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
This will be my last show while still in my 5th decade of life. Joined by a merry host of friends, we are looking forward to playing and celebrating on Becca's patio! Seating is liimited, so you might want to reserve a spot for this one :-) Email beccap@efn.org to reserve your seat!
Super excited to be part of the first Turning Tides Music Festival! I'll be playing a short set from 1:30-2 on the Wings Stage, just before Crys Matthews goes on the main stage. The festival runs from 10am-9pm at Island Park in Springfield. See https://turningtidesmusic.org/music-festival/ for more information!
$47.50/$55
This is a monthly class I teach at Eugene Yoga that combines the practice of yoga nidra with live music including guitar, harmonium, handpan, and singing. Experienced while lying down using props and blankets to be comfortable, I take you through a series of body and breath awareness techniques and visualizations to help you reach a deep state of relaxation. Bhakti in sanskrit means devotion and Nidra is sleep, so it is a yoga nidra class combined with the bhakti practice of music!
