New Zealand Folk

Subject: New Zealand Folk
From: *Laura*
Date: 05 Oct 11 - 08:30 PM

Hello!
It's another sporadic visit to the Mudcat... I think you may be able to help me. As some of you know I've come over to New Zealand, and nowit looks like I'm going to be staying here until it's spring again at home (or at least be home for Sidmouth!) -
I'm going to be living in Wellington (hopefully!) and I was hoping for some tips or advice. Basically on how the music (and music scene) is the same and different over here, who's good to look out for, who should I already know, where should I go for good music, folk clubs - how does that work... etc - all the stuff to get me set up again!
Also before I left I was expressing an interest in learning to morris dance (Cotswold style, in a mixed, young-ish side preferably) - so if anyone has tips of advice on that here too - all good stuff!!!

Thanks in advance, I look forward to your wealth of knowledge :)

Laura

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: Gurney
Date: 05 Oct 11 - 10:57 PM

I'm in Auckland, which isn't much use to you, but a good start would be Kiwifolk.com if you didn't know already. There IS an active scene in Wellington.

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: Splott Man
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 04:03 AM

kiwifolk is a good place to start.

We were in Wellington 2 years ago and did a house concert at the home of Ruth Birnie and Gerard Hudson (Musichaven). They're still doing those out at Paraparaumu.
There are singarounds at The Welsh Dragon Bar (Kent Terrace, Mount Victoria 6011) which claims to be the only Welsh pub in the southern hemisphere. The room used is circular, and use to be a toilet! It has a mural on the ceiling too. One of the blokes we met there is an ex-pat who was in a morris side, so you may get to dance yet.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 04:11 AM

I was in New Zealand about four years ago, visiting relatives, and walking around Picton one night, looking for somewhere to eat, I came across a trio of musicians playing old-timey tunes. They were really good. No idea if they are still there, but if you ever get over to South Island it might be worth asking. Picton is quite a small place and only a ferry ride away from Wellington.

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: Little Robyn
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 04:32 AM

So is the Welsh Dragon Bar in the old Taj Mahal? I did not know that!
Since I left Wellington (27years ago!!!) things have changed quite a lot.
The Bluegrass club meets in Petone on Friday nights, run by Andrew Bicknell - the President, Wellington Bluegrass Society
ph [phone]
There are Morris sides - an all male side known as Bedlam and a female side - White Rose and we used to have a mixed side called Pride of Holland Street (that was where the Folk Centre was) (I started in POHS) but I'm not sure if they're still going strong or fading away. White Rose will be doing the Morris workshop at the Wellington Folk Festival in a couple of weeks.
Probably the best person to contact is Ruth Birnie - she'll know what's on and when and where. I usually contact her on Facebook.
We'll be at the festival in a couple of weeks - see you there if not before.
Robyn

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: Ana
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 07:29 AM

Hi there - just sent you a pm with info. The scene is alive and well in Wellington. Lots of northern hemisphere guests starting to arrive for a summer in the antipodes - just been to a great house concert with Anthony Clarke. Welly fest happening soon as well!

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: Little Robyn
Date: 06 Oct 11 - 04:01 PM

Hint about the welly fest - it used to be called the Wellington FF but after the rain, the mud, the mess, several years ago, people started talking about bringing their wellies and the idea tacked itself on. Here in NZ wellies are called gumboots but there are lots of expat Brits in the NZ folk scene.
Hopefully the weather will stay dry this year but I'm taking my wellies just in case. (Murphy's law might operate?)
Robyn

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 07 Oct 11 - 12:00 PM

Maybe I'll see you there, Laura. Here's a link to my recent below-the-line thread about visiting NZ. Lots of useful info about folk clubs, ice cream, birds, and more.

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: *Laura*
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 03:37 AM

Hi again!
I went quiet but I'm now back in Wellington, looking for a job, and looking for some folky things to check out!
Thanks for all your pms etc - if you think of anything else, I'm all ears!!

Laura

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: Little Robyn
Date: 07 Nov 11 - 04:10 AM

Have you contacted Ruth yet - I told her about you and she's happy to help.
Cheers,
Robyn

Subject: RE: New Zealand Folk
From: *Laura*
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 11:17 PM

Not yet, but will do - thanks!