Summer of Events, FutureFest, More Music Courses and TV Shows

It’s been a fun summer attending a few wonderful cultural events and festivals including Wimbledon and a 1940s weekend for the Seagull Theatre in Lowestoft where I got to dress up in vintage attire. I had a fab (see what I did there!) time seeing the new Paul McCartney exhibition “Eyes of the Storm” at the National Portrait Gallery. It was so cool viewing his intimate, never-before-seen images which offer a personal perspective on what it was like to be a Beatle at the start of ‘Beatlemania. More recently, it was great to be back at Latitude Festival after a few years – so many music highlights: Impressive new talent at the Inbetweeners Stage from Access Creative and amazing sets by Metronomy and Pulp. Last weekend I went to Primadonna Festival for the first time in the beautiful surroundings of the Food Museum, Stowmarket. So much creativity there with fascinating workshops, panels and talks on writing and music. It was lovely to meet JB Gill from JLS, now a children’s author and farmer, after a talk and signing of his children’s book and a real highlight was meeting the brilliant Miki Berenyi from Lush who was there to discuss her highly acclaimed memoir ‘Fingers Crossed’

first-light
Lisa Redford at First Light Festival

In June I had a busy “two gigs in one day tour.” It was lovely to perform at First Light Festival in Lowestoft for the first time – such a warm welcome and great atmosphere. It was also wonderful to share the night again with the fantastic The Weeping Willows as part of their UK tour. Thanks to Grapevine for Music for hosting such a special night, Jason French for joining me on sublime banjo and fiddle, Chad Mason for gorgeous sound, and Katie Harris for this live photograph below.

weepingw-steve
Lisa Redford and Jason French live at Grapevine for Music, Norwich with The Weeping Willows. Picture by Katie Harris.
futurefest-lisa
Lisa Redford at FutureFest 1.30pm

For my next gig I will be supporting my friends at Future Radio, performing at the inaugural FutureFest – a vibrant celebration of community, music and fun – to raise money for local charity Future Projects. Future Radio will be taking over The Brickmakers Pub on Sunday 6th August, featuring live bands on three stages, food trucks, kids activities, and DJs from midday until 11pm. Full-access tickets are just £10 (plus booking fee) and under 13s go free! Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/futurefest-tickets…
For more information, visit futureradio.co.uk/fest/ I will be playing a solo set at 1.30 as part of this amazing and eclectic lineup. All funds raised at FutureFest will go toward local charity, Future Projects.

ukulele-taster-lisa-redford-16-may-2023
Ukulele Taster Session with Lisa Redford at Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library for Creativity and Wellbeing Week

I May I ran a lovely ukulele taster session for #CreativityAndWellbeingWeekAdult Learning. It was so great to see some new and also familiar faces joining me for a fun strum downstairs at Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library. Thanks to Norfolk Library and Information Service for having me.

Join me in September for some more fun group music courses. I will be teaching ukulele for beginners and improvers again as well as guitar for beginners and there will also be more singing for well-being sessions. For further information and to enrol, please visit the Adult Learning website: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/education-and-learning/adult-learning

ukulele-sep-23
Ukulele courses for Adult Learning, Wensum Lodge, Norwich
guitar-beginners
Guitar for Beginners Course with Lisa Redford at Wensum Lodge, Norwich
ukulele-taster-cdxcn6022p
Ukulele Taster Session with Lisa Redford

Always exciting seeing filming projects I’ve worked on finally make it to the TV. Back on Netflix recently was Catching Killers – try and spot me playing a TV reporter in season 3. All episodes of brand new series Mother Undercover are now available on HULU in the US, and on Disney+ in the UK. In this inspiring series I was excited to play a photographer.

Creativity & Wellbeing Week – Ukulele Taster Session, Gig with The Weeping Willows

weepingwillowsgrapevine
The Weeping Willows UK/Switzerland Summer Tour

After a lovely gig together last year, I’m so looking forward to playing another show with these incredible friends – award-winning Americana/bluegrass duo The Weeping Willows next month for Steve Howlett, Grapevine For Music, Norwich on Sunday June 18th – the same day that I’ll be playing First Light Festival. This will be a very special intimate show. Don’t miss these super talented Australian friends on their UK/Switzerland summer tour! For tickets, please DM: www.facebook.com/GrapevineForMusic

uke-taster-cw
Norfolk Creativity and Wellbeing Week – Ukulele Taster Session with Lisa Redford

I love teaching my ukulele courses for Adult Learning, and if you’d like to learn more about playing this joyful instrument, I’m running a ukulele taster session at Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library on Tuesday 16th May for #creativityandwellbeingweek – come and have a strum and also find out about all the music courses I run for Adult Learning. More details here

