Due to ongoing COVID-19 alert level restrictions, the Ladyhawke ‘Time Flies’ album release tour has been postponed.

Rescheduled show dates will be announced when New Zealand moves into the traffic light framework and there is certainty that the new show dates can go ahead.

All tickets previously purchased from authorised outlets will remain valid for the rescheduled show without the need for exchange. Patrons unable to attend the new dates will be able to obtain a refund from the point of purchase once announced.

Due to Covid Level restrictions this event has been cancelled, all ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund. 

Due to Covid Level restrictions this event has been cancelled, all ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund. 

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

Reggae favourites One Waka return to release their Take It Easy EP.

The album is the band’s latest collection of songs which highlights their devotion to both traditional and future roots sounds framed by localised stories and a grounded connection to the land and its people. Ever proud of their hometown, One Waka have made a name for themselves as one of Ōtautahi’s most authentic live reggae acts.

The 9 piece band will be bringing their legendary heavy sound to Christchurch’s Blue Smoke this September as they span the full spectrum of reggae from roots, rocksteady, ska and dub with their latest original creations and their takes on some classics.

The Waka crew will be joined by Messenjah opening the night up with a top ranking vinyl selection. Be sure not to miss a night of local reggae vibes at its finest.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

Winegum Records, Under the Radar and Lyttelton Records present Deep Water Creek on tour this September and October as they celebrate the release of their debut full-length album ‘News From the South’.

With a 6 date tour throughout NZ, they will be sounding the trumpet, banging the drum, and bringing their mastery to the masses. Deep Water Creek is the project of Christchurch based Singer/songwriter Matthew Smith. With a strong evocative sense for words and melody, Smith has a burning desire to celebrate, commiserate, and communicate.

Since recording his debut E.P with Ben Edwards (The Sitting Room), Smith has been crossing the country developing a fearsome reputation as an electric performer full of dark energy and insight not often seen. One of New Zealand’s rare and underrated talents, Smith’s band Deep Water Creek are a powerful and fitting foil for his restless inner vision.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:00 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

To reserve a table email

Following on from the 7 years of constant touring that fuelled the EP ‘Traveller, Monty’s first 2 years as a father have defied him to delve deeply into what slowing down might uncover.

Embracing change, reinventing life, and connecting to the source are themes that drive Monty’s full-length debut, out this spring. With his world challenged and capacities stretched, Bevins goes about digging riches of a reflective and humbled kind, building an arc, across 10 tracks, of a moving journey into fatherhood.

“It feels effortless yet it has the weight of much care and craft” Jess Shanks (The Eastern)

Monty Bevins is a New Zealand based singer-songwriter known as a touching, spirited performer, whose soul-folk songs ask the big questions while telling the small stories. With a warm rich voice and articulate guitar grooves, Monty digs out and distills themes of tenderness, personal revolution and adventure.

An artistic gem is what I’d call Monty. Heart, soul and pure elbow grease are what go into making his song writing so special, the audience feels as though they are settling in with an old friend. – Sally Shanks, Gisborne’s ‘Dome Cinema’ Proprietor

Due to the ongoing Covid Level 2 lockdown restrictions we have made the call to reschedule Eighties Forever at Blue Smoke. Your tickets will remain valid for the new date, Friday 8th April 2022 however if this does not work for you then you can request a full refund. We are sorry that we cannot host Eighties Forever sooner however we’re certain it’ll be worth the wait! We look forward to seeing you at Blue Smoke when it is safe for us to gather people together again.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:00 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for dancing.

If it came out in the 80s and you can dance to it, we’ll play it. Cheesy pop, synth pop hits, goth, indie, hair rock, hip hop + more!!! Dress up, let your hair down and dance to 80s music played until well past your bedtime!

ABC, A-ha, Adam + the Ants, Air Supply, Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen, Boy George, The Cure, Cyndi Lauper, The Damned, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Dead or Alive, Devo, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Duran Duran, Electronic, Erasure, Eurythmics, Falco, Front 242, Gene Loves Jezebel, Go Gos, Human League, Laura Branigan, Lisa Lisa + Cult Jam, Pat Benetar, Pointer Sisters, Joan Jett, Madonna, Prince, Pixies, Run DMC, NWA, Talk Talk, Tears for Fears, OMD, Madonna, Motley Crue, Neneh Cherry, Nitzer Ebb, Pet Shop Boys, Queen, Rick Astley, Replacements, Roxy Music, Sisters of Mercy, Sonic Youth, The Sound, Strawberry Switchblade, Talking Heads, Twisted Sister, Van Halen, Wham!, Whitney Houston, Yazoo

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

PLEASE NOTE: This will be a seated show, all covid level restriction will apply. To reserve a table email

In times like these a month can be a year, a year a month and a day a lifetime. All of us straddling a line between hope and doubt. Way back in April, “National Treasures” (RNZ) The Eastern were feeling relieved and as at ease as a bunch of no-hit musicians could ever feel. The continuing Covid blitz that had waylaid the lives and incomes of travelling musicians, crews and venues all around the world had managed only to nibble at the heels of this shore. We had prevailed.

With this in mind a collective decision was made by the band to reach out to brothers and sisters overseas, with some solidarity and some money to help the wheels turn. It was conceived, agreed and believed that The Eastern could throw a small drop in someone else’s bucket.

Here there were gigs on the calendar, a functioning country and an air of the above-mentioned relief. Thus shoulders could be shifted in the direction of need and so the band picked a venue in Ireland dear to their hearts and raised over three thousand dollars for the great DeBarras pub in Clonakilty Co. Cork. They played a bunch of Pogues songs, mopped the floors with their swaying and baying and paypaled the money across the water. Job done.

But then here at home a few months later the wolves start howling and the doors were locked down once more. The band prevailed again but noticed that one of their favourite local venues, The Common Room in Hastings was shaky and due to the vicissitudes of trying to run a goddamn people friendly pub in an un-people friendly virus haunted spring, were now looking at that forever lockdown.

A quick chat with Common Room governor Gerrard Barron and a glimpse at their give a little page convinced The Eastern they could duke up and sing for some dollars, in the same service focused manner all their Christchurch performances project.

So, its roll the sleeves, book the venue, get the tickets up and hope they can pull together a hooley (of the sit-down kind if in level 2) in just two weeks, in order to help their friends and comrades in the Hawkes Bay.

“We trade music for ticket money, we donate the ticket money which gets turned into love, which keeps the doors open, which keeps the music humming and the bar staff tipped and ready” – Says Eastern front man Adam McGrath.

An easy pop up gig for a band that has cemented themselves into hearts and minds nationwide.

The shows will be ready, rowdy and willin’ at their home base of Blue Smoke in Woolston on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of October. Two nights ready for any level eventuality. New songs, hope songs, hearts songs, fight songs, drinking and crying songs will all be on the program. They’ll play favourites and more, all in trade, all in service to the spirit of The Common Room, solidarity and to the idea that music needs people and people need places and we need to protect the best of them when the road gets rocky.

If you can’t make it to either show you can still support The Common Room by making a direct donation: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/best-little-bar-in-the-bay

Due to a suspension of the trans-Tasman travel bubble as well as ongoing lockdowns and capacity restrictions, Yumi Zouma’s 2021 tour of Australia and New Zealand has been cancelled.

All ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase to process a refund.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

What is a Rock ‘n’ Roll lifer to do when Covid hits? Return to his homeland for a select series of intimate shows.

Jon Toogood has hand selected a series of venues for an evening of songs and stories across the country this August. With acoustic guitar in hand, songs to sing and tales to tell – Jon invites you to join him for an up close and personal evening.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

Waxstar Touring proudly presents TRIBUTE BUZZ – Weta / AHoriBuzz / Volts Celebrating 20 years of the platinum selling debut Geographica, and in memory of our friend, lead singer and guitarist Aaron Tokona, we pay tribute to two awesome kiwi bands, Weta and AHoriBuzz.

All musicians performed at the Aaron Tokona Tribute Buzz shows in 2020 across the nation and those shows went off, so don’t miss out on this final Christchurch tribute show at Cassels Blue Smoke in August.

“The Buzz was out in full force in sonic overdrive with pyrotechnic guitars, rhythmic thunder and soulful heartfelt vocals as musical friends and collaborators of the late and supremely talented Aaron Tokona kicked off a series of tribute shows in Auckland’s sold-out Whammy Bar on Friday night. This celebration of Aaron’s legacy was charged with massive energy and spirit.” – 13th Floor Review

Opening the evenings entertainment are Christchurch pop rockers VOLTS. Volts first single Wild & Out has been strongly received and the bands latest track Glass Walls is currently dominating the airwaves. Volts are building a great reputation for their live shows and the bands debut album is scheduled for release early September 2021.

Weta Tribute Buzz: Tosh Graham (Vocals) Henare Kaa (Vocals) Cam Campbell (Bass) Gareth Price (Guitar/Keyboard) Francis Hunt (Guitar) Jason Peters (Drums)

Ahoribuzz Tribute Buzz: Henare Kaa (Vocals/Drums) Tim Driver (Keyboard) Tu Tinirau (Vocals) Lissel Stewart (Vocals) Jimi Kara (Guitar/Vocals) Klemens Cathcart (Bass)

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

OFF THE TOP is a rap show that will be held in every city in New Zealand. hosted by None Entertainment.

From every show, 2 artists will be picked by the crowd as the best performers to then be flown up to Auckland for the grand finale of all the different cities.

Check out these previous events

OFF THE TOP – WELLINGTON

OFF THE TOP – HAMILTON

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:00 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

The young Australian born, Nashville based virtuoso recently described as ‘the finest guitar player of this generation’ has been selling out shows around the world and now brings his world tour to New Zealand and will be playing an intimate Christchurch show at Cassels Blue Smoke!

“The word Prodigy seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man’s skills, he coaxes sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws.” The Calgary Herald, CANADA

“Today I saw the future of Folk – Festival goers flocking in their thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper.” The Firefly Column, USA

“Daniel Champagne is a crossroads. Fusing the strong traditions of Blues, Folk and other roots art with pop showmanship and admirable lyrical ability. I firmly believe that he will become an ambassador for roots music in a time where it desperately needs representation.” The Indie Blender, CANADA

“reinventing roots guitar” – Rhythms Magazine, AUSTRALIA

“Watching Daniel Champagne perform is a once in a lifetime experience. He is a true prodigy that plays like no one else could possibly play unless they spent at least two lifetimes studying the art.” BW Review, NEW ZEALAND

“Daniel Champagne exudes a natural ease on stage, as he sings poignant lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies that invariably whisk the heart up with grand romanticism. Coupled with an exhilarating guitar talent that transcends mere acoustic playing to replicate a whole band, Champagne is just magical” Themusic.com.au, AUSTRALIA

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

Led by songwriter Brooke Singer, the full five-piece band featuring John Fitzgerald, Ben Lemi (Trinity Roots, Dawn Diver), Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (Dawn Diver) and Penelope Esplin (Grawlixes, Lake South) will be hitting rural roads of New Zealand for six shows.

Their impeccable understated songcraft and affable banter will suit each of the venues to a tee, inviting audiences to lean into the intimate but expansive sound-world created by the band.

The tour follows on from a handful of spellbinding performances back in April, and an appearance in the ‘Mansfield: In her own Words’ concerts in June. The band are on the brink of sending a flurry of goodness our way over the coming months, with a series of singles and videos ready for release and their third full-length record due out in November. This tour is in celebration of the first of these aural treats, with the title track of their forthcoming record ‘The Overflow’ due for release in early July.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing and dancing.

One of New Zealand music’s rising stars, Paige, is set to embark on her first-ever headline tour.

The tour comes hot on the heels of a busy summer, in which Paige supported Six60 in Waitangi and Hamilton, while also appearing at some of the country’s largest festivals, including Homegrown, Peachy Keen, R&V and Bay Dreams.

The shows will give music lovers the chance to witness one of New Zealand’s most exciting new artists up-close-and-personal in some of our most loved venues.

Paige will be playing songs from her critically acclaimed 2020 EP, ALWAYS GROWING, as well as revealing new material set for release in the coming months. Paige has won the world over with her honest and heartfelt songs. Her aforementioned EP, ALWAYS GROWING, has amassed millions of streams on streaming platforms such as Spotify and earned her two nominations at the 2020 Aotearoa Music Awards, including ‘pop artist of the year’ and ‘breakthrough artist of the year’.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

Australia’s breakthrough singer-songwriter, Julia Jacklin, is returning to New Zealand on a solo tour to mesmerize our audiences once again.

The 30 year old singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia has made an incredible mark on the indie-folk scene since her first album release, Don’t Let The Kids Win. Crushing debuted into the Top 10 of the ARIA Albums Chart and captured hearts around the world, landing in more than 20 ‘Best Of’ lists for 2019, including Pitchfork, Junkee and I-D. It was nominated for six ARIA Awards and three AIR Awards and scooped the gong for ‘Best Independent Blues & Roots Album’, along with the Libera Award (US Independent Music Awards) for ‘Best Folk & Bluegrass Album’.

Last year, the Blue Mountains raised, now Melbourne based singer-songwriter released a two-tracker through Sub-Pop’s coveted Singles Club and capped the year off with a Christmas single ‘baby jesus is nobody’s baby now’. With a sold out 2019 world tour under her belt, Julia is also back out on the road for the first time since COVID hit, with a run of shows throughout Australia before crossing the Tasman for these very special New Zealand dates.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

Courtney Barnett announces she will be undertaking a solo tour around Aotearoa this July, in her first live shows in over 12 months.

