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 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
Super excited to be part of the first Turning Tides Music Festival! I'll be playing a short 'tweener set at 3:30 on the Wings Stage, just before Alice DiMicele. The festival runs from 10am-9pm at Island Park in Springfield. See https://turningtidesmusic.org/music-festival/ for more information!
$47.50/$55
Len and I (Bhakti Heart) are so much looking foward to sharing our kirtan devotional chanting with the Florence, OR community! We hope you can join us for a joyous uplifting gathering singing and chanting sacred sounds from diverse traditions. All are welcome, regardless of musical experience! $15-20 door, no one turned away.
I will be playing a few songs at this wonderful fundraiser, along with Len Seligman, the other half of Bhakti Heart! Celebrate Kindness, Joy & Community ✨💙 Join us on Saturday, September 26th, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM for an inspiring evening celebrating the power of kindness through storytelling, poetry, live music, and more. This special event is a fundraiser for Blue Barn Farm & Sanctuary, bringing our community together for a wonderful cause. Enjoy: 🎶 Live entertainment 📖 Storytelling & poetry 🎁 Silent auction 💙 A night of kindness, connection, and community 🎟️ Get your tickets online through Blue Barn Farm & Sanctuary. Come share an unforgettable evening while helping support the amazing work of Blue Barn Farm & Sanctuary. We hope to see you there!
