Ministry of Folk presents Albi, Mayberry Wine & hoop.
Description
Hang up your cares and step into a world of raw, acoustic storytelling, close harmonies and loving-kindness wrapped in song.
This special show, curated by the Ministry of Folk, features Auckland indie folk favorites Chris Dent, frontman of Albi & The Wolves, and hoop.
Rounding out the bill — and making their New Zealand debut — is US-based indie folk/loungecore Americana duo Mayberry Wine.
What do these three bands have in common? Lush vocal melodies, genre-blending songwriting and a dedication to doing more than just putting on a show. When you step into the Public Bar on Dec. 13, you'll become part of a community — a wolfpack of Luvers, encircled by warmth, authenticity and hope for a better world, one where we all belong.
Lineup
Chris Dent, aka Albi of Albi & The Wolves
Chris Dent is an earthy songwriter who keeps both feet on the ground while being expressive and heartfelt in his stories and music. His appearance is striking as he wields his albinism with pride in the form of a big white beard. His voice too isn’t quite what you’d expect. More smooth, more pronounced, and more powerful than his rough exterior may evoke. He grew up in rural New Zealand and likes to tell tales about the little things, as those are what make our lives rich and full. He’s mostly performed with award-winning indie-folk band Albi & The Wolves but has written songs in many different projects, including a collaboration with Mt Eden Dubstep that has amassed over one million streams, or his side project Sneakers, which has a single with over 750,000 streams. Whether it’s on the stage or off, Chris is known for his work ethic, and as he sets out on a new journey, quietly creating new solo music, he’s excited to see where that leads
Mayberry Wine
Led by multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriters Kristi Casey and Steven Glude, Mayberry Wine creates unique, modern songs for Luvers that feel nostalgic — a genre they call “Amerikindness.” This duo’s passionate, thoughtful music ranges from loungecore Americana, Western swing, indie folk and swamp jazz to alt-country, blues and bossa nova. Hailing from North Georgia, these childhood friends bring an easy, playful energy and intimate chemistry to the stage. With a catalog of more than 200+ original songs, they carefully curate each concert experience. They are recording their debut album and are excited to be in New Zealand on their first international tour!
hoop.
hoop. are a five-piece indie folk band from Auckland New Zealand , weaving together lush harmonies, emotive instrumentation, and genre-blending songwriting to deliver music that feeds the soul. The band have a rich and varied repertoire influenced by everything from Celtic traditions to Americana. hoop. are well-known as the curators behind Auckland’s Ministry of Folk - a recurring event that transforms a historic 1800s church hall into a cabaret-style venue for intimate performances by acoustic artists. As performers, hoop. bring years of shared musical history to the stage in hoop. And various sode projects. Their discography includes the EPs Oblivion, As Good As It Gets, and This Year. Their most recent album Wrap Me Up in Winter (November 2025) was released to rave reviews and offers a heartfelt journey through themes of life, love, loss, lockdown, and the occasional social or political reflection. With storytelling at its heart, hoop. craft intimate, soul-stirring music that resonates deeply.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
