bio
Greensand Ridge
Hugh and Lesley Loughlin, a husband and wife duo, are Greensand Ridge.
We perform a wide variety of material in an acoustic style, ranging from folk revival, through singer-songwriter and folk rock to traditional and contemporary folk songs using our own arrangements.
Our aim is to entertain through our thoughtful and musically interesting interpretations with an emphasis on well told stories with beautiful melodies performed with musicality, beauty of tone and clarity of diction.
Featuring original material as well as songs from Joni Mitchell, Kate Rusby, John Denver, Steeleye Span, Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Graham Moore, Bella Hardy, Alison Krauss and many, many more.
We always encourage audience participation on well-known choruses!

testimonials
Paul Stamworth
Out of all the acts I work with, their passion for their art & genre, the enthusiasm, dedication and attention to detail is something that really makes them stand out.
I also love the fact that they incorporate songs from many different styles and do them their own way whilst also making them instantly recognisable thanks to the aforementioned attention to detail.
Merstham WI
Thank you to Lesley and Hugh for giving us such an enjoyable Christmas concert. They had created a tailor made programme specially for us, full of festive season songs, but with a difference. Some were ones we knew, and others quite new and fresh.
They are both true professionals and they work together beautifully. Their arrangements are their own, and Lesley's voice is lovely to hear, pure and true.
Pat Cockett
Lesley and Hugh's performance of a well-balanced selection of songs engaged and entranced the audience.
The songs all had a strong narrative and Lesley's ability to relate and respond to the audience held their attention and encouraged them to participate in the songs.
Lesley and Hugh work together in creative harmony with Lesley's beautiful and expressive voice supported and enhanced by Hugh's sensitive accompaniment on the guitar.
Leanne Klein
I feel it is always a privilege to hear Greensand Ridge (Lesley and Hugh) perform. A true fusion of clever folk melodies and many years of classic singing training has lead to their unique combination of voice and guitar. I love the edge they bring to well-known songs and melodies and the choice of unique and unfamiliar songs always leaves me wanting to hear more. Songs such as 'Island of Apples', wonderful!
I enjoy hearing the story behind each song and then when I close my eyes to listen I am transported to either another world, place or time. The array of songs performed may range from haunting, subtle and sweet to dynamic, jazzy and fun depending on what they have chosen to be the order of the night.
Lesley is a joy to listen to with expression evident within her voice as she becomes emersed in the songs she is performing. She manages to draw you in as she becomes the character in each song as Hugh backs this up with his sweeping dynamics and light touch. Hugh's skilful guitar playing ranges from sensitive, romantic and light, to purposeful and playful. The strength of connectedness and passion for their music shines through more and more with the performance of each song. A pleasure to watch and hear!
The combination of the two just makes each performance an absolute joy and pleasure to listen to. I am always left wanting more of the Greensand Ridge!
gigs
Many of our bookings are events not open to the public. To find out where you could hear us next, please contact us.
08 Dec 2021
Women's Institute Christmas Party
Pyrford
02 Aug 2020
During Sidmouth Folk Week
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
Charity event
18 Mar 2020
Bob Cholmondley Club for the Blind
Reigate Park Church
07 Mar 2020
Acoustic Variety Evening
Pyrford Social Club
17 Dec 2019
Tuesday Teas
Effingham - afternoon tea event for the elderly
04 Dec 2019
Horsell Care
Horsell Village - social group for the elderly
23 Sep 2019
Tuesday Teas
Effingham - afternoon tea events for the elderly
28 Aug 2019
Connect
Horsley - social group for people with dementia
04 Aug 2019
11:00
During Sidmouth Folk week
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
Charity event in aid of the church
06 Feb 2019
Bob Cholmondley Club for the Blind
Reigate Park Church
06 Dec 2018
Probus Ladies Christmas Lunch
Sutton Green Golf Club
20 Oct 2017
POW Day 2017
The People's History Museum, Manchester
16 Oct 2017
8:00 pm
Amberley Acoustic Music Club
The George and Dragon, Houghton
12 Sep 2017
Private gig
Blind Club of Reigate
25 Aug 2017
7:30 pm
Charity concert
Angmering Village Hall
06 Aug 2017
11:00 am
During Sidmouth Folk week
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
22 Jul 2017
2:00 pm
Foal Farm Animal Centre County Festival
Biggin Hill, TN16 3AX
17 Jul 2017
7:30 pm
Evenings at Reigate Manor Hotel
The End of the Pier
Evening of songs and anecdotes by U3A members. Contact sally.baker@rru3a.org.uk or 01737 221766.
19 Jun 2017
7:30 pm
Evenings at Reigate Manor Hotel
Songs and a'muse'ing tales
Live singing and the stories, poems and dramatisations written by U3A members inspired by the songs. Tickets £6 - sally.baker@rru3a.org.uk or 01737 221766.
02 Jun 2017
1:20 pm
Pig's Ear Folk Ale
The Kentish Horse, Markbeech, TN8 5NT
31 Jul 2016
11:30 am
Sidmouth Folk Festival
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
16 Jul 2016
12:00 pm
Foal Farm Animal Centre County Festival
Biggin Hill, TN16 3AX
25 Jun 2016
1:30 pm
Crawley Folk Festival
Hawth Theatre, RH10 6YZ
03 Jun 2016
11:50 pm
Pig's Ear Folk Ale
The Kentish Horse, Markbeech, TN8 5NT
24 May 2016
Bob Cholmondley Club for the Blind
10 Jan 2016
3:00 pm
Rowfant House
Winter Sunday afternoon sessions
29 Nov 2015
9:00 pm
BBC Radio Kent Folk
with Doug Welch
30 Sep 2015
3:15 pm
Susy Radio
with David Jay
23 Sep 2015
U3A Reigate and Redhill
Everything but Waterloo themed programme