Future Yard is excited to welcome James Taylor to the live room. One of the great British instrumentalists of his generation, has taken his trademark howling Hammond sound to the masses for over 25 years; still famed for its upbeat, energetic live shows. The band’s relentlessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from the rare-groove style funk, and boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s and, the band is, without a doubt, one of the most important jazz-pop crossover outfits in British live musical history today.
After the collapse of mod legends The Prisoners in the 1980s, and before moving to Sweden, James recorded some demos with brother David on guitar, the bass player from The Prisoners, and a drummer from down the road… and thus The James Taylor Quartet was born. From tiny acorns might oaks do indeed grow, and it wasn’t long before the first single, Blow Up, had been released, the band were in the studio rehearsing for the Mission Impossible EP, gigs were booked, and the late great John Peel was offering a session.
Skip forward 25 years and JTQ has evolved into one of the most exciting and well respected touring bands in the UK. With numerous albums to its name, the band’s recorded output is not to be scoffed at. ‘Prolific’ is an understatement, with albums touching genres as diverse as jazz, funk, soul, rock, and even rap, not to mention a handful of library albums in between. Each album is an absolute must for any Hammond fan: James’ playing providing a solid and accomplished lead as always. Live, the band is explosive, with a breathtaking, diverse unmatched back catalogue.
Steve Gunn has been at the vanguard of American experimental and guitar-oriented rock music for over a decade.
Following a trio of acclaimed albums on Matador Records, Gunn will release his seventh studio album, Daylight Daylight, on November 7 via No Quarter-his first in four years, and a testament to an artist still moving forward with purpose and vision. This past August, Gunn released Music for Writers, his first official solo instrumental album, on Three Lobed Recordings.
The release highlights his ongoing exploration of tone, atmosphere and composition. Spanning a wide range of collaborations and influences, Gunn’s career includes a rich body of solo, duo, and ensemble recordings on labels such as Three Lobed Recordings, Paradise of Bachelors, and RVNG.
His work continues to mark major milestones in contemporary guitar music and innovative songwriting. Even after more than a decade, Gunn is still moving along shaping his influences into a unique and ever-evolving output.
Tickets on sale now.
Marc Bolan, with his band T.Rex, was one of the most flamboyant and charismatic stars of the original glam rock era. With Bolan’s special ingredient of Rock-a-Boogie songs, the band had a string of huge hits throughout the 1970s including Love to Boogie, Telegram Sam, Jeepster and 20th Century Boy.
T.Rextasy have now been performing around the world for over 20 years, a career that ironically out lives Marc’s very own T.Rex. The band is now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management. The band has been described by many as ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’.
Truly a rock’n’roll concert for all ages – If you would like to know exactly what a Marc Bolan concert was like in the 1970s, this show is for you!
Experience the joy and energy of gospel music, with some of the UK’s most successful current gospel artists in this concert brought to you by the National Gospel Music Centre here in Liverpool.
Whether you are new to gospel music or already part of the fast-growing UK audience for this iconic genre, this concert has something to interest and inspire you.
Featuring some of the UK’s most celebrated and successful modern artists, the event will showcase brand new work in a world-first performance, along with gospel classics.
Gospel music is a genre with extraordinary range, diversity and creativity but with a common thread of love and joy, that has endured and flourished across continents and generations. Most music genres, from rock to R&B can trace their origins and influences to and through gospel music.
Whilst gospel is unapologetically rooted in the Christian faith, this event celebrates the music as a genre and welcomes everybody, from all faiths or none.
This performance will feature outstanding gospel choirs, alongside individual artists from across the UK in a special one-off performance as part of the programme for the Liverpool Gospel Music Festival.
Curated by the National Gospel Music Centre based at Liverpool Lighthouse, the night promises to be a special event not to be missed.
Presented in partnership with the National Gospel Music Centre
Michael Ball announces a new solo album of original material for 2026! ‘Glow’ will be Michael’s 23rd solo album, due for release early next year.
