Friday, April 4, 2025

Indiana Roof Ballroom Dance Series - providing music for this iconic annual event!

Hello everyone,

I'm still starry-eyed from a blissful night at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, where I sang all night for the God's Mighty Horns Big Band and fantastic dancers from across the Midwest. 

Here was one of my favorite songs of the night, called S'Wonderful.


Tip: To view in full screen, tap the YouTube logo and the box button in the bottom right corner. 

More videos from the unforgettable night here: Laura Gabriele at Indiana Roof Ballroom (continuing to update this, so stay tuned!)

The Indiana Roof Ballroom is a stunning, Spanish-village style historic dance venue built in 1927, with a gorgeous maple circular ballroom dance floor. It was humbling to perform on such an iconic stage- one frequented by top players of the golden age of Big Band Jazz, like Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Bennie Goodman. It keeps its original look, and was reopened in 1986 with a great show by Tony Bennett. Learn more about the history of Indiana Roof Ballroom here: https://www.indianaroof.com/history 


To add to the sophistication of the night... the amazing group of ballroom dancers in attendance- they are well versed in the dance styles of the golden age which pair so nicely with this classic music. It was such a treat and I hope to sing for this event every time! I was truly in heaven watching them while I sang these songs I love so much on my vintage style microphone. You can watch and listen to selections from the show here, and I am continuing to add more as time permits:


Our next show will be at the Jazz Kitchen and I hope you can make it. See all my upcoming shows here: Laura Gabriele Upcoming Shows

I met some great dancers at the event and I hope to see them dancing at future shows. If you were there, please leave me a comment!

My band is available for hire for future events at Indiana Roof Ballroom, and other venues in the Indianapolis area. I also have a small combo that is great for cocktail hours, and we play a mix of music including modern styles. For details and to book, you may contact my booking agent at ‪(929) 224-7560‬.

Below, some more photos from the event thanks to our lead Alto Sax player, Barbara Kaufman. 

 



Saturday, January 18, 2025

Connecting with Vocalist Brenda Williams in Indianapolis





On cloud 9 because... I had the privilege of connecting with an award-winning jazz vocalist who has performed for three U.S. Presidents. And can you believe it - we share Montana in common. 

Her name is Brenda Williams and she took the time to show me the "lay of the land" for the jazz scene in Indy and even update me on the latest apps that the performers are using. My printed out music sheets are apparently so 10 years ago! And since it's been 10 years since I sang with live bands, I've been a bit old school. 

Learning from artists who have carved their own path in this genre and are committed to performing till they can perform no more is a gift. It’s incredible to realize that right here in Indianapolis, we have a jazz community filled with musicians who have lived and breathed this music on some of the biggest stages.

Read more on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE-8kN8Pg_H/

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Indianapolis Jazz Vocalist - Big Band and Jazz Como

Hello jazz lover. I hope this finds you well, Still loving jazz? I sure hope so! I'm pleased to bring you an exciting update. After much travel and bringing two beautiful children into the world, my husband and I have settled in the great city of Indianapolis... and I am making music again.

Singing at The Jazz Kitchen, November 2024

At Jazz Kitchen with Kevin Anker, Fred Withrow, and Bruce Richter

Things are moving fast in this thriving music scene. By way of first friday open studios and jam sessions, I connected with a wonderful big band named God's Mighty Horns (GM Horns Big Band) and am also singing with small combos for public and private events.
My first public performance is a fun and uplifting Christmas show next week with GM Horns at The Jazz Kitchen, but it is already sold out!

Next up isn't until March 30th at the beautiful Indiana Roof Ballroom, but tickets are already selling fast. So, here is the link to book: https://crystalsignatureevents.thundertix.com/events/238470

Our venue for 3/30/25 event - the Indiana Roof Ballroom

A great, large stage and plenty of room to dance!

GM Horns Big Band - led by Edward Zlaty

I look forward to sharing more, along with the "why" behind finally settling down and making Indianapolis my home base. We have lived here for 3 years and we are loving it, with no plans to leave. I've been traveling since age 17, so finding a place to call home means a lot.

My instagram page @thejazzmama is where I do most of my sharing, it is more updated right now.

May you have a blessed and beautiful holiday season. I'm grateful to God for the winding but beautiful journey and the bright outlook. I look forward to sharing updates soon.

- Laura