Summer in the Square - Fables

Auckland Live presents Music in the Square.

It wouldn’t be Auckland Live Summer in the Square without a sensational music line-up, and this summer is no exception. Music-man extraordinaire, Matthew Crawley has gone and blown us all out of the water with an eclectic range of musical acts to enjoy in Aotea Square.

If you’re a music nerd or you simply love a cool beverage in the sun while the sweet sounds of live music sizzle in the background, come on down to the Square and make the most of this free music programme. It’s going to be a scorcher!

As part of Auckland Live Summer in the Square.

Friday, 17th January
6pm – 7pm Sounds of Summer Live Music – Fables
Folk
Auckland’s Fables produce a gentle and heartfelt indie-folk sound. Songstress Jess Bailey was taught by the Mackenzie Hills of the South Kaipara, dredged in the waters of Muriwai beach then hung out to dry in the plum trees at home. This imagery is littered throughout the band’s wistful lyrics. Jess’s velveteen voice intermingled with a collection of strings, harmonies and percussion should find you quite at home.

Fables bring together elements of contemporary folk music with traditional instrumentation and depth of storytelling that endears them to both classic folk listeners and contemporary fans alike. In 2018 they celebrated the release of their debut EP ‘Portraits’ with a 16-date tour of Aotearoa. They have performed at the TSB Festival of Lights, the Auckland Folk Festival and the Canterbury Folk Festival.

Fables have shared the stage with Nadia Reid, Dave Khan, Adam McGrath and supported Justin Townes Earle at the Tuning Fork. In 2018, they signed as the first artist on new folk music label Second Hand Records, alongside Tui Award winning artists Albi & The Wolves and the Frank Burkitt Band. Bailey is humble about her music, understating her own abilities – something that hasn’t changed her whole life. “Singing was not something that I picked up.

It was just a readily available way to pass time. I’ve just always done it. That’s not to say I’ve always been good at it though…” “I was twelve when I started learning guitar off one of my friends… I am still learning guitar off friends today!” Fables live is an ever changing entity, with various friends of Bailey’s joining the band for tours. The current live set up features mandolin, guitars, bodhran and clarinets.