Welcome to Songwriters' Saturday 2026!
We got off to a great start with our February gig and have another evening of homegrown music planned for your enjoyment. The evening kicks off at 6.30 p.m. and consists of three acts. Rachel Hird and band will open the evening, followed by Black Eyed Susie at 7.10 and Dave Murphy and Janet Muggeridge at 8 o'clock. The venue is fully seated, with Bar and Restaurant facilities available throughout. Parking is free and, on the street, with easy access from the front of the building. The music ends around 9 o'clock
About the artists:
Dave and Janet have been playing together for nine years. They have a varied repertoire, including originals, which they will feature at the Realm. Dave plays driving fingerpicked acoustic guitar, Janet adds a layer of melodic mandolin. They both sing with two fine voices that complement each other and the songs. Songs are about Dave's time on the road as a troubadour and Janet's about the places in Taranaki she loves.
davemurphyandjanetmuggeridge.bandcamp.com
https://youtu.be/SgbJe0xo5gE?si=SYGVkltEQQkIl3Hr
https://youtu.be/SgbJe0xo5gE?si=SYGVkltEQQkIl3Hr
Black Eyed Susie is a band born and bred on the Kapiti Coast, featuring the violin and guitar duo of Susan Colien-Reid and Ramon Oza. They are often seen performing at Paraparaumu Beach market as street performing is one of their favourite places to play.
Susan has supported many artists including The Blind Boys of Alabama, Paul Ubana Jones and Barry Saunders. Ramon is the slick funky blues guitarist with the husky voice who has played since he was 14 including playing with the Drifters and supporting Buddy Walters.
Susan is a classically trained violinist who once debuted a concerto written by NZ composer Gary Brain. She also has many accolades off shore and nationwide with her internationally acclaimed band Carousel. Carousel have performed at Festivals in NZ and Australia including the Apollo festival Melbourne and NZ 'Arts on Tour'.
Susan and Ramon have worked together for many years and as a duo, have played festivals, gigs and venues over the North Island. Ramon is one of NZ's finest guitarists and a songwriter in his
own right and has recently released an album, Your World or Mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpVWKjRac_c
https://open.spotify.com/artist/04xZckrWZ1TNF1zGJ3QW3k
Together they have written and recorded songs with a strong Celtic / Blues / Funk sound. Black Eyed Susie are passionate about supporting needs in their own community and have performed and composed songs for White Ribbon Day events, Amnesty International, Food Banks and Children’s Services. Their performances often include original songs, Fleetwood Mac, and Irish jigs.
Emerging from a classical world, Wellington singer songwriter Rachel Hird has found a way of bringing stories to life through music. A touch of nostalgia permeates the lyrics whilst we are reminded of the changing landscape and awesome natural forces we live with in Aotearoa New Zealand. Uncomplicated piano accompaniments add groove to the songs and cool, catchy riffs create choruses to remember. She is supported by singer songwriter Brenda Shearer on vocals, guitarist and songwriter Marty Parlane and producer songwriter Phil Riley on percussion. She has recently released her single 'Shy Girl' from her first EP, ‘Through the Page’ and is celebrating the release of the second single from the EP 'Quake' at this event. The full release of the EP takes place in April.
https://rachelhird.bandcamp.com/
