Category: Bands of the Past

Drive is the band for all occasions where entertainment is paramount, and you need the enjoyment of singing and dancing to be a must at your special event.

Aaron Nicol has been slapping the bass for more than 25 years, and enjoyed many fantastic moments thanks to his curiosity in the instrument along with a desire to fill people with a joyous musical experience. He’s been a regular member of numerous live bands such as I and I, Lincoln Drive, True Story, and No Secrets. And on special occasions Aaron has been requested to complete the line-up for ˜Desendantz, Kharamello, Nightwatch and Headrush due to his fantastic ability to play any genre of music that has been required. It’s very rare you get to do something you love with people who also love it, and with Drive you get 3 guys who love to play great music and make people happy to leave them with great memories.

Michael Whiting is a mad, married, music lover which is the perfect mix to being the drummer of Drive. Mike has been slamming the skins, and singing timeless anthems for over 20 years, and has teamed up with the 3 piece band because he ‘still gets a buzz from playing great music that makes people dance and feel good. I’m looking forward to working with 2 lads who bring a lot of professionalism to the stage, and being in a job where you can have a bunch of fun and yet get paid for it. And nothing beats the approval you get from happy music lovers!

Jarrett McGregor is the singer and guitarist in Driveâ who has been entertaining since his teens. Armed with his versatile tenor voice and trusty 57 Fender Stratocaster, he plays the songs that you want to hear and he especially enjoys it when you sing and dance along. “I play music because I love seeing the joy in people, whether it’s a special occasion or on a Friday night at a local bar after a tough week at work. I strive to create an environment where everyone has a fantastic evening. Coming from doing solo, duo and all other manners of band work, Jarrett has the skills to make your night a memory to cherish.

Blind Love is a Rock n Roll band based in Christchurch, fronted by the talented Step Dad-Step Daughter duo Seb and Mim

Combining strong male and female lead vocals, sublime guitars and a dynamic and groovy rhythm section, Blind Love cover genres ranging from blues, rock, pop radio to acoustic folk.

With the beautiful rare raw talent of the young female lead vocalist and guitarist, Mim Jensen, the gregarious, lanky, young and zany drummer, Josh Gilbertson, the divine funk and groove of bass player, Andy Carville, and the awesome talent, spunk and experience of the lead male vocalist and guitarist, Seb Warren, audiences will be crying out for more Blind Love.

Blind Love also specialise in playing unplugged sets with acoustic guitars and light percussion; perfect for those occasions and venues which demand a lower volume yet groovy entertainment.

Soundcheck are 5 piece band with members from Ashburton, Christchurch and a couple of places in between. They play a wide range of material mainly drawn from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Soundcheck consider themselves a real band. Unlike a lot of the entertainment  these days Soundcheck do not use karaoke discs or computerised backing. Every note and beat you hear is played by the band. All the members of Soundcheck have many years of playing experience behind them and love what they do.

Soundchecks members are …

Connie van der Klei ( vocals )

Connie has been singing in bands since her teens. Among her many highlights she once sang with Don Mcllean on his NZ tour.

Rob Zipfel ( drums )

Ashburton local Rob is well known as a virtuoso drummer by the locals. Rob started playing drums at age 16 moving from biscuit tins and knitting needles to real drums and a job in his fathers jazz band.

Bruce Horton ( bass )

Another Ashburton local Bruce is also a well known and respected musician locally. Bruce joined Soundcheck last year and is enthusiastic about this new venture.

Mike Leigh ( keyboards )

As a teenager Mike realised early on that he couldnt dance so started playing in bands to pick up girls. He is still playing and loving every minute.

John Wilkinson ( guitar )

John has played guitar since high school in many different bands. Like he says “Playing guitar ? its me , its what I do “

Nightwatch is a group of highly experienced and seasoned musicians, perfect for any occasion! We know how to get the crowd up dancing and keep them dancing! We play a range of hits from the latest crowd pleasers to the old classics.

We have been working hard on our latest performance, and invite you to join us for this journey. Come, and be entertained. We love to meet our audience, so be sure to introduce yourselves afterward!

Our goal and our passion has been to work hard, entertain our fans, and just plain have fun.

This Christchurch band is perfect for your party, wedding, any function!

We have been playing covers for six years at various venues both within Christchurch and the surrounding area. We have also performed at a variety of corporate and private functions as well as the 2005 Wildfoods Festival and the University of Canterbury etc

We are a party band that likes to get the crowd involved, and are more about getting people up dancing!

This Christchurch band is perfect for your party, wedding, any function!

We have been playing covers for six years at various venues both within Christchurch and the surrounding area. We have also performed at a variety of corporate and private functions as well as the 2005 Wildfoods Festival and the University of Canterbury etc

We are a party band that likes to get the crowd involved, and are more about getting people up dancing!

