Laura French

A new year is here, and I’m forever thankful for the fun I had in 2023! 

In June, I began to perform regularly with the Brueggemann Gouge Band at Galloway Station, and with each gig came a new opportunity on the 417 jazz scene. I did the math, and I performed somewhere between 40-50 gigs this past year!

Some of my highlights:

• I grew my jazz repertoire—and following—with the Brueggemann Gouge Jazz Band! I loved having a recurring show with the same talented group of musicians as our work got better and tighter with each performance. Thanks to Galloway Station for hosting us, and Jeff Gouge and Mark Brueggemann for giving me the opportunity to perform, week after week! 
  
  
• I made my debut with the Missouri Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) as part of their spectacular Christmas Extravaganza Show at the Gillioz Theatre. I sang “Merry Christmas Baby,” “Man with the Bag,” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” for one of my biggest crowds to date! I also shared the stage with two talented vocalists I’ve looked up to my whole career, Christin Bohrisch and Angelia King. It was a joy getting to know—and perform with—them. Thanks to Randy Hamm, MOJO CEO, lafor the opportunity!
  
  
• I dove into more duo work with jazz guitarist Matt Harp at La Habana Vieja and Cellar + Plate in Springfield. Performing with larger ensembles is always fun and exciting, but I really love the relaxed feel and the magic of a duo gig. Matt and I will be at Cellar + Plate on Feb. 10 ahead of Valentine’s Day.
  
  
• I made an investment in myself and started taking jazz lessons from Detroit-based jazz vocalist, band leader, arranger, and composer, Olivia Van Goor. She’s been monumental in helping me break down jazz theory, improvisation, phrasing and more. I can’t wait to keep learning from her in 2024. 
  

This past year has been one of the most rewarding of my life, and I’m so thankful for my network and support system for helping me do what I love. To my husband, Greg, thank you for helping me find time to be a full-time working mom—and a performer. To my mentors, Jeff, Mark, and Olivia, thank you for helping me grow in this music I love so much. And to all of my new music friends in the 417, thank you for being part of this journey with me!