About Laura

Laura Kemp is an award winning singer-songwriter who has been captivating audiences for over three decades. Accompanying herself primarily on guitar and harmonica, her eclectic musical interests span anything from folk to bluegrass to jazz to kirtan. She has produced seven studio and two live albums and is currently at work on her next recording of original songs.

A guitarist and singer since the age of eight, she honed her skills in pubs and busking on the streets of Europe. Since then she has played prestigious folk venues across the country, including Club Passim in Cambridge, CBGB’s Gallery in New York, The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle, and main stage of the Oregon Country Fair.

These days you can hear her perform in a variety of configurations and settings: as a dynamic solo artist/singer-songwriter; fronting the Laura Kemp Trio with Sean Peterson on upright bass and vocals and Jeremy Wegner on mandolin, banjo, and vocals; as half of the devotional music duo, Bhakti Heart with multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter, Len Seligman, or leading her unique music infused Bhakti Nidra guided meditations.

Over the years she has recorded and performed with The Liaisons, a jazz standards trio with Laura on guitar and vocals, Sean Peterson on upright bass and vocals, and a Paul Biondi on saxophones or Tony Glausi on trumpet. She was also part of the group Babes With Axes (along with TR Kelley, Debbie Diedrich, and Katie Henry) who released two live recordings in the 90's. 

A sought after guitar teacher in Eugene, Laura has taught and mentored many young musicians over the past 30 years. When she is not focused on her music, she is an avid gardener, backpacker, and is deeply committed to her yoga practice.

"With songs that range from sassy rockers to ballads, covering topics from pets to television and every angle on lo"ve imaginable, “performer extraordinaire, Laura Kemp (has the) ability to make an audience chuckle, tear up, and feel an instant connection with her lyrics - all in the course of one song.”- San Francisco Bay Guardian

“A true songwriter with a voice and guitar that work together like no other... you know you’re going to be entertained with Laura Kemp.” - Ed Mellnik, Mostly Folk, KZME Portland, Oregon

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UPCOMING SHOWS

Jun15

Finally, a show with my dear Trio (that's Sean Peterson on bass and Jeremy Wegner on mandolin)! We will be joined by the amazing Sarah Holtschlag for the evening. Don't be late - she will kick things off at 7:30 and you don't want to miss it!! Here is a little description of what you're in for! Sarah Holtschlag’s songs are equal parts uppercut and french kiss. She writes woebegone lullabies about forget-you-not low-flying birds. Her sounds charm as well as haunt, tilt as well as persuade. In growing up times, Sarah lived in the foothills of factory towers in mid-Michigan. There she learnt to play the singing saw and now has a few credits on soundtracks for horror films, one airline commercial, and the honor of performing the national anthem for the Eugene Emeralds. $15/door

Jun28

Bhakti Heart is a new duo project with mulit-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter, Len Seligman. Join us for a joyous, uplifting gathering, chanting sacred sounds from diverse traditions. All are welcome, regardless of musical experience or spiritual background. Suggested Donation: $10-$20. Make sure to come around to the left/back side of the building and enter at the ramp to the upstairs Fillmore Room!

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