Having been grounded in 2020 care of the global pandemic, Barnett made the best of a bad situation and wrote and recorded a new record. That drops later this year, but before it does the maestro is touring her solo show to all corners of Aotearoa–a country she’s adored touring in the past and a place she considers herself lucky to have the opportunity to return to. With nine dates at some of New Zealand’s favourite venues, local audiences are in for a treat as Barnett dials things right down and prepares to deliver gems from her catalogue in an intimate setting.

After years of touring with her thunderous band around the globe, the performer recently found herself craving the simplicity of her early days as a straight up singer-songwriter. Armed with just a guitar, her renowned banter and some of the best indie folk songs of the past decade, she toured North America throughout the pre-pandemic months of 2020 like she had never done before. Those shows saw Courtney at both her most raw and personal. She played town halls, barns, churches, dive bars, haunted hotels, ski-lodges, theatres and studios, all to enraptured audiences, who couldn’t quite believe they were watching the artist in this mode. For Courtney, the simplicity and honesty of performing solo was an inspirational salve; a way to fall back in love with the art and craft of song. This is the Courtney Barnett New Zealand gets to witness in July, on what will be anunmissable tour.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing and dancing.

Returning to New Zealand after a two year stint in Europe, award winning alt-folk artist Graeme James is delighted to be back in New Zealand for the winter of 2021 to reconnect with fans and share new songs and stories from the road.

Making the most of the European lockdowns of 2020 James used the break from his usually intense touring schedule to undertake his most ambitious recording project to date: four seasonal EPs exploring the emotional landscapes of Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer across 24 new songs Released to critical acclaim, including a feature in Rolling Stone, this project culminates with the final EP release on July 30th.

His captivating live show features Graeme playing electric violin, guitar, bass, baritone ukulele, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and percussion as he recreates his foot stomping tunes in real time with his famous loop pedal. With sold out shows across New Zealand and over 40 million streams on Spotify, Graeme is one of New Zealand’s most streamed indie folk artists. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see him play live in his home country.

“His records recall the work of fellow modern balladeers like Nathaniel Rateliff and Phoebe Bridgers.” – David Browne, Rolling Stone

“Striking and evolved alternative folk” – Glide Magazine (The Netherlands)

“One of the most interesting songwriters on the current scene.” – Il Fatto Quotidiano (Italy)

“James’s impressive vocal delivery ranges from brooding and grounded, to floating and ethereal; his voice the perfect instrument to ignite emotion in the core of his listener.” – Karla Harris, When The Horn Blows (UK)

THIS SHOW IS R18

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing.

Kane Strang announces a seven-date tour of Aotearoa, in support of his new album Happy to Perform.

After playing to a packed out room of eager fans at Auckland’s Mermgrown festival on March 20, the countrywide tour will now see Kane and his band bring the album to life for fans in Aotearoa’s other main centres. The epic tour will see Kane performing with a stellar band comprised of Peter Ruddell (Wax Chattels, Sulfate), Leith Towers (Marlin’s Dreaming), Mitchell Innes and Gussie Larkin (Mermaidens, Earth Tongue).

When speaking on the upcoming shows, Kane said he’s “really looking forward to bringing the new songs into a live setting, reworking some of the older stuff and also visiting some places I’ve never played before like Leigh, Hamilton and Napier.” He added that he’ll be “loaded up with merch and perhaps even have some kind of physical version of Happy to Perform”.

The phenomenal album was produced and engineered by Steven John Marr and recorded at Auckland’s legendary Roundhead Studios. The record also features esteemed local musicians Peter Ruddell, Jonty O’Connor (Zane 2000) and saxophonist Tim Copland. Happy to Perform comes in the wake of Kane’s first two records – both of which earned him international acclaim.

In just five short years the Dunedin-born artist has released three albums – Blue Cheese (Flying Nun/Ba Da Bing!, Two Hearts and No Brain (Dead Oceans) and now Happy to Perform. His meticulous work ethic when it comes to writing and record has been noted by fans, promoters and culture writers the world over, something that led to him being nominated for the Critics Choice Prize in 2016 and earning a place as a finalist for the prestigious Taite Music Prize in 2018.

Somewhere in between nationwide tours, writing and recording, Kane has also found time to tour Europe, the United States and Australia, and make appearances at major international festivals such as The Great Escape, Treefort Festival and the world’s premier industry festival, SXSW.

The Happy to Perform tour marks Kane’s first nationwide run of shows in more than two years, so demand will be high (you don’t want to sleep on this one!).

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 7:30 pm

To reserve a table CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: The layout of the room will be dictated by ticket sales. If space allows we will have table seating in view of the stage. If space does not allow then there will be no tables or seating in view of the stage, the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing and tables will be located in our Blue Smoke Diner area.

It’s been a year since Jeremy Redmore released his acclaimed comeback album The Brightest Flame. It was a release cut short by Covid’s varying symptoms, but the season is now right to take these cinematic songs and their embedded stories to audiences across Aotearoa.

Winter 2021 presents itself as the perfect scene for a set of songs that were conceived while Redmore was living in Toronto in the midst of snow-piled pavements, breathless cold and a collapse of the world as he knew it.

What emerged from that time was an album universally praised by critics for its emotive strength and sonic complexity and a surprising departure from his previous solo album and work as the writer and frontman for Midnight Youth.

Redmore’s writing here is as lucid as ever, and he hasn’t lost his ear for melody, but this is much more introspective slow-burn than stadium stomp,” Matt McAuley wrote for The Spinoff.

“The multi-tracked vocals and oscillating synths of early album standout ‘So Easy (II)’ recall the work of Canadian indie legends Wolf Parade, while the red-eyed balladry of songs like ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Southern Lights’ split the difference between early Bon Iver and late Walkmen to powerful effect.”

Redmore says fans can expect not only songs from The Brightest Flame, but also from his complete catalogue, including unheard interpretations of Midnight Youth hits. With the tour kicking off in June, Redmore will be joined by a full backing band and will announce some incredibly talented support acts very soon

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Back Bar & Diner: CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing and dancing.

After a prolonged Californian lockdown, Greg Johnson is over the moon to be returning home for his nationwide tour, Time Is A Traveller, which coincides with the release of his brand-new album, Tilt Your Interior.

For his first New Zealand tour since 2019, Greg Johnson joins forces with his legendary band Ben King, Wayne Bell and Mark Hughes. Special guest Dianne Swann will open the shows, celebrating the release of her new album The War On Peace of Mind.

“My quarantine is booked and I’m great at holing up in Hotel rooms so once they set me free, I’ll be rearing to go with my best line-up of songs and musicians since the end of the Gulf War.” Says Johnson.

“After a gloomy year of lockdown and seclusion in LA, and a deep aversion to Zoom concerts, real, interactive, cozy live shows feel more vital than ever, and I have many stories to tell. It’s an understatement to say I’m excited to be touring again and playing some of my favourite New Zealand towns and venues, as well as some I haven’t been to in more than twenty years.”

At the shows, Greg Johnson fans can look forward to thirty years of great hits including Isabelle, Don’t Wait Another Day, Liberty, Save Yourself, It’s Been So Long, Now the Sun is Out, Looking Out On Monday, I Got Opinions, Swagger and more.

Accolades include two Tui NZ Music Awards, eight top 20 albums and a coveted Silver Scroll, for Liberty.

Of his new album, Tilt Your Interior, Johnson says: “I have waited 5 years to make this record and despite the pandemic I’ve pulled together some amazing players from around the world, including my pals Ted Brown and Ben King. Technology made this album possible but some intense personal events the last few years have given the songs a little extra gravitas I think, and I am pretty thrilled how it sounds.

My box-set subscribers have been receiving advance singles from the new album, and their feedback and support has been really inspiring. Once again I have my loyal fanbase to thank for these times and hopefully I’m rewarding them with some nice tunes.” Press Release: Embargoed until Wednesday 7 April, 7.30am NZ

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 7:00 pm

To reserve a table CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: The layout of the room will be dictated by ticket sales. If space allows we will have table seating in view of the stage. If space does not allow then there will be no tables or seating in view of the stage, the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing and tables will be located in our Blue Smoke Diner area.

Candice and her band will be joined by special guests; Adam Hattaway & Mousey.

Exploring semi-sarcastic topics of heartbreak, ambition and shattering dreams – Candice Milner’s ‘Depressional Season’ is being released this June. Featuring singles ‘Kyeburn Claims’ and ‘Watercooler Gossip’, this album is being performed live at Blue Smoke in Christchurch alongside Milner’s band just in time for winter.

Candice Milner is a local indie-folk songwriter hailing from the port town of Lyttelton, she released ‘Evergreen’ at the age of 18. This gained Candice a spot as a finalist for the Tui ‘Best Folk Artist of 2018’, after her national tour of New Zealand.

Since the debut album, Candice has taken her guitar, angelic melodies and raw lyrics all over the world, sharing her organic gothic folk sound. Candice’s North America tour commenced in 2018, and has since been working on her highly anticipated sophomore album.

“She showcases a strong range of sound and emotion, with some songs sombre and simple, reminiscent of Tiny Ruins and others more like Bannerman with fuller arrangements and bigger, catchier choruses”. – NZ Musician Magazine

“Frequently evoking the thread of spiritual and romantic Anglofolk, Milner’s spare acoustic melodies are enhanced by striking arrangements for strings and a “choir” of backing vocalists with her confident and clear voice at the centre of the frame.” – Elsewhere.co.nz

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

The Heavy Psych Riff-heads Stonehurst embark on their Suffering Man NZ Tour!

Suffering Man is the ninth track off ‘Strange Urge’. Focusing on mental health and ultimately the growth of human consciousness through suffering life’s obstacles, which everyone can relate to in some way or another.

After digitally releasing their second album ‘Strange Urge’, with two tracks featuring on New Zealand’s main Rock radio station ‘The Rock FM’; Stonehurst are fizzing to release their latest material set satisfy past and future fan’s ears and incite goosebumps across NZ.

After supporting such international acts such as Seether (USA), Black Label Society (USA), Corrosion of Conformity and Anvil (USA), along with New Zealand’s legends Beastwars, The Feelers, Shihad (Electric Avenue), Alien Weaponry and many more; Stonehurst take their rowdy riffs, shredding solos and contagious grooves around NZ to bring you some of the catchiest low-tuned heavy psychedelic power rock NZ has to offer.

Stonehurst will be taking Prog Rock legends Elidi along for the ride.

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner: CLICK HERE

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing and dancing.

​The Dark Eighties dance party originated on the West Coast of North America and have sold out nights in Wellington, Auckland, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and London! Expect to hear your favourite (and some more obscure) dark 80s anthems until late in the evening.

In June 2021, it’s finally time to bring The Dark Eighties to Blue Smoke in Christchurch!

EBM / GOTH I POST PUNK / NEW ROMANTICS / ITALO DISCO / INDUSTRIAL I DARK + COLD WAVE / MINIMAL WAVE / CULT 80S HITS / SYNTH POP / DARK ELECTRONIC + more!

How shall I dress on a night like this? We strongly encourage costumes, leather, vinyl, lace, masks wigs, giant hats, overly hair-sprayed 80s hair, Bowie channeling face makeup and the weird like to make this an extra *special* night! But we also want you to feel great, so dress however ya want!

Live in person and streamed on VHS: The Bats, Ben Woods & Violet French And The Horrible

“Humble heroes of Aotearoa’s music community” (Under The Radar), Chabs and Milky, are delighted to announce an incredible lineup of touring livestreams around the country at the end of May and beginning of June.

If you’re in the four main centres, you can attend these broadcasts in person, or alternatively watch them streaming live on Goin’ Live With Chabs And Milky’s YouTube channel, captured on vintage VHS camcorders from the 1980s.

The complete, awe-inspiring roster is as follows: Orchestra Of Spheres, The Phoenix Foundation, Estère, Princess Chelsea, Vincent H.L., LEAO, The Bats, Ben Woods, Violet French And The Horrible, Night Lunch, Wet Specimen and Death And The Maiden.

Chabs and Milky say: “It’s going to be an amazing experience capturing such a wide range of Aotearoa’s current crop of alternative music artistes in their element, performing in front of a seething mass of their friends, whānau and fans.”

Subscribe to the Goin’ Live With Chabs And Milky YouTube channel too to make sure you see these and any other broadcasts live as they happen.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNCGblp61cn_4rzcuRO1GA

https://www.goinlivewithchabsandmilky.tv/

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

The Butlers & Muroki announce : The Autumn Express Tour

Low Strung & Village Sounds Presents: The Butlers & Muroki Autumn Express Tour

The Butlers and Muroki are packing up their bags, jumping on a BUS and zipping around Aotearoa to a spot near you. All aboard The Autumn Express.

No need to pack fresh socks when The Butlers & Muroki are Packing FRESH New Music.

Muroki has just dropped his silky n smooth Debut Ep DAWN & The Butlers have already released a few goodies this year such as Latest single ‘I Aint Running’ with a whole lot more to come. It’s been a nonstop party for both acts and they just can’t seem to get STOP. Get your ticket now to secure your place for The Autumn Express!

