England headlines Studio 64 concert

The highly successful programme of music concerts at Studio 64 in Inglewood continues in May with a rare concert by Bevis England.

Bevis, born in Auckland and resident in Titirangi, has a long and varied musical background. Originally taught classical piano, Bevis taught himself to play guitar and learned a wide range of American and British contemporary and traditional folk music before becoming inspired by jazz and 'prog rock'.

While living in Edinburgh in the late '70s Bevis was a member of a number of folk bands, playing in restaurants, winebars, concerts and ceilidhs. He held a weekly residency at the Waverley, in St Mary's Street just off the Royal Mile where many pioneering folk acts performed. After spending time in the United States, playing in aprs ski bars, England lived in Hong Kong, becoming a stalwart of the Hong Kong folk scene and performing at many concerts and festivals.

Since returning to New Zealand in the mid '80s Bevis has played in all the major Auckland folk clubs.

He was a founding member of contemporary folk band Thursday (with the late Sieffe Latrobe) and also played with The Gumdiggers Bush Band.

Bevis has also played at many of New Zealand's other leading folk and acoustic music festivals - including the 2015 Patuha Music Festival in Taranaki.

Through his musical career, Bevis has always experimented with writing his own material. With lyrics drawn from a lifetime of travel, with all its ups and downs, and innovative guitar accompaniment his songs reflect his wide range of interests and influences.

For Bevis's concert in Inglewood he will be joined by Jan Elliott from Auckland, who will also perform solo, and a number of well-known Taranaki musicians, including Janet Muggeridge on mandolin, Wayne Morris on percussion and Krissy Jackson on fiddle.

Together they will perform a selection of original songs and covers that will both entertain and intrigue.

Dancing With the Road: an evening of original songs and music presented by Bevis England with Jan Elliott, Janet Muggeridge, Krissy Jackson and Wayne Morris. Studio 64, 64 Rata Street, Inglewood, May 9 at 7:30pm. $10 at the door.