VOCAL VIBES AT THE SMOKO ROOM
The Sawmill Brewery & Smoko Room hosted their first-ever Pub Choir on Sunday 7 December, adding a fresh and feel-good community moment to their already vibrant Matakana venue.
The idea came from a simple place: to bring people together in a way that feels relaxed, joyful, and unpolished – in the best possible way. Pub Choirs have been popping up around the world for years, and Sawmill saw an opportunity to shape something local and low-pressure.
The event was guided by Olivia Maguire, an all-round champion of inclusive singing. Olivia has an instinctive knack for putting people at ease, even those who usually keep their singing strictly to the shower. Her approach is all about connection over perfection.
Sawmill’s hope for the Pub Choir is simple: to create a welcoming space where people can switch off, loosen up, and sing with strangers – no auditions, no expectations, and no prior experience required. It’s an invitation to arrive as they are, enjoy good food and locally brewed beer, and be part of something bigger than the sum of its voices.
Community response has already been incredibly positive. While Sawmill isn’t yet announcing future dates, the team is hopeful this first session will spark more opportunities to bring people together through music. For now, they’re excited to try something new and let it grow organically.
Anyone keen to be involved can keep an eye on Sawmill’s channels for updates. Pub Choir is designed to be fun, friendly, and accessible for all – whether you're a confident singer or the type who usually mimes at birthdays.