When Cassette took the stage I expected them to be interesting and maybe a bit alternative, but they quickly surpassed all expectations and I suspect surprised a few of us.

Towards the end of their set -  we were transported into a different universe. Just when it looked like they were slowing down, Cassette pulled a fast one.

It was time to follow the white rabbit.

Special surprise was vocalist Sandy Mills who emerged from the audience to guest on one, or was it two songs?

Time seemed to have stopped. Even the band weren’t quite sure what to do at the end of their set.  It all flowed in a pleasant stream of songs that seemed much shorter than  it actually was.

Tonight Cassette totally impressed. If you are in Auckland they have some gigs coming up – be there for a very special time.

After a brilliant sunset outside we filed back into the pavilion to hear Steve Abel and the Chrysalids.

Steve Abel is one of those performers with a touch of magic. Right from the first song the the audience was there in the abel-zone.

I’ll readily admit a Song for Destitute Lovers only makes sense to me as satire but whatever the meaning the house was spellbound.

And so it went.

One song merging into another so that set also seemed to only be very short but we know that it was not.

The Chrysalids are a well oiled machine. Just enough canvas to add some punch to the whole sound-scape  but all stars in their own own right. Mike, Milan and Geoff all adding musical light and colour to Steve’s stage craft.

The pavilion is a bit like a junior woolshed with a hyperbolic paraboloid for a ceiling. It seems to enhance the sound without reflecting too much from the wood.

Picture a square wooden hankie with two of the corners held up and the middle line drooping towards a room full of tables full of smiling people quaffing on wine and magnificent pizzas. There are photos of the room below.

The audience for both sets was full of musicians (having a night off) saying things like listen to “that” guitar sound…I counted at least 4 well known bands or key members of. They know who they are.

Thanks to everyone who was there. If you were – write in and let us know what you thought.

Here are some great photos shot by Jason Hailes of  the night.

Click on the photos below for a Lightbox style slideshow.

Valentines Day – Feb 14th is almost here and preparations for Steve Abel & the Chrysalids with Cassette concert are all go. Concert on rain or shine. Looking for Map – Directions?

The weather has improved and even if there was a shower or two the pavilion can hold 100 + people in comfort.   Weather report expects clearing this afternoon. See you there.  (Note: there is no longer a shuttle form the beach carpark but please check signs at the gate for any late changes.)

See below for a spectacular photo of the pavilion from the last Steve Abel concert by Jason Hailes.

Bethells Pavilion - Photo by Jason Hailes / Nfocus

Also a view from the lawn. Each photo can be viewed in larger sizes if you click on them and as a slide show at the bottom of this page.

Bethells Beach Cottages is on a ridge overlooking the beach so there are great views and often a cool breeze. The concert can be enjoyed outside on the grass as well as inside.

All those who have bought the $40 tickets also receive a complimentary glass of wine on arrival ( or equivalent) and are up for other special offers on the night but you have to be there in person to be eligible.

Bethells is a very special location “wild West coast” and we’ve been told some interesting guests are coming along to enjoy the evening, so you just never know who you might get to meet.

Much of the Xena Warrior Princess TV series was filmed near and around Bethells beach. The cottages are on private land and usually only open by exclusive appointment.

Bethells Beach Cottages - View from the lawn

Online ticket sales closed at 3pm on Saturday 14th. There will also be door sales on the night / EFTPOS is available.

Come early for a wood fired pizza and some bubbles / a beer first. Bookings are essential phone Tel: (+ 64 9) 810 9581 if you’d prefer to book that way. Have Visa / Mastercard details ready thanks.

Cassette start early, around 7pm and Steve & the Chrysalids will also be playing relatively early so you can make it back in time for the babysitter.

There will be parking at the venue – but check the signs at the gate. Watch for signs pointing the way from the Bethells village.

• Need directions to get here try Map – Directions
• Need a lift from the airport or the CBD in Auckland Getting Here

Latest update: Click below to buy tickets for the upcoming Steve Abel & the Chrysalids (NZ supergroup) with Cassette .  The venue itself is very special and is most often booked for weddings or corporate and health retreats. This is a rare chance to hear some of NZ’s finest musicians live in a beautiful, wild West Coast setting.

For that romantic Valentines day concert – what could be better than a spectacular ridge top view with a glass or two of bubbles and a wood fired pizza. He/she will never guess this location And you get two great bands.

Online ticket sales closed now -Buy tickets Saturday night 14th February 09 – door sales OK / EFTPOS avail. 

Update:10 Feb – *Please note: Due to unforeseen circumstances the Friday night concert has been cancelled. If you have tickets for Friday you will be contacted and we will reconfirm if you are able to change to the Saturday night or make refund arrangements. Our apologies for this change.

Below are a selection of photos from the Steve Abel gigs last year.

This series was photographed by Michael Flynn. Click on each thumbnail to see the images in a larger size. Note: the Sami sisters replaced Kirsten Morrell who (due to illness) was unable to perform on the night.
You should also be able to see a slide-show below the main thumbnails. If you hover over that you can view the controls and can make the slides display full-screen.

Best of all you are invited to celebrate  Valentines Day with one night only Steve Abel gig at Bethells Beach on Sat Feb 14th: 6pm @ Bethells Beach Cottages.

Steve has been offshore in Europe and UK since then – now is a great chance to see him again in the perfect romantic summer location.  He is only in NZ for a limited time and if you miss him now may have to wait till next summer.

Come out and enjoy the beach first, then up the hill for a glass of wine and a cool concert on the lawn with gorgeous sea and sunset views. Pizza and drinks available. Venue gates open from 5:00 pm onwards.

Update note: Support is by Wellington 3 piece – Cassette who are Tom Watson (Head Like A Hole, Baconfoot), Craig Terris (Hell Is Other People, also Baconfoot) and Andrew Bain (Fur Patrol)

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