The Pop Up Folk Club began in May 2023 as part of Louise’s Ockham Collective creative residency, as a showcase for local folk musicians, with an emphasis on traditional styles. The ‘club’ has continued bi-monthly since then. The format is three acts per event, with a range of musicians – both emerging and established.

For the performers, the format is designed to provide a warm, appreciative setting to perform in. Each act plays a 40 minute set, which means this is accessible to both emerging talent and more established musicians.

Artists can tailor their music for a small audience, try new material, and connect with other artists. The music has a focus on traditional folk styles which often
don’t have many opportunities for exposure outside specialist venues and festivals.

For the audience, the venue (Ockham Collective’s The Nix) is an intimate and accessible setting, which hosts up to 80 comfortably, at a central location which is easy to travel to from across the Auckland region. Families are very welcome and encouraged to attend. There is a dedicated kids area in order for kids to both experience the music and be able to move freely. Young people feature frequently in the performer list and this is amazing role-modelling for children to see.

Prices are kept deliberately low so that families and the unwaged can attend, and the time of the event runs from 5pm-7:30, thus allowing families to bring their children, and for others to be able to attend other commitments in the evening.