Daily Inspiration: Meet Laura Barge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Barge.

Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a professional musician for over 30 years. I invaded Boston after getting a traditional Vocal/Piano Degree at Benedictine University, then SCI, at Springfield.

In 1989, with my BA Vocal Performance Degree from Berklee College of Music, I launched my career as the featured vocalist for LIME STREET CAFE in Springfield, IL. I joined my first touring band, BLACK, AND BLUE from Greensboro, NC, in the early 1990s and fell in love with the road while playing alongside some old great musicians.

I have a list of great bands that have become part of my music family… AFTER-HOURS from Cordele, Ga; A.B.S. from Springfield, MO; LEGACY from Ozark, MO; CRUZIN’ from Alton, IL; and X-FACTOR based in St. Louis, MO area.

A fun fact about me is that I am on the cover of the 2012 best seller book “Hollywood Portraits” by Lou Szoke. I reside in KC, MO with my husband Roger and her two children, Warren & Georgia. I privately teach and perform throughout the metro area.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a woman, I think the biggest struggle is learning to find my voice in music. In my youth, I was told what to play, how I should look on stage, and who I should sound like in each and every song. Through years of practice and personal acceptance, I now perform what I want and have found my place – I am a storyteller and try to show my heart in each and every song I sing.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Music is probably the purist art form there is. I hear it all around me. Music Theory excites me. It is amazing how notes come to life and create such beauty. I want two pass on my love for music to each one of my students. I’m not afraid to cry during lessons when one of my vocalists happens to touch my heart.

When one of my students starts writing a song, I will take the time to help them complete it, reassuring them that their voice is important! I love watching my students perform and succeed at whatever level they are currently on both in music and life.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I honestly think that my friends and family are my best resource to help me do my best. I am blessed with an amazing group of supporting women who accept me just the way I am.

My husband, Roger, and children, Warren and Georgia, are just my whole life – I cannot even express in words how much I admire, adore, respect, trust and love them.

In December of 2021 Laura was nominated with 3 other women for KC’s Best Jazz Vocalist by KC Jazz Ambassadors in JAM Magazine.

https://www.kcjazzambassadors.org/post/jam-musician-awards-to-be-announced-december-14?fbclid=IwAR0tAfpILqu0UQmMsy72rwT2Tz21Jb7sL3rYt8dVgxhRQMygXLQ1B15MbCM

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Kathy Chelton Photography