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/

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

Blog is moving!

Hey everyone,

I just took a fantastic wordpress class by Karen at Impact Online Marketing, so my blogger site is moving! I can't wait for all the cool features I'll be enjoying, I've grown out of this basic platform pretty quickly.

💙 UPDATE 2024: My ownership of my URL lauragabriele.com lapsed, and a different Laura Gabriele snapped it up! So I'm back to using this website to provide updates. :) Grateful it's still here!

Learn to swing dance, we'll provide the music!

Hello, beautiful people. I want to share this event with you, as it will be my last big show in Missoula for awhile! I have a 6-piece swing band ready to go, which includes Bob Athearn, the indomitable piano personality who has been getting a lot of press lately.

I have always loved working with Bob because of his quick wit and great piano chops. What I didn't know is that he's 76 years old, and was only 4 years from retirement after 30 years of working for the University of Montana... until they let him go due to budget cuts this month, to be replaced with recorded music. Doesn't that just make your skin crawl??

I hope you'll come to the swing dance and support me as I say goodbye to Missoula. But with this additional news, I also hope you'll show your support for Bob Athearn by attending this event and just thanking him for making the University a more wonderful place for so many years. The article which discusses Bob leaving can be found here.

The University will surely come to regret their choice! Check out this great video of Bob created by Sally Finneran, and read the article about Bob Athearn's contribution to the U.

[From Kaimin article "The Man Behind the Music", written by Lizzy Duffy with photos by Megan Jae Riggs]

So, will you join us to celebrate this legacy and give me a great kick-off to the next stop on my slow motion world tour?

Again, the show is Saturday April 20th, 2013 

At the University of Montana UC Ballroom

Lesson at 7pm, Live Music starts at 8pm

Tickets at Door: $5 UM students/staff/faculty, $7 general admission, $8 couples

I really hope to see you there.

~ Laura Gabriele

The Slow Motion World Tour Continues

Photo by: Casey Massena

Hey everyone,

I have some news. I wanted to share this with you in a video but it was too emotional for me! In just 11 days, I'm packing up and leaving Missoula.

I only have two shows left, so I hope I can entertain you one more time before I make my exit.

I'm going to miss all of you so much, and want you to know how much I appreciate what you've done to encourage and inspire me to form my band, record my original songs, and perform locally.

I have three main reasons that I'm leaving.

First and foremost, my husband and I have earned our degrees which brought us out to Montana in the first place! We're really excited to start our next chapter, and just like every new chapter of our lives together so far, it all begins with a cross-country road trip.

Second, I have a serious problem with staying in one place. Actually, I don't think of it as a problem, more as a state of being. I have a gypsy spirit! Anyone who has known me for more than a few years knows that I don't stay in one place for too long. If it helps, you can think of my life as a very slow motion world-tour.

Third, it's time to be closer to family and some major cities where I can really spread my wings, making the East coast my destination of choice.

Missoula wisdom: I want everyone out there to know that when you go for any goal, you need to look around you for the people who truly care and want to see you succeed. Remain open to their advice, constructive criticism, and their offers to help you along the way. And remember to thank them in every way you can. Still, always remain true to yourself and your own vision.

I have some Missoula people to thank for my exponential growth. It certianly hasn't been a one-person project. I wish I had time to thank you all in person.

I want to thank Marie Pettit, a local musician who helped introduce me to the Montana jazz scene. Her friendliness and giving spirit gave me the courage to start up music again in a place that at the time was totally unfamiliar to me. Tommy Pertis was first to invite me on a Missoula stage, and would welcome me up by saying "If you haven't heard Laura sing yet, you're in for a treat"... which gave me a permanent goofy smile during my songs. Also thanks to Kyle Gillett who connected me with his band and did some really cool collaborations with me, opening the door for me to work with Soulaphone and Kung Fu Kongress, the coolest bands in town.

My gratitude to Sonja Grimmsmann who helped me define my goals for my music career in the Entertainment Management Program, and thereby became a catalyst for my first major music project, "Laura and The Salvation Blues", also thanks to Dom who volunteered time and energy to helping me hone my online presence. To the Montana Musicians and Artists Coalition who hosted my first performance, and for the members of Elevate Church who packed the house for it. It was an amazing start to my endeavor!

