Leigh News & Events

Jan
10
Fri
DUAL | DIRTY PIXELS FRANK BOOKER | STEVIE OXTON @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 10 @ 8:30 pm

Dual + Dirty Pixels at the Sawmill CafePresented by Cross St Music Festival and Head’s Garage

Stevie Oxton from ‘Heads Garage’ starts the evening

Followed by Dirty Pixels (live) bring their Smiths style 80’s and 90’s synth pop with lead singer Ethan Moore

Then psych-dance duo Dual combine dream-like vocals with driving drum beats and intoxicating riffs – they were a fave at the mill last summer,  just recently signed to Warner Music this may be the last time we hear them on this side of the ditch

Closing the night Frank Booker brings his Disco dancefloor to the Mill, straight from his sucessfully epic 12 week Flamingo Pier sets at iconic club Las Vegas on K road

OH ITS GONNA BE A GOODIE!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $25+ b.f: eventbrite
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Jan
12
Sun
TINY RUINS & LAWRENCE ARABIA @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 12 @ 7:30 pm

Tiny Ruins & Lawrence Arabia at the Sawmill CafeSOLO & TOGETHER

For one evening only, local musical heroes Tiny Ruins and Lawrence Arabia join forces for a double bill of solo performances, combining the essences of their respective recent solo tours into one monumental night of mid-summer majesty, culminating in an on-stage crossover of select songs performed together.

The release of Tiny Ruins Olympic Girls album in 2019 has seen Hollie Fullbrook and band spending much of the year on the road. Following the release of an 11 track solo companion to the celebrated album and a sold out full band New Zealand tour, Fullbrook has been performing alone for the last two months with an intimate, stripped back reimagining of the lush arrangements from the album. This included three weeks in North America supporting Aldous Harding, as well as 26 shows across Europe, and three Australian shows with Steve Gunn.

2019 has seen Lawrence Arabia careen across New Zealand and Europe in support of his critically lauded Lawrence Arabia’s Single Club album, which compiled his ambitious series of crowdfunded monthly singles recorded and released throughout 2018. He is currently in the midst of a solo tour entitled Single where he returns for a series of piano performances, re-imagined, alone and devoid of any buffer and/or musical safety net.

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY FROM 6:30pm
PRE-SALES: $34.90+ b.f: tickettailor
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Jan
13
Mon
Good Habits @ Whangateau Hall
Jan 13 @ 7:30 pm

Good Habits from UK

Good Habits are an eclectic indie-folk band creating immersive, multimedia gigs and projects. Fronted by female string instrumentalists, they aim to produce innovative originals and covers, demonstrating the upbeat and diverse capabilities of their instruments whilst blending it into an energised, yet warm sound world of Nu-folk and acoustic, poetic songwriting.

Sitting comfortably on the boundary between folk and pop, Good Habits take inspiration from The Moulettes’ raw, string energy and combine it with the pop-folk intimacy of First Aid Kit. As the main songwriter, Bonnie Schwarz’ vocal style parallels that of Kate Bush and Feist, living within the sound world instrumentation of cello and accordion.

Jan
15
Wed
BEN CATLEY @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 15 @ 9:00 pm

Ben Catley at the Sawmill CafeReturning to the Mill on his third NZ tour, West Australia’s Ben Catley has been appearing on huge festival lineups all across Australia, NZ, UK, Holland, Singapore, Réunion Island and The Philippines. With huge vocals, blistering guitar playing and an infectious stage energy, he captivates crowds like few other solo acts.

Working tirelessly between tours to put out multiple releases throughout the last year, Ben has new music available and on its way on all digital platforms, have a listen on Spotify

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $15+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES $20

 

Jan
17
Fri
STINKY GROOVES @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 17 @ 5:30 pm

Tunes of I at the Sawmill CafeOh yes we are delighted indeed to have Jim play at the mill – always with the good tunes, lovely accompaniment to your summers eve dinner.

check out his 95Bfm show if you don’t already know 🙂

From 5ish – 9ish in the courtyard.

Jan
18
Sat
SURF FRIENDS @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 18 @ 9:30 pm

Surf friends at the Sawmill CafeWe and our great mates McLeod’s Brewery are super stoked to present a summer night of surf rock with decidedly good blokes Brad and Pete a.k.a Surf Friends
Kicking off with their mates Power Nap
Its gonna be a goodie!

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $10+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES $15

Jan
19
Sun
BASE FM SUNDAY SESSION @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 19 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Base FM Sunday Session at the Sawmill Cafe

Base FM leading ladies are taking over our January Sunday Session and we can’t wait!
Yannika Tavai co-host of base breakfast show and queen bee herself Jasmin Jazz Ziedan

Expect a good dose of Hip Hop, Soul, Funk and Rn’B and of course those warm smiles

Playing in the courtyard from 3-6pm – family friendly and free 🙂

Jan
24
Fri
MIKE LOVE @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 24 @ 9:30 pm

The Fleetwoods at the Sawmill CafeIn this modern age of music, genres blend together as naturally as the river flows into the sea.
With the expansive library of all the music of the world from every time period at our fingertips, creative artists seem to be more and more liberated from the archaic mentality of being pigeonholed into one genre or demographic.

