Common Folk

The Pipi Pickers, Dirt Road Orchestra And Hoop @ Ministry of Folk
2025-04-05 19:30 - 23:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Ministry of Folk, 132 Grange Road, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
Three excellent five-piece bands lined up for your listening pleasure.
Firstly, The Pipi Pickers who have become firm favourites at New Zealand and Australian music festivals. They play a joyous vibrant blend of hard driving trad and contemporary bluegrass that puts a smile on everyone’s face. Nat Torkington is New Zealand’s premier Scruggs-style banjo player and is ably supported by his father Barry on guitar, Garry Bigwood on mandolin, and wife Jenine Abarbanel on double bass and vocals.
The Dirt Road Orchestra is a five-piece acoustic band from Rodney that will regale you with songs that are historical, allegorical and mystical. All wrapped in melodies and poly-eccentric rhythms.
Your happy host-band Hoop will start the show as usual, so grab a table and settle in with some BYO drinks and snacks.

Nano Stern @ Takapuna War Memorial Hall
2025-04-05 19:00 - 22:00 | Takapuna War Memorial Hall, 3 Gibbons Road, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
Nano Stern Live in Auckland – A Night of Chilean Folk and Latin American Soul
Don’t miss the chance to experience Nano Stern, one of the most celebrated voices in modern Latin American music, live in Auckland! Praised by folk legend Joan Baez as “the best Chilean singer-songwriter of his generation”, Nano Stern brings over 20 years of musical mastery, blending traditional Chilean folk with rock, jazz, and classical influences.
With 10 studio albums and performances in over 40 countries, Nano Stern’s concerts are known for their emotional depth, virtuosic musicianship, and captivating storytelling. This is a rare opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of Latin American culture through music.

The Transglobal Ensemble @ World of Cultures
2025-04-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Ellen Melville Centre, Freyberg Square, Courthouse Ln, Auckland Central, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Auckland Council’s World of Cultures and Arts Connections Oceania proudly presents: The Transglobal Ensemble! Come and enjoy a musical journey from around the world!
Experience a pop up collaboration with musicians from culturally diverse backgrounds residing here in Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand. This is an intercultural project where musicians from various traditions and backgrounds have been learning from each other and co-creating this musical experience for the audience.
The event features musicians from India, Iran, Ghana, France, Aotearoa New Zealand, Sweden, USA and more.

Musicians:
Basant Madhur
Yaw Asumadu
Tui Mamaki
Rasoul Abbasi
Sonia Wilson
Nigel Gavin
Tristan Hancock
Hanna Wiskari

Music on the Mall @ World of Cultures
2025-04-05 14:30 - 18:30 | Onehunga Mall, New Zealand
Get ready to celebrate Onehunga’s incredible diversity with Music on the Mall, a free, family-friendly, multicultural street party.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere including multi-cultural stage performances, kids’ entertainment, interactive workshops, and a bustling mix of community and retail stalls.
Savour mouthwatering flavours from local eateries in a dedicated covered dining zone, perfect for soaking in the festivities. Whether you’re dancing to the beats, browsing stalls, or indulging in delicious food, Music on the Mall promises an unforgettable afternoon of connection and celebration.
Bring your Whānau and friends to this exciting cultural extravaganza!

Mandolinata Orchestra @ World of Cultures
2025-04-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Grey Lynn Library, 474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
Drop in and enjoy an afternoon of live music from around the globe at the Grey Lynn Library Hall with the Auckland Mandolinata Orchestra.

Nigel Gavin & 4 Strings Sing @ Pah Homestead
2025-04-05 12:00 - 13:00 | The Arts House Trust, Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, New Zealand
Nigel Gavin has been a guitarist and composer for over three decades and has taught both for two decades. He was a founder of Gitbox Rebellion, NZ’s own Guitar Orchestra.
For Nigel’s Music at Midday he will be joined by special guests to perform ‘4 Strings Sing.’ – a uke-centric music ensemble born out of Sonia Wilson’s Auckland uke & singing lessons.

Music at Midday returns to Pah Homestead with an hour of free live music from 12 to 1pm each Saturday.
Auckland is rich with a diverse range of creative musical talent and we celebrate this every week. Sit down in the drawing room to enjoy the live music, or peruse the galleries while you listen to the music drifting through the building.

Pomahaka-Tyne @ East Coast Folk Club
2025-04-04 20:00 - 22:00 | East Coast Folk Club, Torbay Senior Citizens Social Centre, Torbay, Auckland, New Zealand
Pomahaka-Tyne are a folk duo who perform traditional and contemporary songs and tunes from North-East England, Scotland, Ireland, America and beyond.
Janet Thomson sings and plays guitar, alongside Helen Douglas who plays the Northumbrian Small Pipes and a variety of whistles. We are named, ‘Pomahaka Tyne’, after our home-town rivers.