Singing for Wellbeing Course, Acting on Sky Atlantic

forum-singing-2
Lisa Redford running a Songs from the Shows community singing session at The Forum, Norwich

Ran a lovely community singing session last week at The Forum, Norwich
Thanks so much to everyone who came along to sing some classic musicals with me.
The event was in support of Norfolk County Music Library Sets Norfolk Library and Information Service Norwich Millennium Library – bringing the joy of music to libraries and the community.

screen-shot-2022-10-12-at-11-08-53
Singing for Wellbeing Course at Wensum Lodge, Norwich run by Lisa Redford

I am really enjoying teaching my current ukulele and guitar for beginners courses and am very excited to now be launching my first Singing for Wellbeing course later this month for Adult Learning at Wensum Lodge, Norwich. Discover the joy of singing together. Further details of how to enrol on this free 8 week course here I am also running Saturday classes including ukulele strumming sessions, more community singing and songwriting – please take a look at the Adult Learning website for updates. It was also nice to chat to Stephen Bumfrey about my community singing activities on BBC Radio Norfolk. The interview is available to listen to via BBC Sounds here – from 1:50.

lisa-lee-journalist-pic
Playing a journalist in This England on Sky Atlantic
this-england-pic
This England on Sky Atlantic

Currently on Sky Atlantic is “This England” – Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson in an unsettling account of the government handling of the pandemic. It was thrilling to play a journalist and film on a set of Downing Street at West Raynham and Wolterton Hall, Norfolk. I even got to say a couple of lines – look out for me near the end of episode 6!

deepdale-jason-and-lisa
Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival
deepdale-jon-clifton
Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022. Photo by Jon Clifton

Had a great time playing this year’s Deepdale Festival. Lovely to be part of an amazing line-up and there’s always a warm welcome in beautiful North Norfolk – thanks to the hard working, passionate team there. Thanks to Jon Clifton for some great photos from the performance.

lisa-and-jason-deepdale-2
Lisa Redford and Jason French at Deepdale Festival 2022

Acting on US TV, New Community Singing Event ~ Songs from the Shows, Ukulele and Guitar Courses

community-singing-musicals
Songs from the Shows Community Singing Event at The Forum Atrium

Very excited for this! After a wonderful few weeks running fun community singing sessions in the spring, which was so rewarding and uplifting, I’m looking forward to be singing some well known songs from the musicals in the Atrium The Forum, Norwich on Thursday 6th October between 6pm – 7pm – come and join us! This free special event is in support of the Norfolk Music Sets Friends as part of a fundraising Community Singing Event.

Further details are on The Forum website

mary-kay-notes-on-a-scandal
Notes on a Scandal on Investigation Discovery Channel
mary-kay
Lisa Redford as Mary Kay LeTourneau in Notes on a Scandal – Investigation Discovery Channel

It’s always really exciting seeing that filming projects I’ve worked on now being shown on the small screen. Recently premiered on Investigation Discovery in the US was my portrayal of Mary Kay Letourneau entitled “Mary Kay Letourneau: Notes On A Scandal” as part of #Killer90sOnID

house-of-hammer
House of Hammer, discovery +

Another docuseries that I appear in is also on Investigation Discovery & streaming now on discovery+ #HouseofHammer a fascinating but disturbing and sinister documentary.

lisa-april-2022-70s-party-2
Appearing in House of Hammer on Discovery +
uke-poster-new-for-sep-2022

Had a lovely first week teaching my beginner ukulele and guitar courses at Wensum Lodge. For further details of upcoming music courses, take a look at Adult Learning’s website where they will be more creative classes and workshops added.

brisley-cropped
Lisa Redford performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell, Norfolk

Huge thanks to Adam Pryke Photography for these cool shots from a lovely afternoon performing at the first Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell near Dereham in Norfolk. A beautiful setting and wonderful family atmosphere. Next festival performance is Saturday September 24th at Deepdale Festival in Burnham Deepdale, another gorgeous location. It was lovely to chat to Jason Borthwick about my creative process and appearing at the festival for the Deepdale Podcast. Listen to the interview here

lisa-and-jason
Lisa Redford and Jason French performing at Brisley Live at The Brisley Bell

Fun Community Singing Sessions, Running Music Courses, TV Roles, New Live Videos

community-singing
Free Community Singing Sessions

I’ve been wanting to do something positive and inspiring for awhile that reflects my passion for music and singing and could really make a difference to those who are struggling with their mental health or loneliness at the moment. I’m really excited to be running some free, fun and informal community singing sessions at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library starting Tuesday 22nd February 2.30pm – 3.30pm – also at Earlham Library at 11.00am – 12pm on the same day – and then every Tuesday for 6 weeks.

