About Whanganui Musicians Club
The Whanganui Musicians Club (WMC) is a volunteer-run community music club located at 65 Drews Avenue in central Whanganui . It’s not your average bar or stage venue – WMC has a “music-first” ethos and serves as a welcoming hub for local musicians and fans . Over the years it has become a cultural cornerstone, credited with nurturing hundreds of young and old musicians and giving them a safe, supportive place to perform . When Whanganui’s historic Savage Club (a fraternal men’s social club) closed after 125 years, it even transferred its hall to WMC, giving the musicians club a permanent home for live gigs . That old hall sports polished wood floors and a modest raised stage – a characterful “old-school” setting that many fans and performers love. In short, WMC is unique in Whanganui’s music scene: volunteer-run, deeply community-minded, and driven by passion for live local music .
Events and Programming
Every first Friday of the month is “Club Night” at WMC – an open-mic night followed by a featured band . These Club Nights typically start in the evening (often around 7–8pm) and combine impromptu jam sessions with a spotlight on local acts. In recent years the club has hosted a variety of events: from punk and indie rock showcases to blues jams and folk evenings. For example, in 2023 bands like Orangefarm (an indie rock band from Wellington) and Pluto NZ headlined club gigs in August and November . WMC also runs songwriting competitions (with prizes like recording studio time) – the club’s spokesperson noted that entrants each perform live with a house band so all genres get an equal shot . Members-only fundraisers (for instance, early post-lockdown gigs featuring local groups Juice Birds and Blue Veinz) have also been part of the program . New events are announced through the club’s website and local media; some shows may require early booking if they’re expected to sell out. But many nights are very grassroots – even a recent Sunday afternoon jam was advertised as having “no door charge,” reflecting the club’s community focus .
Tickets and Booking
WMC events generally have very affordable (or free) entry. Casual open-nights and jams are often donation-based or free – as one event flyer put it, the band was “playing from 4–6pm and there is no door charge” . More high-profile gigs (especially with touring bands) may charge a flat cover or ticket price, but it will typically be modest (often in the teens of dollars). There are no major ticketing outlets for the club; instead, the club announces ticket information on its own pages and community channels. You can usually buy tickets at the door for practices shows, or reserve in advance via a local promoter or the club’s website/Facebook if available. For example, one recent concert listing (Pluto’s NZ tour) was labeled a “Concert/Club Show” and advertised as all-ages www.ticketfairy.com , implying general admission. The best strategy for popular shows is to follow the WMC’s calendar online and plan to either reserve early or arrive when doors open.
Seating and Layout
The club’s performance space is relatively intimate and informal. There is no reserved seating – seating is general admission only. Seating usually consists of wooden trestle tables and chairs scattered around the hall . This communal layout encourages mingling: people sit in groups at tables or stand near the front to catch the band up close. The venue’s raised stage was praised by visitors as “beautifully crafted,” and reviewers note the hall’s “harmonic acoustics” that make even background seats sound good . In practice, the best spots are usually closest to the stage, but sound carries well, so even those at the back can hear clearly. Because events can fill up, arriving early is wise if you want a front-row table or seat.
Getting There and Parking
Location: The club is centrally located at 65 Drews Avenue , right in the Whanganui CBD. This puts it near Queens Park and a few blocks from the main Taupō Quay thoroughfare. Public transport: Whanganui is served by several bus services. Long-distance buses (InterCity coach) stop at the Taupō Quay terminal, just a 10-minute walk from Drews Avenue . Local city bus routes also run frequently along Taupō Quay, Drews Avenue and nearby streets – in fact, the council notes Drews Avenue as a “high-traffic bus stop location” near community hubs . If using taxis or ride-share, drop-off at Drews or adjacent streets is straightforward. Driving and Parking: There’s on-street metered parking along Drews and surrounding CBD roads. Like much of Whanganui’s CBD, parking meters now accept the ParkMate app or the ParkEasy Pay-by-Plate system . In practice this means you can use your smartphone QR codes on the meters or pay on the council app. The meters cover Drews Avenue, Taupō Quay and most central streets. There are also a few council-owned pay-carparks a block or two from Drews Ave. (All council-operated CBD car parks accept ParkMate/QR payments .) Be aware that parking in the city center is not free after ~7pm, so plan accordingly. Rideshare services (like Uber) operate in Whanganui as well, and the central location makes the venue easy to reach by foot from many hotels or from the city bus route.
Inside the Venue
Expect a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere inside. The building feels like a refurbished community hall: you’ll enter through a front door into a foyer or bar area, then into the main hall with the stage at one end. Staff and volunteers often check tickets or memberships at the door, but it’s generally casual (just bring ID if you plan to drink alcohol). The club has a BYO (bring-your-own) policy – you can typically bring your own beer or wine to shows, which is common at community music venues . (Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are available; tea and coffee are usually provided on site .) If you want hot food or sit-down dining, you’ll have eaten before arriving; the club itself does not have a kitchen or restaurant. Facilities: There are basic restrooms (including at least one wheelchair-accessible toilet). A small coat hook area may exist, but coat-check is generally not provided, so keep belongings with you. There is no dedicated Wi-Fi for guests (standard 4G/5G mobile coverage applies). Often local bands or birthday gigs will sell T-shirts or CDs at the entrance to raise funds. Photography is usually not restricted, but it’s polite to ask permission if you’re taking professional-style photos or a strong flash. Overall, expect friendly crowds – WMC events are community-driven, so it’s a common sight to see families, multi-generational groups, and musicians chatting freely before and after shows.