Úna ní Fhlannagáin @ Whangateau Folk Club
2025-03-31 19:00 - 22:00 | Whangateau Hall, 533 Leigh Road, Leigh, New Zealand
Club night with Úna ní Fhlannagáin award winning harpist from Ireland.
Úna is rooted in Irish traditional music, but also branches out into jazz, pop, and original composition. Collaborations include Grammy-winner Bobby McFerrin, Emmy winner Fionnuala Flanagan, and the free jazz legend, Anthony Braxton.
First half floor singers. Start time 7:00pm. Email to book tickets. whangateaufolk@gmail.com.

Irish Session
2025-03-30 16:00 - 19:00 | The Clare Inn, 274-278 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
Join in at The Clare for traditional Irish tunes and songs.

Bunker Hill Unplugged
2025-03-29 08:00 - 17:00 | The Bunker
BUNKER HILL UNPLUGGED – Four songwriters presented by Micheal Young.

Hillsborough Ceilidh
2025-03-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-03-28 08:00 - 17:00 | St David’s in the Fields, 202 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough, Auckland, 1042, New Zealand
Come join the Hillsborough Ceilidh!
Everyone is welcome; our friendly caller will explain everything and our live band will get you on your feet and dancing.Our ceilidh dances are alcohol-free and family friendly.
Funded by the Puketāpapa Local Board.

Friday Folk'n'Jam
2025-03-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Titirangi Folk Club, Titirangi Beach Hall, Titirangi Beach Road, Auckland, New Zealand
An evening of taking turns to share music and songs around the circle, joining in when you can, with harmonies on your instrument or voice. Participate or listen. The choice is yours.
We’re a totally informal, small friendly group of people who like to sing and play music. This is a good place for experienced musicians to meet up and enjoy playing together.
If you do not sing or play and would like to then here you’ll find encouragement. There is never any pressure and you may wish to visit a few times to get confidence or you may already be confident, it does not matter, no one will criticise, only support.

International Rose of Tralee, Keely O'Grady
2025-03-28 18:30 - 21:30 | Auckland Irish Club, Rocky Nook Ave, Fowlds Park, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
Meet the 2024 International Rose of Tralee!

Join us at the Auckland Irish Club on Friday, March 28th, as we welcome Keely O’Grady, the 2024 International Rose of Tralee! Come along to hear about her incredible journey and experience winning this prestigious title.

Live music with Sean Kelly from 6:30 PM Kitchen open Keely arrives from 7:30 PM Free event – Everyone welcome!

Old-Time Session @ Auckland Bluegrass Club
2025-03-26 19:00 - 22:00 | The Nix, 6 Nixon Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Join the Old-Time session with Auckland Bluegrass Club!
4th Wednesday of each month at the NIX in Grey Lynn

Chasing Grace @ Devonport Folk Music Club
2025-03-24 20:00 - 22:00 | The Bunker
Auckland based sextet, a cappella gospel choir. Floor singers first half. Members $5 non-members $8.

Club night with Sammy Leary @ Rocky Bay Folk Club
2025-03-22 19:30 - 22:00 | Ōmiha Memorial Hall, 2 Glen Brook Rd, Omiha, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Floor spots first half + the one and only wonderful Sammy Leary + special guests! Fundraiser for the Omiha Memorial Hall.
Sammy Leary comes from Tamaki Makaurau and performs traditional & original music often with strong New Zealand themes but also from the broader folk traditions of Ireland, Britain and the USA.

Performing with a varied range of instruments from the banjo to the bones to the concertina and his trusty musical saw and of course the unaccompanied voice, you will find his performance thoroughly absorbing with songs wending from the dark and dreary to the jovial and absurd, with many’s the fine chance for good audience participation.
It’s that time of year, so no doubt there will be an Irish flavour to proceedings. Feel free to bring your favourite Irish tunes and songs, or whatever you like! Floor spots are open to old hands and beginners alike, and are a wonderful and fun opportunity for new performers to sing in a nurturing and supportive environment. Just sign up at the door!
BYO event + tea and coffee provided at half time

The Skiffy Rivets @ Rafters Music Club
2025-03-21 20:00 - 23:00 | The Unitarian Church, 1a Ponsonby Road, Auckland, 1011, New Zealand
It’s way too long since we have hosted this delightful group and now the wait is over! From the day they started, The Skiffy Rivets have been about singing, just for the fun of it. And fun it is, as they explore all sorts of different approaches to Americana, swing, and folk. With three singers on vocals, it makes for a wide variety of songs, including some rip-roaring old favourites and some new songs.
Vocalist Holly Carrington and bassist Cathy Dyer are up from Wellington for the performance at Rafters, and will be joined by Sue Tearne on vocals and Pete Parnham on guitar and vocals. This brings together a line-up that has played at performances and festivals up and down the North Island.
Their music is available on Band camp and CD, but it will be way more fun to experience it live at Rafters this month, so come along and join in the fun.
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.

Donnybrook Fair @ Auckland Irish Club
2025-03-21 19:30 - 23:00 | Auckland Irish Club, Rocky Nook Ave, Fowlds Park, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
After an epic five-gig St. Paddy’s weekend, DBF are wrapping up their tour with a final night at the Auckland Irish Club. Get ready for a night of singing, dancing, and great craic! Last weekend was a blast, let’s do it all over again. If you love The Pogues or The Dubliners, this one’s for you. Sláinte!