I want to thank my original band members of The Salvation Blues Christopher, Andrew, Alyssa, and Jordan who patiently worked through my original songs when they were still in their infancy to bring them to life in a big way. Thank you to Youa Vang , Megan Jae Riggs , and Jake England for your incredible portrait photography, Amanda Peterson for the great live band shots, some of which are still my band member's profile pics.

Thank you to Bruce who runs Daly Jazz for bringing world-class jazz acts to Missoula, and allowing me to volunteer. To my vocal jazz mentor Eden Atwood whose work with me has already been mentioned on this blog a time or two.

I hold deep admiration for Alyssa McLean, who served as a living example of how to incorporate a great passion and talent with faith and humility in music.

Also thanks to Keaton Wilson, whose piano accompaniment and interest in my original music kept my musical wheels turning even in the face of my temporary setbacks.

These Missoula people helped make my pursuit of music here a success in my mind.

There are many others I haven't listed here, and others still who may not live in Missoula but are always important to my growth.

I believe it's never too early or too late to thank someone for their impact on you. 

I will miss you all, I promise to visit again and I hope we can have a reunion of sorts someday.

Please stay in touch, I'm excited for what's to come. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.

With love and gratitude,

Laura Gabriele

The Red Stiletto Effect

When I wear my red stilettos, I seriously feel like I could conquer the world... I wonder what the male equivalent is to my favorite accessory?

Before you shrug off this post as just being some girly love note to my shoes, think again!

Did you know that attitude is linked to what we wear? It absolutely is, that's why they say "dress for the job you want, not the job you have" ...It changes not just how you feel about yourself, but how others percieve you, and the combination of the two has the power to re-shape reality.

Not every situation calls for the red stiletto effect.

I only bring them out when I have some real kick-butt performing to do. It's my war paint.

I'll be using these shoes to my advantage today at noon in the University Center. I'll try to get some video but as always the best way to enjoy is to come see us play live!

<3
Laura

The Blues

I've been singing jazz for a long time, but I got hooked on the blues driving around in the desert valley of Las Vegas in 2009.

I realized something then: The blues, that familiar chordal pattern and genre so dear to us all contains within it some kind of amazing soothing power. Just the guitar rolling over the V chord on a turn-around can carry your emotions with it and, lift them up to God.

I believe we're not supposed to carry our sorrows around with us. And for those who have forgotten how to pray, the blues can put us in a state of mind that is a whole lot like prayer.

I'm feeling some of this right now as I face change in my life after graduating college. It is a happy time, and it is also full of sometimes unsettling uncertainty. Although I pray, sometimes I feel like I just don't have the words.

Thus, my latest song was born, and along with it, this little image that I have here for you:

I want to encourage you remember music. If you're going through something, don't forget that music might be the missing peice to set your heart right again. Go out and see a live performance!

If you're looking for a place to catch the blues ASAP in Missoula, tomorrow night (4/4/13) Kevin Van Dort kicks off his North American tour out of Draught Works Brewery. He is one of Missoula's best and has star quality. I really enjoyed singing Summertime with him and the Ed Norton Big Band, which I've posted here.

If you can make it, my next show is at high noon on the campus of The University of Montana Wednesday April 10th. You can find me in the middle of the University Center atrium singing the blues like it's my job... because it is. :)

Performing Thursday the 28th at 6pm!

Tonight, Keaton Wilson will be on the piano accompanying me for another great night of jazz at the Montgomery Distillery.

This is the second show in a series that we've created with the distillery, where we perform a showcase of classic jazz as well as a few originals.

Some originals we will be playing:
Smoking Gun
Beautiful Sight
Charlotte ---(BRAND NEW!)
Red Candy Heart
You Lied

Plus, I can't wait to put our spin on Heartbreak Hotel and Puttin' on the Ritz.




Please visit my Facebook page: Montana Jazz Vocalist and stay connected!

The Montgomery Distillery is located at 129 W. Front St. in Missoula, MT and music will be between 6pm-8pm.




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Some Celebrities With Solid Marriages

When it comes to pursuing music as a career, my main fear may surprise you. It's not the people and pressure that most scare me.

It's success!

I'm afraid of success because of the seemingly endless examples of the music industry's propensity to tear apart relationships. So, to counteract my fear I sought out some good examples of some marriages that have stood the test of time (at least 20 years), despite the pressure of limelight.

I hope this list can encourage you too. It's no secret that media puts emphasis on negativity. You'd be surprised how many great marriages exist in showbiz. I know I was!

