From the bright lights of Melbourne to the isolated west coast halls of the South Island, Australian singer-songwriter James Kenyon crosses the ditch this April to launch his new single ‘The Motorbike Song’ by playing an epic 20 date NZ tour.
Spanning Dunedin in the south to Leigh in the north, Kenyon and his double bassist Luke Richardson will spend 3 weeks on the road with much loved local troubadour Monty Bevins.
His song writing, sometimes dark, sometimes sweetness and light, has been described as a “view from a car or a rusted metal bridge or a window in a hall-songs that stand tall for the ages.”
The former aborist, shearer’s hand and social worker’s songs reflect the land through which he lives - the characters, the stories and the dramas form a lyrical road map of the country and suburbs. They’re often personal but always allow the listener a way in to share the journey.
Kenyon is renowned for his powerful live performances, which have seen him play at festivals throughout Australia alongside Marlon Williams, The Eastern, Aldous Harding, Jordie Lane and many others.
He won the inaugural The Age Stage award and has been shortlisted for the Vanda and Young Song contest. His critically acclaimed debut album 'The North Pole' will be followed with his sophomore release ‘Imagine you are Driving’ due mid 2016, from which the current single ‘Motorbike Song’ is taken.
“You bastards! You’ve made me play after James Kenyon!”- Adam McGrath from The Eastern berating the Happy Wanderer Festival programmers in 2015
James Kenyon NZ Tour Dates:
APR
Thur 7 - Castrols Garage, Christchurch
Fri 8 - Hilltop Tavern, Banks Peninsula
Sat 9 - Grainstore Gallery, Oamaru
Sun 10 - Dog With Two Tails, Dunedin
Tue 12 - Federal Diner, Wanaka
Wed 13 - Donovans Store, Okarito
Thur 14 - Star Tavern, Cape Foulwind
Fri 15 - Fairfield House, Nelson
Sat 16 - Le Cafe, Picton
Sun 17 - Interislander Ferry
Sun 17 - Bicycle Junction, Wellington
Tue 19 - Raumati Social Club, Raumati
Thur 21 - Cactus Jacks, Waipawa
Fri 22 - House Concert, Napier
Sat 23 - Dome Cinema, Gisborne
Sun 24 - Wai-O-Tapu Folk Festival, Rotorua
Thur 28 - Wine Cellar, Auckland
Fri 29 - Eggsentric Cafe, Whitianga
Sat 30 - Red Lounge Sessions, Mt. Maunganui
MAY
Sun 1 - Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Leigh
