Yesterday I published my Birmingham round up of music and music-based events that are suitable to attend with the family – though obviously, different shows are suitable for your very young children, than those suitable for, say, you and your 14 year old to attend together! Today it is the turn of events in Warwickshire and if you are looking for events in Birmingham, then you might want to have a look at yesterday’s post.
Now, as this roundup can get quite long, I include below a list of the venues and shows that I cover in this post, so feel free to click on the shows/venues you are interested in on this list and it will take you straight there, or have a browse of the whole list of events. For each venue I give you a link to their own What’s On/booking information page and the listings follow on from this. At the time of writing I the shows below have ticket availability, though that may change between the time I write this post, and the time you read it. Always check with the venue in question before making plans. You may notice that some of the events noted in this list have a coloured background on their write up, this denotes shows that are free of charge, though you may still need to book tickets to guarantee your place.
- Warwick Arts Centre
- Mini Creatives on every Tuesday at 10.30am
- Jazz Fridays on 7, 14, 21 & 28 June at 5.30pm
- Unison: (WACA 2024) on 7 June at 7.30pm
- Black Voices: Songs of Nina Simone plus Emily Saunders on 8 June at 7.30pm
- Family Sundays on every Sunday at 1.30pm
- Musical Picnics: Spring & Summer 2024 on 9 June at 11 am
- Open Mic: Words & Music: Spring/Summer 2024 on 13 June at 8pm
- TSG: Legally Blonde on 13 – 15 June at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
- The Horne Section’s Hit Show on 18 June at 8pm
- The Amy Winehouse Band – Live In Concert on 20 June at 7.30pm
- UOW Chamber Choir: Appear and Inspire on 21 June at 7pm
- UOW Symphony Orchestra & Chorus: Finale! on 23 June at 4pm
- Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall
- Stratford Playhouse
- Solihull Core Theatre
Warwick Arts Centre
Warwick Arts Centre is a multi-purpose arts centre based at the University of Warwick, that is actually based in Coventry rather than Warwick. It hosts music, drama, comedy, dance performances and more along with a number of different workshops and arts classes for the local community.
What’s On page and booking information: Warwick Arts Centre
Mini Creatives on every Tuesday at 10.30am
Drop in for weekly multi-sensory sessions from 10.30am – 12pm in this creative space for babies, toddlers and their adults.
Experience artist led creative activities designed to inspire imaginations, encourage curiosity, and support development. From music making and singing to sensory arts, come and start a lifetime of creativity with us by making, learning and playing together.
Through Summer term we continue to work with singer and multi-instrumentalist, Beth Hopkins. Beth has a natural affinity with little people and is musical director of participatory children’s theatre company Cloud Cuckoo Land.
Armed with her banjo, clarinet, flute and an array of noise makers, Beth is experienced at weaving responsive musical play with song, movement and sensory surprises. She loves sharing songs and exploring international and intercultural music!
Baby Book Club
Don’t forget to join us for Baby Book Club!
On the first Tuesday of every month from 11.45am – 12pm, after Mini Creatives, you can stay for a delightful story session led by our Creative Learning Assistant or Library Staff Member.
Borrow a stack of books for a month of family reading at home and bring them back to the next session. This is a collaboration with Coventry Libraries and the perfect introduction to the joys of joining the library!
Free event.
Jazz Fridays on 7, 14, 21 & 28 June at 5.30pm
We are delighted to bring back our weekly foyer programme of live jazz, hosted by The Aaron Moloney Trio plus special guest musicians.
As always, this event also features an open jam session for local musicians in the second half. Come and Play!
Free event.
Unison: (WACA 2024) on 7 June at 7.30pm
Warwick A Cappella arrives with force in their solo debut at Warwick Arts Centre.
Join the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella 2x UK finalists, The Leamingtones, and professional debutants, OffScore, as they capture the magic of all your favourite hits through a cappella.
With extra special guests, Elision, this one-night-only performance promises an unforgettable night of the 3x award-winning Warwick A Cappella sound.
