In possibly the post powerful episode yet of Turn Up The Volume! from The Stables in Milton Keynes, Eve Selis opens up about the personal trauma which led to the writing of her latest album "Dark Side Blue". She was faced with the kind of family tragedy which none of us could imagine ever having to face, let alone deal with and come back from. It's an absolutely compelling interview and really deserves your time.

Equally touching is Peggy Seeger, as she embarks on her very final farewell tour, after 75 years of music and activism. She looks back on a musical life which has made such a difference to so many people, and looks ahead to her final gig at The Stables, with her two sons.

And one of the loveliest people in music, Lee Mead, is coming to The Stables, with big songs and a great band. Which of the West End characters he has played would he most like to be? Listen to his interview to find out, as he talks about fame, talent and hard graft.

To book tickets for these, and any other shows at The Stables, head off to www.stables.org

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This lovely, sunny Spring episode’s all about stories, music, and the power of connecting - on stage and off.

Joining Nick this time:

🎤 David Eagle – One third of award-winning folk trio The Young’uns, David chats about how singing turned into stand-up, why folk music still matters, and how songs can tell powerful, personal stories. Honest, funny, and full of heart.

🎶 Ashnaa - A local artist blending R&B, jazz, and Carnatic music, Ashna talks about growing up shy, finding her voice, and why singing in Tamil feels like home. Her music is full of emotion and authenticity - and it’s only the beginning.

🎸 George Hinchliffe – Founder of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, George shares 40 years of uke-playing tales - from local pubs to the Royal Albert Hall. Expect dry humour, a bit of musical nerdery, and real love for the instrument.

Coming up at The Stables:

– The Young’uns – May 25

– Ashna Sasekaran – June 7 (Stage 2)

– Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain – June 19

Tickets: stables.org

🎪 Also: Check out IF: Milton Keynes International Festival at ifmiltonkeynes.org

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Welcome to another episode of Turn Up The Volume!—your backstage pass to the incredible artists gracing the stage at The Stables. This week, host Nick Coffer dives into the worlds of three exceptional musicians, each bringing their own magic to the stage.

He went viral at age 10 in a tiger onesie, but make no mistake, Toby Lee is the real deal. Recently playlisted on BBC Radio 2, Toby shares the story of his rise from YouTube sensation to one of the most exciting guitarists on the scene. He talks about honing his craft, playing with legends like Joe Bonamassa and Brian May, and how he saw his first ever gigs at The Stables. This is a musician on the brink of something huge - catch him now before he’s filling arenas.

Toby Lee at The Stables – Tuesday, June 3rd | Tickets: stables.org

Folk legend and guitar virtuoso Martin Simpson joins us fresh from shoulder surgery - but not even that can slow him down. With his latest album Skydancers winning critical acclaim, he reflects on 50 years of music-making, the stories that shape his songwriting, and the joy of always learning something new. He also shares his deep love of nature, recounting how a chance encounter with an old ballad in Linlithgow inspired a future track. And, of course, we hear two stunning tracks from Skydancers, including the hauntingly beautiful New Harmony.

Catch Martin at The Stables – Sunday, May 11th | Tickets: stables.org

Singer, actress, and all-round powerhouse Liza Pulman steps up to the mic, bringing warmth, wit, and some wonderful anecdotes. From growing up in a house filled with words and TV royalty (her father wrote I, Claudius, her mum was a consumate actress), to a career that’s spanned opera, musical theatre, and comedy, Liza’s journey is as rich as her voice. She talks about finding her own path, her deep love of language, and the chemistry that fuels her latest show Pulman & Stilgoe: A Couple of Swells with Joe Stilgoe. Expect laughter, storytelling, and a glorious blend of voices.

Liza & Joe Stilgoe at The Stables – Wednesday, May 21st | Tickets: stables.org

📌 Don’t miss this episode full of music, stories, and brilliant conversation. And if you love what we do, please do spread the word. Follow us on social media and tell your friends—Turn Up The Volume! is for everyone who loves live music, great artists, and the magic of The Stables.

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