Biography

Bio

Laura has been singing and performing since the tender age of 7. A trained classical singer, Laura is an award winning singer who has branched out to just about every type of music you can think of.

Originally an Industrial Microbiology Technologist, Laura decided to leave the lab to pursue a career in music. Never looking back, Laura continues to play to diverse audiences from around the globe. Living in Canada, the US and Germany, Laura has performed for adult and child audiences with rave revues.

In the Greater Toronto Area, many will recognize Laura as "The Bongo Lady" from the long running Jam Nights of The Fox & Fiddle. Laura was the co-host, with partner David Hines, of these popular events and has encouraged thousands of performers to take the stage. Holding a regular weekly gig for 8 years is no small feat!

Laura is recognized as a singer with a unique, melodic and smooth vocal style. It is unlikely that you would forget her vocal quality once you have heard her. She is also a talented backing singer and has had the pleasure of performing live with many great artists. Among these artists you might recognize - Amanda Marshall, Vince Gill, Jeff Healey, Ron Nigrini, Norm Hacking, Joe Passion, Bill Candy and many others.

A native of Toronto, Ontario, Laura has also performed in the U.S and Germany. Living on the road with her musical family gave Laura loads of opportunity to play live music with diverse artisists. She has worked for a dulcimer maker in Branson, Missouri, played Bluegrass with a little trio in Berlin, Germany, performed with a California native duo called California Fog and was also an honorary member of the well-known Berlin German Original Rock Band Dezibel. Laura also had the honor of playing with Millie Laurinas - an 82 year old banjo player who gigged 3 times a week!

This is the real face of playing live music!

Although Laura has always included children in her musical travels, she is performing more and more for children ages 1-12 years of age. Dressing up as a fun character called COUSIN MOLLY, Laura entertains 1-6 year olds with classic children's songs, stories and original music. You might find Cousin Molly at your local daycare, a children's birthday party or at a Festival. Cousin Molly has performed at The Brampton Folk Festival, The Eaglewood Festival, The Caledon Festival and at Mattawa's famous Voyageur Days. Laura also does special presentations for grades 1-6 during regular school hours as well as for afterschool programs. Laura has presented music shows for The Peel Lunch & Afterschool Program (PLASP), in over 160 schools in Peel. Check out her children's info to book a special show for your children's group! ( http://www.CousinMolly.com )

In the past few years Laura has also been committed to presenting regular monthly and bi-monthly music programs for Toronto Daycares. These teaching visits have been very successful. She brings her enthusiasm and musical skill to focus on introducing music and early childhood literacy to these young children. Her young students learn letters, numbers, colours, vocabulary, simple grammar along with singing, instrument playing, fun storytelling, self-expression, self-confidence and more. She especially enjoys watching young children who have low verbal or participatory skills come alive and take part when music is the catalyst to learning!

Laura has also been booking adult corporate shows. She is a well-connected musician with a good head for details. A good band-leader knows how to match up the right talent with the right event. Ask Laura what she could put together for your next get-together - be it big or small Laura will find what you are looking for!

Check Laura's Show Listings to give you an idea of her musical diversity!