History
Sidewalk Sally began in early 1987 when Adrian Cartwright left Regines Niteclub’s long-running resident band Ex-Rated
to head for Australia. Remaining members Bill Acklin and Barry McConnachie teamed up with bassist Seth Dickinson,
and Sidewalk Sally was born.
Not long after, powerhouse vocalist Donna Powell joined the lineup
.
The Early Years (1987-1990)
When Bill moved on to pursue a solo career, the band settled into the three-piece core
of Donna, Seth, and Barry, a lineup that would define Sidewalk Sally for the next seven years.
A fixed-term residency at Sammys Niteclub soon followed, prompting the addition of multi-instrumentalist John Garbutt
on keyboards and guitar. After the residency ended, the band shifted to a four-piece format featuring two female vocalists.
Over time, Lisa Cameron, Wendy Williams, and Diana Leonard each stepped into the role alongside Donna,
adding new energy and vocal dynamics.
Regines Residency & Peak Years (Early 1990s)
This evolving lineup helped Sidewalk Sally become the main resident band at Regines Niteclub in the early 1990s,
cementing their place in Dunedin’s nightlife and live-music culture
.
Changing Times (Mid-1990s)
By the mid-nineties, a shifting hospitality scene, with large venues giving way to smaller CBD bars, slowed the band’s momentum.
After a brief run as a three-piece private-function band with Donna, Barry, and Alan Crawford on bass,
Sidewalk Sally stepped back from the spotlight in late 1996
.
Reunion & Revival (2007-2010s)
The 2000s brought renewed interest, and the 2007 Dunedin Heritage Festival provided the perfect moment for a
Regines Nightclub Reunion featuring both Ex-Rated and Sidewalk Sally.
The night was a huge success and led to Sidewalk Sally performing at the
NZ Masters Games for several years with the original lineup - Donna, Seth, Barry, Bill Acklin, and guest drummer Marcel Rodeka.
Donna and Barry continued performing in formats that fit around family and work life - first as an informal acoustic duo,
then as Whateva with vocalist Michaela Anderson
.
Sidewalk Sally Today
Since 2010, the current two-piece version of Sidewalk Sally has carried the legacy forward,
keeping the spirit of the band alive for new audiences and long-time fans alike.
With a milestone 40th anniversary approaching in 2027, Sidewalk Sally’s story is still being written.
.
to head for Australia. Remaining members Bill Acklin and Barry McConnachie teamed up with bassist Seth Dickinson,
and Sidewalk Sally was born.
Not long after, powerhouse vocalist Donna Powell joined the lineup
.
The Early Years (1987-1990)
When Bill moved on to pursue a solo career, the band settled into the three-piece core
of Donna, Seth, and Barry, a lineup that would define Sidewalk Sally for the next seven years.
A fixed-term residency at Sammys Niteclub soon followed, prompting the addition of multi-instrumentalist John Garbutt
on keyboards and guitar. After the residency ended, the band shifted to a four-piece format featuring two female vocalists.
Over time, Lisa Cameron, Wendy Williams, and Diana Leonard each stepped into the role alongside Donna,
adding new energy and vocal dynamics.
Regines Residency & Peak Years (Early 1990s)
This evolving lineup helped Sidewalk Sally become the main resident band at Regines Niteclub in the early 1990s,
cementing their place in Dunedin’s nightlife and live-music culture
.
Changing Times (Mid-1990s)
By the mid-nineties, a shifting hospitality scene, with large venues giving way to smaller CBD bars, slowed the band’s momentum.
After a brief run as a three-piece private-function band with Donna, Barry, and Alan Crawford on bass,
Sidewalk Sally stepped back from the spotlight in late 1996
.
Reunion & Revival (2007-2010s)
The 2000s brought renewed interest, and the 2007 Dunedin Heritage Festival provided the perfect moment for a
Regines Nightclub Reunion featuring both Ex-Rated and Sidewalk Sally.
The night was a huge success and led to Sidewalk Sally performing at the
NZ Masters Games for several years with the original lineup - Donna, Seth, Barry, Bill Acklin, and guest drummer Marcel Rodeka.
Donna and Barry continued performing in formats that fit around family and work life - first as an informal acoustic duo,
then as Whateva with vocalist Michaela Anderson
.
Sidewalk Sally Today
Since 2010, the current two-piece version of Sidewalk Sally has carried the legacy forward,
keeping the spirit of the band alive for new audiences and long-time fans alike.
With a milestone 40th anniversary approaching in 2027, Sidewalk Sally’s story is still being written.
.
Sidewalk Sally - A Dunedin Music Story