Laura Doherty
Laura is a Chicago-based children's musician with an ear for a catchy melody. Armed with her acoustic guitar, she has written and recorded three albums for the folk-pop listener (solo and with Sweet Hello), and in May 2009 released her first CD of original children's songs, called "KIDS IN THE CITY", which received the 2009 Gold NAPPA AWARD and the Gold Parent's Choice Award. This CD is partially supported by a Community Arts Assistance Program grant from the City of Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs and the Illinois Arts Council.
Laura teaches in the Old Town School’s of Folk Music’s wildly popular early-childhood Wiggleworms program, and was previously the director of the program from 1998-2009. Laura also teaches adult group guitar classes on occasion. Laura’s has recorded on several children’s CDs, including: Parent’s Choice award-winning “Songs for Wiggleworms” released in 1999. In 2005 she co-produced and recorded on the follow-up CD “Wiggleworms Love You”, also a Parent’s Choice Award winner. Catch her playing and singing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “I Can Sing a Rainbow”, as well as lending harmonies on many other tracks. Both CDs can be found on iTunes. In 2008, Laura provided vocals on several tunes written by nationally-known kids artist Ralph Covert, for the Disney Sound label. These songs are being sung and enjoyed by students in the Disney English school in Shanghai.
Laura fits in time to rock out with her kids band The Swing Sets, on vocals and electric bass. The band is rounded out with fellow Old Town School teachers Rob Newhouse on vocals and electric guitar, and Eric Delli Bovi on drums. Laura plays music for grownups too! She has released three recordings; her solo "Days Without Maps" in 2000, and with her acoustic band Sweet Hello, "Well of Wishes" in 2004 and “The Pause and the Rest” is 2008.
BOOK LAURA FOR YOUR PARTY! Laura has performed at all kinds of parties and events. She's available for children's parties, or grown-up parties (playin' classic rock, folk, country and comtemporary tunes), or she can do a COMBO of both! FOR BOOKINGS in Chicago, contact Laura at: laura@lauradohertymusic.com