There was something special about spending a Saturday night in Auckland’s CBD. The streets were buzzing and crowds filled every corner, but all roads seemed to lead to The Civic. By the time I arrived, people were already queuing with excitement—not just for the music, but for the venue itself. The Civic is one of Auckland’s most beautiful heritage theatres, and stepping inside always feels like a grand event. Before I had even found my seat, someone asked me to take their photo, capturing the shared anticipation everyone was feeling.
At exactly 7:30 pm, Fables opened the evening. Singer Jess, dressed in a stunning white gown, filled the theatre with her angelic voice, immediately commanding the audience’s attention. The band performed gentle, heartfelt folk songs, including Sundown Becomes Me, and during one of the following tracks, the room fell completely silent as everyone listened intently.
Between songs, Jess shared stories behind the music with warmth and humour. Introducing one track, she joked, “If you’ve ever seen a dead dad across the road, this song is for you,” drawing laughter from the audience before revealing the song’s deeper meaning. Another track, Backup Plan, was inspired by people constantly asking why all of their songs had to be so tragically sad—a beautifully honest reflection wrapped in delicate songwriting. Throughout their set, Jess expressed genuine gratitude for being part of the evening, making their performance feel both intimate and sincere.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.
As Sir Dave Dobbyn walked onto the stage, the sold-out crowd erupted. As one of New Zealand’s most celebrated songwriters, Sir Dave has spent decades penning tracks that have become the country’s collective soundtrack. His music has an extraordinary ability to bring generations together, and from the opening notes, that shared connection vibrated throughout the theatre.
He greeted the audience with his trademark warmth: “Welcome, you’re wonderful.” Between songs, he shared stories about where they were written—from Grey Lynn to time spent on Auckland’s west coast, where the rhythm of the seven waves inspired his songwriting. He introduced Forgiveness with reflections on the places and memories that shaped it, giving the audience a rare glimpse into the stories behind the music.
Some of the night’s most memorable moments came through these personal anecdotes. He celebrated his daughter’s partners 21st birthday from the stage, sharing that his daughter had been born around the time one of his songs was released—and that she was sitting right there in the audience to celebrate with him. He also spoke about staying at a family bach at Bethells Beach, where the peaceful surroundings inspired another track, proving how deeply New Zealand’s landscapes are woven into his craft.
It was an evening that celebrated not only outstanding musicianship, but also storytelling, nostalgia, and the unique connection between artists and their audience. On a busy Saturday night in the heart of Auckland, The Civic provided the perfect backdrop for a concert that felt unmistakably Kiwi, deeply heartfelt, and genuinely unforgettable.
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