Learning from the excitement of Lonely Heartstring Symphony, we have set up bookings for Esther Swift and10 String Symphony.

Esther Swift is our guest at our next club night, 26 February, Monday.  Floor singers first half.  $15, doors 6:45pm.

“Esther Swift uses the harp less as a heavenly instrument and more a bold alternative to the acoustic guitar. Swift’s voice is sultry, settling and sensuous as she sings with confidence and a wry smile. There’s an organic quality to her playing as she veers dramatically from poised, fluid and precise movements to rich, dark and sweeping bass notes.”

Whangateau Hall is the last stop on Esther Swift’s tour of New Zealand which has included the Auckland Folk Festival and Aongatete Folk Festival, and points all over the country.

Esther Swift

10 String Symphony will be playing a full concert with support by The Pipi Pickers on Thursday, 8 March. $15, doors 7pm.

Nashville duo 10 String Symphony began as a partnership of mutual admiration­­ for Rachel Baiman and Christian Sedelmyer, two 5­string fiddle players and veteran sidemen of Nashville’s music scene. Rachel, a former Illinois state fiddle champion in the old time tradition, needed an outlet for the new sort of songs she was writing, while Christian, originally a classically trained violinist, now a current touring member of the Jerry Douglas Band, was looking to get in touch the impetuous spirit of the rock bands he played in before his arrival in Nashville. Two fiddles. Two Voices. Epic music.

10 String Symphony

It was a stunning performance from the boys from Boston tonight. They are absolute professionals.  Their surprise second show on Tuesday is now also sold out.

Due to overwhelming demand (and the band having a free day on Tuesday) we are able to offer a second show of this amazing band from the US at Whangateau.  You can book tickets for the Tuesday show at:

https://goo.gl/forms/RY0O8sLDzTBhDPNd2

This is a first for us, we are completely sold out. Our apologies!

Monday 29 January, 7pm.  $20.   We expect this to be a very popular show, so we’ve got online bookings set up. We aren’t using one of the fancy ticketing services, this is all home grown. Click the button below to book your tickets. You can pay online by direct credit or with cash at the door.

This is a club night, so we will have a few floor singers in the first part of the show, with a tea and biscuit interval before the main event.

Monday, 29 January. 7pm. Club night, floor singers first half. $20.

Coming straight from their engagement as a headline act at the Auckland Folk Festival, the Lonely Heartstring Band bring world class bluegrass excellence to Whangateau.

What people are saying about Lonely Heartstring Band:

“These are musicians of dynamic imagination and massive musical talent. However, the music on their album feels as comfortable as a pair of long-worn leather slippers. A fascinating debut.” – Tom Clarke, Elmore Magazine

“With George Clement’s soothing vocals leading the way, The Lonely Heartstring Band achieves one of the highest callings of music’s true purpose. – Gregory Victor, Parcbench”

“Original, effusive songs compose the bulk of the album, words bursting forth in staccatos of whimsy and rhyme.” – Donald Teplyske, Lonesome Road Review

“Masterful musicians that have carefully crafted a unique brand of bluegrass.” – Good Times

“One of the most talked-about young groups on the modern bluegrass scene.” – Vineyard Gazette

Back by popular demand!

Movie night at the hall. Come along for an all-ages movie and social time at the hall. We’ll have popcorn and bean bags. Entry by donation.

If you can help us with transporting the beanbags to and from Matakana, please get in touch.

Friday, 19 January. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30 movie. BYO beverages and nibbles if you want something other than popcorn.

Many apologies for the error in the start time for our Boxing Day party in the Rodney Times! We will be kicking off at 6pm, not 8pm. Hope to see you there!

Coming this Sunday, it’s the Danberrys of Nashville, TN, with bassist extraordinaire Vanessa McGowan!

Do not miss this night! It is going to be an outstanding evening of entertainment. First half we will have floor singers. There will be a special presentation for halftime supper from the folks currently making the next Matakana Cookbook. And in the second half, the phenomenal RhodeWorks bluegrass band from hamilton. These 3 brothers (with mum on bass!) have been on a meteoric rise every since appearing on the New Zealand folk scene a few years ago. Their skill on multiple instruments, their beautiful harmonies, and enchanting personalities will have you hanging on every note.