CRITICALLY acclaimed artist Lisbee Stainton, whose family live in Herefordshire, is to perform an intimate live show at Hereford College of Arts’ Folly Arts Theatre on Wednesday.

Discovered by BBC Radio 6 Music and celebrated by BBC Radio 2, The Independent and Maverick Magazine to name a few, Lisbee will perform with support from HCA’s Extended Diploma in Music students and their bands.

Lisbee was welcomed as a Fellow of HCA at the 2013 graduation ceremony, where she broke from tradition to perform for the graduates and their families. Lisbee originally launched her career five years ago, when she became the first unsigned singer-songwriter to play London's O2 Arena, performing two shows to 30,000 people.

BBC 6Music DJ Tom Robinson’s support led to her debut single Red being playlisted by BBC Radio 2 in January 2009. Her single Never Quite An Angel was also playlisted by Radio 2, and her debut album's third single, Just Like Me, was voted 'Record of The Week' on BBC 6Music's Radcliffe & Maconie Show.

Lisbee, known as “the English Rose with the eight-string guitar”, was eight when she began to learn classical guitar and the songwriting started.

“The moment I could play a chord I started writing. Mum bought me a book to write in and I’ve kept that first one and I now have six books.”

Lisbee was a featured artist on BBC Radio 2's prestigious 'In Concert' series, before embarking on a 44-date headline European tour, which was quickly followed by dates supporting Belgian star Tom Dice and The Mavericks' Raul Malo, who personally invited Lisbee to join him onstage for a duet.

Her first touring experience was with Joan Armatrading in 2010, followed by twon months on tour with Paul Carrack.

“The tour with Joan Armatrading was my first touring experience and it was incredible,” says Lisbee. “I got to play some incredible places that I couldn’t have dreamt of playing at such an early stage in my career.”

Her Hereford show promises an exciting evening of live music, showcasing the young talent of HCA students alongside Lisbee’s acclaimed performance.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets are priced £10 (£5 Students). To book, call the HCA box office on 01432 273359.