UPCOMING GIGS

Few New Zealand songwriters have left a mark quite like Wayne Mason. Best known as the writer of 'Nature' - voted New Zealand's greatest song by APRA, Mason has spent more than six decades crafting songs that have become part of our musical landscape. From The Fourmyula and Rockinghorse to The Warratahs and an acclaimed solo career, his songwriting has earned the respect of audiences and fellow musicians alike.

As part of his ‘After All These Years Tour’ encompassing venues across the South Island this October, The Lyric Theatre is honoured to present ‘An evening with Wayne Mason’, an intimate evening of songs and stories from one of New Zealand's master songwriters. Blending original pop, alt-country and honky-tonk with warm humour and candid reflections from a lifetime on the road, Mason's beautifully crafted songs explore love, loss, hope and the landscapes that shape us.

Whether you've loved ‘Nature’ for decades or are discovering Wayne Mason's music for the first time, this promises to be a memorable evening with one of New Zealand's true songwriting treasures.

“Mason's lyrics trace so clearly the geography of the heartland as well as the heart; the melodies themselves feel elemental, as ageless as a sou'wester, as permanent as the hills.”

- Nick Bollinger

Hailing from the music-filled streets of Melbourne, Australia, Shaun Kirk is an award-winning blues and soul troubadour recognized for his exceptional talent as a born entertainer. His unique talent has not only earned him many accolades but also much praise from fellow artists, such as three-time Grammy Award Winner Fantastic Negrito, who has declared his show as "One of the best one-man shows he’s ever seen!"

Kirk's vocals exude a gritty, soulful depth that seems to transcend far beyond his years, with critics continually acclaiming him as "one of the finest blues voices Australia has ever heard" (Buzz Mag). Complementing his vocal artistry, Kirk's vintage guitar tones and raw grooves pay tribute to the timeless influences that have shaped his musical journey, resulting in a distinctive sound fast becoming his own.

Shaun’s musical journey has taken him to stages all over the world, where he's not only performed but consistently sold out shows, leaving audiences enthralled by his magnetic presence. From iconic festival stages like Bluesfest Byron Bay, where he's become a familiar name, to sharing the billing with legends like Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Paolo Nutini, John Butler Trio, and The Teskey Brothers; Kirk's artistic prowess is in esteemed company. Moreover, he's also had the honour of opening for household names such as blues maestro Joe Bonamassa, soul sensation Allen Stone, and the indomitable Beth Hart; further solidifying his place in the landscape of contemporary music. This remarkable journey is a testament to Kirk's unmatched talent and ability to connect with audiences across genres and generations.