Artists:Laurie MacAllister

In 1998, Laurie MacAllister left a career in psychology to pursue her dream: to be a singer. She began by playing in the parks and subway stations of New York City, and developed a following by performing in clubs, cafes, and coffeehouses in the Northeast. She independently released her debut CD These Old Clothes in 1999, and was a winner of the New Folk Competition at the 2001 New Jersey Folk Festival.

While Laurie began her music career by writing and performing her own songs, she spent the summer of 2001 touring as a backup singer. This is where she discovered the joy of singing songs written by other songwriters.

"I was listening to so many songs that moved me, emotionally, musically, and intellectually. After listening to and learning this great music, I felt compelled to perform and record some of it."

Laurie has performed at numerous festivals and venues, including the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, The Bottom Line, The Tin Angel, The Turning Point, Godfrey Daniels, The Watchung Arts Center, Outpost in the Burbs, Music At The Mission, Makor, Jammin' Java and the New Bedford Folk Festival. She has also sung for television and radio, including the soundtracks for short films aired on The Disney Channel. Laurie sings on several cuts on Cliff Eberhardt's new album on Red House Records, School For Love, as well as on several independent releases.

"Laurie MacAllister finds the simple heart of a song, embraces it, seeks a deeper understanding and then shares the song with a generous freedom, with beauty and warmth. Whether interpreting other writers, or interpreting life through her own personal lens, her performances are works of delicate grace and honest emotion." Marilyn Rea Beyer, Music Director, WUMB FM (Boston, MA)

"Laurie has a voice that is rich with feeling, and there is that catch in her voice that makes your heart skip a beat when you hear it. She writes with a depth of emotion that is often lacking in the work of singers who are much better known. Her words resonate with this jaded listener. What a discovery!" Vick Mickunas, Music Director, WYSO FM (Yellow Springs, OH)

"Her voice is among the purest I've ever heard." Josh Selig, Emmy Award-winning songwriter

"MacAllister writes impeccably detailed songs of longing and redemption, and backs them up with a clear, achy-yet-defiant voice." Tom Dunphy, The Bergen Record (Bergen, NJ).

See also Red Molly.