Four singer-songwriters. One unforgettable evening.
After a sold-out night at Ophir Hall last spring, Women of Song is coming home to Central Stories this October. Set against the rugged beauty of Central Otago, Gilly Darby, Just Janie, Nia Isabella and Amy Storry McNally come together for an evening celebrating the women in song — a warm, entertaining mix of mostly self-penned music spanning folk, country, blues and Americana, told with the kind of storytelling that comes straight from the heart.
All four have graced stages throughout New Zealand and internationally, and this second instalment promises the same intimate magic that packed the house in Ophir — songs, stories, and the joy of four remarkable voices sharing a stage.
Meet the Artists
Gilly Darby
Originally from the UK, Gilly has spent more years on the road than she’ll politely admit to. She has supported major acts including Van Morrison, Gene Pitney and The Hollies, and has performed in almost every major venue across the UK. Signed to a major record label at just 16, Gilly went on to chart success with singles and albums in the UK. After a successful stint touring Australia, she made her way to New Zealand, where she has performed at folk festivals in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and — closer to home — at the Queenstown Jazz Festival and Cardrona Folk Festival. A beautiful voice, and beautiful self-penned songs about love and life.
Just Janie
Just Janie grew up writing songs beneath the Hawkdun Ranges, and this October she’s bringing her music home. Her EP Muse and Musician has passed a million streams, and she was recognised as a 2024 Ōtautahi OMAP artist (Saltbox Studios & RDU 98.5FM). Rolling Stone called her an ambitious new star in New Zealand’s folk scene, and her live shows have been described as capable of making an audience laugh, cry and fall in love within a single song. In 2024 she completed two nationwide tours — Love Letter to Myself and The Sylvia Tour — and has shared stages with Adam Hattaway and the Haunters, Tess Liautaud and Holly “Cookie” Baker. Blending folk-rock with introspective lyrics and crisp melodies, Just Janie is one of the most compelling new voices in Aotearoa music.
Nia Isabella
Nia Isabella is a rising country artist whose music blends the soul of country with the strength of her classical roots. After a year spent immersed in the industry, she’s re-emerging with renewed purpose and a fresh take on her sound — from upbeat country anthems to tender love songs and raw heartbreak ballads. She has taken the stage at the Omakau A&P Show, the Wanaka A&P Show, the Wanaka Rodeo and a range of bars, restaurants and support slots, earning a reputation for her warm stage presence and honest storytelling. With heartfelt lyrics and a dynamic sound, Nia is carving out her place as one of country music’s freshest new voices.
Amy Storry McNally
Canadian musician Amy Storry McNally will mesmerise you with her folk-roots sound. Raised on generations of homegrown musical influence from her family, Amy has performed locally and nationally as a solo artist, in a duo, and with a full band — giving her a rich and adaptable style that audiences love. Her festival credits include the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Winnipeg and Brandon LGBTQ+ Pride Festivals, and the Clyde Wine & Food Festival, alongside numerous other venues and festivals across Canada and New Zealand.
Event Details
📍 Venue: Central Stories Museum, Alexandra
📅 Date: Friday 16 October
🕖 Time: 7pm – 9pm
🎟️ Tickets: $25
Tickets can be purchased in person at Central Stories or online at Under the Radar (undertheradar.co.nz).
