Leigh News & Events

Jan
25
Sat
MARLIN’S DREAMING @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 25 @ 9:30 pm

Marlins Dreaming at the Sawmill CafeSimilar to the migrating patterns of the bar-tailed Godwit – or KuaKua – Marlin’s Dreaming will leave its prickly nest in December to embark on a national summer tour, visiting Aotearoa’s agrarian towns and middling cities – and Leigh!

The tour marks the celebration of its new full length LP, Quotidian, recorded at Roundhead Studios and set to be released in 2020. After recently playing alongside musical heavyweights, Kirin J Callinan and The Chills, Marlin’s Dreaming continues to take significant strides in the local scene.

From gliding pop ballads, to grungy post-punk, Marlin’s Dreaming have been continually striving to diversify their sound and improve their live performances. Playing some bloody good pop rock shit from Dunedin.

R18

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $25+ b.f: banishedmusic
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Jan
27
Mon
Lonely Heartstring Band @ Whangateau Hall
Jan 27 @ 7:30 pm

Lonely Heartstring Band

Nourished by deep roots in the expansive canon of traditional American music, The Lonely Heartstring Band embodies the modern American condition—an understanding and reverence for the past that informs a push into the future. George Clements (guitar, vocals) Patrick M’Gonigle (fiddle, vocals) Charles Clements (bass, vocals) Maddie Witler (mandolin) and Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo) bring together their own musical styles to create a sound greater than the sum of its parts.

Combining soulful instrumental virtuosity with soaring three-part harmonies, their growing repertoire of original songs and compositions showcases not only their considerable talents, but a dedication to meaningful roots-conscious music.

Since their beginnings in 2012, The Lonely Heartstring Band has been on the rise and shows no sign of slowing down. With their 2015 IBMA Momentum Award and their 2016 release of their debut full-length album, Deep Waters, on Rounder Records, there is every reason to hope that they are at the front edge of a significant career.

Already they have generated a devoted following of music-lovers across North America, performing and headlining at major music festivals and historic venues from Western Canada to California, from Kentucky to New Hampshire. Whether it’s a festival stage, theatre, or intimate listening room, The Lonely Heartstring Band always delivers a dynamic, diverse, and heartfelt performance. Over the last three years of touring, the band has crafted shows that generate a genuine connection and bring crowds to their feet.

Jan
30
Thu
ALEX VENTLING TRIO @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 30 @ 8:00 pm

Alex Ventling Trio at the Sawmill CafeA special concert from an exciting young European jazz piano trio. Alex Ventling, a Swiss/New Zealander and emerging pianist, brings home his trio after six years living and studying abroad. This is the first international tour of the trio since Alex graduated with his Masters degree in Switzerland, and a premiere for New Zealand.

The personal and dynamic colours in Alex’s compositions deliver a bold statement with European elegance – a refreshing addition to what we may know as ‘jazz’. Expect playful interaction, continuous shaping of the moment, risk-taking, amongst beautiful melodies and sometimes explosive rhythms. Completing the band is double-bassist James Krüttli (Switzerland) and drummer Phelan Burgoyne (UK). Through their improvisations, the three communicate as only old friends can.

ALEX VENTLING TRIO

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 7:30pm
PRE-SALES: $20 at the bar / students $15
Best to book a table

Jan
31
Fri
N8VSOUL @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 31 @ 9:30 pm

N8VSOUL at the Sawmill Cafe

N8VSOUL will be touring New Zealand for the first time in January 2020, bringing their reggae-influenced electronic, dub vibes through Aotearoa in a dynamic, live performance performance (think DJ set of dub beats, samples and live vocal/instrumentation) in support of their new EP, ‘Nativity’.

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $15+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES $20

Feb
1
Sat
A WEEKEND OF FLEETWOOD MAC @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 1 @ 9:00 pm

The Fleetwoods at the Sawmill CafeCelebrate the music of Fleetwood Mac with this premier tribute the band.

Playing two big sets of classic Fleetwood Mac – from late 60s Peter Green era to 80s hits.

SATURDAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 8:00pm
SUNDAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 4:30pm
PRE-SALES: $25+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Feb
2
Sun
A WEEKEND OF FLEETWOOD MAC @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 2 @ 5:30 pm

The Fleetwoods at the Sawmill CafeCelebrate the music of Fleetwood Mac with this premier tribute the band.

Playing two big sets of classic Fleetwood Mac – from late 60s Peter Green era to 80s hits.

SATURDAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 8:00pm
SUNDAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 4:30pm
PRE-SALES: $25+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Feb
4
Tue
AJ Lee and Blue Summit @ Whangateau Hall
Feb 4 @ 4:43 am

AJ Lee and Blue Summit Lee and Blue Summit, a bluegrass band led by singer, songwriter, and mandolinist, AJ Lee, has been the darling of the North Bay, California bluegrass scene since their first appearance in Santa Cruz. Drawing from influences such as swing, folk, blues, jazz, country, soul, and rock, their undeniable talent and insatiable passion for bluegrass harks back to traditional classics while remaining uniquely modern. They’ve accrued many devout followers and distinctions including the Freshgrass 2019 Band Contest Winner, IBMA 2019 Momentum Vocalist of the Year for AJ Lee, 2nd Place at the 2019 Winfield Guitar Competition for Sully Tuttle, and numerous awards in Northern California. In 2019, AJ Lee and Blue Summit came out with their debut album, “Like I Used To,” which consists entirely of AJ’s original songs. Equipped with these new songs and their archive of nostalgic tunes, they’ll continue playing to both familiar and new audiences, endearing themselves to the country and the world.

“AJ Lee & Blue Summit are pure, beautiful American music. Soaring harmonies, top notch picking and strumming as well as a healthy respect and reverence for the classic country, bluegrass and folk music of the past all add up to a band who are masters of the genre. That’s not to say that AJ Lee & Blue Summit are antiquated in anyway. While the band tips a hat to the American masters of the past, their sound is modern and thoroughly of today. The band are great torch bearers of the music that helped build America. ”

Feb
8
Sat
MY BABY AND SPECIAL GUESTS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 8 @ 9:30 pm

My Baby at the Sawmill CafeAmsterdam-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.
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, made up of New Zealander Daniel ‘Da Freez’ Johnson (guitar); Joost Sheik van Dijck (drums / vocals) and Cato van Dijck (lead singer and guitar), 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.

MY BABY’s return marks the band’s fifth tour of New Zealand, where they have built up a dedicated and loyal fanbase. It was a reputation further reinforced when they performed at WOMAD 2018 to rave reviews.

“With their blend of dance-orientated roots, blues and funk with touches of world music they come across as a confident well-oiled machine that is obviously the product of constant touring” – RNZ

TICKETS ON SALE 2/12

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $30+ b.f: ticketmaster
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Feb
21
Fri
THE SCHIZOPHONICS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 21 @ 9:30 pm

Schizophonics at the Sawmill CafeMind-blowing San Diego garage funk leviathan The Schizophonics are back with a hot new album (‘People in the Sky’) and a massive tour of some loveLeigh 🙂 Aotearoa venues.

It’s like… So… Ok, imagine the MC5 went to a bowling club and ended up going head to head with The Meters but then it ended in a draw and they all went dancing. Or James Brown went shopping but the shoes he bought were too small so he gave them to ol’ mate Jimi Hendrix who was so chuffed he bought them both tickets to a Stooges concert. Imagine that but louder and you’ve got The Schizophonics. All gyrating, all groovin’, all rock ‘n’ roll!

Tickets on sale now!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
EARLYBIRD PRE-SALES: $25+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Feb
23
Sun
TATTLETALE SAINTS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 23 @ 5:30 pm

Tattletale Saints at the Sawmill CafeSummer 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.

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 5:00pm
PRE-SALES: $20+ b.f: eventfinda
DOOR SALES $25

Feb
29
Sat
White Chapel Jak – Summer Vibes 2020 Tour @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 29 @ 8:00 pm

White Chapel Jak at the Sawmill CafeLove grown music comes to life summer 2020 with White Chapel Jak. Thrilled to announce their “Summer Vibes Tour”, this high energy acoustic Kiwiana band will have you groovin’ and vibin’ with their fresh and funky approach to songs you all know and love.

Hot off the back of a sold out debut “MusicLife Tour” crowd favorites White Chapel Jak are over the moon to play at SoundSplash 2020, headline at SeePort Festival with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and play the Fritter Festival Whangarei alongside Katchafire (MAR20). Winners of the RNZ Battle of the Covers Band and Outstanding Entertainment at the Wedding Industry Awards they are renown for capturing and delighting audiences all over New Zealand.

They genuinely love performing and every moment of their journey and dynamic shows reflect this. With a stage that lights up with musical wizardry, laughter and love, it’s easy to see why audiences of every age fall for them wholeheartedly, their music and their story.

Check out their epic performance at the SeePort Festival with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra earlier this year, where in front of 15,000 people they bought the house down with their version of Another Brick in the Wall by Pink Floyd.

BAND ON STAGE: 8.00pm to 10.30pm

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 7:00pm
PRE-SALES: $30+ b.f at eventbrite
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Mar
1
Sun
CARNIVOROUS PLANT SOCIETY @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 1 @ 4:00 pm

Carnivorous Plant Society, led by Finn Scholes – with the talents of Alistair Deverick, Alex Freer, Tam Scholes, Siobhanne Thompson and Cass Mitchell – tell stories both through music and with custom-made CPS at the Sawmill Cafeanimated projections guaranteed to melt your mind in the most pleasurable way.
We are so looking forward to them loading the Mill with beautiful instruments and beastly animations!

