Kiwi blues legend brings the special sauce!

From leading the iconic Chicago Smoke Shop to working alongside greats like Dr John, Keb Mo, Billy Boy Arnold, and Tony Joe White, Darren Watson has been serving up the finest cuts of New Zealand blues music for decades. His latest release, Darren Watson Sings John Hiatt, recently simmered its way up to #3 on the Official Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart. Watson is hitting the road again to deliver his trademark powerful vocals, astonishing yet understated guitar playing, and soulful, "pin-drop" intensity live.

Before the Watson main course, Matt Hay, whose latest album Dog and Pony Show took home the 2024 ANZFA award for Best Americana Album, will be serving up his
delicious, wry observations of modern life.

After Matt sets the table with his set, he’ll join Darren on stage to add some spicy harmonica, bringing a rich, bluesy layer to an evening of 100% authentic, hand-crafted music.

Don’t miss this double-serving of world-class blues and Americana.

What folks say:

“ If Ry Cooder had a long-lost New Zealand cousin, it would be Darren Watson.”
Tami Neilson (Kiwi country/blues legend)

“ It’s not easy writing catchy tunes that carry a message, but Darren pulls it off easily, singing in his big, soulful voice: ‘...you can hold folks up, you can knock folks
down, it matters what we do and what we say.’ Right on!”
Rick Holmstrom (Mavis Staples Band)

“ Watson’s Too Many Millionaires is the finest acoustic blues CD this reviewer has heard in quite some time!”
Blues Matters Magazine (UK)

“ This album is so good it has almost overcome my lifelong aversion to the genre.”
Sunday Star Times (NZ)