The Eastern, last seen at Kauaeranga Hall in 2018, describe themselves as a string band that roars like a punk band, that swings like a gospel band, that hopes like folk singers, and sings love songs like union songs, and writes union songs like love songs, and wants to slow dance and stand on tables, all at the same time.

Four albums and well over 1000 shows deep The Eastern have played and toured with Fleetwood Mac, Steve Earle and Old Crow Medicine Show amongst others, ticking off miles, countries and 200 plus shows a year every year.

‘No Depression’ magazine noted they were “One of the best modern roots acts, from any country”.

Both Radio NZ and the NZ Herald described them as “National Treasures” and The Heralds Graham Reid called singer Adam McGrath “NZ’s toughest-minded songwriter”. NZ country legend Barry Saunders simply called them “The Truth.”

The Eastern has delivered four albums (‘The Eastern’, ‘Arrows’, ‘Hope & Wire’ and ‘The Territory’),  and garnered a reputation as NZ’s hardest-working and most honest-to-goodness band, one that embraced an old-fashioned ethic of people and shows over posts and playlists. They gather converts and friends wherever they or their records land.

The rolling, rambling, spirit-raising atmospheres that they thrillingly project in their live shows have endeared them to the hearts of many. It’s obvious from the way they perform that they care about the audience as much as the songs.

This show will be outdoors, if the weather allows.