Leigh News & Events

Nov
2
Mon
BARRY AND THE CRUMPETS @ Whangateau Hall
Nov 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Barry and the Crumpets

Bring your dancing shoes for an old-time hoedown at Whangateau Hall with Barry and the Crumpets.

Barry and the Crumpets released their debut album “A Good Keen Band” in September and are touring the North Island for the rest of the year to make sure folk get to hear it live and kicking.

This will be a foot-stomping, barn-romping country dance extravagance of old-time classics, breakneck bluegrass and folky originals to get your toes tappin’.

No folk dancing experience necessary as the band will call you through the dances. If you’ve been to a ceilidh you’ll know what to do. If you haven’t, you’ll have fun learning.

You can find their debut album “A Good Keen Band” on Bandcamp now for streaming or purchase. Check out the Facebook page for dates of the album release tour.

It all started in Wellington when three friends started jamming together with banjo, mandolin and cajon on a dark midwinter night in 2017. As the night wore on, the tunes got stompier, their friends danced faster and before they knew it a band was born.

After 18 months of gigging around markets, bars and house parties in Wellington, a fiddler joined the fray. The band have since been honing their particular flavour of upbeat, old-fashioned mountain music and three-part harmonies with a smattering of Celtic roots.

Barry and the Crumpets are:
Brendan Schenk: Vocals, Mandolin
Rachel Evans: Vocals, Fiddle
Donald James: Vocals, Cajon
Simon Carryer: Vocals, Banjo, Cello Banjo

Nov
8
Sun
JACK PAGE & EMILY C. BROWNING @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Nov 8 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

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

Emily C. Browning, raised on small town humour and big town music, has tapped into a vocal-heavy sound that’s inherently irregular and satisfying. With her successes solo, in her duo Why The Face and in female supergroup Her Songs, Emily has gained millions of streams across multiple singles and EPs.
Jack too has garnered a humble collection of attention since his debut release ‘The Days, Pt. 1 (EP).’ In an over-saturated music industry inundated with trite lyrics and tired metaphors, he decided to take a new approach to songwriting and write about more original topics like love and heartbreak.
Playing a mixture of intimate shows and bigger venues backed with a band, this is not a night to miss.
Nov
14
Sat
BIC RUNGA – 2020 SPRINGTIME TOUR
Nov 14 @ 7:30 pm

eventthumbnailimageWhat a special intimate show this will be, at the Leigh Sawmill, featuring Kendall Elise as Bic’s support on the night.

Some people baked bread during New Zealand’s first lockdown; others learned how to knit. In addition to homeschooling and mastering the art of the slow-rise boule, Bic Runga created a lockdown soundtrack; started a side project (King Sweeties) that has already been nominated for a Silver Scroll Award; and wrote songs for her next record, to be released mid-2021.
This spring, the internationally heralded pop songstress is excited to tour select New Zealand locations, celebrating both the warming of weather and the freedom to perform. With Bic on this tour is her all-star band, comprised of Kody Nielson (Silicon, Opossum, UMO); Cass Mitchell (Tiny Ruins, Carnivorous Plant Society, King Sweeties); and Michael Logie (Opossum, Silicon, The Mint Chicks).
Bic’s performances are an elegant treat, a musical journey of songs that span her career, including reimagined favourites, rarities, te reo Māori interpretations and new tunes.
Lockdown quite literally cleared the air, offering respite from auto emissions and an opportunity to consider the importance of our impact on the environment. Because touring is a resource-intensive activity, a focus of this run of shows will be measuring and offsetting the tour’s carbon emissions. To help us achieve this goal, Zilch, New Zealand’s all-electric car sharing company, is sponsoring vehicles to enable emissions-free car travel.
Nov
15
Sun
MIA JAY @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Nov 15 @ 5:00 pm
eventthumbnailimageMia Jay and her incredible band are embarking on their second nationwide tour 💥 Mia’s 2nd EP ‘Stalled On a Highway’ is about to hit the streets and aims to explore the inner thoughts of an “absolutely lost puppy” in her own words. With music that centres around vivid lyricism while shaped by different musical influences, this gig will be one to chuck in the diary.
If you enjoy LIVE music, LOCAL music and AWKWARD STAGE BANTER please come and join us for one of these nights on our NZ tour. Means a lot <33
“Mia is arguably a staple of the Dunedin pop and acoustic music scene” – Radio1
“Mia’s voice is smooth, clear and a good background to chill drinks, or study, or crying in your room (or all three)” – Critic (Te Arohi)
Nov
16
Mon
DOWNUNDERDOGS @ Whangateau Hall
Nov 16 @ 7:30 pm

The Downunderdogs perform a three-part harmony and instrumental blend of bluegrass, old-timey, country, and swing, mixed with originals penned by guitar players Jack MacKenzie and Peter Dyer. Supplying the heartbeat, extra cheery smile, and third vocal part, is Cathy Dyer on bass.

