Laura began her musical career at the early age of 7 singing in a local choir and theatre company and now makes her living performing for audiences of all ages.

Laura was an original member of the Amanda Marshall Band and has had the opportunity to perform live with such notable performers as Vince Gill, Jeff Healey, Michael Burgess, Stephen Fearing, Ron Nigrini, Norm Hacking, Richard Samuels and Snow! Also, for many years in the Toronto area, Laura Co-hosted and hosted some very successful 'Jam Nights'. Laura is most associated with the long running jams at various Fox & Fiddle locations and was employed for 9 years every Monday night at The Enfield Fox & Fiddle Jam Night Enfield (Mississauga) location. Pro, amateur, adult or child, Laura is always ready to lend her musical skills !

Laura’s musical partners have also included David Hines, Marc Nelson, Joe Passion, Daren Swanson, Edgar Thatcher, Two For The Show, The Tom Barlow Band as well as many other Toronto musicians.

Although Laura has been nick named ' The Bongo Lady ', Laura's instrumental talents are more far reaching. Congas, lead and backing vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica, bass and foot tambourine are among the instruments you might find Laura performing on.

Laura is a well known Toronto Club performer but also plays corporate functions, folk festivals (Blue Skies, Caledon & Eaglewood) and just about any other type of event that requires music ! As well as being an entertainer Laura also often gets involved in corporate planning of shows and puts together appropriate musical ensembles for special events.

Although Laura performs mainly for adult audiences, Laura is working with children of all ages more and more. As her character "Cousin Molly", Laura has performed for Chudleigh's Apple farm, The Eaglewood and Caledon Folk Festivals, Toronto's Summer in The Park program as well as many other children's events. Currently Laura also is the musical director at Toronto's City Hall daycare!

Laura has been involved for many years raising money for Covenant House, an institution that helps runaways and young people to improve their situations. Laura has, with the help of The Haroutunian Group, Michelle Astolfo, Lido’s in The Beach and many of her friends, raised approximately $10,000.00 for Covenant House. With a 20 cent donation for every CD of Simple Things sold, Laura hopes to raise even more money for Covenant House in the upcoming months.

If you are in need of a musical ensemble for your special occasion, give Laura a call and she’ll put together the right musicians for your event... be it large or small.

Contact Laura at 416-223-3601
LTsongs@interlog.com

Laura’s CD Release Party to celebrate Simple Things took place at The Rivoli in Toronto on Tues. Nov. 23rd. Here's what singer/songwriter Ron Nigrini had to say about it:

"A new voice has been emerging over the past few years and it arrived at the Rivoli on Nov. 23rd. Laura Thomas debuted the songs from her new cd Simple Things and did so with grace and intensity. From the haunting Virginia to the simmering Angels she mesmerized the full house with honest songs that speak to the heart. No artifice here, only music sung with body and soul. Joe Passion, who produced the cd., led an ensemble of fine musicians including Rodney St. Amand (bass), Mitch Lewis (guitar, mandolin), Alyssa Wright (cello), and Blake Manning (drums,udu). The band played with the impeccable restraint and taste that allow a singer's voice and songs to shine. And shine they did. If you have a chance to catch Laura Thomas live, do so. Until then pick up Simple Things and spin."

Ron Nigrini

Simple Things
CD $15.00 ON SALE AGAIN SEPTEMEBER 8, 2003

1. My Little House
2. Simple Things
3. Virginia
4. Angels
5. Dreams
6. Step Lightly
7. Tryin’ To Grow Up
8. Speak To Me
9. Emily
10. Forgive Me
11. Innocence
12. Walkaway

Visit Laura's website