Jessa’s newest project is a collaboration with Mary Bourne, ‘Songbirds’, with the initial performances taking place at Hampton Hub Club(13.10) and Helmsley Arts Centre(25.10). Do check out venue websites for tickets and watch this space for how this project will grow and develop…..
Jessa is a versatile singer, known for her heartfelt performances and wide range of singing styles, from musical theatre and classic pop to comedy, unaccompanied folk songs, and creative use of looping and layering. An emotive performer, Jessa’s one woman shows such as “Two bards and a Songbird”, “Some enchanted Sondheim” and “a tapestry of life” (as well as her lockdown project with husband Mick Liversidge, “Fields and Lanes”) have delighted and moved audiences at venues such as The Joseph Rowntree Theatre(York), Helmsley Arts Centre, Castle Howard, Durham Fringe Festival, The National Centre for Early Music and many more.
2024 has seen several UK performances of ‘Two bards and a songbard’ as well as the launch of a new show, ‘a tapestry of life’ – a celebration of songs from Carole King’s iconic Tapestry album, interspersed with original songs based on the powerful poetry of Andrea Brown. The album of ‘a tapestry of life’ is now available to stream on all the usual streaming services.
Jessa’s isolated lockdown “fieldsing” performances have proved inspirational for many, and were combined in 2020-2021 with actor husband MickLiversidge’s outdoor poetry to create a joint outdoor performing project “Fields and lanes”, performed several times – at Easingwold Library, The Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York,a livestream performance from an empty Helmsley Arts Centre during lockdown, and a live outdoor performance at the perfect location -“At the mill”.
#fieldsing – #fieldsinger – Jessa continues to sing live on Facebook from time to time, and all the fieldsings are available on Facebook and YouTube.Below is the latest – the beginnings of a collaboration with Jessa’s sister, poet Andrea Brown.
As well as bespoke programmes to suit your event, and a range of live performance sets, the following full shows are available to book for your venue.
Two bards an a songbird
A unique celebration of song, inspired by the two bards – William Shakespeare and Robert Burns, and performed by Jessa Liversidge. Sit back and enjoy Jessa’s heartfelt performances, from folk to pop and musical theatre, including her skilful use of a loop pedal to layer melodies and sounds. You then get the opportunity to contribute to a new piece using the words of these two inspiring writers and different ideas each show!
“Stunning voice, effortless acoustic style. Skilful use of a loop pedal to create harmony.” The Singing Elf
“Haunting and beautiful – the Queen of the loop!” Debbie Warren
Songbirds
A wonderful journey of song, celebrating some of the most iconic female singers and songwriters of the 60s, 70s and 80s. From musical theatre legends Julie Andrews and Barbra Streisand and pop sensations Carole King, Karen Carpenter, Kate Bush and more, to the hilariously clever comedy of Victoria Wood, this programme has something for everyone. Every song delivered by Jessa in her trademark style :- heartfelt, pure vocals with emotional conviction and entertaining storytelling.
Audience feedback:
“Lovely selection of songs and beautifully sung”
”Pitch perfect – just beautiful”
”Perfect rendition of Barry and Freda was absolutely hysterical!”
”Such a fabulous voice”
Some Enchanted Sondheim
Some of musical theatre’s finest melodies and lyrics, from “Oklahoma” and “West Side Story” to “Follies” and “Into the Woods”, from “Some enchanted evening” to “Send in the clowns”. Songs of longing, love, loss and hope. The songs intertwine to demonstrate the magic of both composers, with stories of how they inspired each other.
Audience feedback:
“A wonderful evening of music, informal and informative.” Neil Foster, BBC Radio York
“Magical…well known songs complemented by many more that enchanted, amused and moved the audience…a musical evening, but also high quality theatre.” The Flanagan Collective
“Convincing character and mood portrayed effortlessly in every group of contrasting songs, delicate, powerful, desperate, emotional, superb technique, impeccable intonation from start to finish,” Ruth McCartney
‘Til the Boys Come Home
Wartime women; their lives, loves, songs and stories.
An evening of nostalgia, emotion and a little humour as we pay tribute to the women of WWI and WWII. A treasure trove of moving and uplifting songs are intertwined with poems, diaries and letters written by some of the unsung wartime heroes – the women. Also available as separate WWI and WWII shows, “Keep the home fires burning” and “Keep smiling through”.
Audience feedback:
“Lovely take on the theme with the focus on women’s lives. Poignant, moving and beautifully told – stunning performance.” Kate Lock Golden Rail Brass Band