If Opera Picnic Prom
JTQ - The James Taylor Quartet & Emma Smith
Monday 26 August
Join us at our annual picnic prom. Bring your party picnic and visit our pop-up bar – relax with a drink in hand while music fills the air or explore the secret pathways and hidden nooks of the magnificent grounds, rarely open to the public…
JTQ – THE JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET
Led by Hammond organ guru, James Taylor, JTQ stands with one foot planted in 2024, and the other, just as firmly, somewhere south of the 1970s. For more than 35 years The James Taylor Quartet have set the standard for the coolest sounds in funky jazz and have quietly become a byword for distinguished British creativity.
Featuring an expanded 6-piece line-up, including the incredible vocal talents of Yvvone Yanney, JTQ are perhaps best known and best loved for their unrivalled live performances – so don’t miss this opportunity to witness a true British music institution, live in concert.
Emma Smith – An Evening of Joyful Jazz
Emma has performed in venues ranging from the 02 Arena to the leading jazz clubs of New York City, as well as collaborating and recording with the likes of Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra and Robbie Williams. Along the way, she has created a unique and formidable reputation as a powerful and expressive artist on the global jazz scene.
She will be appearing with her own world-class trio of musicians: expect a wonderfully eclectic, but most of all fun, evening of world-class jazz.
JTQ - The James Taylor Quartet
The James Taylor Quartet (or JTQ) are a British four-piece jazz funk band, who have become renowned for their live performances.
Music fans will be familiar with their phenomenal catalogue of work – ranging from JTQ’s first single Blow Up, and The JTQ Theme, through to reworkings of classics such Green Onions, Time is Tight, and the inimitable Starsky & Hutch. In addition to his work with JTQ – James has collaborated with the likes of U2, The Wonderstuff, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues, and Tom Jones.
The current line-up is James Taylor (Keyboards and Orchestration), Mark Cox (guitar), Andrew McKinney (bass) and Pat Illingworth (drums), although recordings and live performances usually feature vocalist Yvonne Yanney.
Emma Smith
Emma Smith’s many accolades to date includes the widespread success of her long established vocal harmony group, The Puppini Sisters, as well as a four-year stint as a broadcaster on BBC Radio 3, not to mention a range of awards and compliments from organisations and critics alike, including winning the ‘Worshipful Company Of Musicians Medal’, reaching the finals of the Montreux Jazz Competition and more recently being nominated for a prestigious Parliamentary Jazz Award in their ‘Jazz Vocalist of the Year’ category.
Emma’s performances with her own world-class trio of musicians, are always much anticipated affairs. Audiences will treated to a diverse programme of uplifting and joyful jazz, including a selection of some of Emma’s favourite tracks - such as ‘Making Whoopee’ - through to music inspired by the Jazz Greats such as Sarah Vaughn, as well reworkings of music from the likes of ‘Funny Girl’.
Dates & Times:
Monday 26 August (Bank holiday)
5:00pm Gates open
5:30pm Garden music
6.30pm Main bands
9:00/9:15pm Approximate end
Tickets:
£48.00
Children aged 11+ are welcome
No dogs are permitted, except for assistance dogs
Please note, seating is unreserved for this event.
Or call Bath Box Office on: 01225 463 362
Travel
Wherever possible, we urge you to use public transport or car share to reduce the traffic pressure on this historic town.
On foot ~ Belcombe Court is a 15-minute walk uphill from Bradford on Avon town centre.
By car ~ free parking is available at Belcombe Court.
By taxi ~ there is a taxi service located at the railway station. Visit www.bradfordonavon-taxis.co.uk for taxi bookings.
By train ~ there are regular trains to Bradford on Avon from London (change at Bath), Bristol and Westbury. Visit www.gwr.com for train timetables and services.
By bus ~ there are regular bus services from Bristol, Bath and Salisbury to Bradford on Avon. Visit www.firstbus.co.uk for bus timetables and services.
Venue
Belcombe Court, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LZ
Wet weather
Our purpose-built theatre is fully covered and performances go ahead whatever the weather.
Accessibility
Our auditorium is accessible for wheelchairs. If you, or any member of your party require particular seating or have access needs, please inform Bath Box Office when booking your tickets to ensure we reserve the correct seating area for you.
Picnics & bar
Guests are welcome to bring tables and chairs or rugs to picnic within the extensive grounds of Belcombe Court as well as visit our pop-up bar. Please note, there are limited sheltered areas if the weather is wet.