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

To reserve a table in our Blue Smoke Diner email

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tables or seating in view of the stage the main part of the room will be kept clear for standing and dancing.

Farewell Autumn with a night of world dance music brought to you by MUNDI, YURT PARTY and special guests Fiona Pears and Connor Hartley-Hall!

MUNDI’s music is like Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti meeting Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson- filled with global colours, grooves and influences. Composer and flautist for Mundi, Tamara Smith has travelled the world compiling inspiration for her compositions along the way – from performing in Jazz clubs in Paris and recording an album in Sri Lanka, to learning traditional Indian flute by the Ganges and warding off Alligators in the heart of the Amazon.

YURT PARTY draws inspiration from Balkan and east European folk and blends it with Latin, dub, electronic and Afrobeat dance grooves. They perform regularly at music festivals, bars and house parties lifting peoples spirits and getting people together on the dance floor.

Special guests violin and guitar extraordinaires, FIONA PEARS and CONNOR HARTLEY-HALL will be playing some of their Gypsy/Jazz music fresh from their successful NZ tour.

Doors Open: 8:30 pm – Show Time: 9:30 pm

Wellington sludge metal titans Beastwars are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their iconic debut self-titled album with a nationwide tour headlining the largest venues of their career.

The brutal and barbaric debut long player firmly established Beastwars’ reputation as one of New Zealand’s most powerful and uncompromising groups. Alongside critical acclaim both here at home and internationally it also earned them nominations at the Taite awards and the NZ Music Awards for Best Rock Album winning Best Album Artwork for the spectacular mind melting imagery by Nick Keller.

Coinciding with the tour and to mark the anniversary, Destroy Records in association with Universal Music will repress the long out of print album on vinyl for the first time in 7 years. With collectors paying up to $300 for copies of the rare original pressing this will be welcome news to those who missed out the first time. The freshly remastered vinyl finds the band’s heavy apocalyptic howls eerily soundtracking the events of today just as well as they did a decade ago. And as a special bonus, 2 songs that did not fit onto the album have been re-recorded at Roundhead Studios and The Surgery and will be released on a limited run 7″ vinyl single.

Wellington heavy psych duo Earth Tongue will open all shows with their explosive fuzz-laden stoner pop. Prepare yourself for mind-frying riff action.

Both Earth Tongue and Beastwars were due to spend 2020 touring Europe so here is a chance to see two world class riff worshippers on the same stage.

Doors Open: 7:00 pm – Show Time: 8:00pm

Following on from the 7 years of constant touring that fuelled the EP ‘Traveller”, Monty’s first 2 years as a father have defied him to delve deeply into what slowing down might uncover. The single “Catalina” gives us an intimate insight into this world, via the imaginary lens of whoever owned that abandoned trailer sailer down the road… There had to be a song in it!

Embracing change, reinventing life, and connecting to the source are themes that drive Monty’s full-length debut album, out this spring.

Monty Bevins is a New Zealand based singer-songwriter, known as a touching, spirited performer, whose soul-folk songs ask the big questions while telling the small stories. With a warm rich voice articulate guitar grooves, Monty digs out and distills themes of tenderness, personal revolution and adventure.

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

Team Dynamite are thrilled to announce their first tour in over six years, in support of their sold out top five album ‘Respect The Process’.

The band will be celebrating the release with a six date tour around New Zealand, including shows in Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and finishing in Auckland.

Respect the Process features a stellar cast of special guests, including soulstress Bailey Wiley, ‘Prince of Grey Lynn’ Diggy Dupe and singer/songwriter Louis Baker. A short documentary has been produced by Tom Scott, who released the album via his label, Years Gone By.

This album captures our bounce back from adversity. It is the result of us working through the hard times together and using music as our group therapist says Lucky Lance.

Haz Beats, Producer and band-member explains the raw emotion of creating the new album. I had to turn the music up to drown out what the world was saying about us at one stage. Every song was a chance to reset the wrongs and let those feelings bleed through our music.

Team Dynamite formed in the late 2000s after aspiring teenage MCs Lucky Lance and Tony Teez decided to take hip hop beyond their weekend freestyle sessions at a local park. An introduction to producer Haz Beats provided the beats they were missing, and suddenly Team Dynamite was a legitimate group, building a reputation for dance-floor friendly hip hop and becoming mainstays of the Young Gifted & Broke collective.

The group released The Demo Tape in 2010, Shepherds Delight in 2014 and Never Again EP in 2015. They’ve collaborated with a who’s who of New Zealand music including Che Fu, @peace, Laughton Kora and Bailey Wiley. Their high energy live show saw the group play major festivals including Homegrown and Rhythm & Vines. They opened for international acts Methodman and Redman and supported local acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop and Ladi6.

Team Dynamite has been quiet for the last few years, save for a few singles to keep fans intrigued. They’ve focused on other projects – music and otherwise. Tony is a youth worker, Lance has a clothing brand and Haz continues to make beats and produce music, notably for Avantdale Bowling Club and Miloux, as well as touring with the re-formed Home Brew.

Doors Open: 8:30 pm – Show Time: 9:00 pm

Dunedin’s finest, The Chills release their seventh studio album ‘Scatterbrain’, a glorious self- examination of Martin Phillipps’ songwriting hot (ish) on the heels of the hugely successful ‘Snow Bound’ (2018) and the critically-acclaimed movie ‘The Chills: The Triumph And Tragedy Of Martin Phillipps’ a year later. As the rave reviewed movie premiered at the SXSW film festival, The Chills headed out on their first US tour since ’96 to further accolades whilst revisiting those esoteric extremes so wonderfully collected in the film which then simultaneously premiered around the world.
“It’s about artistic integrity, self- realisation, self-acceptance and a reflection on mortality.” The Guardian

Now in 2021, Phillipps is taking stock of things – everything. Yes, everything. The result is this triumphant new Chills’ album ‘Scatterbrain’, a thought- provoking and evocative stock take from a man who has lived through good times and bad. But now, the world is a different place and optimism is in short supply. Viewed from the perspective of a man understanding his age and indeed his own mortality, ‘Scatterbrain’ is underpinned, as ever, with catchy melodies and an incisive turn of phrase; it takes a mature look at matters arising with a side order of perspective as opening cut ‘Monolith’ displays.

‘Scatterbrain’ is a life passing before your ears as uncertainty increases and fake news rumbles on; during which aliens invade, Phillipps scales the walls beyond abandon as he probes the minutiae of worlds within worlds and the hourglass fills. A landmark album from one of the great modern song writers, it’s pure pop music for the new normal and we can’t wait to see how it ends…

Doors Open 6:30 pm – Show Time: 7:30 pm

Wāhine Toa is an event to showcase Indigenous women of diverse ages, style and experience through storytelling, music and voice.

Wāhine Toa is an opportunity for whānau and the whole community to celebrate Indigenous women for who they are and their value in our lives as creators, visionaries, protectors, innovators, leaders and connectors.

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

Following a fuzz-ladened debut album ‘All Dat Love’, A.H.’s second album ‘Crying Lessons’, (produced by the acclaimed Delaney Davidson) stripped back the noise to focus on their rock’n’roll roots. With their third album, ‘WOOLSTON, TEXAS’, the band have found their sound.

With Hattaway’s songwriting following a more organic process, it channels all of the raw emotion that defines their live shows. Due for release March 26th, ‘Woolston, Texas’ is a heartfelt lament to highs gone by. A reminder for those times when spectres creep out of the darkness and try to grab you – there’s more than one way out.

Exactly, where is Woolston, Texas?

Doors Open: 8:30pm – Show Time: 9:00pm

Chelsea Jade is escaping the US and making the arduous and isolated journey home, all so she can perform live for us once again. It’s possible she has other reasons to come to Aotearoa, but most importantly she’s sharing her incredible songwriting talents with the country for seven shows this February / March, with special guest rising Tāmaki artist deryk (who launched her debut EP Womb in 2020), including appearances at the Big Gay Out, the Auckland Arts Festival, and the Hamilton Gardens Festival.

Since her debut album Personal Best melted all our faces off in 2018, Chelsea Jade’s kept busy touring, writing and recording new songs between here and LA. Then, just as my last skin graft finally healed, she dropped new track ‘Superfan’ amid lockdown chaos and my face melted right off again. Here’s hoping the holy trinity (flights, a hotel, a negative Covid test) aline for the pop gem and she makes it home. Chelsea Jade kindly penned fans a letter to about the forthcoming trip back home, in which she revealed there’s a new record on the way (!)…

“Dear All, These announcement broadcasts usually take a familiar shape on my end – in an nth hour harried state, I comb through my last and oft-neglected bio screed and recalibrate it as if I’m a deeply impressed (!) third party narrator. While I understand the utility, I have to be honest, it never feels quite right!

So, little theatrics aside, I spent the lion’s share of 2020 in my Los Angeles apartment hunkering down ad infinitum. All tours canceled, everything in flux. I’m sure you’ve seen the news. Still, golden moments showed up in little ways. Getting lovely notes from Bandcamp Friday patrons, cleaning my apartment to that incredible Jessie Ware record and frankly, being invited to play in my hometown this year. I’m grateful to have made it through. It’s an immense privilege to be in a space where music can exist as viscerally as it was intended to be and I would be deeply honored if you would join me for these shows.

Your emotional wreck forever, Chelsea Jade

P.s – I guess I almost finished a new record too.”

Doors Open: 7:00 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

Loop are excited to announce Anna Coddington will be heading out on tour to celebrate the release of her new album, Beams. Appearing alongside her band The Appreciations, this run of shows will see Coddington performing tracks from the new album, alongside her acclaimed back catalogue.

Released in late-2020, Beams sees Coddington exploring her place in the world across 10 tracks as a mother, musician, Māori & human being. Combining her indie-sensibilities with a pop-edge, the album will be imagined live by Coddington & her band, which features Mike Hall (Pluto), Fen Ikner (LIPS) & Jol Mulholland, collectively known as The Appreciations.

Produced by APRA Silver Scroll-winning duo LIPS, Beams sees Coddington creating her most cohesive piece of work to date – a delightfully upbeat piece of indie-pop, with tinges of self-reflection & sorrow across the board. This new live show will incorporate the new album alongside her back-catalogue, all showcasing Coddington’s stunning voice & songwriting ability..

Since the release of her last album, Coddington has performed with the likes of Fly My Pretties, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the Blackbird Ensemble & more. She has also co-written with, and produced for other artists, and composed the original music for the TV series ‘Head High’, all while maintaining a robust writing ethic.

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30 pm, the show will begin at 8.30.

There will be limited table seating available for dinner, bookings are essential. CLICK HERE TO BOOK

You Should Be Dancing is a giant DISCO DANCING celebration! A night of incredibly danceable disco hits. A Boogie Wonderland featuring classic tunes groovy enough to make even a statue move! We are very excited to announce our first shows of 2021! We hope you can make it along to dance up a storm.

If you love disco, are looking for a place to shake your thing and a great night out, come along to You Should Be Dancing. All kinds of nice people are welcome. Dress up or down. Good times will be had on the grooviest dance floor with the most glamorous tunes and great people. What have you got to lose?!

If you’re into…Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees, ABBA, Diana Ross, Cher, Boney M, Donna Summer, Kool and the Gang, Chic, Gloria Gaynor, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Trammps, Sylvester, Sister Sledge, The Nolans, The Jackson 5, Shalamar, Womack & Womack, Ottawan, The Village People, Chaka Khan, Evelyn Champagne King, Patrice Rushen, Silver Convention, Divine, Pointer Sisters, Bohannon, Patrick Cowley, Patrick Hernandez, Eruption, Rose Royce, Giorgio Moroder, Evelyn Thomas, Gwen Guthrie, Anita Ward, The Weather Girls, The Whispers, The O’ Jays, The Brothers Johnson, Candi Staton, Amanda Lear, and more more more…….Then you will love this night!

You Should Be Dancing has a love of disco and dancing! We take great pleasure in getting together with friends, playing the best tunes, forgetting about work for a while and grooving the night away. We love to party and we pull out all the stops to keep the dance floor moving to the music. These events are always outrageous fun, so why not come down and get into it!

FACEBOOK EVENT

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30 pm, the show will begin at 8.30. There will be limited table seating available for dinner, bookings are essential. CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Doors Open: 8:00pm – Show time: 9:00pm

Gussie Larkin, Lily West and Abe Hollingsworth have spent their summer in the studio, hard at work, road-testing an assortment of new material that they’re itching to share with fans from sunny Tāmaki Makaurau right down to mighty Ōtepoti (playing seven dates in total).

Think more glitter, think more pop, think Mermaidens like you’ve never seen them before… “The three of us have spent the past couple of months making a racket both in our practice space and in a recording studio. We weren’t exactly expecting it but, these noises turned into songs! And now we get to play them live to the best people in the world,” says Gussie.

“We’re also looking forward to hitting up all the op shops, eating southern cheese rolls and trying to be as tourist-y as a rock tour allows.”

As for the upcoming single – it was recorded at The Surgery, produced by Samuel Flynn Scott (The Phoenix Foundation), and will absolutely leave you wanting to rock out to it live and in the flesh.

The Raw Collective show at Cassels Blue Smoke on Thursday 4th March has been postponed. We are in the process of finding a new date for this show, announcement coming soon. Your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date however if the new date doesn’t suit please contact www.undertheradar.co.nz for a refund.

