Hot Diggity bluegrass band coming to Wonderfest

Hot Diggity are Sue Drake (left), Deborah Mackenzie, Heather Carrigan, Jenine Aberbanel and Krissy Jackson.

They say they are a mix of the sassy and the sweet and they are bringing their unique bluegrass sound to Whanganui next week.

Hot Diggity are an all female band made up of Heather Carrigan (mandolin, vocals), Jenine Aberbanel (double bass, vocals), Deborah Mackenzie (guitar, vocals), Sue Drake (banjo, vocals) and Krissy Jackson (fiddle, vocals).

Songwriters Carrigan and Mackenzie say their songs are about all kinds of things that affect women.

"A little bit of angst, a little bit of anger," says Mackenzie.

Carrigan adds: "Lots of gooey, lovey romantic stuff too.She's the sass and I'm the romantic."

The band also play traditional covers and, although they are influenced by old time bluegrass musicians like Bill Munroe, they generate a unique sound that is all their own.

Hot Diggity was formed in 2014, but all five members are veteran musicians having played with numerous other bands in a variety of musical styles for years.

Lovers of bluegrass tradition and the time period of its birth, the Hot Diggity ladies only perform while kitted out in the finest 40s and 50s vintage style.

Experience Whanganui's premiere performance when Hot Diggity play the RSA Club on Sunday, August 13, at 2pm to launch the third annual Winter Wonderfest programme.

Tickets are available from the Royal Wanganui Opera House, with door sales on the day from 1:30pm, just $15.