Coming Events

See below for details on the sessions and workshop; more details coming soon on the concerts. No Society Night in Feb – next one on 26th March.

>> Please refer to each event listing and take note of where it is taking place.

Old time and bluegrass music jam sessions and banjo workshops
These Sunday jam sessions and workshops are currently being held in different venues due to fire at Alicetown Community House in November 2025.

Society Nights
Society Nights will be held on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Abandoned Taproom. They start with a Guest Spot by a feature artist or group. The Guest Spot is half a concert, i.e. 45 minutes. This is followed by a tea and coffee break then support acts and a jam session for one and all. Admission is generally $20 for general admission, $15 for members or children – includes tea and coffee. Door sales only. (There is also an occasional ‘blackboard’ concert without a featured Guest Spot.)

and much more to come – keep an eye on this website for details for future events!!

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Second Sunday each month – Jam Sessions and banjo workshop – Old Time Music and Bluegrass

Old-time Music and Bluegrass jam sessions 
second Sunday of each month 
2:00 – 5:00pm

Venue for 8 February 2026:

Memelink Artspace, 223 The Esplanade, Petone
Free entry for jam sessions! All welcome!

Jam Sessions
The old-time jam will be the first half (2:00-3:30pm) and bluegrass jam the second half (3:30-5:00pm). You can come for one. or the other, or both! And there are also Banjo Workshops available between 3:00pm and 5:00pm – but booking is essential for these.

All are welcome to play or to listen.

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Banjo Workshop

There will be a banjo workshop, for absolute beginners. Running in parallel to the jam session, at the same venue, this will cater for anyone who has either just picked up a banjo, through to getting you up to jamming with others.
Banjo workshop for absolute beginners
3:00 – 5:00pm second Sunday each month
$40 per person (or as advertised) – booking required – please book via email before the day for this event

Please bring:
+ banjo
+ tuner
+ drink bottle
+ some means of taking notes – a recording device is fine

Venue for workshops on 8 February 2026:
Memelink Artspace, 223 The Esplanade, Petone
Please email andrewbicknell2018@gmail.com to register your interest in this workshop

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Wellington Bluegrass Society, Petone New Zealand
for good fun and fine music!

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Saturday 14th February 8:00pm – Concert – Elias Bartholomeo (Aus)

Elias Bartholomeo is a Solo fingerstyle guitar player hailing from Sydney, Australia. On many occasions, Elias has been titled as one of the top acoustic guitarists around Australia today with his playing being described as “Walking a tightrope between many genres all at once!” with a fearless and energetic approach to his live performances.

Elias embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of four, under the guidance of his grandfather. Immersed in the sounds of The Beach Boys, Jerry Reed, The Shadows, Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, Elias was inspired to emulate their mastery. Despite being self-taught and unable to read music, he honed his craft through ear training and collaboration with fellow musicians.

At sixteen years old, Elias had the opportunity to live out his dream and perform alongside Tommy Emmanuel in the Maui Cultural Arts Centre, Hawaii – an experience that further fuelled his passion for music. Over the years, he has had the privilege of collaborating with numerous musicians from across the globe, enriching his musical repertoire.

Over the last few years, Elias has toured extensively around Australia, New Zealand and USA. Elias has been has been building a strong profile in the live music and Guitar communities, playing at festivals, theatres and halls as a solo show and collaborating with other great musicians near and far.

In 2020, Elias was recognised as a graduate of the Talent Development Project, marking a significant milestone in his musical career. He has since been carving out his path as a solo artist in Australia, culminating in the release of his debut EP Give to Keep in early 2021 and recording parts of his collaboration project According To History at Sony Music Australia.

His musical journey has led him to crossroads, where in Hawaii, Elias met a fellow Australian guitar player, who has become a driving force in his development as a player. Having done their first show together whilst Elias was still in school, then forming the duo Elias and JJ and released a series of EPs According To History and have performed shows around New South Wales Australia including opening for Daryl Braithwaite at Wests, Tamworth.

Elias is a proud owner of the business Sounds of Country who are associated with brands including AER amplifiers, Ernie Ball strings, Kyser capos, Paige capos and Maton guitars. With his solidifying status as a rising star in the music industry, his dedication to his craft and unwavering passion for music continue to propel him towards greater heights.

www.eliasbartholomeo.net

Waltzing Matilda Elias Bartholomeo & Tommy Emmanuel
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKaOQcsX4E4

Elias Bartholomeo ‘It’s Never Too Late’
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NECPdrTVckQ

Elias Bartholomeo – Cannonball Rag (Merle Travis)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ungis1OpsW0

Concert – Elias Bartholomeo (Aus)
Saturday 14th February 8:00pm
Wellington Bluegrass Society @ Abandoned Taproom Petone
38 Fitzherbert Street

NOTE THE VENUE

$30 / $25 members or children – tea and coffee included

click here to book for the concert featuring Elias Bartholomeo

Please use the above link to book for this concert
If this link doesn’t work, then no worries – book by emailing andrewbicknell2018@gmail.com

Bookings accepted before the day
Doors open at 7:20pm for those who have booked

Otherwise door sales on the day from 7:50pm

Come for dinner before the show!
Abandoned Taproom Petone have plenty of tasty treats, and grab a drink (or two) as well:
www.abandonedbrewery.co.nz/taprooms#Petone