The Shed

29/10/2026

Tickets on sale now!
Get to Humanitix or you’ll find the link in the event on this page.
This will sell out! Don’t miss a great night with much-loved Pōneke blues and roots singer-songwriter Darren Watson returning to his favourite Lower Hutt intimate venue, The Shed for the third time (with special guest Matt Hay).

For this visit the ex-Chicago Smoke Shop leader, ‘Planet Key’ songwriter, and multiple NZ Music Award nominee is bringing his musical compardre Matt Hay along to both open the show and accompany Watson on harmonica.

Watson’s latest album ‘Darren Watson sings John Hiatt’ was released just over a year ago to critical acclaim, including a 4-star review in US jazz and blues ‘bible’ Downbeat, and spectacular NZ chart success.

Opener Matt Hay’s latest album ‘Dog and Pony Show’ (produced by Watson) was judged ‘Best Americana Album’ at the 2024 Aotearoa NZ Folk Alliance Awards.

“ Matt brings his beautiful songs to open the show and then joins me blowing some beautiful, tasteful harp. I’m really enjoying playing with Matt again.”

Darren says this show, while still featuring a few choice Hiatt covers, will feature more of his own material old and new.

“ I’ve got some new things on the boil, and I’m really enjoying exploring my back catalogue. There’s a surprising amount of songs after forty odd years!.”

For the uninitiated, a Darren Watson show is big on dynamics, foot stomping blues grooves, and emotional pin-drop moments. There’s politics aplenty, and an awful lot of self-deprecating humour.

Watson is well-known as a powerful guitarist but what many people only realise once they hear him live is he can really sing.

Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

25/10/2026

Congratulations to Darren Watson!
He’s live in The Shed with Matt Hay on Saturday November 14th and tickets are selling fast.
You can follow the ticket link to Humanitix on the event on this page.

Folks, I’m thrilled to announce that my 2025 album ‘Darren Watson sings John Hiatt’ is a finalist in the 2026 ANZFA Folk Music Awards.

Thanks so much to everyone who helped make the album with me, Matt Hay, Delia Shanly, Steve Moodie, Chris Armour, Josh Llewellyn, and Clive Copeman.

Of course a massive, virtual hug goes out to all of you amazing people who helped me with direct financial support through Pledge Me. And lastly thanks to the legendary John Hiatt for writing such amazing music that even survived my fumblings!

The winners will be announced at a show and award ceremony in Dunedin on January 3, 2027.

Of course you all probably know by now that, because Zuckerberg needs way more money, I can’t share links to the album on Facebook, or Instagram. But it really is super easy to find via my website, my Bandcamp, or your favourite streaming/digital platform.

You know what to do.

24/10/2026

❤️Last night was a vibe set beautifully with the ceremonial cacao from Casa Cacao NZ …!
Moon Daughter bought their uplifting electronica and good vibes to a receptive audience.
It’s been great watching the evolution of Sax Brazier from when she first opened the Shed in May 2024 with Saxon Brazier and The Wildhearts.
Some of those early songs have been reimagined with the addition of Dan Hardies tasteful beats and electronica taking them to a new level, but she still shone on her own, accompanied only by guitar and her new found confidence! (And looking like a rockstar!). Can’t wait to see and hear what is next.
Good times!
Thanks for coming out and supporting live local music!

24/10/2026

Just a little taste of Moon Daughter last night - pics to come

24/10/2026

24/10/2026

❤️🎵Get out and see some live music this Labour Weekend. We’ve still got a few limited tickets to tonight’s Moon Daughter show available via Humanitix or on the door $30.
We’d love to see you! Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

23/10/2026

🌙LIVE MUSIC THIS LABOUR WEEKEND The Shed Alicetown - Get your tickets for this weekend’s show - Saturday 24th Oct 7.30pm - 10 tickets left at Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/moon-daughter-plays-the-shed

🌙 MOON DAUGHTER 🌙

Made up of Dan Hardie & Sax Brazier, Moon Daughter is set to give you a night a little different from the ordinary.

Witchy, dark vocals meet joyful, uplifting electronica — weaving together haunting melodies, pulsing rhythms and moments that might just catch you by surprise.

Something different. Something immersive. Something you’ll feel.

We’ll begin the evening with a cacao ceremony, creating space to slow down, arrive, and drop into the night together.

Then the music begins…

Come as you are.
Leave a little more alive.

Doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm start.
46a Victoria Street
Alicetown