An Evening of British Jazz with Simon Spillett - 60th Anniversary Special

To mark 60 years of Dawkes Music, we're bringing one of Britain's finest jazz line-ups to Maidenhead for an evening that's part concert, part fireside chat. Saxophonist and broadcaster Simon Spillett leads a formidable band — Alan Barnes on saxes and clarinet, Pete Billington on piano, Simon Thorpe on bass and Clark Tracey on drums — for a one-hour live set followed by an informal, all-mic'd-up conversation about six decades of British jazz, using Dawkes' own founding year of 1966 as a starting point.

This isn't a scripted panel. It's a room full of people who love this music, listening to the musicians who've shaped it talk candidly about where it's been, what's changed, and where it's heading. Expect stories, honest reflection, and a genuine sense of occasion — the perfect centrepiece to our 60th anniversary weekend. Book now to be part of this historic evening!

At a glance:

• One-hour live set followed by a relaxed, unscripted conversation
• Featuring Simon Spillett, Alan Barnes, Pete Billington, Simon Thorpe and Clark Tracey
• All band members mic'd up for the conversation segment
• Reflecting on British jazz from 1966 to today
• The centrepiece event of Dawkes Music's 60th anniversary weekend

"The ecstatic audience reaction revealed just how much the onlookers enjoyed this band" — The Jazz Mann, on the Simon Spillett Quartet at Brecon Jazz Festival

About this event

• Pre-Booking Required
• From £19.25 per person
• Bar service available (soft & alcoholic)
• Doors open 7:30 pm | Music starts 8pm | Please note: We are unable to admit guests any earlier than 30 minutes before the event starts. 

Additional Information - Please Read Carefully:

Seat Allocations

Each ticket holder will be allocated a seat, so please book groups under one booking so that you can be seated together.

Refunds

All sales are non-refundable. If the event is rescheduled, all purchases will be honoured for the next event date. If you cannot attend the event, you may transfer your purchase to another person. If the event is cancelled, all purchases will be refunded in full.

Getting Here & Parking Info

We have 30 free parking spaces, including two spaces at the front of the building for Blue Badge holders and two electric charging points. Extra on-street parking is available after 6pm and on Sundays.

Trains run regularly to Maidenhead from Reading and London Paddington. We are a five-minute taxi ride/twenty-minute walk from the station.

"The venue was excellent. The revamped Dawkes shop area adjusted beautifully into a club-like atmosphere. There was a relaxed welcoming attitude from the staff and they were attentive to the needs of the audience." - Live Event Visitor Feedback