The Remarkables

Friday 13th July

It started one Saturday afternoon with a guitar, a banjo, a bass, three mates and, well, a small measure of brown coloured throat tonic. Next thing you know, the afternoon evaporated, the sun was sinking low and a whole new musical genre had evolved – bluegrasscountryswing. Then came the name: The Remarkables, named after the distinctive South Island mountain range.

They call it bluegrasscountryswing because they’re the only band around creating blues, country, folk and western swing with a smoking bluegrass banjo.  

The band have all played at Katikati some time or other in other bands but not perhaps in such an exciting combination. Band members Neil Finlay (guitar and vocals) and Peter Parnham (bass, fiddle and vocals) are known for the foot tapping blues of Stop and Listen, while Bryan Christianson (banjo and vocals) is borrowed from awarding-winning bluegrass band Wires and Wood.

Be prepared for a pleasant surprise when you hear The Remarkables’ treatment of familiar tunes and new favourites. Expect anything from bass slappin’ fast country to thoughtful ballads and swing banjo seasoned with a sprinkling of bluegrass.

The Remarkables’ mix of high-energy, entertaining songs is sure to get you tapping your feet and demanding more!  

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You can find more information on The Remarkables and music samples here.