We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laura Warren Barge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laura below.
Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I am truly ecstatic about the trajectory of my life as a musician, which has brought immense fulfillment to my soul. Music has been my lifelong passion, and I firmly believe that the arts selected me at a tender age. Although I adore being on stage, nothing compares to the joy of sitting at the piano and playing music that emanates from my heart. Now, I have the privilege of sharing my music with my community and students, which brings me immense delight. My advice to anyone would be to embrace the role of a teacher, not necessarily in a traditional school setting, but to share your knowledge and skills freely with others, as this can be a truly rewarding experience.
Laura, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a versatile performer, I bring to the stage jazz and contemporary music while sharing my passion for multiple genres—including musical theater, singer/songwriting, classical, and Americana—through teaching. My rich musical journey, spanning from early childhood piano lessons to music degrees from Springfield College of Illinois and Berklee College of Music in Boston, has empowered me to craft a fulfilling career. Following graduation, I embarked on a transformative solo career, grateful to Lime St. Café in Springfield, Illinois, to launch my journey. I then expanded my horizons by joining several traveling bands, including Black and Blue, After Hours, Cruising, X Factor, and more. I have had some lovely honors bestowed on me. Just in 2024, I was voted by Kansas City residents for Favorite Vocalist and Jazz Entertainer through the KC Jazz Ambassador Magazine. Rather than defining myself by a brand, I let my artistry shine through, using my music, teaching, and performances to inspire and uplift. Through collaborations with musicians, theaters, restaurants, schools, and communities, I foster meaningful connections and hopefully spread the power of music. I am most proud of sharing my love of singing with my daughter, Georgia, who is getting her degree in Jazz Vocal at University of North Texas. Watching and performing with her is truly a thrill and blessing.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey with late-stage colon cancer in 2024 has been a testament to the transformative power of resilience. Despite the challenges, I’ve emerged cancer-free, and the experience has yielded a profound realization: the love and support I’ve shared with my family and community has come full circle, enveloping me in a beautiful display of compassion. Throughout my treatment, I continued to perform and teach, with my daughter and students playing vital roles in my healing process. This experience has reinforced the intrinsic connection between the arts and empathy, illuminating the profound impact we can have on one another’s lives.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist would be that we are leaving a timeless legacy for future generations. We inspire people to think, take a stand, feel deeply, and remember forgotten moments through our words, notes, brushes, and performances. That is powerful and an honor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurabarge.com
Image Credits
Brian Paulette, Kathy Chelton, Jill Ashby