Strings are bringing their lively blend of Irish tradition and Kiwi flavour to the Eastern Bay next month, kicking off a five-day North Island tour with a performance in Whakatāne.

The trio – made up of Kawerau musician Lee Corbett Barton, who plays mandolin, mandola and banjo, Irish composer and guitarist Dave Flynn and Wellington-based Celtic fiddler Em Griffiths – will perform at Mata Brewery and Tap Room on Wednesday, June 3, from 7pm.

The tour follows a successful run of concerts earlier this year, with audiences embracing the trio’s mix of traditional Celtic tunes, folk songs and original compositions.

“We’re playing many of the same Celtic folk songs and tunes from our February tour since they went down so well,” Flynn said.

“It’s a mix of old Celtic tunes and more recent compositions.”

Audiences can also expect a more relaxed, spontaneous feel to the evening, inspired by traditional Irish pub sessions.

“There’ll be some spontaneous Irish pub-session style playing, which really suits the atmosphere of the tap room.”

Adding a distinctly New Zealand flavour to the music is what Flynn describes as “Kiwi-Celtic” material – Celtic-inspired tunes written in New Zealand.

“One is my own tune called Makorori Surf, and another called The Journey was composed while touring New Zealand a few years ago,” he said.

“There’s also a Kiwi-Celtic fiddle reel that Em composed called Midnight in Manawatū.”

For Corbett Barton, the Whakatāne performance is a homecoming of sorts.

Known through his work with the Kawerau District Council and performances alongside the late John McKay, he grew up surrounded by folk music in the United Kingdom, where his father was heavily involved in the folk scene.

The concert will also carry emotional significance for Flynn, whose last Whakatāne performance was at Tait5 café with the late Tait Kora and John McKay.

“The only other time I played in Whakatāne was in 2025 at Tait5,” Flynn said.

“Lee organised that solo gig for me, but during the show I also played with Tait, and then with Lee and John.

“It’ll be emotional returning to Whakatāne now that both Tait and John have passed away.”

Flynn, who lives in Dublin and visits New Zealand to tour, said that visit inspired the formation of Flynn’s Celtic Strings.

“That Whakatāne gig sowed the seeds for the band. I really enjoyed playing with Lee and hanging out with everyone there.”

During the same trip, Flynn also led workshops for the Whakatāne Community Orchestra.

“I hope to catch up with some familiar faces on this visit.”

Flynn describes Griffiths as one of the finest Celtic fiddle players in the country, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear authentic Irish-style fiddle playing live.

“I know a lot of top Irish fiddle players from my life and work in Ireland, and Em is one of only a handful of fiddlers in New Zealand who really has that authentic Irish style,” he said.

With limited capacity at the venue, pre-booking is recommended.

Flynn's Celtic Strings

■ Where: Mata Brewery
■ When: Wednesday, June 3, 7pm-7pm
■ Tickets: $15 from Mata Brewery