World class and award winning musicians at Whangateau

Donna Dean has been writing songs most of her life, songs about setbacks, struggle and success. Honing her craft for decades and sharing her songs in far flung places, from Paihia to Prague, Te Kuiti to Texas and Corfu to Coromandel, Donna’s songs linger in the hearts of her audience. She’s a songwriter’s songwriter with multiple APRA and Tui awards for her songwriting and record production. Her collaborations include the likes of songwriting legends Russell Smith, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Webb, Paul Kelly, Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham and Don Mclean. She wrote the title track to Rhonda Vincent’s 2010 Grammy nominated bluegrass album “Destination Life” and her 2023 album, “Kisses & Other Things”, produced by multi-instrumentalist/author John Egenes features American songwriter, multiple Grammy nominee Eliza Gilkyson.

This tour celebrates Forgotten Gems, songs written by Donna and recorded together with Russell Smith & The Amazing Rhythm Aces in Nashville and Auckland, tracks which won Donna her first APRA and Tui awards in 2003.

Donna’s touring line-up features Dunedin bassist John Dodd, (a longtime stalwart of New Zealand music – Dodd has worked with an elite group of A-List artists over the years), and Dunedin based John Egenes, joining the Forgotten Gems tour playing his own songs and telling a few tales.

What: Full Concert with Donna Dean and Friends
When: Saturday, 17 May 2025. Kick off at 7:30pm
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/donna-dean-with-dodd-and-egenes-at-whangateau-hall/tickets
Or $22 cash at the door.

28 Apr 2025, Monday: Club night with Vai Mai Natana.

This new folk duo of Mema and Nathan Boston delivers an exceptional music experience that you will feel at your very core as this is where they express from. They focus on acoustic arrangements of Mema’s original works with the odd quirky cover all delivered with the sincerest of love for sharing their craft. Musically, it’s kinda like The Rescues formed a love triangle with Leonard Cohen and Andres Segovia. It is a most delicious blend of quirky beauty that will make you laugh and probably cry in the same night. Expect soaring vocals with carefully placed guitars supporting poetic lyrics in the sincerest of love for sharing music with you.

You will feel it, be captivated by it and you will love it.

$15.00. First half floor singers. Start time 7:00pm. Email to book tickets or to request a floor spot. whangateaufolk@gmail.com

Butter Wouldn’t Melt returns to Whangateau with a full band and new single!

Butter Wouldn’t Melt will melt your heart with soulful stories, far-away fables and whimsical songs.
Finalists for the 2023 Best Folk Artist Tūī | Te Kaipuoro Taketake Toa, Butter Wouldn’t Melt is the very definition of a grassroots, do-it-yourself band. Every note, every frame, every brushstroke of this project is their own— written, recorded, mixed, mastered, promoted, filmed, and designed. Featuring Andrea Reid (Vocals and rhythm guitar), Nick Burfield (Vocals and lead guitar), Cara Brasted (Fiddle and vocals), Marz Connelly (Double bass and vocals), and guest appearance from Kim Bonnington (Vocals).

When: 7:30 pm, Monday, 14 April 2025.
Doors open at 7:00pm
$15.
email to secure you seat!

Learn more about Butter Wouldn’t Melt

Monday, 31 March 2025, 7:00pm. $15

March Club Night and World Class Harpist
Many of you may have heard the interview with Úna ní Fhlannagáin on Radio New Zealand on St. Patrick’s Day. If not, you can listen here:

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights/audio/2018979232/award-winning-irish-harpist-una-ni-fhlannagain

We have not yet finalised a plan for Úna’s Harp Workshop. If you are interested in attending a workshop, please let me know, and whether Monday the 31st or Tuesday the 1st is better. Email me at whangateaufolk@gmail.com. (Don’t respond to this email!)

The radio interview has spurred a big jump in inquiries about the concert, so I am now recommending you email me to book to make sure we have enough room. And as always, if you wish to perform a few numbers in the first half, you can mention that in your email as well.

What: March Club night with Úna ní Fhlannagáin
When: Monday, 31 March 2025. Kick off at 7:00pm
Tickets: $15 cash or bank transfer

See you there!

31 Mar 2025, Monday, 7:00pm

Club night with Úna ní Fhlannagáin award winning harpist from Ireland. $15.00. First half floor singers.

Úna is rooted in Irish traditional music, but also branches out into jazz, pop, and original composition. Collaborations include Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin, Emmy winner Fionnuala Flanagan, and the free jazz legend, Anthony Braxton.

A first-class honours music graduate, in 2017 she won the Riada Gold Medal for Harp. In 2018, she took home the trophy for the All-Ireland Senior Harp Slow Airs.

Start time 7:00pm. Email to book tickets. whangateaufolk@gmail.com. Watch this space for a possible harp workshop held by Úna as well.

Monday, 10 March 2025, 7:30pm. $15

More great music at Whangateau Hall!

Dave Alley is a New Zealand guitarist, percussionist, singer & songwriter. A consummate performer and genre defying artist whose mostly acoustic music stems from roots, world, blues, rock, reggae, funk, folk, and south pacific styles. His originals will delight you, his covers will amaze you.

Dave will be joined by virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Jon Sanders. Jon’s skilled accompaniment adds colour and depth to an already outstanding sound.

It’s been a long time since either of these two have played our hall, and we’re eagerly looking forward to having them back. This is a show not to be missed!

February Folk Club Night. Monday, 24 FEBRUARY, with special guest Dave Flynn

Pull out those guitars and other instruments of folk distraction and great ready for Club Night! Our special second half guest this month is award-winning Irish composer/guitarist Dave Flynn.

Celebrated by the New York Times for the ‘power and grittiness’ of his music, Flynn is bringing his Celtic Guitar Journey show to Whangateau Hall.

Flynn started his musical career as a rock/pop guitarist and singer-songwriter before moving into classical and Irish folk.

In his Celtic Guitar Journey Flynn will present guitar arrangements of Irish and Scottish traditional music, exploring the musical connections between these Celtic countries. His programme includes the history of Celtic music, from an ancient Irish battle march to baroque-era harp music by Turlough O’Carolan, to 19th century reels and jigs, and modern compositions which he recorded on his acclaimed albums. He will also play new Irish-Kiwi style tunes, which he has composed in New Zealand.

The concert also highlights connections between Irish traditional music and other countries, showing how certain types of Irish tunes were imported from England, Scotland, Poland and Germany.

This is a regular club night, so all local musicians are welcome to put their name in for a first half floor spot. Email whangateaufolk@gmail.com to request your spot. (Do NOT reply to this email! It makes a mess!)

Booking is not necessary, but recommended. You know the drill, email me at whangateaufolk@gmail.com with the number of tickets you want and I will send instructions for payment. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start. $15.

Whangateau Folk Music: Dave McMillan in concert!

Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 7:30pm. $15

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Early at Whangateau Hall!

Dave McMillan has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years with his rich, soulful voice and amazing guitar playing! Performing all over Australia, NZ and Canada as part of the renowned duo “Wizard & Oz.” He performs regularly solo, on land and sea with the P&O Cruise Lines, as well as with other talented players. This is Dave’s first visit to Whangateau, and we are really looking forward to a great show!

$15.00. 7:30pm. Doors open at 7:00. Email to book, or rock up on the night. whangateaufolk@gmail.com.

See you there!

Jenine
021 428 568
whangateaufolk@gmail.com