Cave concerts becoming hit for Aucklanders

A bunch of Auckland musicians has found an ambient new concert venue in a Whangaparaoa cave.

Matthew Cattin and a group of friends held their first cave gig last November, and have since held three more.

The cave is at Duncansby Point, and the gig welcomes every type of musician.

Mr Cattin, a reporter for the Rodney Times, created the event after interviewing Australian band Cloud Control two years ago.

“One of [the band’s] songs was recorded in a cave. I guess it stuck in the back of my mind that that would be a really awesome plan,” said Mr Cattin.

“Where I live there’s this cave which I’ve known about since I was kid.

“At the end of last year, I put two and two together and thought maybe I would try and host an open-mic sort of gig in there.”

The first cave gig primarily involved Mr Cattin and his friends. However, the venue’s popularity has since grown, resulting in new concert-goers and a larger age range in the audience.

The distinct atmosphere of the events is created with the help of Laurien Barks, editor of AUT’s Debate magazine.

Ms Barks says her role mainly involves “shopping for candles” and getting food and other necessary items.

Madison Frances attended her first cave gig in early April.

The AUT nursing student didn’t know anyone connected to the gathering, but decided to go after finding out about the event through a Debate promotion.

“I thought it sounded like such a cool idea that I couldn’t not go,” said Ms Frances.

Mr Cattin’s mother, Julie Cattin, is credited with extending the generational reach of the gigs, inviting many of her friends to the “magical” concerts.

“We’ve brought our friends down, and they love it . . . there’s just so much talent and it’s so unique,” said Ms Cattin.

The cave gigs are not only a casual and enjoyable gathering, but are also a chance to network for aspiring musicians, said lead singer of The Good Hustle, Isla Norman.

“I hadn’t met a lot of musicians in Auckland before I went and it’s just like a hub of crazy talented people.”

Combining caves, music and merriment is not a first in Auckland cultural history.

Whatipu’s Te Ana Ru cave features a Kauri ballroom floor, which housed many dance parties in the early 20th century.

More information on future cave gigs can be found by contacting Ms Barks at lbarks@aut.ac.nz.