East Auckland’s star children’s music entertainer is looking forward to her performances at this weekend’s Auckland Folk Festival.
The popular annual music event, held each year at Kumeu Showgrounds on Auckland Anniversary Weekend, always brings together a top-quality lineup of folk-roots music artists from New Zealand and overseas, and Claudia Robin Gunn is excited to be part of it again.
“The Auckland Folk Festival has a real community spirit and family audiences who truly get involved,” she told the Times.
“I first played at the festival in January 2020. My kids were a whole lot smaller then, and we had a beautiful weekend camping and taking in of all the wonderful performers.”
Claudia Robin Gunn won Best Children’s Music Artist at the 2024 New Zealand Music Awards for her 2023 album Firefly, on her label Little Wild Music, in conjunction with Irirangi Te Motu/NZ on Air and in collaboration with Dean Jones, who’s based in the United States.
“I can’t wait to sing as part of Suzy Cato’s kids stage this weekend, along with my friend Kath Bee, of Nelson, and Auckland is lucky to have ex-pat troubadour Simon Stanley, of the Tattletale Saints, also performing his kids’ music,” says Claudia.
“Suzy and I have a new release out, The Mountain Song, and Kath and I will sing one of our co-writes Making My Way, plus we’ll be helping run a cool kids instrument craft session. It’s going to be so good.”
Claudia says they’ll be performing on the kids’ stage from 10am tomorrow Saturday.
“I’m singing at 10.30am or thereabouts and there’s a whole day lined up of great music for kids plus more on Sunday too.”
Auckland Folk Festival organisers say they’re “proud” to have acclaimed Australian bluesman C.W. Stoneking on the showbill.
“Known for his distinctive blend of early blues, roots, and folk influences, C.W. Stoneking is set to captivate audiences with his unforgettable stage presence and soulful performances.
“With his deep, gravelly voice and mastery of early 20th-century styles, Stoneking’s music transports listeners to a bygone era while maintaining a fresh and modern edge.”
The organisers say there’s a long list of excellent local performers, including Rennie Pearson, who’s returning from overseas.
“Rennie has made a name for himself in the traditional music scene of Australia and New Zealand as a standout solo performer, as well as touring his many bands.
“These talented folk join the likes of Australia’s simultaneously graceful and darkly bewitching, multi-award winning, folk pop ‘sister’ duo, Charm of Finches; Hina, the creative mantle of Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter Amy Boroevich; 2024’s Best Folk Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards, Adam McGrath, famed around the motu for his much-loved folk singing and yarn spinning; and New Zealand’s latest ‘darling’ duo, Pony Baby (Arahi and Jazmine Mary).”
Auckland Folk Festival organisers say the diverse lineup continues with toe-tapping instrumental bands Austral (Australia), Rain of Animals (Scotland/Aus), Fortino Trio (Aus), and BB and Alex (USA/NZ), to Americana darlings Tess Liautaud and Jessie Shanks (US/NZ), and Tall Folk (US/NZ), to the multitalented queen of collaborations Krissy Jackson, and latest kiwi Indie sensations, Marmalade.
“For the families, sure to ensure the festival is a hit for all ages, Suzy Cato, known for her engaging presence and heartwarming connection with kids, will bring a series of family-friendly activities under her umbrella brand Sounds Fun,” say the organisers.
“Guaranteed to delight children and parents alike, joining her among others are Claudia Robin Gunn and Simon Stanley.
“Claudia is a multiple award-winning children’s music artist, returning to the festival for the first time since 2020.
“Claudia creates music about all the seasons of childhood. Nature’s rhythms from the garden to the ocean, growing up with kindness and values, and why exactly a parent must never tear down a living room fort on the day it was made.
“Originally from New Zealand and now based in Nashville, Simon Stanley combines a background as an acclaimed songwriter for the two-time Tui Award-winning folk duo Tattletale Saints, with extensive experience working alongside multiple Grammy-nominated Nashville songwriters, and a deep love for the quirky world of kids’ music.
“For dance enthusiasts, workshops will be running all weekend, for all ages and levels of fitness and ability,” say the organisers.
“From lively Ceilidh dancing to flamboyant South American styles, to sedate courtly dancing, enjoy time-honoured social dances full of rhythmic energy and fun.”
- For more information, including the full lineup, schedule, and ticket details, visit www.aucklandfolkfestival.com or search for it on social media.
