Leigh News & Events

Aug
13
Sat
ARAHI, There’s nothing like a Piano Tour @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Aug 13 @ 7:30 pm

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Those in the know will know an 
Arahi show is much more than mere music. Arahi creates immersive experiences to speak to your tender soul and linger round the corners of your mind long after he’s skipped town. This latest offering is a chance for you to grasp at an elusive moment in time, an intimate audience with the man and his piano. 

In collaboration with Undergrand, Arahi comes to the stage paired back, pouring heart and soul over the keys of this exquisite snow white baby grand piano. This show promises a delicate and insightful look at Arahi, his songs and their many facets.  In his words, “it’s a chance to really get to know the songs and the meaning behind them, because we’re in such an intimate setting, which doesn’t happen too often.”

With a reputation for being a bona fide artistic soul, presented as a master of his craft, Arahi juxtaposes classic and contemporary sound with an eclectic, eccentric style. Arahi calls on theatrics and grandiose displays of sound and vision, meticulously crafted, together with a flair for showmanship, constantly pushing the boundaries of Indie music.

Arahi released ‘The Best Thing I’ve Ever Seen’ a blissful, hazy tune, in April, which as Arahi aptly sums up, feels “like a red hot 80s sun setting on roller-skating silhouettes along a golden boulevard.” The track was released with a bonus B-side – a mesmerizing dance remix of Arahi’s 2020 single ‘Searching In The Sun’

Arahi will release new single ‘There’s Nothing Like It’  this Matariki, which breezes past your ears to the depths of your soul like a long awaited exhale.  This sound is a chance for people to relinquish themselves of the weight on their shoulders, really dive into the music and allow themselves to believe that some things can’t be explained in words.

Arahi recently played alongside iconic NZ artists; The Veils, Bic Runga, Nadia Reid to a sold out audience at Auckland Stadium’s Lilypad concert. Arahi is looking forward to connecting and creating memorable live experiences with his fans in six different regions of Aotearoa this winter.

Aug
16
Tue
Leigh Business Community AGM @ 15B Wonderview Road
Aug 16 @ 7:00 pm

Prospective members welcome.

Aug
27
Sat
BRIAN BAKER LIVE with special guest Coda Muso & Street Georges @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Aug 27 @ 7:30 pm

Due to the positive mediacalendar press “Open Up Your Heart” has received,  Brian has taken the opportunity to design a show around the message his songs represent, showcasing his guitar and performance skills.  Not only will his songs have you tapping and grooving but they may also “ Open Up Your Heart” in some way.

 Brian has spent a large part of his life in the music industry, performing at countless shows in Australia and New Zealand.  His performance and impeccable song writing is at the highest level of professionalism.   As a solo artist he demonstrates formidable guitar skills live on stage, coupled with uplifting vocals and originally produced electro rhythm dubs. 

Sep
17
Sat
Pest Free Leigh Open Day @ Leigh Hall
Sep 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
YOU AM I @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 17 @ 8:00 pm
calendarLed by charismatic frontman Tim Rogers, You Am I are one of the most successful and internationally heralded Australian bands. They’ve scored three number one albums, while Sonic Youth and Soundgarden are amongst the band’s admirers.
Their influences combine the Who, Small Faces, the Jam, Clash, and Replacements – creating their own spin of kick-arse rock, striking melodies and razor sharp lyrics.
Their 11th studio album The Lives Of Others was recently released to rave reviews around the world and it debuted at No 2 in the Australian album charts.
Look forward to a night of great songs from classic You Am I albums like Hi Fi Way and Hourly, Daily, plus new tunes from the new album.
Sep
26
Mon
Folk Club Night with special guest host Andy Hamilton and second half artist Jemilah Ross-Hayes. @ Whangateau Hall
Sep 26 @ 7:00 pm

Jemilah Ross-Hayes: Jemilah will entrance you with honest lyricism that seeks to
unravel the tough truths, deep doubts and soft soul within her experiences.