This is student show presented by Warwick A Cappella Society.
Please note this show is recommended for ages 12+.
Black Voices: Songs of Nina Simone plus Emily Saunders on 8 June at 7.30pm
An exciting performance by two top UK acts, working in the medium of jazz/gospel/soul genres – not to be missed!
Europe’s finest all-female a cappella quintet Black Voices present their powerful homage to Nina Simone at this incredible event.
Plus Emily Saunders “queen of UK jazz-fusion” brings her most powerful work to date.
Black Voices:
Black Voices are artists in residence at Warwick Arts Centre and their unique repertoire draws on spirituals, traditional African, Caribbean and English folk songs, jazz, gospel, pop and reggae.
They said:
“Nina Simone is an artist whose uncompromising stance for social inclusion could not be more relevant in today’s climate. Black Voices had the honour of supporting her in concert many times – come and hear extracts from their Nina Simone show which allow us to explore and celebrate her great legacy in a totally new way”.
Family Sundays on every Sunday at 1.30pm
Free creative activities for families.
Every Sunday, drop-in for creative workshops led by our featured artists-in-residence. Working across visual arts, dance, drama, spoken word and music, we invite you to come and spend time together as a family making, exploring and having fun.
The Summer season starts on Sunday 5 May when we will welcome our new artists a residence, watch our social media for announcements!
Look out for Musical Picnics and Family Singing on select Sunday mornings too, so you can make a day of it at Warwick Arts Centre.
Free event.
Musical Picnics: Spring & Summer 2024 on 9 June at 11 am
A wonderful monthly series of original, participatory family performances continue.
Come and enjoy making music with an eclectic mix of incredible musicians, musical styles, cultures, instruments and personalities.
Free event.
Open Mic: Words & Music: Spring/Summer 2024 on 13 June at 8pm
Our Open Mic sessions are open to everyone.
If you’re a singer, instrumentalist, poet, MC or any other kind of musical performer then this is an opportunity for you.
No need to pre-book, just sign up on the night, but do it early to avoid disappointment!
Free event.
TSG: Legally Blonde on 13 – 15 June at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Adapted from the novel and popular film, Legally Blonde: The Musical traces the vibrant journey of Elle Woods, a cheerfully fashionable UCLA sorority queen whose world crumbles when her boyfriend Warner ends their relationship.
Determined to break stereotypes and showcase her depth beyond her blonde appearance, Elle surprises everyone by pursuing him to Harvard Law School.
Amidst challenges of fitting in and academic hurdles, she discovers a surprising aptitude for law, defying everyone’s expectations.
Elle’s infectious pink spirit prevails, challenging norms and proving that authenticity triumphs.
The musical unfolds as a delightful celebration of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of staying true to oneself.
Please note this show is recommended for ages 12+.
The Horne Section’s Hit Show on 18 June at 8pm
They have two series of their own Channel 4 TV show, an iTunes-chart-topping podcast and now they’re tuning up their instruments once more to tour the country: it’s the Horne Section’s Hit Show!
“Britain’s Funniest Band” (The Guardian) have made appearances on The Last Leg(Channel 4), Peter Crouch’s Year- Late Euros (BBC One), they are Dictionary Corner regulars on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the only band to ever host Never Mind The Buzzcocks.
Separately, members of The Horne Section have performed with recording artists including Robbie Williams, Madness, Florence and the Machine, Amy Winehouse, George Ezra, Basement Jaxx, Disclosure and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Unruly, ridiculous, and surprisingly satisfying, the six-headed comedy band includes five outstanding musicians and one non-musical stand-up. There’ll be comedy, songs, enthusiastic dancing, and a lot of mucking about.
A brand-new show from the hugely talented band and Alex Horne, the creator and co-host of the BAFTA and National Comedy Award winning Taskmaster.
Please note this show is recommended for ages 12+.
The Amy Winehouse Band – Live In Concert on 20 June at 7.30pm
A celebration of her music, life and legacy, performed by Amy’s original band.
