Category: 2019 News

Together and as members of various other bands, the members of Crooked Road have made 13 albums, many TV and radio shows and several national and international tours. Bluegrass, folk, country, gospel-their influences all come out in harmony-driven originals and pieces by favourite musicians.

Formerly known as Old South Bluegrass, Crooked Road are Phill Parker (Guitar) Andrew Hook (Mandolin), Leonard Cohen (Dobro) and David Taylor (Bass).

Phill sings in the folk, country and bluegrass traditions, playing with The Bill Chambers Band, Country Comfort, Shut Up and Deal, Highly Strung and The Bridgland Brothers. His song “To Keep You Near” won the 2018 SCALA lyrics award out of 200 entries world-wide.
Andrew immersed himself in the bluegrass genre playing professionally with The Rank Strangers, Paul Wookey, The Buckshot Boogie Band, Dingo Ridge and Grass Roots.
New Zealand born-and-raised Leonard was a member of the original Hamilton County Bluegrass Band and then played professionally with The Skillet Lickers.
Dave grew up on a diet of Beatles, Stones, Pacemakers, 60s pop, Daddy Cool, Chain, and Axiom. He played in community choirs ukulele group Savior Plunk, and now plays country/folk, bluegrass and retro pop.

https://www.facebook.com/crookedroadinaustralia/

Our second Australian headline guest for the inaugural Kiwigrass is Melbourne based bluegrass band 9 Mile Creek. Formed up in 2013, 9 Mile Creek play traditional and original bluegrass, along with anything else that strikes their fancy. All four of the fellas sing, 3 of them write original material, and they are all masters of their instruments. They’re the life of the party at any jam session, a delight to watch on stage, and generally excellent to have around. Not only are they talented musicians and performers, but they are also strong contributors to the bluegrass scene in Victoria, having had roles in organising multiple bluegrass festivals and bluegrass clubs. We’re very excited to be hosting them on their first ever visit to New Zealand.

The Lonely Heartstring Band wowed New Zealand audiences last year when they headlined at the Auckland Folk Festival and then toured around the country, with sell-out show after sell-out show. Their unparalleled stage presence and skill left audiences speechless and hungry for more. Kiwigrass is very pleased to be bringing this amazing band back to New Zealand. The boys from Boston have been hard at work on a new album, adding to their already stellar repertoire. In addition to concerts, these Berklee School of Music trained musicians will be leading workshops in their instruments.

First International Guest Act Announced

Bluegrass Parkway to appear at Kiwigrass

Kiwigrass is very excited to announce Australian bluegrass royalty Bluegrass Parkway will be appearing at Kiwigrass in February. Now in their 30th year, Bluegrass Parkway are the longest continuously performing bluegrass band in Australia. They have played at dozens of folk and country music festivals throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and have been past favourites on the Australian-based Bluegrass Cruise. Bluegrass Parkway have placed great importance on presenting Bluegrass music in its most authentic form, performing around a single on-stage microphone, as was the norm for the pioneers of the genre during the 1940s. They are frequent presenters of harmony workshops, as their skill in this area is beyond compare, and each band member is a skilled harmony singer and teacher. The Band features Paul Duff on mandolin, Maria Duff on bass, Wayne Perry on guitar, Mick O’Neill on banjo and Donal Baylor on fiddle.

More exciting announcements to come soon!  Please sign up for our mailing list and like and follow our Facebook page to help get the word out about Kiwigrass.  Thanks!