Leigh News & Events

Mar
29
Fri
MICHAEL DUNSTAN @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 29 @ 9:00 pm

Returning back to Leigh on the back of an extensive sold out ‘Partly Cloudy’ Australian tour and 4 sold out shows in New Zealand, Michael Dunstan has made strong headway into 2019 with the release of the first two intricate pieces of the ‘New Normal’ EP; ‘The Unknown’ and ‘Two Weeks’.

On the back of Michael’s largest Australian tour to date in February 2019, late this March and April 2019 Dunstan returns back to beautiful New Zealand with a powerful third chapter. ‘New Normal’ is a stirring and dynamic journey, tugging at emotion and taking you elsewhere through pensive lyrics and delicate ambience. ‘New Normal’ is out everywhere February 8th 2019.

Mar
30
Sat
HOUSE / D&B NIGHT @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Mar 30 @ 8:00 pm

The Best of House Music, and Drum & Bass.

But this time with more DJ’s, more lighting and more music.

Last Decembers House and Techno gig sold out, so one local likely lad is putting on night No.2

Lineup to be announced soon. R18.

May
25
Sat
Molly & the Chromatics @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
May 25 @ 9:30 pm

‘IN THIS WORLD’ TOUR

After a stellar summer tour in early 2019, the band returned to the studio to work with both new and old collaborators. The result is a compelling fresh sound for Molly & The Chromatics. The band drop ‘In This World’ as the first single since their second EP ‘Polymorphic.’

Jun
2
Sun
BASE FM SUNDAY SESSIONS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 2 @ 3:00 pm

QUEENS BIRTHDAY SPECIAL

We’ve extended this months Base Fm Sunday session – with guest selecta’s playing in the courtyard for a lovely lazy arvo and meandering thru dinner.
Starting at 3ish with Headspacehost GENE RIVERS and from 6ish is Afternoon Delights  host GRANTIS
We’ll have beer & wine deals and DJ created pizza specials

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Jun
8
Sat
HOUSE | DRUM & BASS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 8 @ 9:00 pm

Presented by Falcon Events… its #3

After another sold out show we are bringing the best of HOUSE with Thrown Shade and Digby & Dumbell
and DRUM & BASS with Cellfam– back to the Sawmill, along with the best visuals and lighting in the game.

Sneaky little earlybird tics have already sold out!

STRICTLY R18

Jun
9
Sun
NZTrio – The Americas @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 9 @ 5:00 pm

A chance to experience top-notch classical musicianship, minus the formalities

NZTrio founding member Ashley Brown (cello) welcomes back Andrew Beer (violin) and Stephen De Pledge (piano) for a ripper of a programme with elements of New York nightlife, the wild west, jazzy blues, plus a liberal dose of spice from south o’ the border.

It’s classical music, but it’s wearing boots to the party so dress casual, bring a compadre, and enjoy the ride.

Music by Kenji Bunch, Paul Schoenfield, Gunther Schuller, Raimundo Penaforte, Astor Piazzolla and New Zealand’s own Claire Cowan and Jack Body.
Those of you who loved Exotica will not want to miss The Americas!

Places are limited. *Don’t forget to book a table after ticket purchase* 

Jun
14
Fri
BEATS BY BINGO @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 14 @ 8:00 pm

BEATS by BINGO!

This 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!

Jun
22
Sat
NOT DOING TOO SHIT! @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 22 @ 8:00 pm

An appreciation and celebration party for our girl Gemma.

**KOHA ENTRY//SICK BANDS//MEAN DJ’S//LIVE FLASH TATTOOING and more…

Join us to celebrate Gem giving cancer the middle finger and battling it hard and fast like the hardcore warrior babe she is, that’s right…

There’s Dj’s and free pool, kicking off the night around 7  – as well as flash tattooing from local legends Uptown Tattoos Damian Roberts and King Tides Patrick Betts (more details closer to the date)

LIVE BANDS start at 9pm
Top Ace Nut Gun (locals)
Magic factory (Ak)
Cindy (Melbourne/Howick)
with other performances tbc

EVERYBODY WELCOME so as long as you’re not a dick we look forward to seeing you 😉

**we have made this a koha gig.
this celebration is completely organised by Gem’s mates-who’s main intention is to have a mean party, and all contributions we will be forcing Gem to take for herself to do with whatever she wants!

Jun
29
Sat
WINTER NICENESS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 29 @ 8:00 pm

Dancing shoes definitely required with this lovely line up

MR BIG STUFF // JEROME // ARNZ //AMY B

DOOR CHARGE from 8pm

Jun
30
Sun
FROM SHOWBOAT TO CABERET @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jun 30 @ 5:00 pm

Delectable musical theatre favourites and jazz standards

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.