Oct
23
Sun
The Goat Swim @ Goat Island Marine Reserve
Oct 23 @ 9:00 am
Leigh Swimmers and Samoa Swim are proud to co-host The Goat Island swim on Labour Weekend Sunday 23 October 2022. Continuing the tradition of the event launched by NZ Swim Safaris, there’s a timed race around the island followed by a safari lap (ca. 2km each).
Swim one, swim both!
Make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch for afterwards. Check out the entry criteria and details on:
www.oswim.co.nz/the-goat
The Snugleigh Community Scarf Event @ Leigh Hall
Oct 23 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Oct
31
Mon
Folk Club Night with special guest Dave Flynn @ Whangateau Hall
Oct 31 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

About Dave Flynn: Celebrated by the New York Times for the “power and grittiness” of
his music, virtuoso guitarist and composer Dave Flynn is a musician to take note of.
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, he redefined orchestral music by creating the cross-genre
Irish Memory Orchestra: a “formidable collective of musicians.”

Nov
3
Thu
DON MCGLASHAN Bright November Morning Tour @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Nov 3 @ 8:00 pm

calendarDon McGlashan has been weaving his stories for the last four decades, with three solo albums – Warm Hand (2006), Marvellous Year (2009), and Lucky Stars (2015). His soaring gospel song ‘Bathe In The River’ (APRA Silver Scroll winner 2006) sung by Hollie Smith, has become one of the biggest New Zealand singles of all time and has recently had a resurgence via the te reo Māori version, ‘Kōrukutia’, released earlier in 2021.

McGlashan first stepped into the limelight as drummer and lead singer in the 80’s agit-punk outfit Blam Blam Blam, which produced a string of Top 20 singles and a well-loved album Luxury Length. Don’s hit song ‘Don’t Fight It, Marsha, It’s Bigger Than Both Of Us’ won Song Of The Year in the 1982 NZ Recording Industry Awards.

Next, McGlashan co-founded the acoustic duo, The Front Lawn, with Harry Sinclair. Combining theatre, songs and much humour, they found fans the world over, and their 1987 album Songs From The Front Lawn was the soundtrack for a generation of young Kiwis getting lost around Europe in their Kombi vans.

McGlashan’s place in the Great Aotearoa Songbook further solidified as, fronting The Mutton Birds, he created a string of now iconic Kiwi anthems including ‘Anchor Me’ (APRA Silver Scroll winner 1994), ‘Dominion Road’ (1992) and their inspired cover of The Formyula’s ‘Nature’ (1992).

Nov
25
Fri
RECITALS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Nov 25 @ 7:30 pm

Recitals are hitting the road! Hot on the heels of their debut album Orbit I, the seven-piece will be hoisting their various instruments across the motu to tinker alongside some of their favourite musicians this November and December.

As well as visiting both of their home bases — Te Whanganui-A-Tara/Wellington (with support from Womb and The Spectre Collective) and Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland (as part of Flying Nun’s mini festival, Beautiful Things, tickets via UTR) — Recitals will also making stops along the way in Leigh (with Randa) and Te Papa-i-Oea/Palmerston North (with Mystery Waitress and Bitch Whistle). They’ll also be taking their first group visit to the South Island, with shows in Ōhinehou/Lyttleton (with Hannah Everingham and Model Home) and Ōtepoti/Dunedin (with Night Lunch and Dale Kerrigan).

Jan
21
Sat
Pest Free Leigh Open Day @ Leigh Hall
Jan 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mar
31
Fri
GIN WIGMORE @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 31 @ 8:30 pm

calendarMuch loved Los Angeles based, New Zealand singer-songwriter GIN WIGMORE is returning home for a five-date regional tour in March 2023.

Gin’s unmistakable raw and raspy powerhouse vocals will exhilarate fans with her rollicking stage presence and characteristic mix of pop, rock, blues and soul when she performs for her New Zealand fans next year.

All existing tickets remain valid without the need for exchange. Patrons unable or unwilling to attend the new dates can obtain a refund from the point of purchase. Refund requests are to be submitted prior to 5pm, Thursday 2 June.

Apr
1
Sat
GIN WIGMORE @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Apr 1 @ 8:30 pm

calendarMuch loved Los Angeles based, New Zealand singer-songwriter GIN WIGMORE is returning home for a five-date regional tour in March 2023.

Gin’s unmistakable raw and raspy powerhouse vocals will exhilarate fans with her rollicking stage presence and characteristic mix of pop, rock, blues and soul when she performs for her New Zealand fans next year.