Like one of those old radio show taglines they are likely to chorus that they’re not happy until we’re happy, and it is hard to imagine any other outcome when you hear them perform.

They are genuine, made-in-America imports, and this will be a show not to be missed!

Nov
20
Fri
THE PHOENIX FOUNDATION @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Nov 20 @ 9:30 pm

eventthumbnailimageCelebrating the expansive new album Friend Ship; a post-apocalyptic love letter from the future to the present and the soundtrack to the swirling oblivion that is 2020.

The Phoenix Foundation have lived many lives. From high school distortion addicts to indie folk trippers to masters of motorik dream pop. It’s been five years since GUYD but that down time has been spent writing, recording, touring with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, creating the acclaimed soundtrack for Hunt For The Wilderpeople, building shrines to light, creating scores for VR, producing other bands, baking sourdough.

Slowly, when they could, the six old friends found time to work together in studios, garages, forests, and sheds around New Zealand to put together the concise ten song set of that is Friend Ship. Featuring Nadia Reid, Hollie Fullbrook (Tiny Ruins) and Anita Clark (Motte) their 7th album is both a classic collection of Phoenixy songs and a new palette of sounds and characters.

Oh we are so excited to have them at the Mill!

ONSALE 9AM 14/8 at banishedmusic.com

 

Nov
21
Sat
REB FOUNTAIN @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Nov 21 @ 8:30 pm

Reb Fountain at the Sawmill CafeAward 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, and we are thrilled to be one!
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.

Worldwide appreciation for Reb Fountain:
“…reminiscent of Lana Del Rey and Tom Waits all at once.” Undertheradar
“[Samson] has Nick Cave running through its veins.” The FADER
“Reb Fountain is to be counted among our finest songwriters whose imagery is both personal and universal, and her command of a melody and a song transcends genre.” Elsewhere.co.nz
“[Samson is] a brilliantly constructed song that is testament to Fountain’s remarkable musicality.” Women in Pop

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8pm
PRESALES $34.90+ b.f at banishedmusic
DOOR SALES tbc

Nov
28
Sat
ADAM HATTAWAY & THE HAUNTERS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Nov 28 @ 9:30 pm

eventthumbnailimageOne 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!
Doors: 8.00
Music: 9:30

Support: Ryan Fisherman (DUO)

Pre-sales: undertheradar.co.nz
R18
SUFFER!
Nov
30
Mon
DIANE PONZIO @ Whangateau Hall
Nov 30 @ 7:00 pm

Diane was born and raised in New York City, and honed her skills playing folk clubs on Bleecker Street after graduating from The “Fame” School (the prestigious High School of Performing Arts) and earning a BA in Mathematics from Brooklyn College.

In 1985, she was chosen as a global ambassador for The Martin Guitar Company by C.F. Martin IV to perform on their behalf worldwide. There are two Martin Guitar models that bear her name. Diane’s songs feature meaningful lyrics woven with memorable melodies, laid over her percussive guitar style, and brought home with her saxophone like vocals.

Her music moves your heart, your thoughts, and your feet!  Diane regularly tours in Europe, has released ten full length CDs, and enjoys seeing her friends all over the world.

Dec
4
Fri
WHITE CHAPEL JAK – postponed from 15 Aug – SOLD OUT @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Dec 4 @ 8:30 pm

White Chapel Jak at the Sawmill CafeCelebrating the end of lock down with a big old tour. Known for putting an acoustic, funk-groove spin on upbeat songs everyone knows and loves, White Chapel Jak are an infectiously happy, must see live show that regularly sells out. So get those tickets! FRIDAY NIGHT DOORS OPEN 7.30pm BAND ON STAGE 8.30 – 10.30pm PRESALES $30+b.f at Eventbrite DOOR SALES availability tbc

Feb
13
Sat
Guardian Singles w/Dick Move+Memory Foam @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 13 @ 8:00 pm

Auckland post-punks Guardian Singles continue their nationwide 2021 tour.

They are joined by their good friends and Auckland party-punks:
DICK MOVE
and 5-piece noise-rockers:
MEMORY FOAM

 

Guardian Singles’ hectic live shows have earned them the reputation of one of the best bands in Aotearoa. Their anthem-packed debut album enjoyed widespread success through NZ college radio, and has been picked up internationally in places as far as Denmark, Italy, and Colombia.
Band members Fiona Campbell (Vivian Girls, Coolies), Thom Burton (SoccerPractise, Wilberforces), Yolanda Fagan (Na Noise, Echo Ohs) and Durham Fenwick (Green Grove) will play favourites from their debut, alongside blistering new material that they’re recording for their second album in March 2021.
Check out the link below for the live video of Guardian Singles playing “Midnight Swim” at Gonerfest 2020!
Get your tickets via undertheradar.co.nz or $20 on the door
Feb
19
Fri
Auckland City Scoundrels @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 19 @ 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Auckland City Scoundrels hit Leigh Sawmill!!