Try these new singing sessions to boost your wellbeing where we’ll be singing a selection of classic, well known songs to uplift, connect and make you smile. No previous experience is required and there is no need to read music. All are welcome – feel to come along and drop in on the day. Here’s a piece I’ve written about the sessions for my friends at All Things Norfolk on why singing and music is so important to me.

Come and join me to have fun, connect with others and improve our wellbeing through a shared singing experience!

guitar-closer-version-6
Teaching Guitar for Beginners starting in April

I’m also really excited to be running two 10 week beginner courses in guitar and ukulele at Wensum Lodge in Norwich starting in the summer term for Norfolk County Council. I can’t wait to share my passion for teaching both instruments and to help you learn the basic skills to get you started with playing chords and strumming. More information about the guitar course is here

version-2
Teaching a Ukulele for Beginners Course – Starting in April

It has been really fun, and a new creative challenge, to try some acting and work as a supporting artist recently on a variety of drama and documentary programmes. It’s really exciting finally seeing some of the TV projects that I’ve worked on finally hitting the screen. Now on britbox, “Magpie Murders” which was filmed in beautiful Suffolk and where I played a nurse:

magpie-murders

Also on Netflix is “Catching Killers” – being a cop!

cop

Now showing on American subscription streaming service Acorn TV is the brand new series of Emmy Award-nominated mystery drama “Queens of Mystery”. It was a lot of fun to appear in episode “The Modern Art of Murder” Pictured here on set in London with brilliant actresses Julie Graham, Siobhan Redmond and Florence Hall.

queens-of-mystery
“Let Go” Live at the Canopy Theatre, Suffolk. Jason French on fiddle

I’ve been going through some live performances from the past few months when it was great to play again to audiences. Thanks to Rodney Kidd for filming original song “Let Go” live from The Canopy Theatre, Hungate Church, Beccles, Suffolk for Martello Promotions~ a lovely headline show in September 2021. Jason French on fiddle.

Performing original song “Carolina Rain” from a lovely Women in Music Day at The Brickmakers Norwich. Jason French on fiddle. Thanks to Liz for filming.

A live solo performance this time. Always really nice to perform at Deepdale Festival in beautiful Burnham Deepdale, North Norfolk. Thanks to Karl for getting some footage of the show on iPhone.

Lisa Redford “Here Alone” Live at Canopy Theatre, Suffolk

Another performance from Canopy Theatre, Suffolk: “Here Alone” with Jason French on fiddle. More live performances on my YouTube channel.

Courtney Marie Andrews Interview, Maverick, Reepham Festival, Radio Playlist

lisa-courtney-300x281-2449132

Lovely to interview and chat all things music and songwriting with the brilliant Courtney Marie Andrews for Songwriting Magazine ahead of her fantastic show at Norwich Arts Centre. Look out for the piece coming up here

maverick-18-top-300x253-3332823

My full review of Saturday’s Maverick Festival is also at Songwriting Magazine. A wonderful day of Americana. Feature now includes Danny & the Champions of the World, James Hodder, Anna Tivel and Jeffrey Martin. Thanks to Michael Kingston for some great photos. View this post on Instagram

Clip from today’s show at Reepham Festival. Lovely returning to perform at St Mary’s #church #weekend #music #festival #gig #acoustic #americana #country #folk #songwriter #nashville #guitar #live #singing #songwriter #artist #musician #countrymusic

A post shared by Lisa Redford (@lisaredfordmusic) on Aug 11, 2018 at 2:59pm PDT

whitwell-smile-187x300-4413524
lisa-church-reepham-200x300-6218573

Had a lovely weekend playing the always welcoming Reepham Festival. Thanks to Tim Moll for filming:

Huge thanks to the brilliant Future Radio for selecting me for their September playlist.

screen-shot-2018-09-11-at-12-33-13-215x300-8044694

So looking forward to my next festival – returning to stunning Burnham Deepdale for Deepdale Festival. Many amazing artists performing including Alden Patterson and Dashwood, The Vagaband and Shackleton Trio. I’ll be performing on the Orchard Stage on Saturday 29th September at 6pm.

A Performance in the South of France, Festivals, Reviews

pezenas-luigi-300x244-4934158

It’s been a very busy Summer already! I had so much fun performing a special acoustic concert in beautiful Pézenas, South of France with superb guitarist Luigi Notarangelo.

I have posted some more live videos on YouTube and also on Instagram. Here is “Call Me”

A cover of “Lovesong” by The Cure:

Following that I performed a lovely headline concert for my friends in Burnham Deepdale. Here is a cover of “Rocket Man” thanks to the audience for singing along!

