Leigh News & Events

Sep
7
Sat
FULL FRUIT @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 7 @ 9:00 pm

We had a gig free weekend… eeeek!
Best make the party
A dress up one – no theme, very good excuse to go all out and frock up tho ✨
Best make it free and best have some good tunes…
Hello THE PROFESSOR a.k.a Glenn Prosser you’ll do nicely, come to Leigh and have some fun

And an event was born – phew!

Sep
13
Fri
BEATS by BINGO! @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 13 @ 8:00 pm

Beats By Bingo at the Sawmill CafeThis is MUSICAL Bingo, instead of numbers on your cards, its song titles.

It’s a seat dancing, guilty pleasure singing bingo show! Hosted by the always charming, funny and loveable comedian Darren Jardine.
Darren will have your table singing and giggling, FREE TO PLAY and prizes to be won!
With different genre rounds like Rock, Kiwi, Guilty Pleasures 70s and 80s, Hip Hop and R&B there’s something for everyone.

Get a group together, come early for dinner and make a night of it.
Give us a ring to book your table. 8pm show start!

Sep
14
Sat
HEADSPACE CLASSICS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 14 @ 9:00 pm

Dylan Chase & Guests

Celebrating the relaunch of THE HEADSPACE show – home of so many wonderful mixes over the years.
Dylan always brings the good tunes and is most definitely our favourite DJ.

$5 on the door from 8pm

Sep
15
Sun
BARBARA HAMILTON’S MUSICAL SHOWCASE @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 15 @ 4:00 pm

Lovely local music teacher Barbara Hamilton presents a showcase with her students and friends.
Performances from young beginners through to seasoned players with a range of styles.

Sep
20
Fri
OPEN MIC JAM OR SOMETHING @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 20 @ 8:00 pm

Hosted by the bearded wonder Lind’s – such a good night!
Join us and some local muso’s and maybe other performers too?
Get in touch if you want to be involved in the next one!

Sep
22
Sun
THE DESOTO’S LIVE @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 22 @ 5:30 pm

The DeSotos are thrilled to announce they will be bringing their roots-based Americana & country blues to a long overdue show at the mighty mill in September.

The DeSotos at the Sawmill CafeThis will be their first Sawmill show since an appearance a decade ago following the release of their debut album ‘Cross your Heart’.
In the intervening years vocalist and guitarist Paul Gurney has performed a number of times at the Cafe with the much-loved Jubilation Gospel Choir, for whom Paul is as a soloist and tenor.

As an added bonus all ticket purchasers will receive a copy of The DeSotos’ critically-acclaimed album ‘Your Highway For Tonight’ when arriving for the show.

With a setlist that spans gin-soaked ballads through to southern country rockers, and the odd Tom Petty or Neil Young cover in between, this will be a great evening of music!

The DeSotos are;
Paul Gurney – lead vocals, guitars, blues harp
Stuart McIntyre – bass, vocals
Ron Stevens – Hammond & keyboards, vocals
Michael Burrows – drums & pecussion, vocals

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 4:30pm ONSTAGE 5:30pm
PRE-SALES: $15.00 + b.f at eventfinda
DOOR SALES $20 
if not sold out prior

Sep
28
Sat
MAKO ROAD @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Sep 28 @ 9:30 pm

Mako Road at the Sawmill CafeTEST FLIGHT TOUR

Oi oi its been a while! Following a six month hangover-recovery period after the summer tour we’ve shaped up some new tunes that we are dying to share with yas. Or maybe its cause we’re broke, or maybe because we will use any excuse to tour… This is the Test Flight Tour and you are gonna be our subjects – looking forward to your consented participation in our experimental festivities X

WE LOVE MAKO ROAD! get in quick reckon this will sell out fast 🙂

Tickets go on sale Friday 9/8 at 9am!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 8pm
PRE-SALES: $29.00 + b.f at ticketfairy
DOOR SALES tbc

Sep
30
Mon
Krissy Jackson @ Whangateau Hall
Sep 30 @ 7:00 pm

Fiddle player Krissy Jackson and her husband Peter from New Plymouth will be your hosts for Club night. They will also be your second half special musical guests with Peter accompanying Krissy on keyboard with a diverse set of cross-genre folk music.

Oct
4
Fri
GREG COPELAND & STEVE “GUITAR” GILLES @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 4 @ 9:00 pm

Paying his dues to the originals and forefathers of the Blues from deep down South, channelling the spirit into his own material and style.
You’ll hear warm embraces with Sister Soul and a tip of the hat to Brother Funk.
“When I sing I want you to feel my hurt, my pain, my happiness and my sadness. I want to ask for forgiveness if I did something wrong and forgive people if they have done me wrong. All these things I try to do with my music.“

Oct
9
Wed
The Trio Jackson @ Whangateau Hall
Oct 9 @ 7:00 pm

The Trio Jackson from Nelson are playing a special show hosted by local Jo Evans. Miles Jackson is a very fine classical and flamenco guitarist and Margarita is a classical trained violinist. For many years they performed as Duo Jackson but now their daughter has joined them after studying violin in Europe. They live in Nelson and teach at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts.

