concert in Palmerston North not long ago and were stunned at the performance they gave. A must for this group of top entertainers.

The fourth stellar performer is Paul Vernon. Paul has lived for the past 34 years in Levin so is well known to a lot of us. He’s a regular performer at the monthly Palace Jam nights, now held at The Firebird Cafe, and sometimes plays in the Friday Concerts at Te Takere. He plays many different genres including jazz, country and folk music. This is a real gem in the lineup tonight.

Last before supper is The Salty Hearts. A dynamic group of artists who keep your toes tapping and your heart singing along. Greg Sayer pens a vast selection of original songs that reflect his unique New Zealand experiences. Dave Allen is on guitar with sure, supportive and clever playing from Richard Guerin on bass and Anje Glindemann on drums. Anje is actually going to handle all the sound systems for the evening for all the artists. We so look forward to welcoming them all back to the Levin Folk Music Club.

First after supper and number six in our stunning line-up is Legal Tender. The Legal Tender duo of Ian and Moira Campbell have been performing an eclectic mix of country covers and originals around New Zealand for more years than they or anyone else care to remember. Sensitive guitar/bass arrangements of songs by Guy Clarke, Hank Williams, Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss are rendered with earthy integrity and exhilarating vocal harmonies.

Number seven is Dean Murray. Singer songwriter, luthier, fisherman, gardener, builder, environmentalist, husband, father and grandfather – Dean’s music reflects his many hats. Dean performed for us a few months ago and we could not have him anywhere but here for our special night. He wowed the crowd and we want him back.

Number eight for the evening is Black Eyed Susie. This duo began in 2006 when guitarist Ramon Oza met violinist Susan Colien Reid at a music jam. They have gone from strength to strength over the past 17 years bringing unique blends of Susan’s Celtic classical style and Ramon’s rhythm and blues. Black Eyed Susie’s favourite place to play is on the street, making people happy through song and performance. They have very strong performing backgrounds and are a must to be heard.

Raven Mavens is ninth in this fabulous line-up. They alternatively perform as a duo (Cindy Muggeridge on boogie and blues piano and Marian Carter adding soulful clarinet), a trio (with Anje Glindemann on drums) and a quartet (with Kate Marshall on accordion, flute and violin). Each of these women is a musician and a singer and when they get together there is a unique and beautiful synergy. A real pleasure to listen to for hours at a time.

Last for the night is none other than the Andrew London Duo. Many of you will know what an amazing husband and wife team they are. Andrew writes songs to make you smile and laugh; Kirsten plays the bass guitar and sings amazing harmonies. A great sense of humour sees this couple at the top of the charts in not just New Zealand but overseas as well.

NB: Due to Friday traffic and the distances some of the performers are travelling to get here we cannot guarantee that the order stated will stay as written.  Also there may be times when performers join other performers that are performing just for fun.