In this exceptional & unique show – Amy’s Original band led by her long term Musical Director/Bass player Dale Davis and Amy’s close friend from the very start of her career, celebrate her era defining music and live performances with this, the only completely authentic reimagining of the Amy Winehouse sound.
Fronted by the incredible vocalist Bronte Shandé and featuring on-screen visuals and unique footage the show has become an unforgettable experience and celebration for audiences around the world which we are delighted to bring to you.
Amy Winehouse was the greatest female voice to have ever come out of the UK, a national treasure and for so many simply the greatest artist of her generation, missed by everyone who loved her and her music.
Join us on a joyful and emotional journey celebrating Amy’s incredible songbook with the musicians and band who knew her best, who stood alongside her on stages all around the world and helped create her timeless sound, both onstage and in the studio.
Bringing you all of Amy’s hits and masterpieces from the multi award winning albums, Back To Black, Frank and Lioness …..‘Rehab’ ‘Valerie’ ‘Back To Black’ ‘Love Is A losing Game’ ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’ ‘I’m No Good’ and many more.
UOW Chamber Choir: Appear and Inspire on 21 June at 7pm
The University of Warwick Chamber Choir bring you some of the most inspiring choral music from across the globe, spanning the centuries.
Programme to be announced soon, but will include music by Lobo, Smith-More, Pärt and Britten.
UOW Symphony Orchestra & Chorus: Finale! on 23 June at 4pm
The University Symphony Orchestra and Chorus join forces yet again to present their final concert of the season.
Featuring orchestral music by Tchaikovsky and Vaughan Williams.
Haydn’s Nelson Mass was one of the final six masses he composed and is considered a culmination of the best of his liturgical work.
All these masterpieces represent the bounteous and vast careers of three prolific composers spanning over 200 years.
Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall
A multi-purpose arts venue in Leamington Spa. Please note, any shows or events taking place at the Pump Rooms will also feature in this section.
What’s On page and booking information: Royal Spa Centre
Totally Tina, Royal Spa Centre on 13 June at 7.30pm
Come shake a tail feather with the UK’s supreme Tina tribute – Justine Riddoch – and her talented cast.
This breathtaking tribute to Tina Turner celebrates the amazing life and work of the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll!
Early hits, including River Deep – Mountain High and Nutbush City Limits, were just a taste of what was to come. We Don’t Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, I Don’t Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled Tina to stadium concert stardom.
Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates and remembers those famed live performances for one night only!
The McCartney Songbook, Royal Spa Centre on 14 June at 7.30pm
‘The McCartney Songbook’ showcases the songwriting genius of the legendary Sir Paul McCartney in a powerful new live production.
Featuring ‘All The Best’ of McCartney, Wings and The Beatles, this exciting show consists of over 30 monster hits such as ‘Jet’, ‘Band On The Run’, ‘Let It Be’ ‘Live And Let Die’, ‘Silly Love Songs’ and ‘Hey Jude’ all packed into 2 hours of entertainment perfection.
Starring critically acclaimed performer Peter Jackson from West End smash hit musical ‘Let It Be’, ‘The Sessions At Abbey Road’ and ‘That’ll Be The Day’, The McCartney Songbook is not a tribute band but a live recreation of the masterworks of Sir Paul performed by world class musicians and performers.
This is the ultimate night out for any Beatles, Wings and McCartney fan with high energy rock ’n’ roll, romantic love songs and world class anthems.
Come join the party for an experience you’ll never forget.
Fairy Queen, Royal Pump Rooms on 27 June at 7.30pm
For 15 years, Armonico Consort has been in demand by festivals in the UK and Europe to perform its inimitable version of Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas. The singers and actors of the company now turn their attention to Purcell’s greatest semiopera in a brand new semi-staged version with a specially adapted script from Shakespeare’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ create for the first time a modern-day retelling of both of these incredible works in one joyous evening! Armonico Consort will conjure up Purcell’s world of dreams and darkness, love and laughter in a not-to-be-missed evening!
