Barry Saunders

Barry Saundersis a NZ Icon and a National Treasure, having unique vocal and songwriting styles, he established renowned NZ group the Warrathas and has also consistently maintained a his music career for over five decades.

Barry Saunders started his music career in Christchurch. His first public performance was singing “Green–Back Dollar” at the Lincoln Coronation Hall, aged eleven. He played around Christchurch, in mostly blues-based bands, during his teenage years. He sailed on the good ship Australis to the UK in 1974. He played the Irish Trad and Country circuit in London for 3 years. He returned to New Zealand, and joined Wellington band Rockinghorse for a brief time.

This was followed by a stint in the Tigers, travelling to Australia with them and touring relentlessly, including an Australia-wide tour with Eric Burdon. Upon his return to Wellington in 1987, he formed the Warratahs. The band became known for Saunders’ compositions, such as “Maureen”, “Hands of my Heart”, “St. Peter’s Rendezvous” and many others. After nine albums, they are still very much alive.

He recorded solo albums Weatherman, Red Morning, and Zodiac, touring them extensively. Barry has appeared on the bill with Tony J. White, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and Jock Cocker, and has also performed at SXSW in Austin, Texas. The last three years have included the Church Tour (alongside Marlon Williams, Tami Nielson and Delaney Davidson), and the Last Waltz Tour, celebrating and performing the songs of The Band.

In 2019 he released the highly acclaimed album Word Gets Around, an album written and recorded with Delaney Davidson. In 2019 Barry was commissioned by Kokomai - Wairarapa Creative Festival to develop a touring performance designed for presentation in small rural halls. He created As Far As The Eye Can See with Ebony Lamb and Caroline Easther. For their collaboration Word Gets Around, Delaney Davidson and Barry Saunders received the 2020 Tui for Recorded Music NZ's Best Country Artist.

Ticketing info...
+ There are no booking fees nor additional fees for this show
+ General admission $30-00
+ Members or children $25-00
+ Ticket includes complimentary tea and coffee

Bookings...
+ Accepted before the day of the show
+ Email bluegrass@xtra.co.nz, including 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...
+ On the day, door sales at the venue, from 7:50pm
+ Seating is general admission
+ Free parking available by or near the venue
+ Licensed bar at the venue (no BYO allowed)