Vanessa Haynes presents Aretha Franklin - Queen of Soul

Main Act: Vanessa Haynes

Prices

£22.50-£32.50

About the show

Experience first-hand the unparalleled voice of Vanessa Haynes of Incognito as she celebrates the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, with a thrilling 10-piece band.

Known for her rich, powerful vocals and stage presence, Vanessa delivers an evening of Aretha’s most iconic hits in the beautiful Watford Palace Theatre.

Vanessa began her career as a backing vocalist for Van Morrison and Chaka Khan before stepping into the spotlight as the lead singer of British funk legends, Incognito. Alongside her superb band, she will be performing an unforgettable selection of Aretha classics from Chain Of Fools and Respect all the way through to I Say A Little Prayer and (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman. With her deep gospel tones, it's easy to hear why the Evening Standard recently described Vanessa as a 'soulful powerhouse'.

Also on the bill will be emerging Watford funk and soul specialist Harry T Pope leading his pulsating 7-piece band, presented for the first time on one of Watford's biggest stages.

With wrap around DJ sets from One Jazz, the new 24/7 global online jazz radio network, we're going to have a party to remember. This gala show kicks off a week of sensational music as part of the Watford Jazz Junction Festival that runs across the town 10-18 May.

Main act line-up

Vanessa Haynes – vocals and Wurlitzer piano

Tom O'Grady – piano & Hammond

Tiago Coimbra – bass

Al Cherry – guitar

Martyn Kaine – drums

Sam Ewens – trumpet

Paul Booth – saxophone & flute

Mary Pearce – backing vocals

Chloe Du Pré  – backing vocals

Belle Erskine – backing vocals

Timings

Support act: 7.30pm. Main act: 8.30pm. Show ends about 10pm.

Support act: Harry T Pope

Harry T Pope is a 23-year-old independent artist from the village of Croxley Green, just outside of Watford. With eclectic influences from all genres, his music fuses catchy pop melodies with jazz harmony, rock energy, classical instrumentation, and soulful vocals. This approach is evident in the string of singles he has released since his debut including ‘Stay Away’ and ‘A Different Kind’.

Support act line-up

Harry T Pope – vocals, keys, guitar

Sam Espín – guitar

Sasha Sumption – sax, backing vocals

Elyse Sakelaropoulos – trumpet/flugelhorn, backing vocals

Alex Borland – trombone, backing vocals

Alex Baker – drums

Lewis Mackay – bass