Graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in D.C. and the first Vocal Jazz Major at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Laura has honed her craft in both academic and professional settings. She has performed at renowned venues such as The Jazz Kitchen (Indianapolis), the Kennedy Center, and the Bellagio, and has shared billing with living legends like Peter Cincotti and Jane Monheit. She has also performed live on radio stations WAMC Northeast Public Radio, WDST Radio Woodstock, and KBGA College Radio Missoula.
Laura Gabriele got her start in jazz at the tender age of age 13 under the tutelage of Sasha Dobson, a prominent fixture in the NYC music scene and a touring artist with Norah Jones in their band, Puss in Boots. Sasha heard elements of “old soul” jazz in Laura’s sound and encouraged her to form a small combo (bass, drums, piano, guitar) – Laura never looked back. (Except to say thanks!). Soon Laura would be featured with the area’s top talent as the vocalist for the Hudson Valley Youth Jazz Orchestra, based in the thriving arts district of Kingston, N.Y. Her connection to Washington D.C. blossomed out of her performance at the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival. Through her work in D.C., she was the first vocalist to receive the Joe Williams Memorial Scholarship.
Laura takes pride in her Latin American roots, as the great niece of Puerto Rican musician and composer, Tito Henriquez. Laura enjoys incorporating Tito’s original pieces and Spanish-language songs into her shows. Taking after her uncle, she has written and performed her own original compositions since age 15.
Today, Laura is a sought-after vocalist in the Indianapolis music scene, performing frequently at The Jazz Kitchen, First Friday venues, and notable private venues such as the historic Union Station with the area’s leading bands. She has performed with renowned local guitarist Sandy Williams, and is the featured vocalist with big band God’s Mighty Horns (under Edward Zlaty).
Laura sings in multiple styles, including Latin, Funk, Pop, and Blues, but her primary passion is Jazz. Laura shares insights and educational videos on the history of Jazz in Indianapolis, Black History, her Latin heritage, reflections on current music, performance clips, practice and songwriting advice, as well as sneak peeks of family life as a mother of two on her Instagram page: @thejazzmama
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