Laura Kaczor

Nashville recording artist Laura Kaczor will perform her "Wake Me Up" tour concert this weekend at Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte St.

Sponsored by St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Pottstown in memory of member Richard John, the weekend performances will benefit the sponsoring church as well as its companion congregation, Korogwe Lutheran Parish, Tanzania.

The singer-songwriter recently launched her own record label, Running Spirit Records, and performed in two Gospel Music Association Showcases in Nashville.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Kaczor was recipient of a National Merit Scholarship and named Montgomery County's Outstanding Young Woman for academics, leadership, talent and citizenship.

A performance for all ages, at 7:30 PM tonight at Grace Lutheran. Requested donation is $10.

A second concert geared for youths and young adults is scheduled at 6:30 PM on Sunday, a donation of $5 is suggested. - Pottstown Mercury, Oct. 4

By Eileen Scott, Senior Writer

Summer 2008 Issue - Published by Christian Union, an independant Christian ministry committed to advancing the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in the Ivy League

"Wake Up"! That's what singer, songwriter, and Penn Alumna Laura Kaczor '04 would like to see happen in the hearts of her listeners through her recently released CD, "Wake Me Up". Currently on tour for the album, Kaczor shares her life and testimony through the words of her songs while also sharing the inspiration she receives from the Lord.

Kaczor's love for music began in childhood, according to her mother, Mary Kaczor. She told the story of how, at ten years old, Laura was motivated to write and record a song for her neighbor Rose, who was dying of breast cancer. The woman was so moved by the song, she listened to it every day, Mary said.

Although faith in Jesus Christ has been a part of her life since she was s child, Kaczor experienced her own transformational awakening through music. The Kaczors had gone to '"traditional, non-denominational" churches for as long as Laura could remember. Then, one summer, during high school, a new youth pastor arrived at Kaczor's church, bringing with him a passion for contemporary worship.

The pastor formed a small worship group called Powered Up. Only a few young people initially joined and Kaczor, a multi-talented musician, played the drums. The music moved her and her own passion for worship was sparked.

"It was awesome to see.... having that encounter with God through worship," Kaczor said. "It totally changed my life."

Even when Kaczor entered Penn to study economics, she still had a heart for worship. As a freshman, she became a member of Penn's renowned a cappella group Full Measure, and was a soloist on the album, "Not for
Nothing". She also served as worship leader fo Penn's Campus Crusade for Christ (www.upennccc.org).

Being part of Full Measure was a large part of her spiritual growth, Kaczor said. Members were some of her closest friends. They prayed together 'very diligently and had such a heart for the Lord." She even writes about Full Measure on her web site, www.laurakaczor.com.

"Being in Full Meaure was a huge part of my musical education. I learned how to perform in a music group, and I learned to really listen. I also saw how disarming music is. It really is a universal language, and an excellent vehicle for communicating a message," she wrote.

But Kaczor's involvement with youth worship wasn't limited to the Penn campus. For the past seven years, she has been the worship leader and co-emcee for Jesus Fest, a worship and evangelism event that attracts more than one thousand young people from the Northeast. It's an event at which many young people haved given their lives to Christ.

And touching people's lives for Christ is what Kaczor's music is all about. Described by fellow Christian's as 'an anointed singer/songwriter, musician, worship leader and speaker,' Kaczor said she's always known she has a strong ability to reach people. And that is what she keeps on her mind and heart as she journey's her way through the music industry.

Although labeled as a Christian musician, Kaczor recently finished a project called "Wildflowers", which contained original Americana songs and was produced by Grammy -award wnnner producer John Carter Cash, son of legendary country music performers, Johnny and June Cash.

But Kaczor is not concerned about how her music is categorized; its all inspired from the Lord, she says. In fact, she doesn't care much about where the music industry puts her on the charts; she's more concerned with what the Lord puts on her heart.

Kaczor also admits that the industry, with its lures of fame and money, presents challenges to a Christian performer.

"It's difficult," she said, "when you feel like you're being called (to do this) and you come against closed doors." But she keeps herself grounded through a "good community of faith and friends at church." She also remembers that commercial success doesn't determine her true achievement. She considers herself successful if she can touch one heart and help inspire that heart toward Christ.