The Hi Rollers are a four piece band comprising of Wayne Allen (drums/ vocals), Rob Carpenter (keyboards/ guitar/ vocals), Des Newton (guitar/ vocals) and Kevin Taylor (bass / vocals).   They are among the most experienced musicians available in Christchurch, having between them played thousands of different events, backed countless New Zealand and International artists, and performed on T.V. shows and professional recordings over many years.    They play a range of music from pop/rock/MOR hits to dedicated Rock’n’Roll and cabaret, and are suitable for a wide range of functions.   All members are based in Christchurch and are: Wayne Allen has played in many of NZ’s iconic groups including The Secrets, Simple Image and Murray Wood and Harvest.   Was the resident drummer on television’s “That’s Country” and had backed and toured with many of NZ’s major artists Rob Carpenter played with Ch Ch band Revival who had a hit single, as well as many other notable bands.   He has backed many major NZ artists an has played support for international acts. He has also been in constant demand as a backing musician from local artists and Television. Des Newton played in several popular bands before becoming one of Ch Ch’s most successful and enduring solo performers.   He has backed many of NZ’s major artists, performed on television, and also writes and records original songs. Kevin Taylor is a stalwart of the local music scene who has worked with many Kiwi music icons in live shows as well as on television.   He also is in demand as a session musician for a wide range of recording artists.

THE SOUTH ISLANDS PREMIERE ACOUSTIC COVERS DUO or TRIO SINCE 1996The Bedfords are the South Islands hottest entertainment force, delivering a huge range of covers music with a sound & energy that is truly world class. Boasting a diverse repertoire that would make any audience get up & party, The Bedfords are the perfect solution to every occasion. Whether your event is formal, casual, corporate, wedding or birthday, The Bedfords will deliver a show that is both stylish and entertaining & they are available for weddings, corporate functions, bars, restaurants, parties and community events any where in the South Island.

Barock is a band that will play just about any style

Baroque – Rock- · Classical – Rock & roll

Jazz – Easy Listening -· Ballads

..for any occasion

Weddings -· Balls -· Outdoor events

Promotions -· Corporate Functions -· twenty-firsts

Parties · church events

Formed in 1990, Barock is a five-piece band that entertains with music in just about any style from baroque to rock-from Bach to the future! The band’s strength is in its versatility, both in the styles of its music and in the number of instruments the band members play.

We play anything from classical music, for a formal atmosphere.

Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven,

Debussy, etc

to covers of classic rock hits, to get the party rocking.

Rock and Roll, CCR, Bee Gees, Beatles,

ABBA, Neil Diamond, Crowded House etc. and just about everything in-between, for dinner or a relaxed atmosphere.

Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra,

Carpenters, Billy Joel, Kenny G,

Louis Armstrong, etc

and heaps of Jazz!

 

Cost

Cost varies according to location, duration and the number of people required. Each event is priced individually, as we don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach. We aim to provide good value and competitive rates. Special rates can be arranged for charity work. We are happy to give a no-obligation quote for your function!

Weddings and Functions

Barock has played for hundreds of weddings, dances and other special occasions. For dances we use a selection of favourite rock & roll music, some more recent hits and some older upbeat music, as well as waltzes and ballads. If background music is required (pre-dinner or during a meal), we use classical, jazz and easy listening music. We also provide music for wedding services, ranging from trumpet voluntaries to contemporary sounds.

We also play for events such as Summertimes, the Christchurch Wine & Food Festival, Kidsfest and educational school shows.

Greg Knowles(Trumpet, Bass, vocals) has a diploma in Jazz from theChristchurchPolytechnicJazzSchool. He is an itinerant music teacher, and also works at a music shop. His singing style has been compared to Harry Connick Jr and Chet Baker.

Judith Bell (Saxophone, flute, clarinet, guitar, vocals, tuba) is specialist music programme coordinator at Chisnallwood Intermediate School, and also gives private lessons. She holds a Mus. B. (Hons) in composition.

Michael Bell (bass guitar, string bass, drums, piano, trumpet) is studying atCPITJazzSchool. He has been in bands that have got through to the regional finals for “Rockquest” for six years running, and is member of the Morrison Quartet, which won the national finals of the NZ Chamber Group competitions in 2002.

Tim Bell (Keyboard, pipe organ, backing vocals) holds an A.T.C.L. for organ performance, and is music director at Emmett Street Christian Centre. He lectures in Computer Science atCanterburyUniversity.

Arron Perriam (drums, percussion) has a certificate in Jazz from the Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School. He has been a percussionist for the NZ Army Band and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Arron is also a licensed marriage celebrant!

Top Christchurch band for weddings, birthdays, functions you name it!
The only band you need to guarantee your night is a success!

Maree Humphries:

One of the top pop vocalists in New Zealand, Maree has a long music history, from television performer and presenter, to top entertainer in many national and international venues. Maree’s dynamic singing style allows the band to perform a wide range of songs from sultry jazz standards to full production dance and pop tracks. 

Tony Rabbett:
Tony has been a top vocalist / musician with many well known New Zealand bands, and has performed and recordered in a number of countries. His voice has been featured on numerous radio and television commercials. Tony’s all-encompassing vocal style allows the band to perform music from Frank Sinatra to Robbie Williams and everything in between. 

Kate Smith :
Kate Smith has preformed  throughout NZ and a variety of bands and musical genres.  Kate has appeared with  Smith and Jones, Regiment and Modadji.  She can be heard on nationwide tv and radio singing advertising jingles.