Category: Bands of the Past

Ballyrag is a Celtic rock band which is based in Christchurch and plays at bars, weddings, corporate and private functions, and festivals throughoutthe South Island. The music is predominantly Irish and ranges from updated traditional Irish ballads through to more contemporary music by The Pogues, Van Morrison, The Waterboys, Saw Doctors, The Proclaimers and U2. We often get asked to “play some country!” or rock and roll music so a Pogues song could sometimes be closely followed by some Johnny Cash, NancySinatra, The Beatles or Elvis Presley – even John Denver on occasion. This is foot stomping, fun music, guaranteed to get people of all ages up dancing and having a great time. Between us we create combinations of guitars, mandolin, accordion, piano and bass guitar, plus 3 voices, giving a full and diverse sound. The members of the band are all experienced musicians who have previously played in various solo, duo and Christchurch bands including: Bullfrog Blues Band, The Murphy’s, Tin Soldiers, Briggs & Stratton, KarmaSuits Ya and The Mickey Finns.

Band Lineup:

Peter Shapcott – vocals, guitar, mandolin

Sita Moran – accordion, piano, vocals

Steve Burroughs – base, acoustic and lead guitar, vocals

 

Alan returns to the live music scene after a time off raising a family, now the kids are a bit older and think they’re self sufficient it’s time for Alan to get back to doing what he loves.

Alan was “almost famous” in North Canterbury in the late 80’s and 90’s (before the days of the internet and super rugby!) when music was live, loud and musicians were judged on their ability to reproduce the songs exactly as per the original. Alan cut his teeth in popular rock bands and latterly duo’s such as Cognito, Phase 2, Tin Soldiers and The Firm before retiring to raise kids as this scene was definitely a single mans sport! 

Having always wanted to perform an acoustic set and not rely on karaoke backing tracks Alan has come up with an act that is styled on the likes of Ed Sheeran, Jack Johnson and unplugged rock ballads by Green Day, Foo Fighters and more. There is also the timeless old classics from the likes of Cat Stevens and Pink Floyd that are essential acoustic pieces in the large and varied repertoire.

The act consists of acoustic-electric guitar, vocals, and Alan plays drums/percussion with his feet. He is ideally suited to keep an after work crowd longer, or entertaining people in a laid back relaxing atmosphere

A Christchurch based solo act performing with a polished and classy vocal style

over sequenced backing tracks. Performing all your favorites from the last 50

years, TJ does it all Cabaret, Motown, Rock, Reggae, Soul, Grunge, Disco and much more.

Faultless vocals and professional performance style are what make this solo act stick out above the rest. TJ has an impressive amount of private and corporate functions under his belt and has received rave reviews from all of his clients.

TJ has been working in the music industry for over 25 years as drummer and principally as a vocalist, which brings experience into the mix. With his extensive knowledge of music, Tim creates most of the backing tracks he uses.

TJ is a graduate student of the “Nelson School of Music” in which he acquired a

“Diploma in Contemporary Music”. TJ has also taught music as head tutor for four years at “Te Awhina Marae” T.O.P.S Performance Music Course, Motueka.

TJ has recently parted ways with his band of 5 years “D’sendantz” an all round party band.

Hadley has enjoyed several years of classical training in voice and contemporary piano adding to a well-rounded and professional sound for every performance. He has also been performing for various events since the age of 15, and has built up a large repertoire of different styles and artists including Elton John, Billy Joel, Jack Johnson, and Josh Gorban.

Hadley’s style of music is perfect for entertaining guests at weddings, corporate functions, conferences, and wineries or restaurants, adding a relaxed atmosphere to any occasion.

Tor is a bright, fun energetic Christchurch singer/percussionist who will give you a night to remember!

Tor used to sing in the very popular Christchurch bands Just the 2 of us and Lucre and is now out performing on her own, amazing people with her powerful voice.
Her easy listeining style is perfect for Christchurch weddings, corporate functions, conferences through to entertaining in bars and clubs.

She also caters for birthday functions, kids parties and assures she will get the party started!

 

Stig is an internationally acclaimed pianist and vocalist. He’s a storyteller of the highest caliber. Featuring the music of Elton John, Billy Joel, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin, and other greats, an audience is transported on a journey of mirth, whimsy, loss, and redemption. Not unlike the man himself. With three passports, longtime residences in Los Angeles, Vancouver Island, and New Zealand, careers in acting, voice-overs, and music, and a passion for socializing, Stig has a few stories of his own to tell. 

The truth be known, it all started with the humble accordion at the age of seven. Naturally gregarious, he played for everyone who would listen. This led to his film debut in “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken”, starring Don Knotts – at the age of thirteen. His new-found love of acting introduced him to a theatre company called ‘The Covenant Players’, and by the age of 20, and 1200 performances later, Stig had played across America, Canada, Europe, and Russia. Career highlights include television roles in Hercules and Xena, film roles in “Dick Tracy” and “King Kong”, the lead role of ‘Long John Silver’ in “Return to Treasure Island”, and a lead role in Auckland Theatre Company’s, “Twelve Angry Men” which was votedplay of the Millenium in New Zealand.

Musically, at the age of 14, Stig turned from the accordion to the piano, and the world changed for him. Instead of the ‘geek’ on the squeezebox, now it was theman at the piano. In his early twenties, he toured with bands throughout the States and Canada, culminating in a tour with Buddy Miles (Jimi Hendrix, Santana) to the New Orleans Jazz Festival. He played for Joe Cocker’s birthday. As a solo artist, he found his stride, entertaining in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Vancouver, Sydney, and Los Angeles. It was while playing at the Playboy Club in L.A. that Stig was asked to come to New Zealand to play for the grand opening of the Chancery Tavern & Restaurant in Christchurch. That was 1983. 
After festivals in Marlborough, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Nelson, the America’s Cup Series in Auckland, three seasons of the New Zealand musical, “RUSH”, the voice of Audrey II in “Little Shop of Horrors” with Mark Hadlow, Stig is back home in Sumner contemplating his next moves…  

Reuben Stone is a Christchurch singer/songwriter/guitarist and also performs covers. Reuben can be booked as a solo act as well as in a 2, 3, 4 and 5 piece band.Whatever your doo is – he will provide the perfect music for it. Background Music through to full on Rock and Dance you name it he does it.