Hot Diggity @ Rafters Music Club

It would be almost impossible not to smile and tap your foot to the sweet sounds of New Zealand’s only all-female bluegrass group, Hot Diggity. The band belts out a mixture of original songs by Heather Carrigan (mandolin, guitar and vocals) and Deborah Mackenzie (guitar and vocals) along with plenty of bluegrass favourites. Backed up by Jenine Abarbanel (bass and vocals), Sue Drake (banjo and vocals) and Louise Evans (fiddle and vocals), they put out a powerful, lively sound with hot instrumentation and tight harmonies.

The five Hot Diggity gals hail from throughout the North Island from as far north as sunny Tangowahine down to the heart of Auckland city. Their love of bluegrass means that while the miles might lie between them, they load up the old wagon – Jenine’s trusty Toyota van which they dream will one day miraculously morph into a shiny red 1960 Holden Special (FB station sedan) – as often as possible for regular gigs and jam sessions.
Traditionally bluegrass music has been dominated by guys with moustaches, sharp suits and hats, singing songs about being broken-hearted and the odd train. Hot Diggity brings a sparkle of feminine glamour and humour to the genre performing songs about breaking hearts and LOTS of trains… while kitted out in vintage style.

The band was formed in 2014, but all five members are veteran musicians having played with numerous other bands in a variety of musical styles for years. In 2017 they released their debut album, Worth the Wait.

Come along for a sparkling night of music with Hot Diggity!

Programme
The first half of the evening brings musicians old and new to warm us up before supper and our main guest/s. We welcome new performers. See Graham at the door if you want to perform, but you will need to be there before the 8pm start.