Oct
11
Fri
WHITE CHAPEL JAK @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 11 @ 8:00 pm

White Chapel Jak at the Sawmill CafeYou haven’t seen anything quite like this four piece acoustic Kiwiana original covers band. They bring a fresh and funky approach to songs everybody knows and loves. Their genuine love of performing mean that you’re in for an energetic night of fun, singing and dancing. With a stage that lights up with musical wizardry is easy to see why audiences of every age fall for them wholeheartedly.

This show comes hot off the back of White Chapel Jak’s epic performance with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, to a crowd of 15,000 at the SeePort Festival earlier this year. It put another national spotlight on the band, who were already humbled to win the Radio New Zealand’s Battle of the Covers Band 2018 and most recently were announced as winners of the “Outstanding Entertainment (Band)” at the NZ Wedding Industry Awards.

Both achievements demonstrate that White Chapel Jak are not your average covers band. With suitcase kick drum stomping from Dean Tinning, stand on the double bass dancing from Michael White, classical acoustic guitar through a whammy pedal with Nathan Boston and hilarious ‘Holly High Hair’ styled Maori front lady Bonnie Hurunui, you can’t miss them and you won’t forget them!

FRIDAY
DOORS OPEN 6.00pm ON STAGE 8-11.00pm
V.I.P Meet at venue entrance 5.45pm

SATURDAY
DOORS OPEN 6.00pm ON STAGE 7-10.00pm
V.I.P Meet at venue entrance 5.15pm

BOTH NIGHTS
Venue closed at 5pm + ticket holders only from 6pm
PRE-SALES: from $30.00 + b.f at eventbrite
DOOR SALES tbc

Oct
12
Sat
WHITE CHAPEL JAK @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 12 @ 7:00 pm

White Chapel Jak at the Sawmill CafeYou haven’t seen anything quite like this four piece acoustic Kiwiana original covers band. They bring a fresh and funky approach to songs everybody knows and loves. Their genuine love of performing mean that you’re in for an energetic night of fun, singing and dancing. With a stage that lights up with musical wizardry is easy to see why audiences of every age fall for them wholeheartedly.

This show comes hot off the back of White Chapel Jak’s epic performance with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, to a crowd of 15,000 at the SeePort Festival earlier this year. It put another national spotlight on the band, who were already humbled to win the Radio New Zealand’s Battle of the Covers Band 2018 and most recently were announced as winners of the “Outstanding Entertainment (Band)” at the NZ Wedding Industry Awards.

Both achievements demonstrate that White Chapel Jak are not your average covers band. With suitcase kick drum stomping from Dean Tinning, stand on the double bass dancing from Michael White, classical acoustic guitar through a whammy pedal with Nathan Boston and hilarious ‘Holly High Hair’ styled Maori front lady Bonnie Hurunui, you can’t miss them and you won’t forget them!

FRIDAY
DOORS OPEN 6.00pm ON STAGE 8-11.00pm
V.I.P Meet at venue entrance 5.45pm

SATURDAY
DOORS OPEN 6.00pm ON STAGE 7-10.00pm
V.I.P Meet at venue entrance 5.15pm

BOTH NIGHTS
Venue closed at 5pm + ticket holders only from 6pm
PRE-SALES: from $30.00 + b.f at eventbrite
DOOR SALES tbc

Oct
14
Mon
You, Me, Everybody @ Whangateau Hall
Oct 14 @ 7:00 pm

You, Me, Everybody will be stopping in on their inaugural tour on Monday, October 14th.

You, Me, Everybody is a collaboration formed by Laurence (guitar) and Sam (mandolin) Rhodes of RhodeWorks, with Nat Torkington from the Pipi Pickers on banjo, James Geluk of the Frank Burkitt Band on Bass, and Kim Bonnington of Kim and Dusty on guitar and vocals. This band is already making waves across the New Zealand bluegrass scene and getting attention internationally. This is guaranteed to be one of the best shows of the year.

Oct
19
Sat
Hans Pucket @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 19 @ 9:30 pm

White Chapel Jak at the Sawmill CafeCelebrating the first flowers of Spring.

Hans Pucket have decided to get out of the house and go on their most extensive tour of New Zealand to date.

It’s a welcome return for longtime fans of the band, or just those wondering what all the fuss is about. Hans Pucket’s live show argues their case with famous spectacularity and a symmetrical stage picture of identical twins with a handsome drummer in the middle.

Blending eclectic musical tastes of 70s disco, early 2000s indie rock, and mid-century musical theatre, Hans Pucket makes songs that are both personal and communal. Headphone music you can party to.

