Hot Diggity Bluegrass Band

Note - to book for this event, please email bluegrass@xtra.co.nz before the day of the concert.

Hot Diggity are the only all female bluegrass band in New Zealand. They perform in the bluegrass tradition, vintage style. They play original songs by Heather Carrigan - mandolin, guitar and vocals, and Deborah Mackenzie - guitar and vocals, along with plenty of bluegrass favourites.

The lineup also includes Jenine Abarbanel - bass and vocals, Sue Drake - banjo and vocals, and Krissy Jackson - fiddle and vocals. They put out a powerful, lively sound with hot instrumentation and tight harmonies.

Hot Diggity were formed in 2014. All five members are veteran musicians, having played for years with numerous other bands and in a variety of musical styles. Heather comes from a musical family and since childhood has been active in the country music scene. In her 20s she discovered bluegrass and truly fell in love. She has played with bands in Australia and the United States and now lives in Dargaville. Hot Diggity is her brainchild and she does most of the heavy lifting, musically speaking.

She writes powerful songs for and about women, a rarity in the bluegrass world. At the same time her music is fully steeped in the classical bluegrass tradition and sounds like it could have been written in the golden age of bluegrass. Deborah has always loved to sing. Growing up in the Salvation Army gave her a great introduction to music and harmony. Previously Deborah sang in a three part harmony trio in Auckland called the Wendy Lus. In 2010 she released an album of originals “The Ride” with Peter Neumegen.

Deborah also plays in an acoustic group called Rainberry Pie who explore many acoustic styles, from alt-country to western swing. She is a singer songwriter who enjoys her guitar, but loves to sing. She takes pleasure in writing songs particularly about themes that resonate with other women. Living in the tiny seaside village of Leigh, Jenine came to music later in life, learning to play the stand-up bass in 2006 so she could jam with her bluegrass playing family.

A singer since childhood, what she lacks in talent and skill she makes up for with energy and chutzpah. Sue lives in Whangarei and is a “camper from way back”. Active and athletic, she brings energy and dedication to her playing. Sue has played guitar for decades in a number of bands, in both the rock and country genres. In 2012 she picked up the five string banjo and bluegrass music, as she says "to keep life interesting".

Indeed that is what it is all about! From New Plymouth, Krissy has been playing violin since the age of two and is proficient in numerous genres of music. Hot Diggity is her first bluegrass band and she enjoys the challenges and new techniques which this presents. In 2017 Krissy released her solo debut album “Have Fiddle, Will Travel”, with tracks featuring all of her various musical partners, including one titled “Ghost Railway” by Hot Diggity.

Devoted to the bluegrass tradition and the time period of it's birth, the Hot Diggity ladies perform whilst kitted out in their finest 40s and 50s vintage style attire.

Click to go straight to their signature song “Rocky Road Blues,” written by the father of Bluegrass music himself, Bill Monroe: https://youtu.be/Gl_DlCu6hoA

Bookings:
- accepted before the day of the show
- include your name, phone contact and the number of tickets required
- you will receive a reply by email to confirm your booking
- there are no booking fees nor any additional fees for this event

Notes:
- door sales on the day, at the venue, from 7:50pm
- seating is general admission
- ticket includes complimentary tea and coffee
- free parking available by or near the venue
- licensed bar at venue (no BYO allowed)