Music is how Kaczor communicates her faith with others and with the Lord. It's something she just has to do. "It's a gift God has given," she said. "Not everyone can sing and lead people in song. I want to give back."

And whether it's been to a dying neighbor or one thousand young people, Kaczor's music has given inspiration to many and awakened the passion for Jesus Christ in the hearts of listeners of all ages.
- Ivy League Christian Observer Magazine - Published by Christian Union, Article written by Eileen Sco

Indie Extreme Hosts Third Annual Independent Artist Showcase And Kick Off Party During GMA Music Week 2009
Published by Lisa April 8th, 2009 in Gigs, Quimi, Matt Bouwer, Indie Extreme, Jaime Thietten, Virginia Hill, Gina Tarajano, Laura Kaczor, Sean Currier, Stephanie Pauline, Flourish, GMA and Diane di Stasio.

Second Showcase at Curb Café with Hit Songwriter Matt Brouwer and Quimi

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2009) – The independent label management firm Indie Extreme will stage their third Independent Artist Showcase at the Nashville Convention Center – Music City Room in downtown Nashville from 7-10 p.m. on April 18th (Saturday) as a Kick- Off Party for the GMA Music Week activities.

The Saturday event, which is an official part of GMA Music Week 2009, will include performances by Indie Extreme artists, Virginia Hill, Jaime Thietten, Gina Tarajano and Laura Kaczor. Other acts taking the stage will be Sean Currier, Stephanie Pauline, Diane di Stasio and Flourish. Admission is free with seating available as general admission.

“The Independent Artist Showcase will be our third Nashville event,” said company CEO Kathy Douglas, who founded the company in 2006. “Our artists are some of the most celebrated up and coming independent artists in the industry. We are always thrilled to offer a great event to the GMA week of activities. This is our second year to have the first showcase of the week and we are excited about kicking off the conference with an amazing array of talent.”

Douglas added that Indie Extreme is also staging a second showcase on April 21st at the Curb Café on the campus of Belmont University from 7:00 – 8:30pm, featuring hit CCM singer-songwriter Matt Brouwer and newcomer, Quimi, who has been on the “Love Can Save a Life Tour” with Brouwer this Spring. The Curb Café event will be a stop on their 20 City Tour throughout the USA.

The fast-growing international firm supports independent artists and record labels by providing administrative and managerial services such as correspondence, bookkeeping, CD/merchandise fulfillment, marketing, database development, web site development, management/maintenance, e-commerce management, and the coordination of vendor services.

The Saturday April 18th Independent Artist Showcase in the Music City Room – Nashville Convention Center from 7 – 10:00pm will feature:

* Indie Extreme/VHill Records recording artist and songwriter, Virginia Hill’s aptly-titled newest release Truth & Love, overflows with the same professionalism and signature positivity that made LOL such a significant recording. Hill’s self-penned anthems once again brim over with thoughtful truth and Biblical values, powerfully articulate on the worshipful ballad, “I Am Here.” The well-received project first outing for Hill, LOL, scored twice on the indie Top Ten CRW Global AC charts, with the pulsating “I Want To Be Like You” reaching #7, and “I Believe” soaring to #4. The first single “I Am Here” from Truth and Love is taking ground quickly on both the CRW Global and Signature charts in its first few weeks.

* Indie Extreme/Alturas Productions recording artist, Jaime Thietten is no stranger to the spotlight. Her 10 year singing career as a Christian AC and inspirational artist, she has used her soaring soprano voice to garner radio airplay around the world, win major industry awards, and share stages with recording artists such as Avalon, Clay Walker, Michael English, the Gaithers, Kenny Loggins, and Glen Frey (Eagles). Some fans are even calling her “Christian music’s answer to Celine Dion”. Her newest project “My Chance” just received the “Song of the Year” award at the Annual Momentum Awards in Nashville.

*Indie Extreme/Running Spirit Records recording artist and songwriter, Laura Kaczor returns to our showcase this year with big dreams and an expanding vision for her ministry. Since it’s inception in 2001, Laura has been the Worship Leader/Music Director, Co-Emcee for Jesus Fest, a quarterly festival uniting thousands of youth and young adults in worship and evangelism from over 150 churches throughout the NE where so many youth have given their lives to Christ. She completed her debut CD of all original songs, “Wake Me Up” with Grammy nominated producer Anthony Newett and completed an EP, “Wildflowers” of original songs with Grammy award winning producer John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter Cash at the Cash Cabin Studios.

