Biography

.....SOME YEARS AGO, SHE CAME OUT OF THE FOREST

HIGHLIGHTS

~ Laura has learned from many tradition bearers on both sides of the Atlantic, and has herself been recognized as a Master Folk Artist (Minnesota State Arts Board). She has been lauded as a "Celtic music wizard" by the Minneapolis Star Tribune and a "High priestess of Celtic music" by Minnesota Public Radio.

~ From production work (and appearance) on A Prairie Home Companion to academic work in ethnomusicology, from rockin' out in Boiled in Lead to national touring with Lorie Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra, MacKenzie has enjoyed vast and varied experience in the worlds of music while developing as a performing artist.

~ Laura has received an abundance of honors and awards over the years, including being selected for the original Cherish the Ladies series, featuring noted women in Irish music in America, plus multiple performing arts awards and fellowships. Most recently, Laura was awarded a Bush Foundation Artists Fellowship in Traditional and Ethnic Performing Arts.

~ Among other notables, Laura has performed in extended productions with Frank McCourt (Pulitzer prize winning author of Angela's Ashes), T.R. Knight (of Grey's Anatomy, on stage at the Guthrie Theater) and Katie McMahon (of Riverdance). She also performs and records with Dáithí Sproule (of Altan)

~ As a player and producer, MacKenzie is often engaged for live shows and studio projects, and can be heard on numerous recordings and several documentaries. One of her studio productions sold over 575,000 copies. Laura both produced and performed in the popular and festive "Charladies Christmas" and "Gaelfest!" shows.

~ In performance, Laura currently appears as a solo artist, in duos with Dáithí Sproule, Ross Sutter, Gary Rue, in Willow Brae with harpist Andrea Stern, and in the ensemble Laura and the Lads.

Full Biography

For more fascinating facts on history, performance, awards, recording, producing, and current work, click on "Full Biography".

Radio Inverview - "Voices of Minnesota"

Laura was honored to be part of the "Voices of Minnesota" series, hosted by Dan Olson, on Minnesota Public Radio. To hear the interview with musical interludes, click on the title above.