Leisure

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.

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.....

I have been a fan of the film since childhood. Very much a period piece of the 1960s, with a career defining performance by Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock. So inventive, irreverant and outrageously funny. A lot for the stage show to live up to and on-the-whole, it did.

I have seen many tribute acts over the last several years, in various venues. Generally they try to look and sound like the original artist and give the audience the greatest hits. Totally Tina certainly did this, with clips of Tina herself at times, as well as stories of Tina during her career and the artists she sang duets with and the songs she chose to cover.

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!

Have you ever considered fostering a cat? I have just seen Poppy, a beautiful black cat who needs a loving home. Poppy has been rescued by the St Albans Cat Protection and is just one of many stray cats who need a caring family.

We have some great live performance and welcome the return of Chantel McGregor, one of the rising stars of the blues-rock scene, as well...

Are you looking to transform your environment to reflect your dreams and aspirations? This is what Eva Edery, fused glass designer, thrives to achieve with bespoke glass art from her studio in Edgware. She will be exhibiting her new glass collection at the Radlett Centre from 3-28th in February 2014.

Braving difficult weather conditions, the audience of Art Fund members heard David Barrie outline the work and history of the organisation with illustrations of works ranging from a Bronze Age Dirk to an Andy Warhol.

The New Year is almost upon us! If you have eaten too much pud and want to get out and about experiencing St Albans life, consider these events;