Doors Open: 8:00pm – Show Time: 9:00pm

Wellington’s much loved, 10 piece, Hip-Hop crew, Raw Collective, are back with their long awaited 2nd studio album and will be hitting the road for their national album tour, The album is out on Feb 19th 2021 with the tour to follow!

Playing all their favourite tracks from the past and the new electrifying album, come and join the full 10 piece experience with local support acts and special guest for a night of live hip-hop, funk and soul!

“a hum of excited chatter is released into the ether…Raw Collective – all ten of them – take to the stage and we’re off, like a cork out of a bottle. The dance floor’s a jam, the crowd pied-pipered in by the big brass accents and heart thumping bass.”

Doors Open: 8:00pm – Show Time: 9:00pm

The Doll MC delivers fizzy and harmonic Garage Punk with cavernous drums and indulgent pseudo-philosophical subject matters. Formed in Charteris Bay under lock and key during 2020, 2021 is set to be an exciting year for the Dolls. The debut record “SUPERCONDUCTOR” will be performed with Support from the marvellously talented Cold Shower and Harmony & Rhythm. Smile, god is watching.

Doors Open: 8:00 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

Join us at Cassels Blue Smoke after NOSTALGIA Festival for the official afterparty! Featuring, Ha The Unclear and There’s a Tuesday. Tickets are limited so make sure to get in and secure yours while you still can.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30 pm, the show will begin at 8.30. There will be limited table seating available for dinner, bookings are essential. CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Bad Gin Sanctuary presents, The Soul Salute to Van Morrison!

Back by popular demand, a non-stop, 90-minute show dedicated to the Irish Knight himself.

Adam Hattaway and his 10 piece soul band, The Soul Mates will perform songs from albums; Astral Weeks, Moondance, Tupelo Honey, Saint Dominic’s Preview, Veedon Fleece and more, with support from special guests.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 8pm – Show Time: 9pm

Dark Matter Hurricane believe in musical and visual energy and hone both the songs and performance to ensure that all humans have their minds sufficiently blown!!​ There are to be no prisoners taken on this planet!!​

The influences for Dark Matter Hurricane are far and wide with DMH enjoying the fat riff magic of Helmet and Shihad but with the originality and cosmic energy of Tool. Dark Matter Hurricane also draw from the tech influences of the dark dance vibe of Prodigy and Nine Inch Nails. Add to this this some 90s Grunge and you maybe on your way to understanding how the original sounds of DMH have been formed.

Support from: The Moses & Juana Kino

Doors Open 7:00 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

Loop are excited to announce Anna Coddington will be heading out on tour to celebrate the release of her new album, Beams. Appearing alongside her band The Appreciations, this run of shows will see Coddington performing tracks from the new album, alongside her acclaimed back catalogue.

Released in late-2020, Beams sees Coddington exploring her place in the world across 10 tracks as a mother, musician, Māori & human being. Combining her indie-sensibilities with a pop-edge, the album will be imagined live by Coddington & her band, which features Mike Hall (Pluto), Fen Ikner (LIPS) & Jol Mulholland, collectively known as The Appreciations.

Produced by APRA Silver Scroll-winning duo LIPS, Beams sees Coddington creating her most cohesive piece of work to date – a delightfully upbeat piece of indie-pop, with tinges of self-reflection & sorrow across the board. This new live show will incorporate the new album alongside her back-catalogue, all showcasing Coddington’s stunning voice & songwriting ability..

Since the release of her last album, Coddington has performed with the likes of Fly My Pretties, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the Blackbird Ensemble & more. She has also co-written with, and produced for other artists, and composed the original music for the TV series ‘Head High’, all while maintaining a robust writing ethic.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Blue Smoke Open 8:00pm – Show Time 9:00pm

After a year with no releases Reuben Stone has finally dropped the goods. His new single ‘Gold’ holds a lot of energy inside. It reflects on past memories and projects the uplifting feeling of those experiences out to the listener.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Blue Smoke Open 7:00pm – Show Time: 8:00pm

To celebrate the imminent death of 2020, Jed Parsons is bringing the largest version of his band together for their final show of this pooey year. Parsons and his band will be joined by GOODWILL (fresh off his extensive nationwide tour with Dave Dobbyn) and The Knews – a reunion of sorts, with both acts featuring all the ex-members of the chart-topping band ‘nomad’. 2020 will have been given its two weeks notice. Let’s celebrate.

A couple of years on from the release of his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Midnight Feast’ (IMNZ Debut Release of The Year finalist), and over 1.5 million streams down the track, indie-pop sensation Jed Parsons has settled into the dizzying heights of people saying “oh yeah, I think I’ve heard him before”. He’s not complacent, however. Having already graced the stages of Auckland City Limits, Electric Avenue, Nostalgia Festival and North West Festival in his short career, Parsons is trucking on, selling out shows on countless tours and releasing popular indie pop singles ‘Playstation & Porn’, ‘She’s The One’ and ‘Sad Together’ from his forthcoming sophomore album.

Parsons’ sound is a culmination of his rich and varied background as a touring musician, which has taken him around the world and into the studio with the likes of nomad, Pacific Heights and Mel Parsons and Hera. His music balances eccentricity and energy with intimacy and musical sensitivity, maintaining a focus on catchy hooks and lyrical prowess. “If you’re a fan of upbeat indie-pop, then you might already be aware of Kiwi muso Jed Parsons. But if not, he’s undoubtedly about to become one of your new favourite artists…” – Tone Deaf, Australia

FACEBOOK EVENT

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6.30pm, the show will begin at 8:30pm CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

You Should Be Dancing” is a great big DISCO DANCING celebration! A night of exceedingly danceable disco hits. Classic disco tunes you would have to be a robot not to move to. A Boogie Wonderland! We are very excited to present this end of year tour. We can’t wait to get out of the house and onto the dance floor to celebrate the final month of 2020!

If you are on the lookout for somewhere to shake your thing and are after a great night out where you can get down with all types of extravagance, come along to “You Should Be Dancing” and meet your newest friends on the dance floor. All kinds of nice people welcome. Dress up or down. The good times will be on the grooving dance floor with the most glamorous tunes. What have you got to lose?!

If you like…Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees, ABBA, Diana Ross, Cher, Boney M, 5th Dimension, Donna Summer, Kool and the Gang, Chic, Gloria Gaynor, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Trammps, Sylvester, O’ Jays, S.O.S. Band, The Brothers Johnson, Divine, The Village People, Sister Sledge, Cerrone, The Jackson 5, Shalamar, The Whispers, Womack & Womack, Midnight Star, The Commodores, Chaka Khan, First Choice, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Patrice Rushen, Silver Convention, Pointer Sisters, Patrick Cowley, Bobby Orlando, Giorgio Moroder, Evelyn Thomas, Gwen Guthrie, Luther Vandross, The Weather Girls, Shannon, Amanda Lear, etc…….Then you will love this night!

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30pm – Show Time: 8:30pm

Dinner before the show? There is limited table seating available in view of the stage, bookings essential CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING

PLEASE BRING A TOY TO BE DONATED FOR XMAS ALONG WITH YOUR TICKET.

Two of NZ’s foremost roots singer songwriters, Adam McGrath and Darren Watson team up for a double release / toy raiser christmas cheer / whateverathon this December at Christchurch’s premier community music venue ‘Cassels Blue Smoke’.

Darren will be showcasing his new album ‘Getting Sober for the End of the World’ for the first time in ChCh and Adam will be releasing a new possibly pretentious book ‘The Dogs Are Up’.

Expect stories, songs and a socialism of the public bar.

Adam McGrath is a folk singer stationed wherever he lands. He travels the state highways and byways of New Zealand, Australia, Europe and parts beyond, slinging songs and offering up low rent barroom philosophy with his band of misfits and chancers, The Eastern. He hopes for the best, prepares for the worst and believes in Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, libraries, and singalongs. He lives alone, cooks infrequently and is scared of flags that blow to the right. He is happiest in front of a jukebox as the call for last drinks is given, because jukeboxes are getting harder to find, and the last drinks call means the lock in is ever closer. His songs have gathered more than their share of good reviews in NZ and overseas, he’s been nominated for a couple of serious music awards (including the Apra Silver Scroll), Graham Reid from the NZ herald called him ‘NZ’s toughest minded songwriter’ and Barry Saunders from The Warratahs simply described him as “The Truth” while Radio New Zealand refered to him as a “National Treasure”.

Music journalist Nick Bollinger recently described Darren Watson’s music with the phrase So few notes, so much music. Watson’s thirty five year journey from a busy, almost twitchy, fresh-faced front person for the popular late 80s rhythm and blues showband Chicago Smoke Shop to politically engaged folk-blues troubadour has been something to behold. Over the last decade in particular Watson has developed a uniquely Kiwi writing voice and a direction which has taken his music out of the bar room and into concert halls and festivals. Gone are the imported affectations and electric histrionics. Now then with a bold acoustic-based approach and a sweetly-maturing voice, Watson sings original songs that, while drenched in the blues, could only really come from Aotearoa.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 8:00pm – Show Time: 8:30pm

Christchurch’s dreamy indie folk/pop group There’s A Tuesday are hitting the road from this December in support of the release of their ‘Dance With Me Before We Cry’ EP!

A dreamy indie folk/rock/pop group from Christchurch, There’s A Tuesday consists of two female front women on guitars and vocals, Nat Hutton and Minnie Robberds, with Angus Murray on bass and Joel Becker on drums.

The band recently released new single ‘Amsterdam’, the lead single from their Dance With Me Before We Cry EP, the rest of which will be released on Friday November 27. Possessing sublime harmonies and gorgeous songs, There’s A Tuesday won 2019’s Smokefree Rockquest, which provided the platform to record debut single ‘Pinata Head’ at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios. The single rocketed to #13 on the New Zealand singles chart, received rave reviews and frequent radio play nationwide.

They’ve gone on to become the darlings of NZ’s festival circuit, landing upcoming spots at Rhythm & Alps and Rhythm & Vines, Le Currents, and Electric Ave, as well as playing support on The Butlers’ recent tour, and Mako Road’s upcoming shows in Auckland and Wellington.

Band member Nat Hutton says ““We are so excited to have our first nationwide headline tour playing our brand new EP to all you wonderful people, can’t wait to dance with you all!”

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 8:00pm – Show Time: 8:30pm

Rising indie rockers and band of brothers Daily J have today announced a national tour in support of their upcoming debut album ‘Venus Ate Mars’

Hailing from the deep-rooted back lands of Blenheim, now-Auckland-based Daily J have constructed their own unique sound, offering blissful blends of warm swirling melodies, dynamic basslines and subtle pop electronica influence. The talented band of brothers consists of Jayden on vocals/guitar, Jesse on sax/keys, Jonny on bass, plus their buddies Cody on lead guitar and Rick on drums.

The Venus Ate Mars album will crowd favorites such as ‘Left Me Like Summer’ and recent singles ‘Rocket’, ‘Skylah’, and fresh groove ‘Sunshine Hides’. The new LP from the Auckland based Daily J is full of highs, and all that is in between. This is deepened by a strong progression into a world of thoughts and wonderings of the absurd, alongside the sweet and catchy melodies that the band has never failed to deliver.

Prepare for music that will have the audience under the Daily J spell and lost in musical pleasure.

FACEBOOK EVENT

National treasure, Paul Ubana Jones returns to Cassels Blue Smoke this November for an intimate evening of story and song.

DOOR SALES ONLY

Show tickets will be available for purchase at the venue from 6pm on Friday 27th November. Show tickets are $35 each.

This will be a fully seated show with limited tables available for our pre-show dinner service, tables are available via pre-booking only: CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

(Please note if you do not book a table you will still have a seat)

Doors open 6:00pm
Showtime 8:00pm

“Paul Ubana Jones is so much more than one man with a guitar. He is a conjuror of unique and original songs, rooted in primal Blues and Soul”

“The most exciting Electro Acoustic Artist to visit our shores” – Good Morning News, Santa Monica

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 7:30pm – Show Time: 8:00pm.

After far too many quiet nights at home, Ōtautahi singer-songwriters Jack Page & Emily C. Browning are due to gallivant round this fine nation, playing a string of double-headlined shows this November.

This spring tour will see the pair playing some brand new tunes, as well as ones already floating through the airwaves. You might hear words like, soul, pop or even jazz to describe these two, but make no mistake, they both bring their own distinct blend of songwriting and musicianship, creating an electric experience that you won’t know you wanted until you hear it.

Playing a mixture of intimate shows and bigger venues backed with a band, this is not a night to miss.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 8:00pm – Show Time: 8:30pm

Tora Bombora Soundcheck presents a night of musical wāhine! Featuring Wellington’s favorite dub rockers: Dr. Reknaw & Auckland’s groove machine Molly & The Chromatics!

Check check, two one two… Tora Bombora is hitting the road! After Tora Bombora Festival sold out in three hours, we’ve decided to hit the road around Aotearoa with some musical favourites of the past, present and future Tora Bombora Festival line ups.

