Biography

Lisa Biales

Weaving a Tapestry of Americana, Folk, Blues and Original Music


Lisa Biales (Be-Alice) sings from the heart and writes playful music about the simple things in life. She weaves a down home blues vernacular with finger style guitar to create songs that feel like they have been around forever.

A native of Ohio, Lisa grew up in a musical family and began her career as a performing songwriter at the age of thirteen. Lisa has independently released six albums of music under her own Big Song Music label, and is heard on radio stations around the world. Lisa’s music is popular in Belgium, Luxembourg and France. Her song “Playing With Angels” went to #1 in Australia on the Independent Folk Radio Charts. In the US, Lisa’s song “Where The Buckwheat Blooms” went to #32 on folk radio stations, and “I Believe” was featured in the popular TV show “Girlfriends” on the CW Network. Lisa’s latest CD “Closet Hippie” is being played on Sirius XM’s The Coffee House . . . where up-and-coming singer-songwriters are discovered.

“Lisa Biales is a real gem.” - Freddy Celis, Rootstime, Magazine, Belgium

A graduate of Ohio University with Master’s in Theater, Lisa makes her film debut in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Twixt Now And Sunrise” a murder mystery based on a short story written by Coppola, where Lisa portrays a waitress named Ruth.





Lisa Biales is an Ohio Arts Council Fee Supported artist, oh boy!

Lisa Biales Complete Bio



An independent performing songwriter whose music is gaining attention around the world with occasional "blips" on the music radar. Lisa Biales (say Be-Alice) makes a conscious intention to lift you with her voice. You can hear pure expression, a smile, and happiness when she sings. Lisa brings her music, a mix of jazz and blues inspired folk to audiences as comfortably as if she were sitting in your living room.

A songwriter who finds her muse in life, Lisa has six solo albums under her belt, including one for children called Yellow Shoes. John Funnell of 88.9 WYN-FM, Australia says, “Yellow Shoes just proves that children's songs have a lot to offer adults, too.” Lisa has also recorded three albums of folk songs with the renowned duo Prairie Orchid, which she co-founded in 1991 with Sarah Goslee Reed.

A soulful songstress, performer, and recording artist, Lisa touched upon the subject of cancer, death and dying, and the healing benefits of a canine companion in her song Playing With Angels, which went to #1 in 2008 on the Australian Indie Radio Charts.

Lisa Biales sings with a crystal pure voice. Her instrument is supple, focused, and strong, allowing pure sounds to soar effortlessly from her heart and soul as she incorporates jazz and blues into her original music.

A Lisa Biales concert is relaxed and intimate regardless of the size of the audience. Presenting her own music, and that of jazz standards, Lisa charms audiences with her delightful stories of inspiration. Her songs take you on a journey of the heart as you see in the mind’s eye each plot developing right before you. The Oxford Press says, “The song Lady In Waiting is like watching a movie on the big screen.”

Lisa brings a playful innocence and an enchanting presence to the stage, and with a stroke of the guitar she sets up the voice to hit you right in the heart. Lisa performs solo and with Doug Hamilton on Violin, and/or Michael G. Ronstadt on Cello.

Lisa Biales grew in a musical family and her appreciation for singing came at an early age. Lisa’s mother, an accomplished actress and songbird, showed her a love of singing and how to interpret a great song. Lisa's brother showed her how to play the guitar when she was eleven and that was the start of a long-term love affair with the instrument. Lisa sang with her father’s Dixieland Band, performing Jazz Standards when she was just sixteen.

In 1991, Lisa met Sarah Goslee Reed and formed the duo Prairie Orchid. In 2002, Prairie Orchid was awarded Best Album Of The Year, by the Children's Music Web association for their family CD called "Pocket Full of Lizards.” This renowned duo has recorded four albums of music suitable for all ages.

In 1999, Lisa released her first album of original music. “Music Box” is getting National and International airplay. The album has been called “a work of art” and was re-issued in 2007. "Playing With Angels" from that first CD was number one on the Australian Indie Music Charts in February 2008. Music Box showcases an artist of dept and experience." ~ Dirty Linen.

In 2003, Lisa quit her day job to give her undivided attention to music. “I had just completed a Master’s Degree in Theater from Ohio University and a professor was encouraging me to pursue a PhD. I thought . . . I know I can get the degree but, I’d rather put my energy into something I love, singing and playing the guitar."

In 2006, Lisa released a second album of original music entitled, "Chasing Away The Blues" which was produced with Grammy Nominated Celeste Friedman. The album is receiving international attention on the folk and blues scenes and the song “Where The Buckwheat Blooms” topped the International Folk Play list at #32. The song "Take Time" went to #1 in Australia in 2008. "A taste of soul, and the blues . . . elements that have ensured true musical art." ~ Champaigne Macier

In 2007, Lisa released “Come To Me” which was recorded with Nashville producer Gary Scott. “Come To Me” showcases Lisa’s talent for writing a song that is perfect for her voice.” It features the Beatles tune "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

2008 brought two more recording projects from Lisa. "Yellow Shoes" was inspired from the one-woman Off-Broadway production that Lisa took to New York in January 08. "Yellow Shoes" features American Roots Music (Folk, Jazz Standards, Blues, Traditional) and catchy original tunes. Kids love this music, and adults love it too! Singable, sophisticated songs for the young child. Kid tested/Parent Approved! "Play it again!" ~ Max, Age 4

Also in 2008, "Hey There" produced by Todd Burge of Parkersburg, WV. Lisa’s voice is strong, and alive with expression, her words are kind and truthful. This album was recorded live in her home, it sounds as if you are being serenaded in your very own living room.

In 2010, Lisa released her best CD to date, "Closet Hippie" . . . a real gem. Features the Lisa Biales Trio with Doug Hamilton's amazing violin playing and Michael G. Ronstadt's equally fabulous cello performance. Ten original tunes and two covers, one of which is the Jimi Hendrix tune "Little Wing." Brian O'Donnell from WNKU radio says, "she has joined the ranks of Sting, Clapton and Stevie Ray with her version of Little Wing."




Here’s what people are saying:

"The torch songs were more like bonfires." - Jeff Harris, Miami University Parrish Auditorium

"It just goes to show you that kids music has something to offer adults too." John Funnell, Australia

"Lisa is a real gem." - Freddy Celis, Rootstime Magazine

"I was inspired by your performance." - Ron Tuffel, Harmonica Bluesman, Luxembourg


"I just want everyone to hear her voice." - Tina Salamone, Marion Palace Theatre

"Her voice is like a fine violin." - Doug Hamilton, Dayton Philharmonic

“The Norman Rockwell of songwriters with a crystal pure voice.” - Marc Nolis, Belgium

“Like a great Zen Master, you zoned into each moment. ”~ Michael Kalter, The Wildwater Band

"She brought the house down!" - Caroline Croswell, Oxford Community Arts Center

". . . a compelling songwriter." - Dirty Linen

"Audience reaction was overwhelming." - Scott Morfee, Barrow Street Theatre, NY.