Solo
When Laura takes the stage for a solo performance, she brings a fascinating array of wind-powered instruments, including her lovely voice, to the fore. Moving from one instrument to another, Laura contributes diverse and rich sonorities while communicating a vast repertoire of traditional music. Her performance is supported by the grace, warmth and humor, the craft, knowledge and lore gleaned over a lifetime of music-making and study.
"Experienced U.S. multi-instrumentalist steps out....Wielding an array of whistles, pipes, and concertina, she balances prodigious abilities with a maturity and overall expertise...Extremely worthwhile." - fROOTS (U.K.)
"A performing artist of astonishing ability, playing and singing with skill and emotion a splendid repertoire."-American Association of University Women
"High Priestess of Celtic Music" - MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO
"Celtic music wizard" - MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
"MacKenzie maintains the magic" - SING OUT!
SOLO - Purely that! MacKenzie's own "flying circus", unaccompanied, without a net. Performing on: wooden flutes, various whistles, concertina, Scottish smallpipes, Swayne border pipes, Swayne border half-long pipes, French cornemuse, Medieval Greatpipes, Leicestershire smallpipes, gemshorn and voice.
WITH ACCOMPANIMENT - the gorgeous guitar and voice of Gary Rue, or the global percussion of Michael Bissonnette. Either of these fine musicians add great lift, drive and nuance to the dance rhythms, songs and slow airs. (This trio is affectionately known as "Laura and the Lads")
OUTREACH: In conjunction with concert performances, Laura offers workshops and educational presentations for various age groups. See Programs/Teaching for more information.
Browse the solo Collection for various sounds
A Brief Bio:
>With ardent mastery, Laura MacKenzie performs music from Ireland, Scotland, Central France, Galicia, Cape Breton and Minnesota on a dazzling array of wind-powered instruments and voice. Of Scottish Heritage, her people came to the United States by way of Nova Scotia and Northern Ireland, and she has learned this music from many noted tradition bearers on both sides of the Atlantic. Laura has received an abundance of honors and awards in traditional music, including being selected for the original Cherish the Ladies series, featuring noted women in Irish music in America, recognition as a Master Folk Artist by the Minnesota State Arts Board, and most recently, a Bush Foundation Performing Artists Fellowship. From Irish dance bands to national tours with a pop music ensemble, and from theatrical productions to commercial projects, Laura has enjoyed a richly varied career. Today, she enjoys performing her solo show (on wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, various smallpipes, greatpipes and voice) as well as concert programs with Dáithí Sproule, Ross Sutter, and the ensembles Laura and the Lads, Willow Brae and The Doon Ceili Band.
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NEW VIDEO!! Laura (and the Lads) recently recorded a live TV program for Baby Blue Arts - Baby Blue selected four of the ten pieces for a feature on their website. Click right HERE to view! A "Behind the Scenes" interview is also included on that page.
**Laura is currently a Bush Artist Fellow in Traditional and Ethnic Performing Arts**