Christchurch lineup features a night of musical wāhine: Wellington’s favorite dub rockers: DR.REKNAW & Auckland’s groove machine MOLLY & THE CHROMATICS

Support: SOUNDS OF THE LOCAL

EVERY TICKET PURCHASED GOES IN THE DRAW TO WIN A PASS TO TORA BOMBORA FESTIVAL

Merch & smiles will be available at the show. Dr. Reknaw – The full 8 piece band will be bringing a vibrational cleanse of dub, roots, soul, funk & R&B grooves. Dr. Reknaw has grown into an empowering groove-machine Molly & The Chromatics – Big horns, soulful vocals, & piping hot jams are the core elements of a M+TC performance. Their sound is one that demands to be heard live. M+TC’s collective passion for Jazz, Funk, Soul, Electronica, Hip-Hop & RnB is evident in the group’s sound.

Tora Bombora is a community festival that showcases young talent from around Aotearoa & beyond. Festival-goers will come together to celebrate emerging musicians, artists and to support a growing trend of events that encourage community collaboration, celebration, and environmental harmony. Tora Bombora has sold out every year in days. The festival is entering its third year in 2021. Although the festival itself doesn’t have a bar, there are still several ways to activate your brand at the event and through the ‘Tora Bombora Sound Check’ shows.

TB FOUNDATION // Community, Environment & Music – Connect like-minded people and allow them to create and party – Ensure zero harm and protect the environment. – Showcase talented artists whilst lapping up the sun, waves & mountains of the isolated Coastline

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Doors Open: 7:00pm – Show Time: 8:00pm

Celebrate Ōtautahi’s local music talent at Go Live! Featuring The Wendys, Emma Dilemma, The Tacks and Imperial April.

Christchurch’s biggest two-week music festival is here! Go Live! features 30 local acts across 9 events and it’s all free!

This is a free R18 event but tickets will be required due to the limited capacity at the venue. Go Live! tickets are scheduled to become available 9am, Friday 30 October.

Go Live! Go Local! Cassels Blue Smoke presents the official launch party for Go Live! Festival. Expect an epic night of pop, punk and rock music. Guitar heavy power pop group Imperial April will officially kick off the festival, making their live debut. Up-and-coming goth punk rockers, The Tacks, will then follow. Emma Dilemma (ex Decades) will premiere some brand new songs, and surf guitar rock group, The Wendys, will round out the night with their high energy punky anthems.

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DOORS OPEN 6:30pm – SHOWTIME 8:30pm

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6.30pm, bookings are essential: CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

Endeared country music icons, The Warratahs return to Cassels Blue Smoke this November to lift our hearts and raise the roof.

From the Far North to The Bluff and all points in-between, hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders have packed pubs, theatres, barns and dance halls and have literally grown up with The Warratahs.

The songs by lead singer and guitarist Barry Saunders are etched into New Zealand’s landscape and this artistry was rewarded in 2016 with The Warratahs taking out Best Country Music album at the Gore Gold Guitars Awards with Runaway Days, an album that entered both the NZ and Country charts in the Top Ten. Their more recent double album Drivin’ Wheel, is a unique collection of their songs and style since the band’s beginning in 1986. To date, a total of eight albums showcase the group and their poignant music. These are songs that paint a picture of New Zealand, from the nostalgia and majesty of the provinces and the cities, to the heartbreak of the Christchurch quake.

For 33 years the band has travelled to and played in 120 different urban centres and towns across the country. Over this period, a favourite travelling companion was poet Sam Hunt at many of the band’s shows. These days, founder member and master of the accordion Alan Norman, will often guest on-stage. The band has appeared with Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Billy Joel, Lucinda Williams and Leann Rimes, among other international stars. Don’t miss the chance to hear Nik Brown’s hands of fire on fiddle as The Warratahs play Hands of My Heart, Maureen, Rescue Me, St. Peter’s Rendezvous, Mount Victoria Rain, Taranaki and other classics by these titans of the backbeat and buccaneers of the road.

Bring your dancing shoes to their next live show and in the words of Elvis… if you can’t find a partner, use a wooden chair.

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Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

—NEW OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER DATES ANNOUNCED—-
All previously purchased tickets are valid for new dates

Award winning New Zealand singer-songwriter, Reb Fountain, announces an extensive 10-date tour in celebration of her upcoming self-titled album, her debut for Flying Nun Records. Pulling out all the stops for this collection of noir punk-folk songs, Reb is taking her band the length and breadth of the country to deliver these news songs, and some old favourites, in full glory.

The tour announcement coincides with the forthcoming album Reb Fountain release, due out May 1st on Flying Nun Records.
In the wake of praise for her recently-released indie anthem ‘Samson’, Fountain has shared new single ‘When Gods Lie’ featuring supporting vocals of friend and musical collaborator Finn Andrews.

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Doors Open: 7:30pm – Show Time: 8:30pm.

We have three amazing bands on the bill: Ryan Fisherman, Runaround Sue and of course Adam Hattaway & The Haunters. Also it’s Halloween and we’re giving away a bountiful bundle of merch to the best dressed, so get weird and we’ll see you there

One dark night, beneath the glow of a gas heater, Adam Hattaway and the Haunters (A.H.) emerged with a Bob Dylan record in one hand and a glass of cheap red wine in the other. They’ll take you back to the good old days when heartbreak wasn’t just something you learned about in the movies.

Based in Christchurch, A.H. has been building an international reputation in the new order of alt-rock’n’roll. With sweltering hooks and raw emotional narrative, their sound says ‘put your arm around the one you love and remember that they won’t be there forever – but maybe that’s a good thing.’ In celebration of their new single, ‘WASTING OUR TIME’ (Out Oct 2nd!), Adam Hattaway and the Haunters are setting out of their third national tour!

Support: Runaround Sue & Ryan Fisherman

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Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30pm, the show will begin at 8:30pm.

There is limited table seating available for pre-show dinner in our Back Bar & Diner, bookings are essential; CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

One of Aotearoa’s most beloved songwriters, Don McGlashan, has today announced a nationwide New Zealand tour.

Performing brand new songs from his next, soon-to-be-recorded album, along with plenty of gems from his sprawling back catalogue, Don will play a string of shows with a full band comprising the mighty talents of Shayne P Carter (Dimmer, Straightjacket Fits), bassist/guitarist extraordinaire James Duncan (Dimmer, SJD, Punches) and legendary drummer/percussionist Chris O’Connor (Phoenix Foundation).

“We’ll definitely be road-testing an album’s worth of new songs, plus stomping purposefully through those parts of my back catalogue that everyone can agree on.” McGlashan promises. “There’ll also be a lot of loud guitar, although Shayne is an award-winning author now, so he may just want to sit in a plush leather chair on stage, looking thoughtful and taking questions from the audience.”

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Dinner before the show? There is limited table seating available in Blue Smoke’s Back Bar & Diner, bookings essential: CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

Pre-show dinner service from 6:30pm, show starts at 8:30pm.

Celebrate the music of Fleetwood Mac with premier 5 piece band The Fleetwoods. The Fleetwoods are excited to be returning to Christchurch so book your ticket now for an intimate dose of Fleetwood greatness. Featuring some of NZ’s top musicians performing two fantastic high intensity sets from the Peter Green era through to the 80s favourites. With all the hits from Landslide, The Chain, Rhiannon – don’t miss this great night out.

There is limited table seating available for pre-show dinner in our Back Bar & Diner, bookings are essential; CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

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Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

Since releasing his critically acclaimed debut solo album One Piece At A Time in early 2019, Finn has toured extensively playing churches and town halls throughout the UK, North America & Europe, and is now bringing the tour back to New Zealand. The album featured the singles One By The Venom, Stairs To The Roof, and A Shot Through The Heart (Then Down In Flames). It was co-produced by Tom Healy at Auckland’s The Lab and features contributions from Cass Basil & Alex Freer (both of Tiny Ruins), Reb Fountain and Nina Siegler on backing vocals, and string arrangements by Victoria Kelly.

2020 has seen the release of two album B-sides Body Of Light and My Lotus Flower & Me

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Rising genre-defying MC and ex-carpet salesman Wax Mustang is a force to be reckoned with on any stage you find him. With music that somehow hits a balance between throwback hip-hop and 80’s rock, we’re not sure how he does it but it all adds to the enigma.

Now that government restrictions have been relaxed this tour is back on the road, visiting Christchurch’s Cassels Blue Smoke on 16 October.

These dates across New Zealand will be his biggest headline shows to date in support of new music, soon to be released.

Tickets for the previous tour date remain valid for this show without the need for exchange. If you’re unable to attend this show, you can obtain a refund from the point of purchase. Refund requests are to be submitted prior to 5pm Sun 9 August 2020. For any questions relating to this, please contact your original point of purchase.

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Having recently finished the first wave of recording for their debut album, Soaked Oats are taking to the road this October for a string of shows up and down the country. The ‘Say Hey and Play Some New Ones’ tour will see them greeting faces throughout Aotearoa and trying out some new material for the first time.

The band will be supported and joined on stage by DJ and friend ‘Hot in the City’ + a few surprise support acts.

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Unfortunately due to the return of level 2 Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings over 100 people this event has been postponed. The rescheduled date is Saturday 3rd October. We hope you can still make it along however if you are unable to attend on this date you have the option of getting your tickets refunded directly from Under The Radar.  If you have booked a table for pre-show dinner then you will receive an email from Cassels Blue Smoke also. You will have the option to retain your booking for the rescheduled show or have your payment refunded.

Dinner before you dance? There is limited table seating available in our Back Bar & Diner, bookings are essential: CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30pm, music from 8pm.

You Should Be Dancing” is a great big DISCO DANCING celebration! A night of exceedingly danceable disco hits. Classic disco tunes you would have to be a robot not to move to. A literal Boogie Wonderland! We are very excited to present this post lockdown tour with six shows all around New Zealand. We are looking forward to getting out of the house and onto the dance floor to celebrate!

If you are on the lookout for somewhere to shake your thing and are after a great night out where you can get down with all types of extravagance, come along to “You Should Be Dancing” and meet your newest friends on the dance floor. All kinds of nice people welcome. Dress up or down. The good times will be on the grooving dance floor with the most glamorous tunes. What have you got to lose?!

If you like…Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees, ABBA, Diana Ross, Cher, Boney M, 5th Dimension, Donna Summer, Kool and the Gang, Chic, Gloria Gaynor, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Trammps, Sylvester, O’ Jays, S.O.S. Band, The Brothers Johnson, Divine, The Village People, Sister Sledge, Cerrone, The Jackson 5, Shalamar, The Whispers, Womack & Womack, Midnight Star, The Commodores, Chaka Khan, First Choice, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Patrice Rushen, Silver Convention, Pointer Sisters, Patrick Cowley, Bobby Orlando, Giorgio Moroder, Evelyn Thomas, Gwen Guthrie, Luther Vandross, The Weather Girls, Shannon, Amanda Lear, etc…….Then you will love this night!

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Seeking inspiration from a dank eerie flat in Dunedin, steeped in the city’s rich musical history, Marlin’s Dreaming erupted onto the local scene in late 2017 with their debut album, Lizard Tears. The national & international success of the tasty indie-pop EP helped them escape the flat in favour of the road, with consecutive sold out tours across the country.

As the years went on, Marlin’s Dreaming’s sound grew with it, their 2018 EP Talk On/Commic retaining the wry humour of Lizard Tears, but donning a darker aesthetic, with 90’s fangs evoking many of the post-punk greats. Last year they took it on the road with the likes of Kirin J Callinan, The Chills and Ocean Alley, as well as their own sold-out Australian tours.

The band released Quotidian in April 2020, amidst the global lockdown, an accidentally prescient album about the claustrophobia of feeling stuck; directionless. Musically, it was a shift into more serious songwriting, and an exploration of the genre that garnered wide-ranging critical praise from mastheads like NME, American Songwriter, Brooklyn Vegan, and Atwood Magazine.

Pigeon’s & Planes/COMPLEX: “Mixing bits of pieces of indie, psychedelic, and surf rock, Marlin’s Dreaming is making the kind of music that’s chilled-out and calming, while incorporating enough flashes of energy to keep you moving.”

The 405: “Marlins Dreaming’s ‘Cheeky Kids’ is the song you need on a Wednesday. There’s just enough escapism to give you that Friday feeling a little early, while still being grounded enough to keep you in line.”

IMPOSE Mag: “It’s music that you’d want to hear while making some of the best memories in your life. It’s a song full of independence and a motivator for you to get out and explore the beautiful earth on a sunny day.”

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO THE  JAMES HAY THEATRE IN THE CHCH TOWN HALL

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This show will be going ahead as planned however we have made some changes to align with Alert Level 2 Restrictions. To ensure that we can provide a space suitable for social distancing this event will now be fully seated and will have an attendance of less than 100 people. Our door person will be keeping a record of all attendees, if you haven’t done so already please download The NZ Covid Tracer App. There will be hand sanitizing stations available for you to use and our staff will clean all surfaces prior to your arrival.

If you have booked a table already then you don’t need to do anything however if you have not booked a table then we encourage you to do so, this way we can seat you with your friends as a group and our staff can have the room set up and ready before you arrive. CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6.30pm, the show will begin at 8:30pm.

legendary kiwi country singer Al Hunter and Eastern frontman and solo folkie, Adam McGrath join forces for an intimate show at Cassels Blue Smoke this August.