Just this past weekend I enjoyed a beautiful sultry night playing Stradisphere Music Festival and it was lovely to meet the brilliant Mercury Music Prize winning Badly Drawn Boy ahead of his excellent headline set.

badly-drawn-boy-300x300-8348800

It was also a joy to perform “Courage” with my amazing student Breeze Redwine:

So much fun performing with the brilliant @breezeofficialmusic @stradispherefestival loved singing harmonies on “Courage” #music #festival #courage #duo #acoustic #acousticguitar #song #pop #Stradisphere #suffolk #singing #harmonies #original #BreezeRedwine

A post shared by Lisa Redford (@lisaredfordmusic) on Jul 7, 2018 at 12:43am PDT

maverick-2018-300x300-9757476

The day after, I had a great time at Maverick Festival seeing some memorable performances and soaking up the always warm, friendly atmosphere. I also had a lot of fun performing on the Jimmy Rodgers stage. Huge thanks to James Hodder and Tin Can Review for a lovely afternoon of live music.

One of my favourite acts of the weekend were Australia’s Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes – who I also saw perform last year – and I recently interviewed Lachlan for Songwriting Magazine ahead of their UK tour. It was great to catch up with them and also wonderful singer songwriter Imogen Clark. Here is us after their wonderful set in The Barn:

lachlan-insta-300x198-4415956

“This is a beautiful performance from Lisa as she accompanies herself on acoustic guitar with Alan Cook playing pedal steel guitar.” Huge thanks to Stephpar’s Song A Day for this lovely review of my brand new song “I Just Can’t Forget” performed in session for Whisperingbobtv

Lisa Redford – I Just Can’t Forget

“Heartfelt lyrics, great singing and playing. Hope this Apple Tree will bear more of these in the future” Thanks also to Radio Campagne in The Netherlands for their kind words and all the airplay of my music.

Under the Apple Tree Session for Whispering Bob TV

singing-300x167-7420010
looking-up-300x168-4213922
with-al-singing-300x152-4074241

So excited to share this – my Under The Apple Tree session for Whispering Bob TV. Performing original song “I Just Can’t Forget” with the brilliant Alan Cook on pedal steel. Huge thanks to Miles Myerscough-Harris and Bob Harris – always lovely seeing them.

The track is also being featured on this week’s #UTAT radio on Chris Country amongst some great artists and live performances including The Magic Numbers and CC Smugglers.

chris-country-show-may-300x300-4432206

Huge thanks also to Belles and Gals – huge supporters of female artists – for the kind words and making the track their Song of the Day.

Huge congratulations to my amazing student Breeze Redwine– winner of Best Original Artist at this year’s Youngstars The South East Entertainment Awards So well deserved! Also a brilliant acoustic performance by Breeze for Sonic Youths at Norwich Arts Centre So great that they give young artists a platform.

breeze-best-original-300x228-7295146
lisa-redford-sunday-session-212x300-1251847

Next show is Sunday 17 June – looking forward to headlining a Sunday Session at beautiful Burnham Deepdale. Details here:First festival of the year is Stradisphere on Friday July 6. A great line up and headlined by the brilliant Badly Drawn Boy:

stradisphere-poster-jpg-large-210x300-6071822

Ramblin’ Roots Revue

Had a great weekend at Ramblin’ Roots Revue, an excellent Americana roots music festival at Bucks Student Union. Saw so much amazing live music including storming sets by Danny and the Champions, Robert Vincent, The Magic Numbers and a fun Tom Petty tribute. It was also lovely to meet Romeo Stodart of The Magic Numbers before their headline set.

romeo-300x300-5928522
rrr-posters-281x300-4650381
terry-w21-300x225-1339944

Had fun performing on the Earbelly Music acoustic stage and it was lovely to be joined again by Alan Cook on pedal steel and dobro – Alan recently joined me for my Whispering Bob TV Under the Apple Tree session – and we also recorded a live session for Medicine Music, video on their YouTube channel soon.

Performing new song “Anything But Easy”

Performing at Ramblin’ Roots Revue 2018! Interview with Sarah Darling

ramblin-roots-main-poster-212x300-3125672

So excited to be chosen to play The Ramblin’ Roots Revue Festival and the EarBelly Acoustic Stage on Saturday 7th April! Many wonderful artists performing at this festival in High Wycombe which has the incredible The Magic Numbers headlining – going to be a lovely celebration of Americana

The Ramblin’ Roots Revue 2018 is a three-day celebration of Americana, Roots, Alt-Country and Folk music. It’s all indoors at an award-winning venue in South Bucks with a great selection of craft ales, fine whiskies and artisan food.

ear-belly-stage-300x300-6795323

It’s a stellar line-up of live music across three stages with weekend tickets at £32.50.

Tickets here: www.seetickets.com/go/RRR2018

With my support to country star Sarah Darling coming up, it was lovely to also interview her for iSing Magazine. Talking about her inspirations, new material and vocal care.