Nearby Amenities
The club’s downtown setting means amenities are right on hand. For pre-show dining , you have many options within a few blocks. Drews Avenue and nearby Taupō Quay host a variety of cafes, sushi bars, and casual eateries, while Guyton Street (two blocks away) and Victoria Avenue have more restaurants and takeaways (think Italian pizza, Thai curries, burgers, or local rotisserie chicken). A popular nearby spot is **The Booklecafe** on Drews (sandwiches and coffee) and **Nana Cafe** a short walk toward Taupō Quay. For drinks , there are a few local pubs and bars within walking distance. The historic Opera House Hotel (King Street) and the Crescendo Bar (3 Kings Quay) serve bar food and beverages. If you prefer craft beer or a cocktail, the Music Box Cabaret (corner of Cuba and Rutland) often rotates live music alongside the club events. Late-night cappuccinos or snacks are also available around the corner on Taupō Quay (the Shop 4 Takeaway or local dairies stay open late). As for hotels , several are within a 5–10 minute walk: the Grand Mercure Whanganui City (4 Guyton St, a large modern hotel), the Travelodge (Wesley St), and King's Hotel (Watt St) are closest by car or bus. Once the show ends, Cheshire’s or Eagle’s Rent-a-Car taxis and Uber/Zoomy services can take you home; note that public bus service slows down after evening, so a taxi home may be most reliable after 10pm.
What Makes This Venue Special
WMC isn’t flashy, but it is beloved. Its charm comes from being a grassroots, musician-run space where anyone can get on stage and where audiences feel at home. Many visiting artists praise the club: as one industry write-up notes, it is “often rated by visiting artists as one of the best in the land, leaving audiences buzzing and wanting more” . The venue’s aesthetic – an unpretentious wooden-floor hall with a modest stage – adds to that warmth and authenticity. The tradition of monthly open-mike nights has become a local rite, often drawing packed crowds eager to hear original songs or jam together. WMC’s role in the community also sets it apart: through events like songwriting contests and workshops, it clearly plays the role of talent incubator . Historically, taking over the Savage Club Hall links it to Whanganui’s heritage; countless older residents remember the hall from decades of civic events. For audiences, the combination of community spirit, excellent sound, and regular top-quality music nights (often with no cover charge) makes WMC feel more like a big living-room concert than a commercial club. That sense of inclusiveness is tangible: newcomers are greeted with “Nau mai, haere mai” (welcome), volunteers know the regulars by name, and there’s an emphasis on supporting each performer. In short, artists love playing here because it feels like supporting the local scene; audiences love it because it *is* the local scene – up close and personal.
Visitor Tips and Information
Arrive Early: Since seating is first-come, first-served, getting there early ensures a better spot. Doors often open at least 30 minutes before show time. Accessibility: The buildings now used by WMC have level access. Convenient wheelchair ramps and parking made headlines when Drews Avenue stops were upgraded by city and regional councils . If you have mobility needs, you’ll typically be able to enter through the same main entrance and find a table up front. Restrooms include an accessible stall, but you can always ask volunteers if you run into trouble. Age Restrictions: Nearly all club events are family-friendly and all-ages (even advertised as “All Ages” on ticket pages) www.ticketfairy.com . It’s quite normal to see teens and grandparents at the same show. For events serving alcohol, under-18s simply pay no cover or are accompanied by adults. What to Bring: If you’re a musician, bring your instrument – WMC encourages audience participation at open mic/jam segments. Otherwise, as a guest you might bring some cash (many small venues in NZ do not split the cover charge by card). A sweater or light jacket might be handy if the night is cool. Food isn’t sold inside, but you can usually carry in unopened snacks or get takeaway beforehand. Camera/Photography: Small cameras and phones are fine; just be considerate – don’t obstruct or blind people with flash. (Commercial recording typically requires permission.) Policies: This is a relaxed club environment, so no formal dress code or bag check. However, keep bags on you, as with any public venue. Smoking is not allowed indoors by law – step outside to smoke if needed. Insider Tips: If you’re new, let the volunteers know – they often welcome first-timers and can show you amenities. Following the club on social media or signing up for their newsletter is the easiest way to hear about upcoming shows (they occasionally run out-of-town gigs or midnight rehearsals). Finally, respect the vibe – cheers and claps for each act are expected, and sticking around for the end-of-night jam or sing-along knockout can be lots of fun. With a bit of local courtesy (and a willingness to share a tune or two), you’ll fit right in.
