Experience
Harvest Moon

Sounds like Magic

About the Band

Harvest Moon is a six-person, multi-instrument Wellington band bringing the heart and soul of Americana to New Zealand audiences. With pedal steel that shimmers like moonlight, mandolin and banjo weaving bright threads, and the deep resonance of dobro, guitars, piano and accordion, their sound is both timeless and fresh.

Their repertoire spans the country–Americana landscape: from the funky country-soul of Little Feat, the storytelling of Rodney Crowell, the outlaw spirit of Johnny Cash, and the infectious energy of The Mavericks, through to the songwriting artistry of Vince Gill, the grit of Buddy Miller, Neil Young’s poetry, and the modern roots of the Decemberists.

Each performance is rich with harmonies, musicianship, and a spirit of camaraderie that draws listeners in. More than just a covers band, Harvest Moon makes every song their own—delivering music that feels familiar yet newly alive.

The Players

Rob Reid

Lead Vocalist - Guitar - Ukulele - Harmonica

As the band’s front-man, lead vocalist Rob Reid provides a powerful and smooth singing style combined with a nice crowd-friendly interaction. On the instrumental side he also supports the band’s sound with acoustic guitar, harmonica, and occasional ukulele. Rob is also one of the vocalists for another popular Wellington covers band, Short Term Memory.

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Garrett Evans

Pedal Steel - Dobro - Guitars - Mandolin - Vocals

Garrett Evans is a multi-instrumentalist and music aficionado whose roots go back many years on the Wellington music scene. He was an original founder of the Harvest Moon band and provides the signature unique pedal steel sound that is so often heard in American country music He also plays dobro and acoustic guitars and provides backing vocals. He has strong links to and supports country and bluegrass music across the region. He founded the popular Dixie Lix bluegrass band that played many venues in the 1990s. He also played dobro with the Jim Perkins bluegrass band.
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Dave Allen

Lead Guitars - Banjo - Vocals

Dave Allen is Harvest Moon’s lead guitarist and banjo player. Like others in the band, Dave has been on the Wellington music scene for many years having performed in several well-known pub and café bands. He plays several styles. Currently he is a member of Salty Hearts, and the hugely popular Hogsnort Bulldogs Goodtime Show. In Harvest Moon, he adds to his guitar skills with lead vocals for a number of songs performed by the band. Dave’s guitar artistry combines great feel with spectacular technical skill to deliver solos and riffs that speak to the soul.

Wayne Mills

Keys - Accordion - Bass - Vocals

Wayne Mills was also an original member of Harvest Moon, helping to carve out the Americana / country music genre that is central to the band’s style. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays piano and accordion in the band. He also provides backing vocals to support the band’s focus on smooth harmonies. Wayne's been around the music scene for several decades too, and has most recently played with bands including Dixie Lix, Jim Perkins Bluegrass Band, and Hogsnort Bulldogs Goodtime Band.

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Frits Stigter

Bass - Vocals

A veteran of New Zealand’s vibrant 60s and 70s music scene, Frits Stigter brings a wealth of experience and groove to Harvest Moon. As the bassist for legendary bands like Dizzy Limits, Timberjack, Quincy Conserve, and RedEye, Frits has played hundreds of gigs, toured in the UK with Dizzy Limits, and even landed on the charts. His journey has seen him backing iconic artists like Mark Williams and John “Timberjack” Donoghue, as well as sharing stages with Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and John Rowles. With his rock-solid rhythm and deep musical pedigree, Frits is the perfect fit to drive the Harvest Moon sound.

Robert Antonio

Percussion - Vocals

An Americana country band wouldn't be complete without its drummer. Robert Antonio, is another well-known personality in the close-knit Wellington musical scene. With an early background in jazz drumming, Robert is frequently called upon to provide percussion to a range of musical acts and backing bands locally and nationally. He’s also the drummer for Short Term Memory in which both Garrett and Rob play. Along with smooth backing vocals, Robert provides Harvest Moon’s essential pulse combining his tasteful touch with dynamic rhythm..

Recent and Upcoming Gigs and Shows

UPCOMING! ........Watch for booking details for these and more events

Palmerston North - Globe Theatre - Saturday May 2nd

New Plymouth - 4th Wall Theatre - Saturday May 23rd

Whanganui - Heritage House - Saturday June 13th

Feilding Little Theatre - June 14th (matinee show)

RECENT

Levin Folk Music Club, Scottish Country Hall - Friday 23rd January - A popular mini- concert raising money for the club and a birthday celebration for two great supporters - Val and John Jenkins

St Peters Village Hall, Paekakariki Sunday 2nd November 2025 - Another lovely afternoon soiree to round out the year.

Carterton Events Centre - Saturday 11th October 2025 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm) Always a popular venue for us in the Wairarapa.

Tatum Homestead, SH1 near Levin - Sunday 14th September 2025 A special Sunday Combo we've "cooked up" with Tatum, featuring their legendary Sunday Roast (or other meal choices) while we play live from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Great food, great tunes, and good company — the perfect Sunday afternoon.

Hilltop Private House Concert - Wellington Saturday 19th July 2025 Enjoy Harvest Moon's live music in a relaxed private home with big harbour views.

4th Wall - New Plymouth - 3rd May 2025 - A sell-out show at this beautiful and popular venue

Bent Horsehoe / Hokowhitu Bowling Club - Saturday 5th April 2025 - Another successful show for Manawatu aficionados!

Whanganui - Heritage House - Saturday 29th March 2025 A magnificent venue in an old notable homestead.

Winemakers Daughter - 2nd February 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm Mein host Mike's fabulous buffet lunch, and a two hour show by the band. A beautiful all weather venue, even more so on a nice summers day.