Interested in music from a very young age, Laura began her musical training in her local Church at the age of 7. Laura’s background also includes choral singing, acting, classical voice training, children’s choral leadership as well as a successful career as a club performer in southern Ontario as well as Berlin, Germany. Laura has performed in numerous pop/rock/alternative/folk and blues bands. These days she also performs as her alter ego ‘Cousin Molly’ – a fun farm character who specializes in performances for young children and families. Laura has also become a specialized music teacher for very young children aged 2 – 5 particularly. In Berlin, Germany in 2003 and 2004 Laura introduced English to German speaking children aged 2-5 with a through a special music program she designed.

Although many performers choose to specialize in one area Laura has chosen to build a successful career on being a multi-faceted performer. She can be found performing on a great array of instruments as well as performing across the board as far as genres of music are concerned. Laura is a lover of all good music and is comfortable singing classical music or rock, singing for adult audiences or 5 year olds. She can also be a great song ‘stylist’ with a cover tune or a captivating performer of her own original music. You might catch Laura performing on congas, piano, guitar, bass, harmonica or even foot tambourine. Laura is also a strong vocal performer both as a front singer and backing vocalist. In fact Laura’s voice is quite unique and often described by audiences as ‘extremely beautiful’. You can always see for yourself….no amount of promo can substitute for the real thing!

Laura was an original member of THE AMANDA MARSHALL BAND and has had the opportunity to perform live with some very talented performers including; VINCE GILL, JEFF HEALEY, MICHAEL BURGESS, STEPHEN FEARING, RON NIGRINI, NORM HACKING, KENNY HARRIS, SNOW, THE TOM BARLOW BAND and BILL CANDY.

A co-creator (with DAVID HINES), of Toronto’s original FOX & FIDDLE CORPORATE JAM NIGHTS, Laura is well known and respected as the ‘Bongo Lady’ who has over a ten year period, helped to encourage thousands of amateur singers to enjoy performing and in some instances pursue a career in music. With partner DAVID HINES, Laura enjoyed a long and eventful stint as Toronto’s leading Jam Hosts.

Although a comfortable backing player on vocals and multiple instruments, Laura is also comfortable playing as a soloist or front man in any variety of bands or situations. A career in music requires great dedication and flexibility – Laura certainly possesses these qualities!

As far as recording is concerned Laura has one Canadian released Adult CD called Simple Things. Simple Things is a full-length CD of Laura’s self-penned compositions. She also sings all of the front and backing vocals as well as performing on piano, acoustic guitar, harmonica and congas. This recording is distributed by Indiepool and has been received very well in Canada. It has also been played on CBC Radio as well as college radio stations nationwide. The recording has been described as “beautiful, haunting, classy with smooth vocals”.

Laura has also been recording children’s music of late and has two children’s recordings that will be released in Canada in the fall of ’05. Laura recorded these CD’s in both Branson, Missouri as well as Berlin Germany where she was travelling with her musical family.

Branson, MO: “Comin’ ‘Round The Mountain”
Cousin Molly and Friends in The Ozark Mountains

Berlin, Germany: “Friends Across The Sea”
Cousin Molly and Friends from Berlin

Laura’s children’s recordings for young children and families focuses on traditional nursery rhymes as well as original songs that children will love to see along with. A simple, tasteful presentation of good music with a fun and educational flavor is what you will notice about Laura’s children’s music right away! Many children around the world have already enjoyed these recordings and soon Canadian children will see what it’s all about.

Laura has enjoyed a varied and full musical career thus far and she is just getting ready for the next phase! Relocating back to Ontario after almost 5 years on the road Laura is ready for the challenges ahead. Never one to sit still too long, Laura looks forward to sharing her music and stories from the road with young and adult audiences in southern Ontario again! Watch for adult performances including club dates and corporate and private shows – as well as children’s music classes for young children and larger presentations for festivals and corporate functions – including birthday parties!

For many years Laura has also been involved with raising money for Covenant House, an institution that helps runaways and young people to improve their situations. Laura has, along with the help of her friend Michelle Astolfo, The Haroutunian Group and Lido’s On The Beach raised over $10,000.00 for Covenant House.