All existing tickets remain valid without the need for exchange. Patrons unable or unwilling to attend the new dates can obtain a refund from the point of purchase. Refund requests are to be submitted prior to 5pm, Thursday 2 June.

Apr
29
Sat
White Chapel Jak @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Apr 29 @ 7:30 pm

May be an image of 3 people, people playing musical instruments, people standing, guitar and text that says "2023 ENDLESS SUMMER TOUR 18February- Smash Palace- Gisborne 4March- Waihi Beach Hotel Waihi Beach 11March- TuningF- Auckland 25March- TotaraST Mount Maunganui 1April- Butter Factory Whangarei 22April- Warkworth Town Warkworth 29April- Leigh Sawmill Leigh 6May- Paraoa Brewing Stanmore Bay WHITE CHAPEL JAK CLGUESTS OCEAN TINNING TICKETS whitechapeljak.com"

This is the 2023 Summer Party you’ll want to last forever! Aotearoa’s favourite cover band, White Chapel Jak, is hitting the road!
This is the 2023 Summer Party you’ll want to last forever! Aotearoa’s favourite cover band, White Chapel Jak, is hitting the road to heat up your summer! Musical sunshine, funshine and blazing soulful beats. Their unique blend of groove altered covers, anthemic originals that will have you belting your lungs out and an audience connection unlike any other. The core members Bonnie Hurunui (Lead Lady), Nathan Boston (Whaling Gat) and Dean Tinning (Viking Drummer) are joined by a host of this nations top musos, Brinnie Nepia (Bass), Saylene Ulberg (Keys, BV’s) Ocean Tinning (BV’s) which guarantees you endless singing, dancing, laughter and love….everything your classic Kiwi summer party should be about. Plus you can melt into the warmth of opening act Ocean Tinning with her stunningly beautiful voice. Don’t miss this young star on her rise to international stardom.
Make no mistakes, this is THE party of the summer and an exclusive opportunity to catch this one of a kind show so don’t hesitate to call your babysitters, text your friends, email your accom then book a ticket at your favourite North Island venue.
18 Feb – Smash Palace – Gisborne
4 Mar – Waihi Beach Hotel – Waihi Beach
11 Mar – Tuning Fork – Auckland
1 Apr – Butter Factory – Whangarei
22 Apr – Warkworth Town Hall – Warkworth
29 Apr – Leigh Sawmill Cafe – Leigh
6 May – Paraoa Brewing Co – Auckland
Grab your slice of endless summer with White Chapel Jak before it sells out … as they surely will yet again!!
Jun
25
Sun
Leigh Midwinter Swim 2023 @ Matheson Bay, Leigh
Jun 25 @ 10:15 pm

LEIGH ANNUAL MID WINTER SWIM
Meet at Matheson Bay at 10.15 am to take the plunge!

Leigh School – will be there with soup, bread and home baking for swimmers and spectators.
Leigh Preschool – Tea and Coffee will be available.
Leigh Waste Free Minimisation – will be there selling items they have made.
The Community Patrol.- will be present)
Pest Free Leigh – for traps and information

Midwinter swim

Midwinter swim participants

All, weather permitting

Bring your gold coins and support your local community – keep fit and healthy and have loads of fun.
Swim will be on come rain or shine
All ages, the youngest to our oldest in her nineties!!
Over 100 swimmers last year so let’s beat it again!!

Feb
27
Tue
What’s On ……
Feb 27 @ 11:13 pm – Feb 28 @ 12:13 am
Mar
21
Thu
Emily Pattullo’s Book Launch @ Foundation Gallery - Leigh
Mar 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Leigh Community Preschool Gala

Discover what’s under the sea at Leigh Community Preschool Gala
Leigh Preschool Gala will be an event filled day with magic, bouncy castles, raffles, pre-loved treasures, a photo booth and lots of marine life. Joy for all members of the family with gourmet food, a selection of drinks and live music.
Leigh Preschool is passionate about the marine environment and this year there will be a Marine Discovery Station with interactive displays and a touch tank. The Leigh Marine Laboratory and local artist have come together to create a beautiful under water environment.
Leigh Preschool Gala will be held on the 27th October, Labour weekend Sunday from 10am to 4pm at Leigh School Fields. The money raised will be used to upgrade Preschool’s outdoor space. 
For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/2396867390527765/