Speaking on the news, Michael Ball said: “There’s probably only one thing I enjoy more than being in the studio — writing, producing, and singing songs with people I love — and that’s taking it all out on the road and performing those songs as well as all the old favourites to the audiences I love. I hope you enjoy the new album, and I hope you come to see us on tour next year. It’s going to be an exciting year, and I can’t wait to see you all’’
Michael Ball is Britain’s leading musical theatre star, a double Olivier Award-winning, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and a hugely popular radio and TV presenter. For over 40 years he has been at the top of his game, starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway, winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career.
He regularly tours the UK as a concert artist and has sold millions of albums over the last 40 years; he’s performed in Australia, China, USA, Japan and, in 2007, made his BBC Proms debut: An Evening with Michael Ball at the Royal Albert Hall which marked the first time a musical theatre star had been given a solo concert at the Proms.
Join National Children’s Orchestras and musicians from In Harmony Liverpool Philharmonic for an afternoon of glorious American music.
For NCO’s eldest musicians, just 13 and 14 years old, this concert is the culmination of their final week-long NCO residential of the year, which has included rehearsals, creative sessions and more. They are delighted to share the stage today with musicians from In Harmony Liverpool Philharmonic.
NCO’s concerts are for everyone. Join us as we appreciate the sheer joy and energy that can be experienced nowhere else than in the presence of a wonderful children’s orchestra and be part of supporting the next generation of musicians. Expect a warm, welcoming audience and to be dazzled by really remarkable young musicians!
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival presents the world premiere performance of the hugely anticipated second album from Tamsin Elliott (UK) and Tarek Elazhary (Egypt). The album, currently untitled, is scheduled for release in September 2026.
Together, Tamsin and Tarek explore the intriguing parallels and idiosyncrasies of Egyptian Maqam and English folk traditions in a captivating fusion of songs, tunes and textures, finding commonality, fostering cross-cultural connection and helping heal the scars of a colonial past through meaningful and conscious collaboration.
Closing this year’s festival is the annual Youth Company choral celebration concert.
Over 250 young singers aged 7-19, across four different Youth Company choirs, will take to the stage. Included in this performance will be the Philharmonic Hall debut of Youth Company’s newest choir – Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Training Choir.
A much-anticipated live performance by folk ‘supergroup’ Spell Songs, the musical evolution of the iconic Lost Words and Lost Spells books by acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane and award-winning artist Jackie Morris, commissioned by Folk by the Oak Festival and featuring the collaborative genius of Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux.
Spell Songs are renowned for enthralling live performances that expertly blend virtuosic kora, electroharp, cello, Indian harmonium and more, gorgeously layered with musical and linguistic influences spanning from Orkney to Senegal. Inspired by Robert and Jackie’s latest work, The Book of Birds, Spell Song’s new studio album In Thin Air is released on 4th September and this uplifting performance will include a wealth of beautiful new songs alongside favourites from The Lost Words Spell Songs (2019) and Spell Songs II, Let The Light In (2021).
Spell Songs will be joined on stage by Lost Words artist Jackie Morris conjuring creatures and birds from ink and watercolour, bringing a captivating artistic dimension to all the shows.
The Lost Notes come to the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room as winners of the FATEA Band of the Year 2025, recognised for their harmony‑rich songwriting, sharp wit, and quietly dazzling musicianship. Their live shows blend foot‑tapping folk, soulful Americana, and warm, generous humour. FATEA praised them as “a band at the top of their game – inventive, heartfelt and engaging from first note to last.”
Michell, Pfeiffer & Kulesh bring their acclaimed blend of close‑harmony vocals, intricate arrangements, and exquisitely crafted original songs. Drawing on English, American, and Eastern European folk traditions, they create a sound that feels both timeless and strikingly contemporary. Folk London described them as “a trio of rare finesse – voices that blend like smoke and light, with songs that linger long after the last note.”
Together, these two standout acts promise an evening of rich storytelling, luminous harmonies, and musicianship shaped with real heart. Expect songs that make you smile, moments that stop you in your tracks, and performances that celebrate the breadth and beauty of modern folk.
With two headline sets in one night, this is a rare chance to experience two of the scene’s most compelling live acts in the intimate surroundings of the Music Room.
