Bush Foundation Fellowships

Laura MacKenzie

2009 Bush Artist Fellowship
Minnesota
www.lauramackenzie.com

Career Field: Traditional and Ethnic Performing Arts
Secondary Field: Music

Laura MacKenzie (Saint Paul, MN) has learned traditional Irish and Scottish music from many noted tradition bearers on both sides of the Atlantic and has been recognized as a Master Folk Artist by the Minnesota State Arts Board. Of Scottish heritage, her people came to the United States by way of Nova Scotia and Northern Ireland. In Saint Paul, MacKenzie learned traditional music while playing at ceilis (social gatherings or dances) within the local Irish-American community and soon became immersed in the music and dance. She has received numerous honors and awards for her participation and dedication in this realm of music, including being selected for the original Cherish the Ladies concert series, which featured noted women in Irish music in America. MacKenzie performs and teaches on an array of wind-powered instruments including wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, Scottish smallpipes, border pipes and voice. She enjoys a richly varied career in traditional music.