'Handpicked' - The Band

Live at the Urban Winery.

‘Handpicked’ duo Ivan Sawyer and Kate Perks have formed a ‘Handpicked’ band with friends Arahi Whaanga and Alex Powley, for a night of great music at the Urban.

Ivan Sawyer is a local drummer/rhythm guitar player/ vocalist and currently the drummer for Jack Knife Beat and The Corban Brothers. He and Kate Perks put the duo Handpicked together over lockdown and their popularity is rapidly growing.

Kate, originally from Christchurch, has been playing both acoustic and electric guitar for over 30 years. On acoustic guitars and vocals, Handpicked cover a variety of tunes from artists such as Tom Petty, JJ Cale, The Cruel Sea, The Cure, Pretenders and The Doors.

Arahi is a well known local working musician and singer/songwriter. Predominantly he is a dynamic acoustic and electric guitarist who began working full time as a musician straight out of high school, aged 17. Arahi is well versed in many genres from blues and rock, to pop, folk and jazz. He has released a number of original singles and has embarked on multiple tours both in New Zealand and internationally.

Alex is an electric and double bass player with a special talent and many years of experience. Originally from the UK, Alex currently supports local bands including Climate, and the Jess Atkin Band.

Arahi and Ivan will swap roles playing drums, vocals and guitars while Alex keeps the groove on bass, from easy listening songs to blues and rock classics.

Get in there. It's gonna be awesome.