My favorite couple in showbiz is Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan. They were eachother's first girlfriend-boyfriend and truly seem to be an ideal match. I love it! There picture is featured below.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan

Celebrities with successful marriages (20+ years!)

 Denzel and Pauletta Washington

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

Tom and Lois Bergeron
Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley

Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson
Ann-Margret and Roger Smith
Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel
Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber
David McCallum and Katherine Carpenter
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack
Frankie Avalon and Kay Diebel
Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss 
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward
Tom Laughlin and Delores Taylor
Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft
Bob Hope and Dolores DeFina
Ozzie Davis and Ruby Dee
 Charlton Heston and Lydia Clarke
Tony Martin and Cyd Charisse
James Garner and Lois Clarke
Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan
Robert Sterling and Anne Jeffreys
Larry and Maj Hagman
Rance and Jean Speegle Howard
Alan Alda and Arlene Alda
Kirk Douglas and Anne Douglas
Jamie Farr and Joy Ann Richards
Bill Cosby and Camille Cosby
Jimmy Stewart and Gloria Stewart
Rosalind Russell and Frederick Brisson
Ozzie and Harriet Nelson
Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards
George Burns and Gracie Allen
Billy Crystal and Janice Crystal
Susan Lucci Huber and Helmut Huber
Fred MacMurray and June MacMurray
Regis And Joy Philbin
Donald Sutherland and Francine Racette
Vicki Lawrence and Al Schultz
Charlie Chaplin and Oona Chaplin
Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi
John and Elizabeth Larroquette
Sidney Portier and Joanna Shimkus
Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel
 Paul and Linda Mc.Cartney
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer
Jay Leno and Mavis Nicholson
Jeanette MacDonald and Gene Raymond
 Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach
Lucille Ball and Gary Morton
Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas
Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman
Chevy Chase and Jayni Luke
Dan Akroyd and Donna Dixon
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman
James Earl Jones and Cecilia Hart
Martin Short and Nancy Dolman
Jeff Daniels and Kathleen Treado

May this list inspire you to keep your relationships strong no matter what the pressures of life bring you. As a unit, you are more powerful, let nothing come between you! <3

I'm a 1920's Flapper! Jazz ~ Jazz ~ Jazz!

Preparing for this 1920's themed show has been a jazz and blues vocalist's dream come true. Along the way, I've been learning a lot about the music and fashion that shaped the jazz age. It was during this time that the Flapper style emerged, and not just the style- but a whole new type of woman.

The flapper was at the epicenter of the culture war that forever changed the way society views women, and set the tone for the women's suffrage movement.

The "flapper" was a term for a woman who cut her hair in a short bob, wore a good amount of makeup, and wasn't afraid of defying the rigid Victorian social norms that women of the day were expected to adhere to. They were known for listening to jazz and carrying themselves with a unique confidence and independence. Sound like someone you know? I hope so.

The way I see it, the 1920's were the American Woman's teenage years. Boundaries were tested and pushed. Swearing, drinking, carousing were the behavior of a woman who could be seen as "of the times". While I don't fully identify with the characteristic "flapper girl", I admire the spirit that was necessary to counteract the serious discrimination that women endured for so long.

At my show, I'll be proud to represent the women of the 1920's who threw off the shackles of yesterday, and made way for women like me who can perform onstage, kick butt in the office, and make an honest living without being dependent on a man to get by. I'm married and so happy, and part of my biblical view of marriage is that the woman should not a burden, or merely a child-rearer, rather a go-getter, and a financial team-mate in the household, just like it says in Proverbs.

This flapper fad died away with the Great Depression. Like one of life's hard lessons- a death of a friend, a broken heart, the Great Depression became the antidote for a generation experimenting with sometimes unweildy amounts of hedonism. But, they came out the other side with new value systems, which included greater respect and broader definitions for the female's role in society.

I love this white dress that I found with the event organizers at the Missoula Children's Theatre. If you're ever on the hunt for great vintage clothing, make sure to check into your local theatres and playhouses! That's where I find the good stuff for my shows.

What I love best about this dress is that it makes me feel free- the fringe flaps around and is a whole lot of  fun, and still the dress isn't too revealing.

I would love to see you at this show. There's so much more to it than just this dress! With some great local musicians, I've created a line-up of songs that are both reminicient of the 1920's and modern at the same time. I can't wait to sing it for you!

Please connect with me on my facebook: www.facebook.com/laura.sings.jazz
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Jazz on, my friends!