Jackie Bristow

"Jackie Bristow has a very distinctive voice and style that drips with soul and life stories." - Tommy Emmanuel

Born in New Zealand but then transplanted to Australia and now the United States with a guitar, suitcase and songs, Jackie travels light but packs a heavy punch.

Jackie has had the honour to be the opening act for many of her musical heroes. Opening for Bonnie Raitt in New Zealand on her 2013 “Slipstream” tour was a dream-come-true. Jackie was invited back 2017 to join Bonnie Raitt on her “Dig in Deep” tour. Jackie opened for Foreigner 2017 the Steve Miller Band in the US 2016.

Jackie also did a lengthy tour opening for internationally acclaimed guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel in 2011. Jackie and Tommy played to sold-out theatres across the US. Jackie then rejoined Tommy on his nationwide tours in 2015 and 2016.

Jackie has been the opening act for many other well-known names over the years: Marc Cohn, John Oates, John Waite, Bettye Lavette, B.J. Thomas, Joe Ely, Marcia Ball, Charlie Robison, Rick Springfield, Bob Schneider, Jimmy Lafave, Euge Groove, Ruthie Foster, Howard Jones, Herbert Gronemeyer, Phoebe Snow, Art Garfunkel, Daniel Lanois, Madeline Peryoux, Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, and Shawn Mullins, among others.

Jackie’s live performances captivate audiences. One reviewer of her show on the Tommy Emmanuel tour wrote: “Opening for a musical giant like Emmanuel would seem a daunting task, but Bristow was relaxed as her soulfully-seductive melodies reverberated within the auditorium. Her beautiful voice and earnest songs resonated with the audience, and they applauded her eagerly. Near the end of the show, Bristow joined Emmanuel on stage for an amazing duet that received a standing ovation.”

Jackie’s songs have been used repeatedly in Australian and New Zealand film and television hit shows such as Go Girls, The Secret Life of Us, Home and Away, Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street and Go Big. Her original song “This is Australia” won Tourism Australia’s nationwide competition and was featured in its worldwide promotional campaigns for three years. Songs from the “Crazy Love” and “Freedom” albums were programmed into rotation at 7,000 Starbucks locations nationwide in the US.

In 2014, Jackie was awarded New Zealand Southland Music Ambassador of the Year.

Jackie has proven to be an artist who shows no signs of stopping. 2017 Jackie relocated to the music mecca, Nashville, Tennessee where she has started recording her 5th album ready for release 2019. Working with producers Viktor Krauss and Rick Price.

Bookings:
- accepted before the day of the show
- email - bluegrass@xtra.co.nz
- 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)

Doors open at 7:20pm for those who have booked.