Kids under 13 get in free!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 3:00pm
PRE-SALES: $30+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Mar
7
Sat
Leigh Fishing Contest 2020 @ Leigh
Mar 7 all-day
Leigh Fishing Contest 2020 @ Leigh

The Leigh Fishing Contest raises vital funding for the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and other local causes.

An annual event on the fishing calendar since 2003, the event goes from strength to strength.  Thanks to the participation of wonderful sponsors and generous participants on the day over $350,000 has been raised for the rescue helicopter and other local causes over this time.

Every adult ticket holder is in with a chance to win the amazing Marco Yamaha boat package.

CUTTIN’ LOOSE Vol.2 @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 7 @ 9:00 pm

Cuttin' Loose Vol.2 at the Sawmill CafeFalcon events and The Matakana App Present

A night of electronic debauchery at the mill.

Come send off summer with some of the best DJ’s in our fine land. Featuring 𝙁𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧rThe CHEFFIntrouble_nz, and Digby & Dumbell.

Get down with FairBrother, a break through Drum and Bass artist from Christchurch. Fresh off performing at festivals like Rhythm and Vines and Soundsplash, Fairborther is known for a unique, playful style that always keeps you on your toes.

With support from The Cheff, Introuble, Digby and Dumbell, plus a great production set up

Tickets on sale Saturday!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $27+ b.f at  ticketfairy
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Mar
15
Sun
RIDDIM YARD @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 15 @ 2:30 pm

Ben Hurley at the Sawmill CafeFISH & BREAD SOUNDSYSTEM & FRIENDS

An afternoon of roots, reggae and dub selections, played though the Fish & Bread Sound System.
Special guests Nealske and Selecta Jewellers (FR) also upon the controls.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Mar
21
Sat
Raft Race – postponed @ Matheson Bay
Mar 21 @ 2:00 pm

Spectators Welcome!

Apr
18
Sat
BRENDHAN LOVEGROVE & FRIENDS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Apr 18 @ 1:49 am

Brendhan Lovegrove at the Sawmill CafeWinner of the 2015 NZ Comedy Guild Award for Best Male Comedian.

Brendhan is a favourite on the NZ Comedy Circuit and a much-loved regular headliner and host at The Classic – and he’s hosted a fair few shows here over the years too!

Brendhan’s manic physical presence combined with a sureness of delivery and material that can be described as verging on the psychotic side of human nature, has delighted and frightened audiences throughout New Zealand.

Best get a ticket, book a table and have a laugh at his new material!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 8:00pm
PRE-SALES $20+ b.f at eventfinda soon
DOOR SALES $20 from 730pm

Apr
25
Sat
Jack Daniels – Smoke on the Coast @ Whangateau Holiday Park
Apr 25 @ 2:00 pm – Apr 26 @ 5:00 pm
Jack Daniels - Smoke on the Coast @ Whangateau Holiday Park | Whangateau | Auckland | New Zealand

Smoke on the Coast is back at a brand new venue – Whangateau Holiday park!

25+ Teams will battle off for the honour of being named ‘Grand Champion’ by preparing, cooking (over wood or charcoal) 7 categories of meat/protein.

Both the actual cooking and Judging will be open to the public.

Cooking categories are:
Hot & Fast
– Steak
– Chicken Wings
– TBA/Sponsors Choice

Teams are competing for a minimum Cash pool of $7000 plus extra prizes from our generous sponsors

The public are welcome on site at any time from 1300 to 2000 Saturday 25th April and 0800 – 1700 Sunday 26th April.
Prize Giving is 1530 Sunday

Entry is by ticket only.
Public entry is free. – order tickets HERE: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/smoke-on-the-coast-tickets-94245523899

Jun
20
Sat
BEN HURLEY STRAIGHT OUT OF LOCKDOWN TOUR – SOLD OUT @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 20 @ 9:00 pm

Ben Hurley at the Sawmill CafeBen’s “The Endless Summer Tour” was cut short by the Covid-19 crisis earlier this year.
So teaming up with the Save Our Venues campaign and announcing dates covering many of the smaller venues around the country seemed like a perfect way to help the recovery.
And we are thrilled!

Ben is well known from his TV appearances ~ 7Days, The Project, The Comedy Gala. And he’s won all of the awards! The Fred, The Billy T, NZCG Best Male and NZCG Best MC so he definitely has the chops, and the beard, to make a great show.

Joined by Vaughn King in support its shaping up to be a night of laughs you don’t want to miss

Please contact us direct to book a table once you have purchased tickets

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8pm
PRE-SALES $30+b.f at eventfinda or at the bar
DOOR SALES tbc

Jun
21
Sun
Leigh Midwinter Swim 2020 @ Matheson Bay
Jun 21 @ 10:15 am

Co Housing for Leigh

Learn about this successful community model.

Friday 22nd July 2022

7 – 9 pm at Leigh Hall

Entry by gold coin koha

Enquiries to amanda.garland@gmail.co