Music

he Music in the Parks season comes to Clarence Park, St Albans on Sunday, 29 July with a line-up of some of the finest local acoustic talent. This free concert will provide a platform for local performers David Hoare, ‘The 45’s’, Alex Lilly, and The Vaulted Skies to show off their musical talent. Music in the Parks events are provided throughout the summer by St Albans City and District Council at Verulamium Park, Clarence Park, Rothamsted Park and Redbourn Common. The concerts feature an eclectic line-up of talented local artists and are managed by the Arts Team at St Albans Arts, Sport and Health (SAASH) – the development arm of Leisure Connection.

Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s original, award-winning Tina Turner tribute …. aka Justine Riddoch and her talented cast. When Tina burst onto...

Following the recent success enjoyed by Becky O’Brien in Britain’s Got Talent, when she made the papers for making Simon Cowell cry with her touching rendition of “Over The Rainbow”, she now joins Britain’s original and longest running Rat Pack show in a brand new production – THE RAT PACK AND JUDY which is coming to The Radlett Centre on Sunday 19th June at 7.30pm.

Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook - The Radlett Centre - 4th April 2019. With 2018 marking 10 years since the sensational debut album ‘19’ was released, Katie Markham brings an incredible performance to theatres across the UK, recreating the magic that the legendary Adele started a decade ago.

I never got round to seeing David Bowie live and of course I never will now, so the opportunity to see a highly-rated tribute act on my doorstep was not to be missed. The sound at the Harpenden Halls has been pretty ropey in the past, but from the first notes it was clear that this band had their own PA and had made an effort to get the sound right. The show consisted of two sets, with the first one comprising of songs from his great period in the early seventies - Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane. The costumes and sound was pretty much spot on. The band were note perfect and classic after classic followed.

From The Jam, featuring former The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings, bring their acoustic tour to Hertford Corn Exchange on 15th March. Box Offcie 01992584322. Bruce and Russell will be performing a selection of songs from The Jam’s extensive back catalogue and songs from Bruce’s new album Back In The Room as well as handing over the microphone to the audience for a question and answer session.

Hugh Cornwell is touring the UK in November 2019 to promote his new album 'Monster'. I was lucky enough to be able to speak with him for 20 or so minutes to ask a variety of questions about his musical influences, his career as part of The Stranglers, his solo career post-The Stranglers, the state of music and plans for the future. Also whether a reunion of The Stranglers original lineup could ever happen.

Michael Jackson might be gone but his wonderful music lives on thanks to performers like CJ who brought his show-stopping production to the stage of the Alban Arena on Friday, October 26. The spectacular show, a kind of cross between a Michael Jackson concert and a stage production, is truly sensational. CJ has the not-inconsiderable support of four well-drilled girl dancers , a top-class four-piece backing band, plus dazzling lighting effects and video footage shown on a big screen and keeping everything in context.

I've just found time to add a post about the Alban Opera. I must admit to an interest here as I'm singing in the choir. So very busy for the next week with rehearsals and then 5 performances in 4 days.....

Steve Harley celebrates his 50th year in music in 2022 and continues to play concerts around the world. He says that playing Live is more than a job, it’s almost his life’s blood. Considered one of the most charismatic Live performers at work today, the original Cockney Rebel tours with a full 6-piece rock band and also fronts the Steve Harley Acoustic Band.