Luthiers Corner

It was the early 70s and two young men more than ten thousand kilometres apart were being influenced by both the folk music and the associated musical instruments that became so popular at the that time. They are Peter Madill and Jack MacKenzie, who became very involved in the music and the construction and repair of instruments that were used. As it turned out, their respective universes were not only parallel but converging.

Cut to the 2019 Wellington Folk Festival, where Peter and Jack first met, became aware of each other's music and the potential that existed between them. Both had committed to displaying their luthiery work at the Festival. However both were also taking part in the Festival as performers, Peter with the Madillionaires and Jack with the Downunderdogs.

Following this, a relationship between them developed through their guitar building. Peter, being the more established and experienced of the two, was kind and generous and began helping Jack develop his skills. Sticky problems were solved through collaboration and Peter's formal woodworking skills were shared with each visit.

But a relationship of respect and admiration developed along with the guitar building side of things, and both men had an interest in each other's music. As a mutual agreement, they decided to try a short stage performance at the last Mid-Winter Holler, which took place in late February 2023. Their music was very well received. As a result of encouragement and suggestion, an experimental concert at the Wellington Bluegrass Society then resulted.

Although both men have different approaches to the music, the common thread of the folk music tradition allows an intuitive understanding of the music. Because of this, adaptation to each other's repertoires followed naturally. This music is underpinned by vast repertoires, harmony vocals, solid flat picking and the possibility of an appearance of the pedal steel guitar that Jack has been teaching himself to play. It will be an interesting and rewarding evening, steeped in a combined rich history of decades of involvement in this art, complete with unique stories and a perspective born of the pursuit of both luthiery and music.

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)