Leigh News & Events

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
Jul
3
Fri
OPEN MIC NIGHT @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jul 3 @ 8:00 pm

Open Mic at the Sawmill CafeWe cant wait to celebrate level 1 with all our lovely locals – and what better way than with  an Open Mic Night – hosted by local legend the lovely Lindsay D

Always SUCH a great night!
Come enjoy an evening of community with some very talented local muso’s

$5 koha greatly appreciated

Jul
4
Sat
SOJØURN With SULU & LEIGHTON FAIRLIE @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jul 4 @ 9:30 pm

Sojourn at the Sawmill Cafe

SOJØURN are back bringing their east coast blend of psyche-surf rock & reggae dub to the Mill. The 6 piece had a hissing summer playing shows and festivals across the North Island. Lockdown gave them an opportunity to write a bunch of new tunes, and after a stint back in the studio in May, the boys are back and fired up for some live shows.

Joining SOJØURN on the night is AKL Dub / Loop master Leighton Fairlie performing his blend of dub, roots, hip hop, drum and bass and acoustic. Smoking hot tunes.

Also super excited to have our very own MC for the night – DJ SuLu (Daniel Weetman / The Black Seeds) playing his best Funk, Reggae, Ska, Afrobeat, Hip Hop. Good times.

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
EARLY BIRD PRE-SALES $10+ b.f at undertheradar then $15
DOOR SALES $20 – availability t.b.a

Jul
12
Sun
LOVE SQUARE & TINA TURNTABLES @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jul 12 @ 4:00 pm

Love Square & Tina Turntables at the Sawmill CafeJoin this collection of uber-fine musicians and your favourite 95bFM DJ for an afternoon of hip shaking niceness!
As you waltz into the Mill you’ll hear the sumptuous sounds emanating from Tina’s turntables. Next to her on stage you’ll see the Mill’s grand piano unwrapped, ready to come alight. It’s neighbour, a vintage Rhodes seventy-three key electric piano.

Atop the Rhodes you’ll notice the gently humming circuits of a well-traveled Roland Juno 106 which will help keep us all warm, once master pianist and trumpeter Finn Scholes begins his sorcery.
Bass clarinets and saxophones also decorate the stage waiting patiently for the gale-force soul of Nick Atkinson to unleash a bluesy cascade of notes, but wait…. there’s more!
Karen Hu, one of the most talented young drummers to emerge on the scene is about to flam a rim-shot right up in your aroma! She plays congas too! Come on down for this mid-winter afternoon dance!!

Expect a musical journey from Africa to Aotearoa via the Caribbean!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 3:30pm
PRE-SALES $20+ b.f at undertheradar
DOOR SALES TBC

Jul
19
Sun
GRACE KELLY @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jul 19 @ 5:30 pm

Grace Kelly at the Sawmill CafeCelebrating the release of her country / pop EP “Before”   recently recorded in Nashville.

Featuring 5 original country-pop songs, Grace’s new EP reveals a true talent not just for catchy choruses but also for honesty and telling it like it is through great story-telling,  which as any lover of country music knows, is key.

Grace burst onto the scene after a remarkable opportunity set her on an epic path of amazing experiences in a very short period of time. 2019 was a whirlwind year for her, with Californian city San Jose choosing her song ‘San Jose’ as their theme song and pushing her into the limelight. The song has now hit over 50,000 streams on Spotify

Following on from the release of ‘San Jose’, the momentum also started building rapidly on the live front, with highlights from last year including opening for country music giant and television personality Blake Shelton, and being able to perform on the same bill as country music singers Eric Paslay, Phil Barton and Taylor Swift’s songwriter Liz Rose.

Grace’s songs are heavily influenced by the Nashville music scene and her love of county/pop music, and at still just 17 years old, these passions are providing her with a backdrop to share her coming of age life experiences. Having now recorded several times in Nashville, the EP ‘before.’ features some of Nashville’s most talented musicians: the 2019 CMA Musician of the Year Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle and Mandolin (Blake Shelton), T Wild – Guitar (Carly Simon); David Northrup – Drums (Boz Scaggs); Steve King – Keyboards (Keith Urban), and Jim Riley – drummer (Rascal Flatts).

Check out the video for Grace’s song “That Girl”

Joining Grace is acoustic, finger style guitarist Nicholas Brightwell

Jul
24
Fri
PAUL UBANA JONES @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jul 24 @ 8:00 pm

Paul Ubana Jones at the Sawmill Cafe

 

We are thrilled to announce this rescheduled date

Paul Ubana Jones described as one man with guitar, sounding like a whole band. With a voice that is as husky as it is evocative, with intoxicating rhythms leaving nobody untouched.
With 8 albums and 3 major music awards to his credit, he is described as a Kiwi treasure, a legend by many that have followed his career. A must to see!

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

APRIL TICKET HOLDERS: your tickets are valid for this new date

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 7:30pm
PRE-SALES $30+ b.f at undertheradar
DOOR SALES $30 from 730pm

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/