These Wellington singer-songwriters have put together an evening of original music for your enjoyment.
Opening the evening at 6.30 is Rachel Hird on piano, with vocalist Brenda Shearer. Next up at 7.15 is local producer, musician and songwriter Phil Riley, followed by a good 50 mins of toe-tapping grooving with The Grey Dog Band beginning around 8 o'clock.
More about the artists:
Rachel Hird is a Wellington based singer-songwriter. She grew up playing the piano and studying classical music. Nowadays she writes and performs her own songs, best described as ‘songs from the heart'. She is constantly inspired by people she meets in the world of music such as musician, vocalist, songwriter and mentor Brenda Shearer, and sing-songwriter Charlotte Yates whose songwriting school is a place where many songs have been crafted. Rachel's songs are inspired by people, places and events of the past and present. She is planning an EP release early 2026.
Phil Riley is a full-time writer /producer with a recording studio in Korokoro. He's a wordsmith and melodic songwriter with influences from the Beatles and Paul Simon to Coldplay. Phil started on the English Club circuit as a guitarist, then drummer and keyboard player/singer in NZ bands.
Riley got to know Grammy winner Jon Mark of White Cloud Records (Naxos), and this led to a series of 6 Celtic and World music albums for the label, including The Blessing Tree, which reached #11 on the US radio play charts and was nominated for 5 NZ Tui music awards.
Riley has tracks on European and US albums alongside artists such as Enya, Sarah McLachlan, Sinead O’Connor, Secret Garden and Clannad. The compilation ‘Celtic Journey’ reached #1 on the American Billboard charts.
Over the past few years, the art and craft of songwriting has become a priority, driving his recording and performing focus and moving his musical centre of gravity. His first ’new’ indie album ‘Five Dollar Rockets’ featured a stellar cast of instrumentalists and singers.
In this unplugged ‘sneak preview’ of songs from the first and upcoming second album he’ll be joined by long-time talented music buddies Charlie Harter and Marty Parlane on guitars and the wonderful Brenda Shearer on vocals.
The Grey Dog are a deluded bunch of cork-sniffers who think they will improve with age. They are John Broadbent – vocals, guitar and harp, Martyn Parlane – vocals and guitar, Graeme “Grey Dog” Sullivan – bass and vocals and Greg Bates - drums. They often play around Courtenay Place, where they use their music to lure passing sailors to their doom. Their musical style is wide-ranging, but basically Boomer. They hope their music will provide some fuel for your hearts, heads, and toes.
The Realm is a family friendly venue with a great vibe, good food, including children's menu and a good range of refreshing beverages available at the bar. Parking is free and available on the street with wheelchair access from Moxham Avenue. You can book a table online at; https://therealm.co.nz/
