The Colston Hall in Bristol launches a new live space this weekend with a performance by acclaimed jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard.

The new space is designed for artists and performances which would struggle to fill the whole of the Colston Hall.

It's part of on-going interim improvements to the hall running up to a promised major redevelopment in the future.

Graeme Howell, Director of Colston Hall said: "I'm pleased and excited that Colston Hall is starting to use the newly revamped bar as a performance space.

"We feel the bar offers a more intimate and relaxed environment for artists to perform and provides our audiences with another kind of experience at Colston Hall."

Sheppard's performance precedes many others including more jazz on Friday, July 1 with Iain Ballamy, Stian Carstensen (OK) Duo and Farmers Market and the beautiful tones of Patty Griffin on Saturday, June 25.

Sheppard first gained critical and popular success in 1987 with his eponymous debut album.

The years following its release saw Andy snapping up numerous awards at the British Jazz Awards including the Best Newcomer, Best Instrumentalist, Best Album and the Big Band Award.

As Sheppard's reputation grew internationally he and his band toured extensively abroad visiting Europe, Canada, South America, the USA and Africa.

He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists including the legendary Gil Evans, French bassist Michael Benita and improvising pianist Keith Tippett, he has played in a variety of musical ensembles and has contributed to an eclectic range of recordings as well as his own fantastic back catalogue which includes greats like Rhythm Method, Inclassifiable and Dancing Man and Woman.

As a composer he has written music for theatre and television including Bristol Old Vic and HTV.

For this special performance in the Colston Hall Bar, Andy Sheppard will be playing it straight with members of the Andy Hague Quintet.

* Tickets are available on 0117 922 3686.