If you are interested in hosting a live performance of Stories of People and Trees please get in touch using the Contact form.

See a selection of images from previous events below.

After a busy year collecting tree stories from around Scotland in 2022, Jessica and Glisk worked with composers to collaborate on 7 new commissions for string quartet or solo cello, inspired by elements of these stories. These were premiered in an outdoor evening concert on Friday 23 June 2023, at the Hidden Gardens, Pollokshields. The photos below were all taken by story contributor and photographer, Ken Paterson.

Jessica is holding her cello, and speaking into a mic at the start of the concert.
Helena, violinist in Glisk quartet, playing the violin.
In the foreground, the Scots Pine story is printed and sits alongside the image of the lone Scots Pine, displayed on a music stand.
A young audience member reads a programme note whilst holding an umbrella.
An image of the Hidden Gardens, with the audience seated on chairs and picnic rugs.
Grainne Brady introduces her new commission at the microphone.
Jessica Kerr performing, seated underneath the Ginkgo tree, on cello.
Rylan Gleave, composer, introduces his new commission at the microphone.
Jessica Kerr chats to the audience between pieces, holding her cello as she speaks into the microphone.
Composer Thomas Djonne introduces his new commission to the audience.
Shot of the audience seated on the lawn.
James Ross, composer, introduces his piece at the microphone.
Lisa Robertson, composer, introduces her piece at the microphone.
Kirsty Orton and Helena Zambrano Quispe, violinists in Glisk quartet, performing in the concert.
Shelagh McKail, viola player in Glisk quartet, smiles as she performs in the concert.
Paul Towndrow, composer, introduces his new piece to the audience at the microphone.
Glisk Quartet acknowledge audience applause at the end of the concert.
Concert poster featuring a tree and it's roots containing the names of musicians. Artwork by Alice Brown.

Design by Alice Brown

For press and media enquiries or if you are interested in Stories of People and Trees more generally please use the contact form.

Have a look at previous story collecting events during 2022 below.

  • Two cows pictured in front of Davaar island.

    21 October : Beinn an Tuirc distillery, Kintyre Gin, Carradale / Campbeltown

    Stories of People and Trees will be at Beinn an Tuirc distillery on Friday 21 October, with live performances at 11.30 and 2.30. No need to book, just come along to enjoy some live music and sample some special apple themed food and drink from the Torrisdale Castle Estate.

  • Past event : 6 October : Kinning Park Community Kitchen

    Come along to the Kinning Park Community Kitchen for a seriously delicious meal - contribute on a pay what you can basis for your food - and catch my performance on cello after dinner. All welcome!

    Kinning Park Complex

  • Tree and inpatient ward sign at Astley Ainslie hospital, Edinburgh

    Past event : 24 September: Edinburgh - Astley Ainslie Community Trust open doors day

    I’ll be performing at this free open doors event with the Astley Ainsley Community Trust at the Eric Liddell Centre in Edinburgh. More details can be found here: https://www.aact.scot/

    I’ll be playing sometime between 3.30-4.30.

    Earlier this summer I had the privilege of a tree walk around the Astley Ainslie hospital grounds with Maggie Carson, of the AACT. Read about my visit and more about the AACT here

  • Past event: 13 August 2022: The Hidden Gardens, Pollokshields

    Stories of People and Trees will be participating in a day of ecology and garden based activities for all the family at The Hidden Gardens, as part of the Govanhill International Festival. Jessica will be sharing some music and stories, inviting younger participants (and older ones too, if you wish!) to build a giant tree story made of hand prints, and will be available to chat about the project.

    Jessica will also be visiting groups run by the Hidden Gardens. If you attend a group and would like to meet in the Gardens, please get in touch here or through the Hidden Gardens team.

  • Past event : 10 - 12 August Findhorn and Forres

    Between 10/8 and 12/8 I’ll be in and around Findhorn and Forres, visiting woodlands and hearing stories. So much to see in this area!

    Please get in touch if you would like to include your woodland and contribute your story in person.

  • View from Cove Park

    Past event : 6 August Cove Park - Unexpected Picnic

    Jessica will be performing on cello at the Cove Park Unexpected Picnic - part of the Dandelion Festival - on 6 August.

    This is not a story collecting event but you are welcome to come along and meet me for a chat as part of enjoying this free event. More information here: covepark.org/unexpected-picnic

  • View down to the beach from the top of the hill on Tiree

    Past event : 30/7 & 2/8 TIREE UPDATE

    Stories of People and Trees will now be on Tiree 31 July - 3 August.

    I will be at Hebridean Roast in Scarinish on Tue 2 Aug from 10 - 12, playing some music and collecting stories.

    For work reasons I will now be arriving late on Tiree and won’t be available in person on 30/7 but you can still pick up project information on 30/7 at Farmhouse Cafe, 12 - 13.45.

  • parent and child walking in the woodland

    Past Event : 12 June Chatelherault Country Park, South Lanarkshire

    Jessica will be visiting the park on Sunday 12 June to visit the ancient oaks and to hear a tree story. If you would like to come along to contribute your own story whilst at Chatelherault, please get in touch.

  • child's hand print

    Past event : 18 June: Pollokshields Primary Gala Bazaar, at the Bowling Green Pollokshields

    Stories of People and Trees will be at the Bowling Green in Pollokshields for the Pollokshields Primary School Gala Bazaar on Saturday 18 June between 12 - 14.30.

    Do come along and find me there to hear more about the project or to contribute your own tree story. There’ll be a leaf-hand-print activity for little ones too!

  • Past event: 22nd June and other dates: Milk Cafe, Govanhill

    I’ll be meeting up with the Milk Cafe Womens’ group in Govanhill in June.

    If you’re not in this group but would like to meet in Milk to share your story, please get in touch using the contact form.

  • Doune the Rabbit Hole festival image

    Past event: 16 and 17 July: Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

    Stories of People and Trees will be at Doune the Rabbit Hole on 16 and 17 July, with pop up music performances around the festival site and a workshop on Sunday 17th. Come along and join me at this family friendly and eco focused Scottish festival! https://www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk/

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