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.

There was a real family affair at the Alban Arena on January 20th. Friends, family and fans of the late great rock musician Jim Rodford gathered at the theatre to pay tribute to a local hero. At the side of the stage under a spotlight was a poignant reminder of the musician who had died in St Albans 12 months earlier – his bass guitar and hat.

Appearing at Kimpton Memorial Hall on Saturday Feb 11th 2023 is the only show in the UK dedicated to performing the great songs of American classic rock, from late 1960s through to the 1990s. From The Eagles to The Doors, Fleetwood Mac to Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd to ZZ Top, Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, The Byrds and Neil Young and many points in between. American music is defined by rich harmonies and classic song-writing that evokes long open roads and small town life. During a 2+ hours show you will hear the best of American music.

Celebrate the music of Franki Valli and The Four Seasons with Frankie’s Guys. This fast-paced, energetic production brings the talented foursome to theatres across the UK to relive an era of timeless classic hits.

Broadway's golden age of musical theatre wouldn’t be what it is today without the incredibly talented Jewish composers and lyricists of the 20th century. Together they created an enduring legacy that is enjoyed by millions of people across the world every year.

The Cornish legend of comedy is back and hitting theatres across the UK on his massive 2014 UK tour. He is appearing at the Radlett Centre on the 20th June and the Watford Colosseum on the 31st November 2014. The tour, which opened to a sell out crowd at the Bristol Hippodrome in January, is running throughout the year taking in cities and towns from Edinburgh to Truro, Cornwall.

Waiting For Katherine (WFk) will be playing tomorrow night (5th Feb, 8pm) at the Horn! I have heard of this great local band but I will finally get to see them in action this weekend!

The Alban Arena is a venue with a rich history of welcoming touring acts, some of which have gone on to world-wide fame - such as Dire Straits, who played there in 1978. I saw the legendary Rory Gallagher there in 1988, more recently The Waterboys and The Gorillaz have graced the stage. It is maybe a sign of the times that more tribute bands than original artists perform there these days. So when two of the UKs most respected musical artists were coming to the Alban Arena it was likely to be an evening not to be missed!

Jackson Live in Concert, presented by Sweeney Entertainments, brings the hugely talented ‘CJ’ to theatres across the UK, recreating the Michael Jackson experience with his stunning rendition of all his favourite songs. Michael Jackson is not only remembered as one of the most influential artists of all time, but many of today’s artists have been inspired by his iconic style. His career spanned nearly five decades of music, and he was continually at the forefront of popular music. Alban Arena, St. Albans – Friday 26th October 7.30pm.

The Beautiful South’s co-founder Dave Hemingway’s new band SUNBIRDS play HERTFORD – Corn Exchange on Friday 31st March / MILTON KEYNES – MK11 on Saturday 6th May & ST ALBANS – The Horn on Sunday 7th May 2023. The man who once told us he loved us from the bottom of his pencil case, founder Beautiful South member Dave Hemingway returns with his new band SUNBIRDS announcing their dates for 2023.