Category: Bands of the Past

With influences ranging from traditional Irish music through folk and blues to melodic pop and modern rock, the Christchurch Irish band Malarky have a sound to suit any occassion.

Steve Burroughs has played lead guitar on everything from Abba to Led Zepellin, (be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!) and has been part of The Bullfrog Blues Band, rock band Tin Soldiers, pop duo The Firm and originals line-up Karma Suits Ya.

Peter Shapcott has been singing and playing Irish music for longer than he can remember, first with The Mickey Finns and for the last seven years with The Boys From Ballyrag. He also played at The Bog Irish Bar for many years as half of the Briggs & Stratton duo.

These guys will play anything for a laugh, with combinations of guitars, mandolin, bass, and strong vocal harmonies from two distinctive but complimentary voices. With songs ranging from the foot-stomping Irish music of The Pogues, through to the Beatles, U2, Crowded House and Greenday their sound is certainly eclectic, whatever that means!

but Juliet Neill and Phillip Myers

Jazz/blues duo

Everything these two do is live. No sequencers for this duo! Phil plays mellow guitar, and Juliet sings expressively, adding some percussion. If you want the comfort of familiar blues and jazz standards, or some original work, they can provide it for you, covering a wide range of moods, from toe-tapping fun to moody and soulful.

Juliet and Phil are ideal for small café and bar venues, weddings and private functions. They’re very aware of who they are performing to, able to provide quiet atmosphere, or to be more up-front, and always providing a connection with an audience, or just enhancing the atmosphere. In other words, they’re acutely aware of both audience and venue requirements. If a full band is required, they are able to bring in other highly respected Christchurch musicians and pump the music up.

These two seasoned musicians have been gigging in a low-key way around Christchurch for a number of years now. Prior to that, they both have accumulated a great deal of performing experience in other areas of music, and the performing arts.

They elicit positive audience responses, and, due to frequent requests from the punters, they have made their first CD together, calling in well-known Christchurch musicians for guest spots. A recent CD launch was both very well-received and attended.

Years of musical and entertaining experience have made these two into original, reliable, accomplished and satisfying entertainers.

LYNDSAY HAMMOND – VOCALS AND GUITAR
TREVOR COURTNEY – KEYBOARDS AND VOCALS

Lyndsay is one half of the 80’s duo Cheetah who with her sister Chrissie had hits like “Walking in the Rain”, “Bang Bang” and “Spend the Night”. She toured internationally in the 80’s with acts such as Neil Young, Jackson Browne and Gary Moore and performed with Cheetah at the Reading Festival to an audience of 150,000 people. Towards the end of the 2000 Lyndsay released an award winning solo album of original songs called The Raven. She followed this up with an album of original songs for the musical Red Dust Diva in 2004 and is the recipient of many industry awards. Lyndsay recently toured Australia with the hugely successful Countdown Spectacular.

Trevor started a long musical pedigree, playing guitar, keyboards and drums, his touring credits including Isaac Hayes & Thelma Houston, Tina Turner, & Mondo Rock. He also became a well known producer and keyboard programmer for recording artists including Skyhooks, Yothu Yindi, Goanna, John Paul Young. He is also known for his movie work including producing songs for the blockbuster movie Terminator.

In October 2009 they decided to move to Christchurch, the Lyndsay Hammond Duo are versatile suited to all situations Weddings, corporate functions, birthdays, conferences you name it!

This Christchurch band are well known for performing quality music from an extensive song list of Classic Rock, Dance, Lounge Grooves or Jazz Standards. Most importantly they know how to entertain an audience.

The 2 of Harts one of Christchurch’s leading acoustic duo’s and a Must have act. Consisting of two top vocalists Miss Cassie Lawrence and Mr James Hart. Together they suit any venue from classy bars to weddings. They can be booked as a live act or for a fuller sound with backing tracks. Their repertoire consists of many well known covers to suit all ages. And with only best presentation and professionalism The 2 of Harts will go far.Cassie Lawrence –
All the way from the UK has been working as a professional singer since the age of 14, she has performed at thousands of the UK’s top venue’s such as Ascot racecourse and various cabaret venue’s. Now in New Zealand – Cassie has been singing for a well known Christchurch act N-Did-Jah-nis and teaching singing at Amberley School, Hurunui College and she also runs her own singing school in Christchurch. So you can go as to say that singing is Cassie’s life. The 2 of Harts is one of Cassie’s passions and she puts her heart and soulful voice into every performance.James Hart –
Has been playing guitar since he was eight years old and has always been a keen songwriter. He has the voice of a star, a beautiful Tenor Voice with classical training. A voice suited to all styles from musical theatre to hits you hear on the radio. He is very accomplished on the music scene with two projects already up and running. A live band called “The Knoxx” Where he is lead guitarist and Vocals and the “Incredulous B’s”. He has recorded with some of New Zealand’s top artists and can currently be heard on kiwifm. These bands have played endless venues around New Zealand and a regularly scene at The Yellow Cross in Christchurch and The Dux Delux. With James’ flavour, The 2 of Harts are the reason New Zealand’s music scene is so competitive.

Cassie from 2 of Harts

For 60’s Rock & Roll, Middle of the road, Country Rock, Waltz, Quick steps & Gipsy Taps

Ross Arthur – Rhythm Guitar, Keyboard and vocals

Paul Easterbrook – Lead guitar

Rossco duo started in 1991, the first two years we were the resident band at Pineacres Restaurant in North Canterbury working Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Since then we have performed at weddings, 21st Birthdays, social club functions and workingmens clubs.

We pride ourselves on being reliable and punctual, we keep our sound volume at a comfortable level, we attempt to strike up a warm rapport with our audience by reading the crowd and to work towards providing an atmosphere in keeping with a successful and favourable evening.

Please contact Playtime Promotions Limited for a set-list

Red Sky, are without a doubt, one of the most exciting collectives to emerge on the Christchurch live music circuit.

Their diverse repertoire of old to new rock, pop and radio classics will make them a favourite with all ages of audience.

The Band

Kevin Emmett A well-known local artist, Kevin is probably the most versatile of Christchurch musicians. He began his career as a drummer for touring/recording artists Pop Mechanix and went on rhythm guitar and vocals. Other bands to his credit are Hammerack, Fat Sally, Babies on Fire, Machine Jam and Area 51.

Anthony Su A true guitarist, Anthony has been involved with numerous live rock bands. More recently he has shown his versatility playing in a duo on the local circuit and at weddings.

Both Kevin and Anthony were members of Area 51, the winners of the very first Battle of the Bands, which is held annually at The Southern Blue’s Bar.

Lady Marmalade is a highly professional and versatile Christchurch- based band who have been performing together for 6 years.

The band, led by singer Stephanie Rae , functions as a duo, trio or solo act. (according to client preference.)
Stephanie Rae’s powerful and dynamic vocals serve as a focal point, and with her accomplished gutarists / vocalists to back her, the band is no less than fabulous!
Lady Marmalade has a huge and varied repertoire of songs ranging from modern and classic pop, rock, soul, dance, ballads,to jazz standards and other real “gems,”and are the perfect band for entertaining you at your wedding, party or any other special event.