Talented Young Songwriters: Luca, Monique, Oliver & Amelia

Join us at the Christchurch Folk Club for an amalgamation of a group of Canterbury's talented young songwriters. We welcome Luca Joass, Monique Aiken (Saint Martins), Joseph Oliver (Oliver and the Acre) and Amelia James for a night which is not to be missed.

Luca Joass is a singer-songwriter who has always been surrounded by the New Zealand folk scene. As son of two of the founding members of Wellington band Hobnail (formerly Hobnail Boots), he grew up regularly following his parents on tour as a "roadie in training", but before to long, joining them on stage. Now taking inspiration from a variety of genres, Luca writes his own songs from a folk base, but with an alternative, modern twist.

Over the past 7 years, Monique Aiken has been performing and releasing music under her own name. After years of identifying as a solo artist, she found playing alongside Ryan and Chris gave her a new passion and freedom in her songwriting and performance. In recognition of her changing from a solo artist to a band it felt appropriate to change her name and is now known as Saint Martins. Saint Martins have become known for their appreciation for finding humour in the mundane, and beauty in the heartbreaking moments of daily life. The lyrics are deep, the stage banter is brutally honest and their performance style is relaxed. No one is trying to be anything but their authentic self. The emotionality of each performer is at the forefront of their songwriting, creating an intensely intimate atmosphere for the audience. This has led to the band favouring intimate settings such as wine bars, folk clubs and peoples private lounges.

Oliver and the Acre, a moniker of songwriter Joseph Oliver, grew up in a patch-worked valley of vineyards and wheat fields in rural South Australia. His songs gather in a gentle wash of acoustic guitar and delicate vocals, threading stories of loss, family, and tentative hope through a backdrop of agriculture and the bush. Now a Christchurch resident, Oliver and the Acre can often be found singing stories onto the worn rugs of local bars and venues about the city.

Amelia James has been a singer since the age of 7, performing all over New Zealand and Australia at multiple festivals, events and awards. Being a singer songwriter, keeps her music as authentic and diverse as possible. Winning multiple awards since then in Country Music competitions all over the country with many stories since then, and not all of them being positive. A journey in music has been hard but very beautiful. Learning about patience, self love, confidence, and relationships. Amelia is now a mumma, and Music Tutor in Methven, Canterbury while squeezing in a few gigs at festivals, shows, weddings and functions.

Doors open 7pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm. You will get a seat if you arrive close to 7pm.

Plenty of well-lit off-street parking.

Door sales cash only: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, also bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility. Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your current membership card as this is required for new club licensing. Non-members sign in at the bar.