Jul
13
Sat
GLASS VAULTS
Jul 13 @ 9:30 pm

We’re back with new songs, come and shake your bodies!
Fresh from a series of writing retreats in remote locations we are loaded with new songs and pushing in new directions. The fruit are fresh and funkier then ever. We’d love to share them with you.
Special guest A.C Freazy!
xo

Jul
20
Sat
NADIA REID & HER BAND @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jul 20 @ 9:30 pm

We are stoked to have Singer-songwriter and guitarist Nadia Reid b

ack to the mill this July

Celebrated for her intimate musical soundscapes and unique voice, she has been described by The Guardian as “an understated, wise guide through uncertain territory”.
New Zealand-born, soon to be UK-based, Nadia Reid has attained globalsuccess off the back of her first two albums: Listen To Formation, Look For The Signs (2015) and Preservation (2017). Her prolific writing and touring have seen her present at some of the worlds most respected music platforms namely WOMAD (NZ), Green Man Festival (UK), End Of The Road Festival (UK) and a television appearance on BBC’s ‘Later…with Jools Holland’.

Nadia was awarded #2 in Mojo Magazine for Album of the Year (for Preservation) and in New Zealand, she was a finalist for both the APRA Silver Scroll Awards (2017) and the Taite Music Prize (2016 & 2018).
With sell-out shows in Auckland, London, Melbourne and her home town of Port Chalmers, Dunedin, and, record three under her belt, it is clear that Nadia Reid is a rising star not to be missed.

Nadia will be joined by Motte(Anita Clark) in Australia & New Zealand.

Jul
27
Sat
BOBANDII @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jul 27 @ 9:30 pm

ALBUM RELEASE TOUR

Bobandii takes to the sky to tour his new album “Running Handshake/B.L.U.E.”

Come along to the first show in the tour in his hometown at the Leigh Sawmill!

Joined by Olivia Collier, Fable, DeadForrest (Jinzo) & LB, this show should set the tour on fire from the very start.

Aug
3
Sat
KENDALL ELISE @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Aug 3 @ 9:30 pm

 

PRESENTS; RED EARTH

Moving effortlessly and seamlessly through a number of styles and genres, from dark country to true country; folk and chilled pop to bluesy rock, Kendall delivers an album packed with mood and personality.

Kendall is a consummate performer, who (alongside her band, The Belgraves) has earned a reputation as mesmerising live act, not-to-be-missed! This year alone she has played a string of gigs and opened for Gin Wigmore on her recent New Zealand Tour. In April she supported American roots, rock band Larkin Poe in Auckland.

Red Earth has already been described as “…one of the finest releases of the year” by The 13th Floor, “…no throwaway record” by Double J Australia, and songs from the album ‘Valentine Street’ and the title track ‘Red Earth’ have been playlisted on Australia’s biggest broadcasting network via ABC Country. The folk song ‘Slippery Creek’ was also a top 10 finalist in the MLT Songwriting Awards in May.

“There are some artists, who when they sing, you feel like you are in a deep and meaningful conversation with them. On occasion, this is what Elise brought to her performances… it was intense, professional and beautiful to bear witness to.” – Radio 13

“With a voice that will send delectable shivers down your spine and an ever-evolving aptitude for composing music, Kendall Elise can undoubtedly look forward to a long and illustrious career.” – Ambient Light

With support from the lovely Brendan & Alison Turner

Aug
8
Thu
JAN PRESTON @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Aug 8 @ 7:30 pm

Queen of Boogie Woogie

Jan is performing a show with her trio called “88 PIANOS I have known” with extraordinary projected images of pianos (yes 88 of them) and personal anecdotes, as well as new songs (Same Sky, Olds on the Loose) and a new killer version of a tune called Nutrocker, based on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite played in fast boogie style.

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
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!

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.“

Light Up Leigh

  • Scavenger Hunt & Face Painting (see events)
  • Night market at beautiful Leigh Central, so you can shop with stunning views of the ocean. Market from 4pm until 8pm.
  • Light Up Competition (see below)
  • Places to eat;
    – Leigh Bar: Light Up Leigh Special – Homemade soup, mulled wine and much more
    – Leigh Eats 
    – Amaranto Pasta and Cucina Food truck

For more information please email Michelle on 1805michelle@gmail.com

Leigh Midwinter Swim

at Matheson Bay

Sunday 23rd June 2019 – meet at 10:15am to take the plunge.

Leigh Midwinter Swim