Singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist Fiona McEwen has been writing songs for 20 years. She combines folk, pop, rock and Latin influences to create unique songs with catchy melodies. After studying recorder, percussion, piano and viola at school, Fiona McEwen sang backup in a band "Pacific Roadshow" which travelled around the South Island in 1986, at which time she started learning to play the guitar and writing her own songs. Having spent a number of years bringing up 3 children, Fiona McEwen launched on the Auckland open mic scene in early 2004, and has performed at open mic nights including Suede Bar, Diablo, Grand Central, Forde's Front Bench, PR Bar, Snatch Bar, "Speakeasy" at the Classic Comedy Bar, the Empire Tavern, Clare Inn and Forte Bar. Fiona McEwen plays as a duo with guitarist, Steve Terry. They have appeared at numerous markets, including Victoria Park Market, Britomart Farmers Market & Lotus Eco Market, festivals including Titirangi Festival of Music & Prana New Year Festival, folk clubs, and venues including the Occidental, Dogs Bollix, Patriot Tavern and The Kings Arms. Fiona McEwen has 3 times been guest musician at "Poetry Live" in Auckland City. Fiona McEwen and Steve Terry have also peformed at West Auckland venues including 813 Café, Toby's Restaurant, Elevation Cafe, Barossa Café, Lopdell House Theatre, Flax Café and the Laingholm Fishing Club, home of the "Titirangi Musos Co-op", members of which currently make up her band "The FM Band". "The FM Band" includes Fiona McEwen on guitar & vocals, Steve Terry on guitar, Phil Toms on bass and Pedro Olding on drums. The band plays exclusively Fiona's original material. They regularly perform at the Laingholm Fishing Club and have appeared twice at Roasted Addiqtion Cafe, in Nov & Dec 07. Fiona McEwen is also known as an events organiser, who organised and performed at a series of "Performance Cafes" in July-Oct 2005 at Corban Estate Arts Centre in West Auckland and an event during the Titirangi Festival of Music in April 2006. In August 2004 Fiona co-founded the Auckland Singer/Songwriters Collective with Wendy Morris. The group still meets regularly and has inspired Fiona to write a number of new songs and continuously hone her craft. Fiona has over 40 songs registered with APRA, of which she is a Writer Full Member. Recent performances include: Aug 07 - Featured artist on "The Verona Sessions" screened live from Verona Café on Alt TV; Sept 07 - Featured singer/ songwriter at "Beautiful Sunday" acoustic evening at The Dogs Bollix;
Oct 07 - guest musician at "Poetry Live" at Classic Studio; Oct 07 - Flax Cafe, Henderson Valley; Nov 07 - "Undressed" at The Kings Arms; Nov 07 - Parnell Rose Festival; Nov 07 - Roasted Addiqtion Cafe with The FM Band; Dec 07 - Lotus Eco Market; Dec 07 - featured artist at Occidental Songwriters Night;
Dec 07 - Roasted Addiqtion Cafe with The FM Band; Jan 08 - Prana New Year Festival.
Thanks for your comment, haven't played at the Patriot yet (next Thurs). On first perusal it looks a lot like Pog Mahones (Ponsonby) lots of wood, old-fashioned, not a huge venue...
Cheers for the friendship Fiona! Looks like you've done plenty of playing! Queery, hows the patriot for a venue? I'm looking for places suitable for gigs on the north shore. Blessings, Avril