This performance is generously supported by Hilary Eldridge, member of the Conductor’s Circle
ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE PLAYERS
DIRECTOR |CHRISTOPHER MONKS
NARRATORS |OZ CLARKE & LAURA MORETTO
SOPRANO |ELOISE IRVING & HANNAH FRASER-MACKENZIE
ALTO |WILLIAM TOWERS
TENOR |NATHAN VALE
BASS |GARETH JOHN
Dr Dolittle – The Dance Show Presented by LWAD & PTW, Royal Spa Centre on 29 – 30 June at 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Leamington and Warwick Academy of Dance return to the Royal Spa Centre with their bi-annual dance show.
Stratford Playhouse
A theatre in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon hosting a variety of events on its stages.
What’s On page and booking information: Stratford Playhouse
Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party on 1 June at 7.30pm
65 th Anniversary Show. Four West End Artists celebrate the music of four Icons of Rock n Roll, Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Richie Valens & Dion Di Mucci, along with The Counterfeit crickets a lively Rock n Roll Band that hit’s the spot every time in a recreation of the last tour given in ‘The Surf Ballroom’, Iowa U.S.A. in 1959’.
In this the 65 th Anniversary year, we will bring you a show that will have your foot tapping, and itching to be out of your seats for a fun packed Rock n Roll evening!
With all the hits… ‘Heartbeat’, ‘Blue Days Black Nights’, ‘Bo Diddley’ & ‘True Love Ways as well as ‘ La Bamba, ‘Chantilly Lace’ and ‘ Run Around Sue’ to name but a few Pure Rock n Roll at its Best!
Marc Robinson who performs Buddy Holly has numerous performances from the original ‘Stars in their Eyes’ and ‘Buddy’ The Musical, numerous hit shows all around Great Britain and Europe, will help celebrate and recreate the music of Buddy Holly, his music is respected worldwide, and Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party aims to keep that passion alive!
Will Rock n Roll in Stratford upon Avon ever die? That’ll be the Day!
Hello Again – Neil Diamond on 7 June at 7.30pm
Join us for the world’s greatest celebration of the life and work of one of the best-selling singer-songwriters of all-time, Neil Diamond. Using evocative imagery, video and narration to enhance the magic, this acclaimed production will take you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50-year career. In this exciting live show you’ll be transported from the Bang Years to the present day and soon be singing along to all the hits including: Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, Hello Again, Love on the Rocks, America and many more.
Stratford Concert Band on 8 June at 7.30pm
Stratford Concert Band is giving a celebratory concert to mark its 50th Anniversary this year, its origins stretching back to 1974. At that time it was the South Warwickshire Schools Wind Band but in 1977, when the economic axe fell on music in schools, the Stratford upon Avon Wind Bands Association was formed and the band became independent and now boasts Stratford Concert Band as its performing band.
The band supports civic occasions; it has been part of the Shakespeare Birthday celebrations in April, plays each year at the Remembrance Gardens on Remembrance Sunday and has also been invited to play on several occasions when Royalty visited Stratford-upon-Avon.
Musical Director, Jonathan Earle has been a member almost from the start when he joined as a very young flautist! He believes that music is a wonderful way of bringing people together and in his own words; “Making music is a celebration and a way of communicating and sharing emotions.” The band’s members come from many walks of life and with varying experience, some having taken music up more recently while many have music degrees and are very involved in music education and performance in Warwickshire.
With the instrumentation of a typical concert band of woodwind, brass and percussion, the band’s repertoire covers a wide selection of styles including selections from popular films and musicals, light classical arrangements and original works for concert band. The concert at 7.30pm on Saturday June 8 th will be a lively performance of many well known pieces, from Queen to Gilbert and Sullivan, Beauty and the Beast to the Dambusters March and the quieter Hallelujah – something to suit all tastes and all the family!
Stratford Jazz – Alison Tucker on 12 June at 8pm
Please see website for more information.