 

The boldest and brashest Second Line band in all the land, serving up originals, New Orleans favourites and modern classics straight to your earholes.
The ‘Auckland City Scoundrels’ are Auckland’s newest and tightest second line jazz band bringing the dirtiest and funkiest renditions of your favourite songs straight to your earholes.
Keep your eyes and ears open for the ACS parading through the streets and alleys down town, and mingling through the Auckland bar scene in classic Orleans style.
Feb
23
Tue
Chorus Fibre Network Information Session @ Leigh Hall
Feb 23 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Chorus are holding a community drop in event. The event is being held so that people that don’t really understand about fibre, can come and ask the Chorus team questions about our work and how to get connected should they wish to. Just for your information, unless the driveway is longer than 200metres then there is generally no cost to install the fibre to the home – other than the typical monthly fee retail service providers charge to have a broadband package.

Feb
27
Sat
White Chapel Jak @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 27 @ 9:00 pm

WCJ deliver a fresh acoustic approach to songs that you know, with a clean sound blending each performers diverse style. Their live energy is rhythmic and fun and audiences are always thoroughly engaged with their warm ‘kiwiana’ delivery and technical flourishes.

Mar
26
Fri
Muroki @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 26 @ 9:00 pm

Muroki drops his latest single Wavy today, the official Wavy Lyric video and announces live shows to go with the release.

The hypnotic slice of pop is the second cut from the young Raglan musician’s forthcoming EP and these shows are his first since breaking his arm in a skateboard accident. The Wavy Lyric video is a fun, simple take on the artwork for Wavy – an enticing couple dancing to the deep beat.

March and April dates see Muroki and his band mixing some small town dates in Leigh, Raglan, and Colville with headline shows in Auckland and Wellington.

After stunning RNV and Nestfest performances, that skateboard tumble in the Raglan town bowl put paid to many of Muroki’s plans (he also plays in popular Raglan groups Masaya and Cloak Bay) but he has already been back in the studio finishing up more tracks and planning a big 2021.

Wavy is Muroki’s third single release. His self-released debut For Better Or Worse caught the ear of BENEE and she was soon playing the song to Elton John and the worldwide audience on his Rocket Hour Radio show. She next invited him not only to join her sold-out October tour but to be the first artist signed to her new Olive record label.

Mar
27
Sat
White Chapel Jak @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 27 @ 9:00 pm

WCJ deliver a fresh acoustic approach to songs that you know, with a clean sound blending each performers diverse style. Their live energy is rhythmic and fun and audiences are always thoroughly engaged with their warm ‘kiwiana’ delivery and technical flourishes.

We leave limited tables in for pre-show dining from 6pm. It definitely pays to book ahead.

DOORS 8pm ONSTAGE 9pm
TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8pm

Mar
28
Sun
RiddimYard – Fish & Bread Sound System @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 28 @ 2:30 pm

Fish & Bread is back again for Riddim Yard #7, at the Leigh Sawmill.
Once again we’re back in the Sawmill yard, running roots, dub and more in a sound system fashion.
Come and join us!
Sunday, March 28th, 2.30-6pm.
Apr
17
Sat
A Night of Fleetwood Mac @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Apr 17 @ 9:00 pm

Celebrate the music of Fleetwood Mac with premier 5 piece band-
The Fleetwoods.
After sell out South Island shows in 2020 we are delighted to be returning to the Leigh Sawmill, so book your ticket now for an intimate dose of Fleetwood greatness.
Featuring a great band of 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.
Tickets $25 from Under The Radar
May
14
Fri
Miles Calder – Album Release Tour @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
May 14 @ 8:00 pm

Wellington singer-songwriter Miles Calder will embark on a nationwide tour this April and May in celebration of his debut solo album Autopilot Life, out today. The ten shows will see Miles and his band perform in intimate venues across Aotearoa, captivating audiences with a dynamic set ranging from floating atmospheric ballads to chomping rock n roll.
Four years on since his folk/Americana self-titled release with former backing band The Rumours and time living overseas, Miles has emerged with a renewed sound, fresh songs, and new band. His new album Autopilot Life takes his classic folk-rock style into a striking psychedelic realm, evoking early 70s Lennon and late-era Beatles as much as contemporaries like Kevin Morby and Father John Misty.
Banished Music & Undertheradar Presents
Miles Calder Album Release Tour 2021
with Full Band

May
22
Sat
Bowie Bowie! @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
May 22 @ 9:00 pm

Coming off a great run of gigs in Auckland, the band are heading north to the famous Sawmill Cafe in Leigh. Come ready to groove and shout lyrics to the best of all Bowie songs!

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/