Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Brandon Allen relocated to London in 2000.
Since arriving in the UK, he has worked with many high profile artists and groups/ensembles as a saxophonist.
An accomplished jazz composer and arranger, writing for other artists and for his various jazz groups.
His distinctive saxophone sound has been featured on film soundtracks including ‘Alfie’ (2004) and 'The Look of Love' (2013), featured on 4 Kyle Eastwood albums and numerous other releases.
He has performed with Eric Clapton, Paloma Faith, Kyle Eastwood, Mica Paris, Jools Holland, Gary Barlow, Neil Diamond, Gwyneth Herbert, Keith Tippett, Tony Hadley, Roachford, Candi Staton, US3, Carleen Anderson, James Torme, The BLOCKHEADS, Omar Kamal, Tony Christie, John Etheridge, Soweto Kinch, Noel McKoy, Guy Barker, Natalie Williams, The Laurence Cottle Big Band, Claire Martin, The BBC Big Band, Jesse Van Ruller, Stan Tracey, Peter King, Darius Brubeck, Ronnie Cuber, Lew Soloff, Mark Nightingale, Richie Cole, Benjamin Herman, Nigel Hitchcock, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Beverley Knight, Robin McKelle and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
Studio
£16
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Julian Vickers and Dan Bovey make a welcome return. From Baroque to Jazz and with some Spanish flamenco, the Vickers-Bovey Duo’s programme will be a feast for all lovers of the guitar.
They play with outstanding exquisiteness and unanimity.. The Sunday Times
£20 | £15 for Maidenhead Music Society members | Under 18s free
See the full programme details via the link below.
One of Australia’s most captivating singers.
Her lyrical voice lends itself equally to the cool subtleties of jazz and the passionate styling of rhythm and blues.
Studio
£16
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An Albion Christmas is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show. They have been touring for 25 years and attract sell-out audiences across the UK.
Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.
Kellie While, Simon Care and Simon Nicol join founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, on stage for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.
Kellie takes time out from working with her mum, Chris While, for which both the UK press and public alike have praised her. Folk enthusiasts will know Kellie from her work with The Albion Band. She received personal praise from Ron Sexsmith for her beautiful version of his song Riverbed on her album Tenacious, which put her on the map as one this country’s finest voices.
Simon Care is currently working with Edward II and has always had a passion for Traditional English dance and song. Simon also works with Banter, Tickled Pink and the Morris On Band.
Simon Nicol, founder member of Fairport Convention finishes the line up to make this a truly festive treat. He is regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world... His voice is pretty special too!
The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from the last 25 years of shows and albums… a 'best of the Albion Xmas' selection.
With sell-out tours including venues such as Buxton Opera House, The New Vic Stoke and The Sage, Gateshead, The Albion Xmas Show is a very popular show appealing to all ages.
Described in the Guardian as 'the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas', this is a show you must not miss! And also voted in the 'top ten unmissable shows this Christmas' by The Telegraph in 2018.
Courtyard Theatre
£26.50
Join the self-crowned ‘Queen of Oklahoma’ Carter Sampson with her full band for a hotbed of good music.
Born and raised in the central state, Sampson writes relatable and honest songs about family, love, life and historical characters. She’s released six albums With her seventh expected out in January 2025. Her last album, Gold, spent many months on the Americana Music Charts.
Carter won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting contest at Merlefest, NC, and has performed at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest and the Lincoln Center in NYC as a top finalist in their respective songwriting contests.
‘Sampson sings from the heart. Nothing is sugar coated. She's as real as her red dirt roots or the red cowboy boots that she proudly wears’ Country Standard Time
‘Heartfelt, sincere, and honest. There’s an inherent happiness that populates a Carter Sampson record and it’s something I’ve truly come to look forward to with each album she’s released’ Americana Highways
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Carter will be supported by Joe Martin. Described in his own words as a modern day troubadour, Joe is now a seasoned singer songwriter having toured extensively around the UK and Nashville, playing some of Music City’s most renowned venues. His sound is deeply rooted in the classic American style, with a focus on storytelling and lyric.
'Superb melodies accompanied by a fantastic voice and outstanding lyrics.' Fatea Magazine
Joe's website
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The UK’s most authentic Northern Soul Live Show.
Experience the soul-stirring magic of The Signatures, the official backing band for many of the Northern Soul original artists and featured house band on BBC 6 Music's The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show.
Immerse yourself in the energy of a ten-piece live band, showcasing their exceptional talent in their own distinctive style. The Signatures, along with their power and expression, have worked with more original artists than any other band in the UK delivering a truly authentic performance.
Joining The Signatures on stage is the sensational Stefan Taylor, one of the hottest young vocalists on the UK Soul scene, and the iconic original Northern Soul artist Lorraine Silver (Lost Summer Love) a favourite from the legendary Wigan Casino.
This live show guarantees an evening filled with more than just the Northern Soul classics, presented in a unique and exhilarating manner. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a soulful journey that takes you back in time and captivates the essence of Northern Soul.
Tumble down the rabbit hole in this ballet adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s famous family story.
Join us for a live screening of Christopher Wheeldon’s unique theatrical interpretation direct from the Royal Opera House.
At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole, events become curiouser and curiouser…
As Alice journeys through Wonderland, she encounters countless strange creatures. She’s swept off her feet by the charming Knave of Hearts, who’s on the run for stealing the tarts. Confusion piles upon confusion. Then Alice wakes with a start. Was it all a daydream?
Courtyard Theatre Cinema
£16
Running time: 205 minutes, two intervals
Guidance: There are optical illusions that may affect those with epilepsy. There is also a gunshot in Act I.
Royal Opera & Ballet's website
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Led by Seann Wilkinson
A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!
Autumn
Tues 10 Sept - 17 Dec, exc 29 Oct (14 weeks)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £140 per 14 week term
Led by Jim Maving
Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? It is never too late to learn. Learn guitar right from the very beginning. This is a foundation course for those with little to no experience of playing guitar. You will learn how to hold a guitar and to make the right noises out of it. The aim of these lessons is to get you playing your first song within 4 weeks of lessons, as no-one takes up guitar to strum random chords, it’s all about the songs.
If you are returning to guitar having not played for some time and can barely remember chords this is a great way of getting back into the swing of things.
If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!
These classes are split by skills level;
Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.
Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords
Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.
Autumn
Tues 10 Sept – 8 Oct (5 weeks)
Tues 15 Oct – 19 Nov, exc 22 Oct (5 weeks)
Tues 3 Dec – 17 Dec (3 weeks)
7.45pm - 8.45pm
£50 per 5 week course | £30 per 3 week course
Suitable for 18+ years.
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