Mike Love is at the forefront of this movement. With a foundation rooted in the spirituality and message-based music of Reggae and Rastafari, he blends the sounds of progressive and classic rock, pop, R & B, soul, blues, flamenco, jazz and so much more. Healing is at the core of his music.
With ever-evolving live performances, Love keeps his organically grown fanbase returning again and again to witness the evolution of tried and true fan favourites. With an ever-expanding repertoire of new music that is constantly surfacing. Fans often leave live performances remarking about how they have just been to church, or had a bad day turned around.

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $44+ b.f: eventfinda
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Jan
25
Sat
MARLIN’S DREAMING @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 25 @ 9:30 pm

Marlins Dreaming at the Sawmill CafeSimilar to the migrating patterns of the bar-tailed Godwit – or KuaKua – Marlin’s Dreaming will leave its prickly nest in December to embark on a national summer tour, visiting Aotearoa’s agrarian towns and middling cities – and Leigh!

The tour marks the celebration of its new full length LP, Quotidian, recorded at Roundhead Studios and set to be released in 2020. After recently playing alongside musical heavyweights, Kirin J Callinan and The Chills, Marlin’s Dreaming continues to take significant strides in the local scene.

From gliding pop ballads, to grungy post-punk, Marlin’s Dreaming have been continually striving to diversify their sound and improve their live performances. Playing some bloody good pop rock shit from Dunedin.

R18

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $25+ b.f: banishedmusic
DOOR SALES T.B.A

Jan
27
Mon
Lonely Heartstring Band @ Whangateau Hall
Jan 27 @ 7:30 pm

Lonely Heartstring Band

Nourished by deep roots in the expansive canon of traditional American music, The Lonely Heartstring Band embodies the modern American condition—an understanding and reverence for the past that informs a push into the future. George Clements (guitar, vocals) Patrick M’Gonigle (fiddle, vocals) Charles Clements (bass, vocals) Maddie Witler (mandolin) and Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo) bring together their own musical styles to create a sound greater than the sum of its parts.

Combining soulful instrumental virtuosity with soaring three-part harmonies, their growing repertoire of original songs and compositions showcases not only their considerable talents, but a dedication to meaningful roots-conscious music.

Since their beginnings in 2012, The Lonely Heartstring Band has been on the rise and shows no sign of slowing down. With their 2015 IBMA Momentum Award and their 2016 release of their debut full-length album, Deep Waters, on Rounder Records, there is every reason to hope that they are at the front edge of a significant career.

Already they have generated a devoted following of music-lovers across North America, performing and headlining at major music festivals and historic venues from Western Canada to California, from Kentucky to New Hampshire. Whether it’s a festival stage, theatre, or intimate listening room, The Lonely Heartstring Band always delivers a dynamic, diverse, and heartfelt performance. Over the last three years of touring, the band has crafted shows that generate a genuine connection and bring crowds to their feet.

Jan
30
Thu
ALEX VENTLING TRIO @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 30 @ 8:00 pm

Alex Ventling Trio at the Sawmill CafeA special concert from an exciting young European jazz piano trio. Alex Ventling, a Swiss/New Zealander and emerging pianist, brings home his trio after six years living and studying abroad. This is the first international tour of the trio since Alex graduated with his Masters degree in Switzerland, and a premiere for New Zealand.

The personal and dynamic colours in Alex’s compositions deliver a bold statement with European elegance – a refreshing addition to what we may know as ‘jazz’. Expect playful interaction, continuous shaping of the moment, risk-taking, amongst beautiful melodies and sometimes explosive rhythms. Completing the band is double-bassist James Krüttli (Switzerland) and drummer Phelan Burgoyne (UK). Through their improvisations, the three communicate as only old friends can.

ALEX VENTLING TRIO

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 7:30pm
PRE-SALES: $20 at the bar / students $15
Best to book a table

Jan
31
Fri
N8VSOUL @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Jan 31 @ 9:30 pm

N8VSOUL at the Sawmill Cafe

N8VSOUL will be touring New Zealand for the first time in January 2020, bringing their reggae-influenced electronic, dub vibes through Aotearoa in a dynamic, live performance performance (think DJ set of dub beats, samples and live vocal/instrumentation) in support of their new EP, ‘Nativity’.

TICKET HOLDERS ONLY from 8:00pm
PRE-SALES: $15+ b.f: undertheradar
DOOR SALES $20

Feb
1
Sat
A WEEKEND OF FLEETWOOD MAC @ LEIGH SAWMILL CAFE
Feb 1 @ 9:00 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
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

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