In the world of now, it’s like if you don’t get a photo of it it didn’t happen, if it didn’t arrive on instagram then it was never anywhere, especially if your out there making music. Luckily that’s just how it appears, the world ticks along regardless. And so it is with the odd music maker, still out there still rambling, making it up as they go along finding themselves in the middle of the magic in the magicist of places.

Earlier this year, just before the world tilted on its axis, Eastern frontman and solo folkie in his own right Adam McGrath found himself deposited in the small town of Woodstock just inland from Hokitika. Weirdly enough the great Texan songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore was also there, in another turn of the serendipitous wheel, the legendary kiwi country singer Al Hunter was also in the house playing with his son and members of the legendary west coast Hethrington family. McGrath was stoked, a bunch of heroes in one room and a bar tab. Everything was going to be ok. And it was all night and all song after song long.

The night was sky splittingly magic. In typical west coast fashion, locals made bones about nothing more than whether the songs were drinkable too and danceable for. They indeed were.
In the middle of it probably embarrassing himself during a harmonica break, McGrath allowed himself a little tear and was like Goodgoddamn Jimmie Dale Gilmour and Al fuckin Hunter!.

Feeling the deep pull of Hunters true, honest, good willed songs he knew he needed to bring him over to his side of the island and use whatever power he could to drum up some paying song appreciators to let Hunter know that even though it might’ve been a while between drinks, that his songs and history were still important.

Being the Award winner, country gentle/workingman and 3 chord legend Hunter is McGrath reckons it’ll be an honor to host the man on stage at the Cassels Blue Smoke in Woolston. The two of them will be performing in a traditional country song swap in the round arrangement. The usual Blue Smoke conviviality and music loving spirit will be in the house and night of Song and heart should warm the feet, heads and cockles of all in attendance!

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Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6.30pm, the show will begin at 8:00pm. Very limited table seating available in view of stage, bookings are essential. CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

Katie Thompson & Ryan Fisherman live at Cassels Blue Smoke! Both bringing their alt country swagger to the stage accompanied by their respective bands.

Two-time Tui finalist Katie Thompson released her 3rd album Bittersweet late 2019. Described as aching soul-folk and chiming country-rock, you have to hear these new songs performed with her all-star band ‘The Crooked Mile’.

Debut solo album Vibe from Ryan Fisherman has landed in all its country-folk beauty, galloping into earshot from the Ōtautahi plains in mid-May, Vibe is a lock-down release worth celebrating!

Expect a whole lot of heart and a little bit of soul. Come and enjoy the best of both artists in the best venue in town.

A Special Night In with MEL PARSONS

6:30pm pre-show dinner service (bookings are essential & separate from show tickets) CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

8pm show start

Mel Parsons brings us an intimate evening of mid-winter entertainment at Cassel’s Blue Smoke in a two-night run of special seated shows.

In addition to your show seat, there is limited table seating available for pre-show dinner in the Cassel’s Blue Smoke Back Bar & Diner. The show will be in two halves with an intermission, run times as follows:

Dinner before the show? CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

Kicking off a new era of touring, Mel Parsons brings us an intimate evening of mid-winter entertainment at Cassels Blue Smoke in Ōtautahi / Christchurch.

Needing little introduction, the 2020 VNZMA Best Folk Artist will be playing songs from her critically acclaimed back catalogue in a two-night run of special seated shows. Along with the old faves, be the first to hear the seeds of songs for Parsons’ yet-to-be recorded new album, and revel in a sitting down listening experience that we’ve all been missing these past few months.

Parsons says “I love seated shows – everything about them. No craning your neck to see or getting a sore back three songs in. I’m a huge fan of sit down shows, it helps me listen. I love to perform for seated audiences too – I always want my audience to be comfortable, and seated shows have the added bonus of somehow being that little bit more silly and fun.”

A Special Night In with MEL PARSONS

6:30pm pre-show dinner service (bookings are essential & separate from show tickets) CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

8pm show start

Mel Parsons brings us an intimate evening of mid-winter entertainment at Cassel’s Blue Smoke in a two-night run of special seated shows.

In addition to your show seat, there is limited table seating available for pre-show dinner in the Cassel’s Blue Smoke Back Bar & Diner. The show will be in two halves with an intermission, run times as follows:

Dinner before the show? CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TABLE

Kicking off a new era of touring, Mel Parsons brings us an intimate evening of mid-winter entertainment at Cassels Blue Smoke in Ōtautahi / Christchurch.

Needing little introduction, the 2020 VNZMA Best Folk Artist will be playing songs from her critically acclaimed back catalogue in a two-night run of special seated shows. Along with the old faves, be the first to hear the seeds of songs for Parsons’ yet-to-be recorded new album, and revel in a sitting down listening experience that we’ve all been missing these past few months.

Parsons says “I love seated shows – everything about them. No craning your neck to see or getting a sore back three songs in. I’m a huge fan of sit down shows, it helps me listen. I love to perform for seated audiences too – I always want my audience to be comfortable, and seated shows have the added bonus of somehow being that little bit more silly and fun.”

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There is limited table seating available for pre-show dinner in our Back Bar & Diner, bookings are essential; click here to make a reservation

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30pm, the show will begin at 8pm.

KIWI VOCAL POWERHOUSE, JODY DIREEN, RELEASES EPIC NEW ALBUM ‘SMOKIN’ ASHES’

Direen is one of Australasia’s most vibrant country pop artists and is set to celebrate the launch of her new album “Smokin’ Ashes” with her full band, fans and friends on July 25 at Cassels Blue Smoke venue in Christchurch with special guests Assembly Required, Cam Scott and Phil Doublet.

For the past 4 years – since her signing with Australian record label’s ABC Music and Universal Music, Jody Direen has been in a whirlwind, clocking up miles on the ground and across the skies touring both New Zealand and Australia.

The Vodafone NZMA Tui winner for “Best Country Album – Shake Up” states that people can expect an uplifting show and that she’ll be performing new songs, old songs and some covers. “It’s been a weird few months and I’d love people to join me and celebrate, dance, let our hair down and our worries go – music is good for that”. Two singles from the new album have already been released including ‘All Nighter’ and ‘My Fire’. Direen says that creating this album took her on a journey she wasn’t expecting.

“Whilst writing and recording this album I went through a period of personally ‘letting go’ of anything that no longer serves me (people, beliefs, thoughts, things). This inspired the album title ‘Smokin’ Ashes’ resembling dying to the past, emerging into a new-me, new love but it also encapsulates a double meaning of ‘the end of things’; in one way or another these elements connect to each of the ten songs on the album”.

Performing some of Australasia’s biggest festivals continue to hold as career highlights for the songstress including supporting Kenny Rogers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and LeAnn Rimes. Touring Australia’s first ever C2C Festival last year alongside international greats; Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini, Blanco Brown and more was a ‘dreamy experience’.

With multiple hits, stages, nominations and awards under her belt, Direen is set to venture into an explosive new phase of her career with new-found energy within herself and her songs.

“I’ve never been so excited for a new release and live shows is mostly how I’d love people to experience the new songs. I’m really looking forward to hitting the stage again especially after being in hibernation for a while due to Covid”.

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There is limited table seating available for this show, bookings are essential. Click here to make a reservation

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30pm, the show will begin at 8pm

A night of soul salutation to the Irish Knight himself, Van Morrison.

Adam Hattaway and his 10 piece soul band, The Soul Mates are returning to Blue Smoke to perform songs from albums; Astral Weeks, Moondance, Tupelo Honey, Saint Dominic’s Preview, Veedon Fleece and more, with support from special guests.

We know you’ve been holding back and dreaming of the time that you can attend gigs and dance again so we are limiting the capacity to allow plenty of space to dance and add a few more tables.

Sláinte

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Tickets for this show have sold out, we have added a second show on Saturday 4th July.

There is limited table seating available for this show, bookings are essential Click here to make a reservation

Cassels Blue Smoke will be open and offering a pre-show dinner service from 6:30pm, the show will begin at 8pm

A night of soul salutation to the Irish Knight himself, Van Morrison.

Adam Hattaway and his 10 piece soul band, The Soul Mates are returning to Blue Smoke to perform songs from albums; Astral Weeks, Moondance, Tupelo Honey, Saint Dominic’s Preview, Veedon Fleece and more, with support from special guests.

We know you’ve been holding back and dreaming of the time that you can attend gigs and dance again so we are limiting the capacity to allow plenty of space to dance and add a few more tables.

Sláinte

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Start time: 8:00 pm

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Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

Seminal New York City rock band Helmet is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a headline tour, which will take them around the globe, including three shows in New Zealand next year.

To mark 30 years in the game, Helmet will perform a 30-song set each night of the tour. The band will be playing songs from across their catalogue of eight critically-acclaimed studio albums, as well as rarities from older EPs and singles – with the possibility of a few covers mixed in for good measure. There will be no opening acts on any of the shows.

Founder and frontman Page Hamilton reflects on the occasion: “The day John, Peter and I auditioned Henry is the day I consider to be the beginning of Helmet. The year was 1989 and I think the month was May. I love playing this music more than ever with my current bandmates, Kyle, Dan and Dave. To celebrate 30 years of recording and touring we decided to play 30 songs a night… We hope to see you all there.”

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This event has been cancelled

Australia and New Zealand. It’s after much thought and deepest sadness that we have decided to cancel the remaining dates on our tour of your beautiful countries. All tickets will be refunded.

The current state of the Coronavirus has really made the decision for us. We can’t, in good conscience, continue to be the focal point for gatherings. We love our sweaty, dancey fans too much and your health and safety is too important to us! It’s a crazy time for everyone, know that we love you all very very much and will be back to play shows for you as soon as possible! We wish venues and festivals all the very best in navigating this strange time. Stay safe, stay calm and take care of one another! ❤ TEP

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This event has been cancelled

A message here from the Hot Potato Band

“Christchurch, we have some sad news.
Due to this mornings reports that Australia may be looking to close their boarders, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all remaining shows on our tour.

The safety of yourselves and our team mean the world to us, and as the COVID-19 situation continues to worsen we thought it best to be proactive in helping flatten this curve.

😔 We have been hit hard financially with the cancellation of this tour and the on going cancellation of shows up until July. If you would like to support the band through this time, we have added all our tour merch to our online store.

📦 Deliveries may take up to 3-4 weeks to arrive (as we all have to self-isolate for the next 14 days), but we appreciate any and all support.

Store: https://hotpotatoband.bigcartel.com

🎫 Your tickets will be refunded over the coming days.

Thank you again for all your ongoing support and we hope to see you all soon!

Your friendly neighbourhood brass band”
– HPB

Hot Potato Band is a brass band like no other. Beginning as street performers the 10 piece band from Sydney Australia are passionate about re-igniting organic performance and acoustic instrumentation, breaking down the barriers between stage and audience, and writing engaging original music that leaves lasting impressions on audiences around the world. Their shows are filled with dancing and laughter and is an all round guaranteed good night out.

They are incredibly proud of their all acoustic line up. An energetic amalgamation of catchy music, lyrics, infectious dance moves, interaction and the breaking down of barriers between stage and audience is what sets Hot Potato Band apart. Although difficult to describe their genre, HPB continues to compile their arsenal of songs inspired by Pop, Funk, Ska and Reggae, binding them by the classic instrumentation of New Orleans brass bands.

The bands unique sound is built on the backs of three drummers and a sousaphone, along with an array of horns covering catchy chorus lines and providing a beautiful harmonic cloud for Ben (vocalist) to float above. They are a band never to shy from a good time.

“Hot Potato Band were undoubtedly one of the most entertaining acts of the day”
– Madeline Tait, THE MUSIC (Lost Picnic Festival, Sydney)

“Simply amazing in every single way, from their timing, their show performance, to their impressive crowd involvement. They
gave the Lost Picnic audience a performance so unique and entertaining, personally their set was definitely one of the
highlights from the entire event”
– Laura Tedder, AMNPLIFY (Lost Picnic, Sydney)

“Of course there are always some gems of acts that you see that make the entry price totally worth it. My picks for this year
were Sydney boys Hot Potato Band who i saw twice.”
– Kristen Austin-Zande, SCENSTR (Queenscliff Music Festival)

“This band simply is a barrel of fun and a perfect fit for a summer’s night of revelry.”
– Philippe Perez, The AU Review

Due to recent announcements by the New Zealand Government, Choir With Benefits has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule this event soon!

We thank you for your understanding as we work to reschedule the tour for later this year, an announcement about new show dates will be made in due course.

Ticket holders wishing to attend should retain their tickets pending confirmation of new dates. Patrons unable or unwilling to attend the new dates can obtain a full refund from the point of purchase.

Ticketmaster will contact all ticket holders via email with information regarding the refund process.

For any questions relating to your ticket purchase, please contact Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.nz

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
​
​All the best
​Blue Smoke

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Due to recent announcements by the New Zealand Government, Robinson’s New Zealand tour is being rescheduled.

We thank you for your understanding as we work to reschedule the tour for later this year, an announcement about new show dates will be made in due course.

Ticket holders wishing to attend should retain their tickets pending confirmation of new dates. Patrons unable or unwilling to attend the new dates can obtain a full refund from the point of purchase.

Ticketmaster will contact all ticket holders via email with information regarding the refund process.