Talisk @ Auckland Arts Festival
2025-03-18 21:30 - 23:30 | Spiegeltent, Aotea Square, 301 - 317 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Scotland’s Talisk are one of the best live acts in the UK and on the festival circuit right now, producing raucous crowd energy and stadium-sized sound with a mere concertina, fiddle and guitar. It’s just Mohsen Amini, Benedict Morris and Charlie Galloway on stage with three acoustic instruments — and yet it’s their indescribable ability to concoct the most addictive, trance-like explosion of folk that has propelled them to cult status. Whether traditional music gets your blood flowing or you’re a headbanger at heart, this gig is for you.

Instant Bollix
2025-03-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Grey Lynn RSC, 1 Francis Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand
Come see Instant Bollix this St Patricks Day perform!
Great friendly people, you’ll have a blast, great atmosphere, awesome friendly bar staff, grab ya mates and come down for a great night out.
We look forward to seeing you. Ooh-Arr Ooh-Arr.

St Patrick's Day 2025 @ Auckland Irish Club
2025-03-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Auckland Irish Club, Rocky Nook Ave, Fowlds Park, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
Come celebrate with us….THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR St Patricks’ Day 2025
Auckland Irish Club has a great day for you all to enjoy!Mass is being held inside at 10.30and and we are open after that
LIVE Music inside and outside on the green.Cold RefreshmentsFood TrucksIrish DancersPlenty of Craic We are so excited…
Monday just got a whole lot better!!!!!

Donnybrook Fair @ The Kaipara Tavern
2025-03-17 10:00 - 17:00 | The Kaipara Tavern, Helensville, New Zealand
English/Irish folk-punk, reminiscent of The Pogues. High-energy fusion of traditional Irish melodies and fast-paced rhythms. The songs, filled with stories of love, rebellion, and celebration.

Jan Elliott - A Celebration of Joni Mitchell's Legendary Songbook
2025-03-16 18:00 - 20:00 | The Arts House Trust, Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, New Zealand
Experience the magic of Joni Mitchell’s timeless music brought to life by the captivating talents of singer-songwriter and guitarist Jan Elliott. With her distinctive voice and heartfelt performances, Jan delivers an enthralling concert that pays homage to one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century.
From iconic hits like Coyote and Circle Game, Jan’s repertoire showcases the legendary depth and artistry of Mitchell’s songbook. Her melodious tunes and poetic, deeply personal lyrics resonate with authenticity and timelessness.
Jan leads a stellar lineup of musicians, including:
· Cadzow Cossar on acoustic and electric guitars. A seasoned performer on festival stages worldwide, Cadzow adds a worldly touch to the familiar melodies, complementing them without overpowering their essence.
· Stephen Moody on bass. Initially not a Joni enthusiast, Stephen found himself immersed in the intricate basslines of her music, which have become a key highlight of the performance.

Donnybrook Fair @ Malt Bar
2025-03-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Malt Bar, Grey Lynn

St Patrick's Day Parade Celebrations
2025-03-16 12:00 - 17:00 | Auckland Irish Club, Rocky Nook Ave, Fowlds Park, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
Come celebrate with Auckland Irish Club…Come join us after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Auckland Irish Club has a great day for you all to enjoy!Open from midday
LIVE Music inside and outside on the green.Cold RefreshmentsFood TrucksIrish DancersPlenty of Craic
We are so excited… Sunday just got a whole lot better!!!!!

Donnybrook Fair @ The Claddagh Irish Pub
2025-03-15 20:00 - 23:00 | The Claddagh Irish Pub

St Patrick's Weekend Family Day
2025-03-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Auckland Irish Club, Rocky Nook Ave, Fowlds Park, Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
St. Patrick’s Family Day
Start your St Patrick’s Day, weekend off right!!Celebrate with us
Auckland Irish Club has an action-packed day for you all to enjoy! Open from 2pm
LIVE music out on the green Bouncy CastleCold RefreshmentsPlenty of Craic

Donnybrook Fair @ Grey Lynn Returned Services Club
2025-03-14 19:30 - 23:00 | Grey Lynn Returned Services Club

Nairobi Trio @ The Bunker
2025-03-10 20:00 - 23:00 | Devonport Folk Music Club, The Bunker, Mt Victoria, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand
Described as New Zealand’s favourite “Jazz Entertainers”, the Nairobi trio has thirty five years touring experience across the globe, playing in all manner of settings – Vineyards, Village halls, Theatres and Festivals – you name it, they’ve played it – from Raffles Hotel in Singapore, Festival stages in the UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy and France and throughout Australasia and the Pacific.

Always playing to the crowd, the Nairobi trio showcase skilfully crafted original material, reimagined standards and popular tunes delivered in a dynamic and engaging live show.
Nairobi Trio are Richard Adams (Violin/ vocals), John Quigley (Guitar/ vocals) and Aaron Coddel (Bass/ vocals).