Halfway to finishing the followup to their brilliant 2018 debut album Eczema, they’ll bring new songs with new pop twists on heartbreak, anxiety and the stresses of modern life. Earlier this year the band proved their chops on the international stage for the first time, playing both solo shows and supporting The Beths across UK and Europe. They’re eager to tour NZ, see their friends again, and have a Really Nice Time.

Oct
20
Sun
BALLADS TO BELTERS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 20 @ 5:00 pm

Jordy Maxwell at the Sawmill CafeJane Horder & Gemma Lee

Super appropriate title for this show – Jane’s voice is magnificent! She is very ably accompanied by the lovely Gemma on the Bechstein. We are definitely looking forward to their second show here.

Consummate singer Jane Horder enjoys a diverse career of performing and teaching. Jane has sung with Auckland swing band ‘Prima Swing Riot’ for many successful years and has performed in numerous musicals across Australasia, including Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Sweeney Todd.

Collaborative pianist Gemma Lee has performed internationally including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Sydney Opera House, and the Goldener Saal of the Musikverein. Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, Gemma holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland.

Please ring the cafe to book a table
Show starts at 5:00pm |$10 on the door

Oct
24
Thu
JORDY MAXWELL @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 24 @ 8:00 pm

Jordy Maxwell at the Sawmill CafeHELLO, GOODBYE TOUR

Jordy Maxwell is a talented photographer, and songwriter with honest lyrics and a soulful, raw voice.
Though mostly a sunny and lively personality, Jordy can hold an audience with his mix of raw emotion and light-hearted humour to accompany his endearing performances.

His debut single, ‘Blue Eyes’ released in October 2017 has since reached a large audience all around the world, including being a feature track for surf brand O’Neil and USA cinematographer, Connor Guest, where the song featured in a beautiful short film called “Never Coming Home”. His debut EP, “Honest” was released a few months later with the EP now reaching over 2 million streams on Spotify. Jordy released his latest single, “Long Road Home” in June and is touring New Zealand for the first time in October and November, and we’re stoked to be a stop

ONSTAGE 8pm

Oct
26
Sat
THIS IS TAMI NEILSON! @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 26 @ 9:00 pm

Tami Neilson at the Sawmill CafeWith VERY SPECIAL guest JAY NEILSON

Multi award-winning Canadian-born, New Zealand singer-songwriter Tami Neilson needs no introduction.
Having become one of NZ’s most beloved artists of the modern era, blending country, soul and rockabilly into her signature high-octane performances, Neilson’s songs have tugged at our heart-strings and soothed our souls.
Accompanied by Tami’s brother and longtime co-writer/collaborator Jay Neilson, the Big Boss Mama will bring her extensive songbook to the road this October.

As one of 7 dates across New Zealand in a rare, up-close and personal show, fans can experience the songs acoustically, as they were written.
And we are absolutely fizzy that that she’s coming to the mighty mill!

DOORS 8pm // ONSTAGE 9pm (No support act)

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 6:00pm
PRE-SALES: $55.00 + b.f at eventfinda
DOOR SALES 
tbc

Oct
27
Sun
Leigh Community Preschool Gala @ Leigh School Grounds
Oct 27 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
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.
REB FOUNTAIN & BAND @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Oct 27 @ 8:00 pm

Reb Fountain at the Sawmill CafeAn award-winning singer-songwriter, Reb Fountain teamed up with Dave Khan (Marlon Williams) to produce a profoundly iconic record showcasing Fountain’s noir punk-folk songwriting style. In a prelude to what is to come, Reb offers us a chance to experience the new material full-spectrum with her stellar band featuring, Dave Khan, Earl Robertson and Karin Canzek this October.

Reb won the Tui for Best Country Album/Artist 2018 for her EP Hopeful & Hopeless, APRA Best Country Song 2018 for the title track ‘Hopeful & Hopeless’ and her album Little Arrows was nominated for Best Folk Album of 2018. A pre-eminent singer and performer, Reb has for years been the musicians’ secret. She’s performed and recorded with Neil Finn, Marlon Williams, Don McGlashan, The Eastern, The Warratahs, Finn Andrews, Tami Neilson and Julia Deans. If you were lucky enough to catch her at the recent Neil Young’s ‘Live Rust’ tribute concert series or 2019’s ‘The Others Way’ performance that commanded two standing ovations, you know Reb Fountain is a performer not to be missed.

Opening the night in style is Anthonie Tonnon

DOORS 7:30pm | ONSTAGE 8:30pm

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 7:00pm
PRE-SALES: $28.00 + b.f at Tickettailor
DOOR SALES 
tbc

Oct
30
Wed
Missy Raines @ Whangateau Hall
Oct 30 @ 7:00 pm

Missy Raines, 7 time IBMA Bass Player of the Year winner is coming to Whangateau with her Missy Raines Trio, consisting of herself, Ben Garnett of Arlington, Texas on guitar, and New Zealand’s very own George Jackson on fiddle. Missy is one of the First Ladies of Bluegrass, and absolute royalty amongst both women in bluegrass and bass players in general.

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/