For any questions relating to your ticket purchase, please contact Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.nz

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

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Doors Open: 6:00pm – Show Time: 7:30pm

We are proud to support this incredible fundraiser for Lachie alongside Cassels Brewing Co and The Tannery. Lachie was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2012 as a 4 year old and underwent chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy and self-funded MIBG therapy. Six years post treatment, Lachie’s family were devastated to learn he had relapsed in August last year and needs to travel to Sydney for MIBG treatment once again. Help us raise money towards the $80k required!

Join us at Cassels Blue Smoke on March 14th for an evening of comedy, auctions, raffles and music as we raise funds for Lachie’s MIBG treatment in Sydney. Ticket sales and auction proceeds go directly towards Lachie’s MIBG treatment in Sydney.

The incredibly funny and entertaining Shay Horay will be our host and auctioneer for the evening, there will be a very special performance from our secret guest (clue: Lyttelton’s boy wonder) and we’ll round the evening off with a good time party set from Black & Gold.

We also have your culinary requirements covered with complementary pizza and bar snacks for an hour or so in the early evening and our full menu available throughout the night.

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Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

Bad Gin Sanctuary brings to you A Soul Salute Volume 2! A night of soul salutation to the Irish Knight himself, Van Morrison.

Adam Hattaway and his 10 piece soul band, The Soul Mates will perform songs from albums; Astral Weeks, Moondance, Tupelo Honey, Saint Dominic’s Preview, Veedon Fleece and more,
with support from special guests to be announced.

Last year this event sold out so get in quick!

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

No one ever got anywhere by standing still. As an artist, you must move to grow. It’s a sentiment Nadia Reid knows well. Leaving her beloved New Zealand for America to record her third album with strangers, what she didn’t expect was a family awaiting her; teaming up with Spacebomb, her evocative travel tales push explorations of love, personal growth and deep reflection beyond boundaries she ever thought possible.

“Out of My Province is definitely a travelling album; they are road songs,” tells Nadia, of the album, written during a period of intensive touring following the release of her critically acclaimed LP, Preservation. “I felt inspired while I was moving and playing most nights. Sometimes good. Sometimes hard – there was this term I came up with called ‘digging for gold’ where some nights, you’d need to dig deeper for that feeling. During that time I felt really alive and useful.”

Therein is what marks Nadia Reid as more than a wandering troubadour. For her, making music is necessity and through it, she has found her place in the world. As doctors save lives, true artists contemplate their purpose on earth and like sending a postcard to her hometown of Port Chalmers, Out of My Province further marks Nadia’s wildly expanding trajectory, this time from outside her comfort zone; her dynamite vocal soothing souls to offer her own kind of healing. “As an artist, progression is key. I want to always be changing, pushing boundaries, to feel growth. It’s good for us,” she says. “For me, places are about people. If I connect with a person, I’ll remember that, more than an historic building or view. It’s my reason for doing this.”

Between European tours, appearing on Later…with Jools Holland and singing with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Out of My Province is the sound of a young artist growing in profile and dexterity before international audiences and whose world has changed before her eyes. “I took myself to the Amalfi Coast in Italy for two weeks. To get really alone. And to write. That’s where I wrote ‘The Other Side Of The Wheel.’ That experience bled into a lot of future writing.”

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

Amsterdam-based Dutch-NZ trio MY BABY have announced a 10-date New Zealand tour to celebrate the release of their new live album out now.

With a formidable reputation as a live act, MY BABY’s roots-driven hypnotic dance music has taken the world by storm. The MY BABY Live! New Zealand Summer Tour kicks off in Raglan at the YOT Club on February 6 and winds up at the Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika on March 7.

MY BABY’s sound is informed by gospel and blues with ancient folk melodies. Added to that is the rawness of 70s funk, African desert blues, Moroccan gnawa, Indian raga and a touch of EDM. It’s all live instrumentation without a computer or sample in sight!

The band has been spreading their psychedelic blues-trance rave to the approval of audiences worldwide since 2012. They’ve played at some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Glastonbury, Isle of Wight, Sziget, Fusion and Exit.

Over the years MY BABY has had tons of requests to capture the magic of their live show, which they’ve now delivered in the form of the album LIVE!

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We’ve been busy building a Lil’ Smoke Stage so that we can take it to the Banks Peninsula Festival, Orton Bradley Park (Charteris Bay) on 22nd February 2020.

For ticket and festival information visit bankspeninsulafestival.co.nz

Our line up features some of the finest musicianship the Peninsula has on offer.

11:00 am – Candice Milner (duo)
12:10 pm – Adam McGrath (The Eastern, solo)
1:20 pm – Amiria Grenell
2:50 pm – Esther Swift (Scotland)
4:05 pm – Adam Hattaway & The Haunters (duo)
5:15 pm – Lindon Puffin

Relax in the idyllic setting of Orton Bradley Park and enjoy the best of Banks Peninsula; food, wines, beers, local produce, cooking demonstrations, crafts and of course local music.

Some more about the musicians …

LINDON PUFFIN

Lyttelton-based folk-punk musician and former frontman of 90’s glam-rock group The Puffins will be our official MC for the day!

Lindon Puffin has released a handful of albums, toured NZ heaps, played overseas a bit, supported some famous bands, had an album blip momentarily in the top 10, produced a tragicomedy music doco called Figure 8000, fronted a bit of telly, restored a boat, built a house, had some kids and refers to himself as a fisherman trapped in a musicians body.

He promises to regale us with entertaining banter and plenty of great songs.

AMIRIA GRENELL

Daughter of legendary Country musician John Grenell, Amiria grew up on a farm in Whitecliffs, Canterbury where her family hosted decades of music festivals in the back paddocks. She has followed her heritage into a colourful and long standing career as a touring artist and respected songwriter and now calls the Banks Peninsula home.

Her crystalline voice finely balances between gentle restraint and emotive strength, with instrumentation that is equally impressive.

Winner of a Tui NZ Music Award for her album ‘Three Feathers’ & a finalist for the same award for her album ‘Autumn’, this songwriter is gearing up to record a whole new set of songs in 2020.

Her style is New Folk, a bit of pop, country and soul. Her songwriting is honest, delicate and filled with a love of nature and adventures.

ADAM MCGRATH (THE EASTERN, SOLO)

Adam McGrath is a folk singer stationed wherever he lands. He travels the state highways and byways of New Zealand, Australia, Europe and parts beyond, slinging songs and offering up low rent barroom philosophy with his band of misfits and chancers, The Eastern.

Described as “two parts Woody Guthrie, one part revival meeting and one part group hug” a McGrath show goes straight for the spirit level in all of us. Looking deep for the heart and hoping to reach the thinking part of the brain all the while strumming his three chords like his life depended on it. Which of course it does, as of course it should.

“NZ’s toughest minded songwriter” -Graeme Reid

“One of the best modern roots artists, from any country” – No Depression magazine

“A national treasure” -Radio NZ National

CANDICE MILNER (DUO)

Candice Milner is from the seemingly sleepy hollow that is the port town of Lyttelton. She released her debut album ‘Evergreen’ with Lyttelton Records and Southbound Distribution, and is currently showcasing her newer songs in anticipation of her sophomore album.

‘Evergreen’ landed Candice a spot as a finalist for the Tui ‘Best Folk Artist of 2018’, after her national tour. Having played in Canada and the States, Candice has taken her guitar, angelic melodies and raw lyrics all over the world, sharing her organic gothic folk sound.

“She showcases a strong range of sound and emotion, with some songs sombre and simple, reminiscent of Tiny Ruins and others more like Bannerman with fuller arrangements and bigger, catchier choruses.” – NZ Musician Magazine

ADAM HATTAWAY & THE HAUNTERS (DUO)

One dark night, under the glow of a gas heater, Adam Hattaway and the Haunters emerged with a soul music anthology in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other. They’ll take you back to the good old days, circa. 1965, when a man could simply fall in love and cry about it.

Based in Lyttelton, Adam Hattaway and the Haunters have been building a national reputation as an electrifying live act. With sweltering hooks and starry-eyed narrative, their sound says ‘put your arm around the one you love and remember that they won’t be there forever – but maybe that’s a good thing.’

Adam Hattaway is for lovers. A born frontman, he will perform alongside fellow bandmate, Elmore Jones.

ESTHER SWIFT (SCOTLAND)

Esther Swift has travelled the world extensively with her music making and embraces many different influences in her virtuosic harp playing, composing and songwriting.

She writes songs about her homeland of Scotland, drawing on her folk roots and taking inspiration from nature and the people she meets along the way. An eclectic blend of jazz, folk, classical and everything in between Esther will share with you her stories and musical experiences from around the world.

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For tickets and festival information visit: nostalgiafestival.co.nz

We’ve built a Lil’ Smoke Stage stage and we’re taking it to our favorite local festival this February!

Nostalgia Festival is a unique summer experience held within the 1900s replica township of Ferrymead Heritage Park.

Check out our line up!

Motte – 1pm
Archer & Flora Knight – 2:30pm
Skyscraper Stan – 4pm
Hollie Fullbrook / Tiny Ruins (solo) – 6pm

You’ll find us in the dappled shade of the weeping willows, tucked in next to the Cassels Beer Bus

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 7:30 pm

Summer 2020 sees Tattletale Saints return home to celebrate the release of their new album, Dancing Under the Dogwoods, out on January 24th.

Originally from Auckland, 2014 Tui Award winners Tattletale Saints now live in Music City USA, Nashville Tennessee. With the 2020 release of their third full-length album, vocalist/guitarist Cy Winstanley and vocalist/bassist Vanessa McGowan celebrate choosing a tough path and conquering seemingly insurmountable obstacles to chase a dream. With thoughtful and minimal production, their third release showcases the duos perfectly intertwined harmony vocals and Winstanley’s clever yet emotional songwriting. Their musicianship, while always masterful, feels relaxed on this offering, as though they no longer have to prove themselves. It is clear that Winstanley and McGowan have spent years working towards the creation of music that is organic, honest and effervescent, and with Dancing Under the Dogwoods, Tattletale Saints truly are here at last.

In their music and in their lives, Tattletale Saints don’t bow to societal pressure. One of the album’s standout tracks, “D.I.N.K.” highlights the joys of being child free. “Double income/no kiddies/living downtown close to the city/doing what we want/happy as a clam/money in our pockets/time on our hands” the duo sings. The song feels so good that one wonders why anyone would ever want to have a family. The pair seek the same care-free feeling in their music, “Neither of us are trying to force the songs into any one genre,” says McGowan of the albums’ 10 tracks, which move from country and cajun influences to jazz and folk-rock with ease, and include a melancholy reimagining of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

We play classic Disco that you would have to be a robot not to move to. A literal Boogie Wonderland! If you’re sick of needing or feeling like you need a good reason to shake your thang, or perhaps you are worried your friends will judge your over enthusiastic extravagance, come on down to “You Should Be Dancing” and meet your newest friends on the dance floor in front of the biggest, crispiest, bassiest sound system in town. All kinds of nice people welcome. Dress up or down. Good times, great drinks, a grooving dance floor and glamorous tunes plus a few special surprises. What have you got to lose?!

If you like…Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees, ABBA, Diana Ross, Cher, Boney M, 5th Dimension, Donna Summer, Kool and the Gang, Chic, Gloria Gaynor, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Trammps, Sylvester, O’ Jays, S.O.S. Band, The Brothers Johnson, Divine, The Village People, Sister Sledge, Cerrone, The Jackson 5, Shalamar, The Whispers, Womack & Womack, Midnight Star, The Commodores, Chaka Khan, First Choice, Evelyn \Champagne\ King, Patrice Rushen, Silver Convention, Pointer Sisters, Patrick Cowley, Bobby Orlando, Giorgio Moroder, Evelyn Thomas, Gwen Guthrie, Luther Vandross, The Weather Girls, Shannon, Amanda Lear, etc…….Then you will love this night!

\You Should Be Dancing\ has a love of all things musical and danceable. We take great pleasure in getting together on our nights off, playing the best tunes, forgetting about work for a while and grooving the night away. We keep high standards when it comes to filling up our record bags then hitting the night club and so should you! Conceived and driven by the ever present Bernard Gruschow aka DJ St Bernard from Wellington we look forward to hosting our fourth tour of 2019 after the wild success of the first three. We will be pulling out all the stops to keep the dance floor moving and the music fresh. Our previous events have been amazingly fun, so why not come down and get into it so we can keep doing it with more and more outrageousness and extravagance!

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

One step closer to another heaving tour, you don’t want to miss out on sunbleached Australian outfit Shag Rock, as they return to New Zealand to kick start 2020 with a bang!

The indie surf-pop 4-piece have plenty to smile about, fresh off the steam train after touring throughout regional Australia with The Rubens, making waves in New Zealand on their ‘Bridge the Ditch’ tour and selling out dates across Australia. Amassing over 15 million streams internationally and constantly growing their shaggy family of fans – 2019 hasn’t dimmed the spotlight either.

Since the release of their debut full length album ‘Barefoot’ (2017), Shag Rock have toured the USA and embarked on multiple headline tours across sunny Australia, clocking up the miles in the band van. Following this success, they have released two singles ‘Double Life’ and ‘Fuzzy Connection’ which have evolved into full-blown party anthems. Whether they’re sung in sold out shows, or steamy pre-work showers across the world; there is always a time for some Shag.

