AMERICAN multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and composer Kate Lissauer partnered with Headless Cross Community Orchard in Redditch as part of ‘Live & Local LivingRoom’ event.
The initiative was launched last summer in response to the pandemic to connect communities during a challenging time, by pairing local community groups with professional artists to work on a creative project together.
Moving beyond lockdown, Live & Local LivingRoom will continue to enable communities to collaborate creatively, connect with artists, build relationships and try something new.
After getting to know the community and writing bespoke music and lyrics, residents were invited to get involved in the recording of the song by singing, vocalising, playing instruments and more.
Joining them was the Orchard Crier, a nyckelharpa player, BSL interpreters and a hammer dulcimered player.
Kate said: “I had never seen Headless Cross Community Orchard, nor met its residents, yet I was given the opportunity to learn from them and attempt to reflect back to them something about their feelings for their own community.
“This was a unique and special creative experience for me, and a real privilege.
“I feel I have been welcomed into the community because people have shared their individual and unique talents, their feelings, and their sense of fun. I’m so proud to have been a part of Headless Cross and can’t wait to go and pick a Doddin apple!’
Gabby Hemming of Headless Cross Community Orchard added: “This project has been a fantastic distraction from a chaotic Covid world.
“Although we’ve not been able to host our usual annual events this has given us the opportunity to involve the community and try something different.
“It was wonderful to work with Kate. She cleverly wrote our orchard song on the theme of the Human Fruit Machine.
“Anyone who has been to our events will know what this is, and it continues to amuse all that play it!”
To watch the video, visit Live & Local Human Fruit Machine on YouTube or click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb6tyzmcl1E.
