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
We are so excited to be back playing outdoors on Becca's beautiful patio for our June and July gatherings! Kicking off the summer Solstice with song and community. Come and sing with us as we celebrate the presence of the Divine within each of us through heart opening acoustic chanting from diverse traditions! Suggested donation $15-20 sliding scale.
Message from bookstore owner Scott: For 31 years now Tsunami Books has been paying rent at 2585 and 2595 Willamette Street in Beautiful South Eugene. Current (national) events have impelled us to the Quixotic Community Action of trying to buy the Bookstore Property, to keep it in Books, Music, Local Arts and Crafts, and Community in Perpetuity. As none of of us Bookstore Clerks own homes, or have (a lot of) money, we have begun a grass-roots fundraiser.
As of June 26 we have raised approximately $80,000; a healthy drop in the bucket. The Garden on Friendly has kindly offered us use of their space for a Fun(d)raiser).
Well-loved local musicians Laura Kemp, Brian Cutean, Amy Danziger and Michael Roderick will offer background music to enjoy the Garden’s food and drink, and conviviality. Tsunami will have a table with “The Tip Box.” We’ll be selling Gift Certificates and tickets to our concerts, a small selection of books. Plus, we’ll have a (free) raffle for more (free) Gift Certificates.
https://www.tsunamibooks.org/events-calendar/garden-on-friendly-fundraiser
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!
