Actors need to be entertained too. We all have our favorite artists, hot spots, places we go after entertaining others. INTERMISSION is here to share those favorites. In this (irregular) column, I will feature a local artist, venue, or non-theatre production. Send your suggestions to us at STAGE…I’d love to visit your favorite places.
The subject of my first column is up-and-coming musician Laura Cheadle. In the interest of full disclosure, I admit I am a huge fan. I met Laura a couple years ago (thanks to MySpace!) and heard the music of this funky songwriter/performer.
The New Jersey native has opened for the Jonas Brothers, Sister Hazel, Spin Doctors, Ryan Cabrera, Kasim Sulton and Constantine Maraoulis (of American Idol fame.) She has released four very successful albums, was featured on 6ABC’s TUNED IN segment as the first Viewer’s Choice artist, was named “Best Female Singer of 2009” by 93.7 FM WSTW, and most recently was named a “Super Woman of South Jersey” for her work for various charities.
Laura’s music is soulful, funky and full of her boundless energy. She’s got a big voice and a natural gift for improvisation which serves her very well during her live performances. I’ve seen a growing maturity in her music from her early recordings to her newest album, “Change (It’s Alright)”, which has music written for her latest charity, American Foundation for Children with AIDS.
While one can appreciate Laura’s music via the many Internet radio stations or her CDs, you truly see the genius of the artist during a live show. I recently attended a show at Bob Egan’s in New Hope which was to be the farewell show prior to her (since postponed) tour of Egypt. Throughout the show, Laura had a connection to her audience. Watching those in attendance, during her songs there were toes tapping, heads nodding and many smiles. And, Laura is quite the storyteller, making everyone in the audience feel like a close friend with tales of her youth and funny behind-the-scenes stories. She is incapable of standing still, staying on the stage, or even keeping her shoes on. She is perpetual motion, boundless energy, and shares her love of music with everyone present.
Laura will be off on a 26-city tour of the US soon, but will be booking shows in our area for her return. All of you in the New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, look for this energetic and talented performer. You’ll become a fan too.
You can hear clips of Laura’s music at www.lauracheadle.com/music.php and can purchase her CDs there as well. Click below to hear a few samples Laura has provided especially for readers of STAGE Magazine!
Hey There Devil:[audio:http://stagepartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Hey_There_Devil_60_Seconds.mp3|titles=Hey_There_Devil_60_Seconds]
What Kind Of World:[audio:http://stagepartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/What_Kind_Of_World_60_Seconds.mp3|titles=What_Kind_Of_World_60_Seconds]
Change (It’s Alright):[audio:https://www.stagemagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Change_Its_Alright_60_Seconds2.mp3|titles=Change_(It’s_Alright)_60_Seconds]
