Sunday 22 November, 8.00pm

Toi Poneke

67 Abel Smith St

Definitely a Kiwi Sound Raumati South based singer/songwriter Karen Clarke is coming our way.  “The roots of my music are in our family life” Karen says.  “I’ve been writing and performing my own brand of original music for the last seven years since coming back to home base.  The creative energy of the Kapiti Coast and the rich musical community here is pretty inspiring. The music arising in me is a natural consequence I think. Indigenous to this time and place really.”  Karen’s original music fuses her love of rhythm, smoky vocal delivery and a sensitive eye on life.   Themes of love, optimism, sexuality with a dose of social commentary are  the territory Karen explores in song. The influence of both her Ngati Kahungunu and Celt lines are heard in the mix of contemporary folky, bluesy and femme styles.

Much of this year has been spent completing her first serious recording project in collaboration with other Kapiti based musicians.  “Is that right Barbie” the album contains thirteen original tracks that show something of the eclectic style range in which Karen is writing, all threaded on a string of personal story.

With an onstage style that critics describe as anything from raw to transporting, Karen is known for a strong, emotive performance style. She is a regular performer at cafes, community events and festivals sometimes alongside Wellington strings man Nigel Parry (aka GingerJam)  and she occasionally steps out in duo with Bob Cooper-Grundy.

More info can be found here

Sarah Duckworth and Mary Livingston  

Formerly of Pennies from Heaven and 27 Angels have reunited to bring you their unique blend of close part harmonies across a wide range of genres. From alt-country to contemporary and straight-up folk, Sarah and Mary promise a brand new repertoire (with the occasional favourite thrown in) which has not been easy! Sarah has been based in the USA since about June 2008 so earnest practices have been underway since her return in September. The duo are enjoying singing together again very much and look forward to sharing their latest songs with you, with Mary on guitar. Mary promises that with Sarah around her songs have taken on a much more cheerful note!!!