The band that makes you scream out loud for Champagne (or rather another round of beers) are ready to return to the land of the long white cloud and turn every show into a pulsing party. With new tunes but the same old buffoons – you can’t help but get excited for a new wave of Shag Rock.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

Adam McGrath is a folk singer stationed wherever he lands. He travels the state highways and byways of New Zealand, Australia, Europe and parts beyond, slinging songs and offering up low rent barroom philosophy with his band of misfits and chancers, The Eastern.

He hopes for the best, prepares for the worst and believes in Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, libraries, and singalongs. He lives alone, cooks infrequently and is scared of flags that blow to the right. He is happiest in front of a jukebox as the call for last drinks is given, because jukeboxes are getting harder to find, and the last drinks call means the lock in is ever closer.

His songs have gathered more than their share of good reviews in NZ and overseas, he’s been nominated for a couple of serious music awards (including the Apra Silver Scroll), Graham Reid from the NZ herald called him ‘NZ’s toughest minded songwriter’ and Barry Saunders from The Warratahs simply described him as “The Truth” while Radio New Zealand referred to him as a “National Treasure”.

With The Eastern and solo he has shared stages with and opened for Fleetwood Mac, Steve Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Rodriguez, Damien Dempsey, Jim White, Justin Townes Earle, Willie Watson, Hayes Carll and many more. But he takes the most pride in getting up and putting it down, in both small towns and big, and the joy of shaking hands and sharing beers with the folks met along the way.

His song ‘Hope and Wire’ became the inspiration for the tv3 drama series ‘Hope and Wire’ directed by Gaylene Preston, and he was noted for his community work during the Christchurch earthquake. Playing over 50 free shows for people in Christchurch as well as collating the succesful Harbour Union project which included local friends Marlon Williams, Delaney Davidson and Lindon Puffin among others.
The Eastern are renowned for their ferocious roof raising live shows and have gathered a reputation for being the country’s hardest working band playing up to and beyond 200 shows a year, every year. Their latest album ‘The Territory’ was described as one of the best albums of 2014 from any band in any country by No Depression magazine.

Although the gathering of such plaudits makes him blush behind his rapidly graying beard, McGrath is very thankful and hopes that in someway this might help him in continuing to pay his rent through his roundabout stories and admittedly pretty crappy guitar playing. A people’s player, he works his ass off for any audience he finds himself in front of. Through, yarns, ballads and barnstormers, he goes looking most nights of the year for that deep well of magic that threads through the humble folk song. Described as “two parts Woody Guthrie, one part revival meeting and one part group hug” a McGrath show goes straight for the spirit level in all of us. Looking deep for the heart and hoping to reach the thinking part of the brain all the while strumming his three chords like his life depended on it. Which of course it does, as of course it should.

Sometimes joined by his hard driving and sympathetic rhythm section “The Roaring Days”, A McGrath show swings wild and raw, swelling your heart, moving your feet and going deep for your thinking muscle. Stories and songs and boundless energy, this a show to be moved by.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Door Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

Multi-award-winning Melbourne contemporary folk outfit, The Maes will be touring NZ this December with our very own, Holly Arrowsmith.

Since 2014, The Maes have been full time touring in Australia and overseas, winning over audiences with their striking songwriting, intricate instrumental arrangements and stunning vocal harmonies. Their touring history includes some of the world’s largest and most prestigious music festivals: the Woodford and Port Fairy Folk Festivals (Australia), the Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals (Canada), Cambridge Folk and Celtic Connections Festivals (UK) and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (USA).

Touring since the age of nineteen, Arrowsmith has earned her place as one of the forerunners in New Zealand’s current Folk revivalist movement. Now at twenty five, she has toured both hemispheres and supported artists such as Sixto Rodriguez, Willie Watson, CW Stoneking, Jessica Pratt, Nadia Reid and Tiny Ruins. She was Awarded the TUI for ‘Folk Album of 2016’ for her debut record ‘A Dawn I Remember’, and APRA ‘Country Song of the Year’ 2019 for the powerful track ‘Slow Train Creek’, penned in the Rockies of Colorado.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show time: 8:30pm

Every year, the bells chime, the treetops glisten, the reindeer hoof up and the hum of the humdrum year before gently falls away, oh and the goddamn Eastern do a christmas show.

What goes around comes around and The Eastern take it as a point pride that as the years tick and the clocks tock that they still remain upright 12 years after they decided to make their first stand. For the last few goes around they’ve used their local shows as an opportunity to pitch in and shore up local things that could use a collective shoulder, with money, food and solidarity they’ve been able to help here and there a little sometimes and a lot others. This christmas is no different, asking attendees to show up at the door with a child’s Christsmas present big or small, that can be donated to those who’s resources are stretched and could use a little good cheer.

They will be joined in the show, at Woolston’s own Cassels Blue Smoke by spiritual and musical godfather, gentleman of the road and lead Warratah, Barry Saunders.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

“You Should Be Dancing” is a night of exceedingly danceable Disco Hits.

We are excited to announce our final four shows for 2019! A big end of year celebration.

We play classics that you would have to be a robot not to move to. A literal Boogie Wonderland! If you’re sick of needing or feeling like you need a good reason to shake your thang, or perhaps you are worried your friends will judge your over enthusiastic extravagance, come on down to “You Should Be Dancing” and meet your newest friends on the dance floor in front of the biggest, crispiest, bassiest sound system in town. All kinds of nice people welcome. Dress up or down. Good times, great drinks, a grooving dance floor and glamorous tunes plus a few special surprises. What have you got to lose?!

If you like…Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees, ABBA, Giorgio Moroder, Diana Ross, Cher, Boney M, 5th Dimension, Donna Summer, Kool and the Gang, Chic, Gloria Gaynor, KC & The Sunshine Band, The Trammps, Sylvester, O’ Jays, S.O.S. Band, The Brothers Johnson, Divine, The Village People, Sister Sledge, Cerrone, The Jackson 5, Shalamar, The Whispers, Womack & Womack, Midnight Star, The Commodores, Chaka Khan, First Choice, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Patrice Rushen, Silver Convention, Pointer Sisters, Patrick Cowley, Bobby Orlando, Evelyn Thomas, Gwen Guthrie, Luther Vandross, The Weather Girls, Shannon, Amanda Lear, etc…….Then you will love this night!

“You Should Be Dancing” has a love of all things musical and danceable. We take great pleasure in getting together on our nights off, playing the best tunes, forgetting about work for a while and grooving the night away. We keep high standards when it comes to filling up our record bags then hitting the night club and so should you! Conceived and driven by the ever present Bernard Gruschow aka DJ St Bernard from Wellington we look forward to hosting our fourth tour of 2019 after the wild success of the first three. We will be pulling out all the stops to keep the dance floor moving and the music fresh. Our previous events have been amazingly fun, so why not come down and get into it so we can keep doing it with more and more outrageousness and extravagance!

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 7:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

Miss June are thrilled to announce a run of homecoming shows this December, finishing off their whirlwind year of touring just the way it began, in New Zealand.

Since releasing their debut album ‘Bad Luck Party’ in September, which the NY Times de-scribed as, “a nod back at a pantheon of powerful statements and sounds… calibrated for 2019 ears craving a clever, irresistible outlet,” the punk-rock four piece have been impressing audi-ences and gaining fans worldwide with their blistering, reckless sound and the unrivalled stage presence of Annabel Liddell, guitarist Jun Park, bass player Chris Marshall and drummer Tom Leggett.

Heading to Christchurch for their only show in the south Island this year, Miss June will then re-turn to Wellington’s San Fran Bath House where their sold-out album release party took place earlier this year, before continuing on to Tauranga. Treating their Auckland underage fans to an all ages show at the Tuning Fork, Miss June will then finish up with a show at Raglan’s infamous Yot Club.

Continuing to build their reputation for fierce, formidable and head-spinning live shows, this is your last chance to catch Miss June live this summer, and it’s one you definitely won’t want to miss.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

“the listener is quickly reminded of the minimalist beauty that has painted the singer-songwriter’s career for more than a decade”
– No Depression

Joe Pug’s new record The Flood In Color is nearly four years in the making. But that betrays the fact that the making of the album was one of the most natural and rewarding processes of his career. Produced by Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids and engineered by Matt Ross-Spang, the album started with the goal of focusing on the simplicity of musicians playing together, live, in the same room. Recently relocating back to his childhood home in Prince Georges County, Maryland after many years spent in Chicago and Austin, Pug wanted to take a new approach. The partnership with Pattengale proved to be an irresistible opportunity to do just that.

“The past couple of albums haven’t always been the most enjoyable to record. The process can really bring on all sorts of pressures about what you should be doing and how you should be doing it, both internally and externally. Lots of ‘Songs need to be 3 and half minutes long’ and ‘You need something that will work on AAA radio’. And the end result is this strange gravity that just weighs you down.”

Pattengale, a fan of Pug’s music since the days of his 2010 EP Nation of Heat, was eager to try a back-to-basics approach.

“So Kenneth and I sort of had the idea to strip all that away. I was just going to write songs. And I was going to do it in a way that came naturally to me, and that I enjoyed. Get rid of all the external bullshit. Look….music isn’t my entire life. Sometimes I want to write songs. But other times I want to read books. I want to play with my kid. I want to cook. A couple years ago I started a podcast. So that’s sort of how I approached this one. I’ll write songs the way I write songs. And when Kenneth and I had a few that we felt good about, we got together and dialled them in a bit further and worked on arrangements. Almost as friends as much as anything. And when we got them to a place we were happy with, we went to Nashville and recorded them. But through the whole affair, there was really no timetable I imposed on it.”

In the studio, the relaxed mood continued. “In the past I’ve been guilty of being a bit too intoxicated with the process of recording, and it sometimes took away from the pure joy of making music. This time we didn’t spend weeks hold up in the studio obsessing over minute details. Kenneth put together an A+ group of musicians. And then we sat around a table, talked about the song for a bit, ran through it, and then pressed record. It was a revelation and all the credit in the world to Kenneth for recognizing how important that would be. As a musician, there are so many things that can get in the way of actually making music. What Kenneth did was to methodically strip those things away.”

In 2015 Pug also launched the aforementioned podcast, which has gone on to enjoy tremendous success. The Working Songwriter is a monthly hour-long conversation with some of today’s best songwriters. Recent guests have included Josh Ritter, Amanda Palmer, Steve Earle, Brandon Flowers, Craig Finn, Ian MacKaye, Shakey Graves, Anais Mitchell and John Paul White. While its audience has grown, it’s always been more of a labour of love for Pug. “I didn’t hear the podcast I wanted to listen to, so I went ahead and just created it. From the very beginning, I had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted it to be. From there it was just a matter of convincing anyone to be on it! This was 2015, so it was still pretty early days for podcasting, so you’d get a lot of confused replies. ‘Wait, you want to interview me for an HOUR???’ “It’s made me reach out to the small community of people that do this for a living and given me a real sense of community. It started out with lots of friends and colleagues that I already knew, but since then I’ve gotten the opportunity to talk to lots of artists I hadn’t met prior. And it has been this absolutely incredible avenue to learning more about artists across genres. And in the process also learning about these very subtle but undeniable common threads that we all share because of our line of work.”

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:30 pm

California-based Kiwi singer-songwriter Greg Johnson hits the road in late November bringing great songs and festive cheer to music fans across the country.

Johnson and his superb band (Ben King, Wayne Bell and Josh Logan) will perform five concerts around New Zealand, with the frontman promising “wonderful guests, mayhem and frivolity, themed Christmas cocktails and a festive surprise or three”.

Says Greg: “I can’t wait to tour the Christmas Cocktail Club around New Zealand for this first time in a decade. We’ve selected venues where we can have some fun with the crowd, and collectively enjoy a great night out”.

Greg’s fanbase continues to grow across the country with close to three decades of touring his extensive collection of hits, including Isabelle, Don’t Wait Another Day, Liberty, Save Yourself, It’s Been So Long, Now The Sun is Out, Looking Out On Monday, I Got Opinions and more.

Accolades include two Tui NZ Music Awards, eight top 20 albums and a coveted Silver Scroll, for Liberty.

FACEBOOK EVENT

Doors Open: 6:30 pm – Show Time: 8:00 pm

WORD Christchurch is pleased to announce the return of three of the biggest hits of the 2018 festival.

Poets Omar Musa (Australia), Michael Pedersen (Scotland) and Dominic Hoey (New Zealand) will once again come together from different parts of the globe to regale you with poetry.

Omar Musa is a Malaysian-Australian author, rapper and poet from Queanbeyan, Australia. He has released four hip hop records, three poetry books his debut novel “Here Come the Dogs” was long-listed for the International Dublin Literary Award and Miles Franklin Award and he was named one of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Young Novelists of the Year in 2015.

Michael Pedersen is a prize-winning poet, writer and animateur who has read all over earth. He has published two successful chapbooks and an acclaimed debut collection Play With Me (Polygon). His second collection, Oyster, surfaced in 2017 with and was illustrated by and performed as a live show with Frightened Rabbit’s Scott Hutchison. He hosted the smash hit event The Neu Ōtautahi Incident at last year’s WORD festival, and was one of the guests from our featured country, Scotland.

Dominic Hoey is an author, playwright and poet based in Tamaki Makaurau. His debut novel, Iceland was a New Zealand bestseller and was long-listed for the 2018 Ockham Book Award. His new book of poetry I Thought We’d Be Famous is out on Dead Bird Books October 24th.