Wildly unexpected

DD and I had the most unexpectedly awesome time last night.

We were invited to a Wild Turkey masterclass and gig, with DD collecting me from Wynyard Station at 5pm.

As our cab negotiated the peak-hour streets we were slightly regretting saying yes. We both have very busy weeks and agreed to duck out as early as possible and head home.

Little did we realise we’d be returning to my place at almost 10pm with big smiles on our faces.

I love it when an event under promises and over delivers.

Our destination was the Abercrombie Hotel on Broadway, which had been completely reimagined as a Wild Turkey 101 Music venue.

On arrival we filed up four flights of stairs – ouch, my tendonitis – to attend a drinks masterclass in an impressively decorated bar with the Wild Turkey team, which included sampling the fancy new Master’s Keep rye whiskey release …

This fabulous rooster from Shade Pines Saloon also mixed us a cocktail called the Traveller, which featured Wild Turkey 101, coffee-infused Campari, smoked apple syrup, dehydrated apple and a billtong garnish …

Then we were escorted to a comfy sofa downstairs to nibble on corn ribs and slider burgers while enjoying a live and unplugged session with performances from Angus and Julia Stone and their mentees in the Wild Turkey Bourbon Music 101 Mentorship Program.

The mentees were all sensational, especially a vocal looper and busker called Tanya George (pictured above). Wow, what a voice! Check her out on social media.

Then Angus and Julia Stone came on. The duo have a special place in DD’s heart because their dad, John Stone, taught his son music at high school.

It was very special to be sitting just a few metres away while they sang their hit song, Big Jet Plane.

There were still two acts to go after that, but we were feeling a bit elderly, so we sidled out past the merchandise stand so I could grab a T-shirt.

We said goodbye to one of the lovely PRs, who happened to be standing with one of the last two artists … eeek … awkward!

But mainly I felt very, very lucky as we headed off into the night.

Fantastic event.

Song of the day: Angus & Julia Stone “Big jet plane”