Wednesday 28 August 2024.

Wed 28 August to Sat 31 August 2024. SALON PRIVE returns to Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Set in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is back for 2024, in its 19th year. And with gorgeous classics, luxury brands and fine dining, be sure to dress for the occasion. Classic Cars and Supercars will be on display. The Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients is arguably the UK's most exclusive Concours and the only one to be adjudicated by the globally renowned ICJAG judging body. 50% larger, this year's collection of 75 cars, from 21 different countries, brings cars unseen for 40 years and rare exotics from 1908 to the land speed record breaking 2005 Bugatti Veyron experimental prototype 5.5, making this year an absolute MUST-ATTEND for any classic car enthusiast. This year's line-up of priceless machinery will include the wonderful 1953 Siata208 CS Balbo – the car which Steve McQueen referred to as his 'little Ferrari'. Powered by a 2.0-litre V8 Fiat motor, it is one of just 9 Carrozzeria Balbo-bodied aluminium 208CS coupes produced by Italian marque. This diminutive sporting machine was raced across the USA from 1953 to 1959 and has remained in single family ownership from then on. Zenvo Automotive is to star at Salon Privé later this month with the exclusive Danish hypercar brand confirming the Blenheim Palace debut of its radical 'new era' Aurora models. The Aurora Agil and Tur editions will be shown in public for only the second time globally, following their European show debut just a few weeks ago. From a jaw-dropping 120th anniversary line-up of Rolls-Royces to Pebble Beach-winning Bugattis, exotic classic Ferraris and legendary Group C racing cars, this year's Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients is a MUST-SEE for all classic aficionados. A unique 1950 Ferrari 166MM / 212 Export 'Uovo' is to be a headline attraction at this summer's Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients at Blenheim Palace.. 'Uovo' is Italian for 'egg', which perfectly describes this futuristic car's attention-grabbing design, and its presence at the UK's most exclusive automotive garden party is certain to cause a stir. Both general admission tickets (£75) and tickets will full hospitality(£295) are available. www.salonpriveconcours.com - Visit their website here for more info and to buy tickets. ------------ Wednesday 28 August 2024...11.45am to 5.45pm.. We went to the opening press day today. Around 1000 smartly dressed guests here...90% male. All the stunning super cars and classic cars look amazing. All the main marques are represented. John Lennon's white Rolls-Royce was here. They are all in such gleaming perfect condition. Lots of complimentary food and drinks all day. Complimentary Pommery champers for an hour. Then it was a buffet lunch and desserts . The short ribs tasted amazing . From 2.30pm to 3.45pm was the cavalcade . All the cars were started up and paraded in front of the judges . The engines sounded fantastic. From 3.45pm to 5.45pm was afternoon tea. Vodka cocktails , Gin Cocktails, wines, beers, coffees, finger sandwiches, scones with cream & jam etc. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Tuesday 27 August 2024. Gala / Press Night at The Peacock Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2. A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN - The Musical. SADLERS WELLS presents at THE PEACOCK THEATRE...21 August to 23 September... Janis Joplin: meet the first queen of rock ‘n’ roll and the women who lit her fire. Starring Mary Bridget Davies and Sharon Sexton as Janis, this multi award-winning show is an extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences. Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Fuelled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart”, “Mercedes Benz”, “Cry Baby” and “Summertime”, a remarkable cast and breakout performances... Janis Joplin was part of the '27 Club' where three musicians of that age died early at the age of 27. Janis Joplin 1970 Jimi Hendrix 1970 Jimi Morrison 1971 ------------- We had superb seats ..three rows from the front. Nice to see Pink Floyd's NICK MASON and TONY SMITH here. Tony is co-manager of Pink Floyd , along with Nick Masons Saucerful of Secrets, Genesis , Phil Collins and Mike + Mechanics. He is also co -producer of tonight's show along with Canadian live music veteran MICHAEL COHL, who is also here. The show is on for around two hours over two sets. A nice stage set with a full late 1960s look. A five piece band were joined by three man brass and four female backing singers It is presented as a gig, with Janis singing and telling stories. The "twist" is that she is talking about all the singers who inspired her and, as though in a dream, they join her on stage. It turns the show into "An Evening with Janis Joplin… and Friends". The powerful blues vocals by Mary Bridget Davies as Janis at 100% full throttle was really fantastic and the backing singers all had a song or two each as they took on classic soul singers, including Aretha Franklin and Etta James . All Janis Joplin's best known songs were performed,and the first set finished with a superb sing off with Janis and Aretha. For the final curtain call, the cast were joined on stage by Janis Joplin's brother Michael and sister Laura. I enjoyed this gig-style show rather a lot. Well worth going to see. ------- 10.30pm to 12pm was the after-party at The Bloomsbury Hotel, behind The Dominion Theatre. Around 150 guests here , including NICK MASON , TONY SMITH and MICHAEL COHL. All the cast eventually turned up, along with Janis Joplin's brother Michael and sister Laura. Complimentary wines, beers, canapes and fries. We were given a complimentary programme and a drink voucher for the interval when we arrived at the theatre.

Posted 28th August 2024