The Telling: I, Spie on 18 June at 7.30pm
Centred around an extraordinary letter written by Renaissance composer/lutenist John Dowland to spymaster Sir Robert Cecil in 1595, this spell-binding concertplay (where music and theatre collide) by award-winning writer Clare Norburn and BAFTA-nominated director Nicholas Renton imagines what might have happened next. I, Spie tells the story of how John Dowland manages to foil an Italian plot on the life of Queen Elizabeth I and his ensuing grisly dealings with the Secret Service. Think Spooks meets Blackadder with live music by Dowland, his contemporaries and lively Elizabethan tavern, street and courtly masque music thrown in for good measure!
This performance is supported by a grant from Continuo Foundation.
Metamorphoses (Night Owl) on 19 June at 7pm
Exploring transformation in music and words – from Bach to Britten and Keats to Kafka
Britten’s 6 Metamorphoses after Ovid was written in 1951, midway through humanity’s most turbulent century and at the end of the Second World War when the will to transform at a political, societal and psychological level was being felt most urgently. This evocative work for solo oboe punctuates a programme of music and literature related to the theme of metamorphosis; ranging from the transcriptions of J.S. Bach via Debussy and Philip Glass, to the words of William Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll and Angela Carter.Bach Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 (Allemande)
Britten 6 Metamorphoses after Ovid
Philip Glass Metamorphosis
Bach Prelude in B minor BWV 855
Handel Apollo & Daphne Suite for Orchestra in B-flat Major HWV 352
Buxtehude arr. Gordon Choros
Debussy Syrinx
Bach Concerto for Keyboard in D minor BWV 1052Violin/Director David Le Page
Keyboard David Gordon
Oboe Victoria Brawn
Violin/Director David Le Page
Keyboard David Gordon
Oboe Victoria Brawn
Solihull Core Theatre
A multi-purpose theatre attached to the Library of Solihull and just behind Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull’s Core Theatre hosts many different genres of shows, with something on for pretty much everyone. Please note, that shows are not booked to take place in the Core Theatre during December, and the shows available from The Core’s Box Office are taking place in alternative venues, noted below. Please check which venue the shows will be hosted in before booking your tickets.
What’s On page and booking information: Solihull Core Theatre
Henry’s Blueshouse – Honeyboy Hickling Band on 14 June at 7.30pm
You can catch top live blues bands and attractions from across the UK and beyond, at Henry’s Blueshouse Solihull with top talent provided by Big Bear Music. Enjoy a laid back night of fantastic music, in the relaxed atmosphere of our ground floor Studio at The Core.
Honeyboy Hickling Band
‘Blues Harp driven R&B from the illustrious Honeyboy Hickling!’
Some Blues bands exude talent, some set feet tapping, some engage the audience with warmth and good humour and a handful tick all those boxes and deliver a complete performance. Simon Hickling and his band are one of those few!
Blues-rocker, Simon “Honeyboy” Hickling has been a mainstay of the Midlands blues scene for over thirty years, and is established as a virtuoso Blues Harp harmonica player of international repute. With his full band, including his regular “partner-in-crime”, Bob Wilson on guitar, this promises to be a treat!
Together In Solihull on 22 June at 12pm
Together in Solihull
Enjoy an afternoon of great entertainment from performers representing the diverse culture of Solihull.
Including: Kathak, belly and bhangra dancing, community performances, DJ sets of world music, lion dancers, traditional music from Hong Kong, afro beats dance and storytelling, Cov Kozaks (Coventry based Ukrainian band) and lots more!
Hosted by Solihull Council as part of the Borough’s Refugee Week celebrations
Solihull Music Summer Vocal Fiesta Concert 1 on 28 June at 6pm
Join Solihull Music for a Summer Vocal Fiesta at Solihull’s Land Rover Club. Come along and enjoy fantastic vocals in this fun series of concert.
This concert features talented pupils from Greswold Primary School, Valley Primary School, Olton Primary School and St Margaret’s CE Primary School.
Please note that there are three vocal fiesta concerts, with different schools performing at each. Please check carefully which schools are performing before you book.
This concert takes place at Land Rover Social Club.
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