King & Power return — Whangateau Folk Club, Monday 31 AugustFor the first time in nearly five years, Paul King and Chris Power will step out from the Auckland Céilí Band to perform in their own right as the duo that started it all, King & Power. They’re joined by special guest Lucy Burrows on fiddle, herself a fellow member of the Céilí Band. It’s a rare chance to hear them as a primarily singing act, stripped back from the full Céilidh line-up.
The Auckland Céilí Band is one of the most popular folk acts in New Zealand — but King & Power came first. Formed seven years ago after meeting at a session, the duo spent years playing cafés and restaurants around Auckland, moving between traditional British and Irish folk tunes, songs made popular by the likes of Steeleye Span and Clannad, and modern folk rock from artists like Frank Turner. Fiddle player Marika Chia often joined them. After COVID and other setbacks, they re-emerged playing Céilí/Cèilidh dances — and the Auckland Céilí Band was born.
On 31 August, King & Power go back to their roots.
Paul King was born in England with Irish and Scottish ancestry, and has been a lead singer and bass player since the mid-80s across folk, rock, pop and jazz. He trained on the bodhrán in Gaoth Dobhair, in the Donegal Gaeltacht; expect songs in the Irish language, Gaeilge.
Chris Power, a Kiwi multi-instrumentalist, lived in Scotland for many years through the 80s and 90s. A well-known figure on the Auckland folk scene, he plays guitar, flute and penny whistle, as well as singing. He is the MD of the Céili band.
Lucy Burrows is from Scotland, a classically trained violinist with a degree from the University of East Anglia. She’s been part of the folk and classical scene here for over 20 years, teaches violin, sings, and is a member of the Auckland Céilí Band.
Whangateau Hall | 
Doors 6:45pm, starts 7:00pm | 
$15 on the door, cash or bank transfer — book via whangateaufolk@gmail.com (essential, limited tickets)
I don’t know what’s going on, but this year has been one cancellation after another. Don’t look at our calendar for future events. It’s likely to change at any moment. More so than usual. It’s been crazy.