Indie Extreme/ 3:16 Media recording artist Gina Tarajano is our most recent addition to the Indie Extreme family. In the summer of 2004, Gina was invited to study in Italy under Maestro Delpho Menicucci, vocal coach for Andrea Bocelli. The vocal instruction in Italy prepared Gina to climb the next step in her ministry. Early in 2006, Gina’s career took a new twist. In a meeting with Alejandro Jaen, renowned music executive, and famous Latin producer of many award winning hit songs, he decided to produce Gina’s first work as a C - Lisa Pusti

7/11/08
By: Tripp Laino

Laura Kaczor's interest in music began in church and hasn't strayed far since, despite her relocation to Nashville, Tenn.

The Collegeville native said she discovered her love of music when she started singing in church as a "small child." This led to learning to play a myriad of instruments - the piano, violin, the guitar and the flute. Kaczor began taking voice lessons at 14 and her instructor, Susan Dash, broadened her musical horizons, incorporating different genres of music into the teachings.
"I enjoyed it (music) thoroughly, and got really involved (while attending Methacton) high school," Kaczor said.

Her high school years also saw her family change churches to one with a contemporary worship service. These services showcased a different kind of music than that of a traditional church service, and Kaczor said this was a major part of her musical direction. "It was then that I fell in love with contemporary Christian music," she said.

But music wasn't the only thing she excelled at in high school, earning a National Merit Scholarship and graduating third in her class, which paved her way into the University of Pennsylvania, according to her Web site biography. College is where her first phase of a musical career flourished, she said. "When I was in college, I started writing (songs) a lot," Kaczor said. "A lot of people were enjoying my songs."

After college, she moved to Nashville, where she met John Carter Cash, the son of legendary country musicians Johnny and June Carter Cash. Cash produced her second collection of songs, which she said were more "folky, Americana stuff" than the work she had previously done. But this wasn't the only change when switching producers.

"Before, I worked with a Philadelphia producer, and he did all the instrumentation," Kaczor said. "I'd go in, play the songs, and he'd arrange them and play all the instruments. In Nashville, there was a whole band in the recording studio: it was amazing to see all these seasoned musicians."
She called the process "very stimulating," and cites it as the most exciting moment of her career.
"It was amazing to just be on the property where Johnny and June lived and record in the cabin where he recorded," Kaczor said. "He (John Carter) was just a really great, great guy - it was really cool to meet him."

Despite having recorded two projects, Kaczor continues to write music frequently.
"(I write) pretty much every day," she said. "(But) maybe not a completed song every day."
She said she gets the inspiration for her songs from a multitude of places. "Mostly just human interactions - a person standing on the side of the road, something will just spark something," she said. "The beauty of the world, I'm really inspired by nature and life experiences."

Kaczor will be sharing the fruits of her inspirations when she performs this weekend. "(I enjoy) interacting with the audience," she said. "(Just) connecting with them and seeing firsthand how they're being blessed by the song."

Laura Kaczor will be performing at the Paoli Presbyterian Church Saturday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. The church is at 225 S. Valley Road in Paoli. She will also lead the 10 a.m. service the following morning with special music performances. More information about the church can be found at www.paolipres.org.

©The Mercury
- The Mercury & The Daily Local News

7/9/2008

Formerly of Collegeville, Nashville singer-songwriter returns

Laura Kaczor, Nashville recording artist, anointed singer, songwriter, worship leader, musician and speaker formerly of the Collegeville area, is returning home this weekend with her “Wake Me Up” Tour – concert and worship.

A voice student of Susan Dash of Devon, Kaczor will perform 7:30 p.m. Friday at Faith Church of Worcester, 1341 Quarry Hall Road, Fairview Village, and again 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 S Valley Road, Paoli.

Admission to both is free. Faith Church will accept a “Love Offering.”

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Methacton High School, Kaczor moved to Nashville in 2006. She has completed an EP of original songs, “Wildflowers,” with Grammy award winning producer John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter Cash, at the Cash Cabin Studios. She completed her debut Christian CD of all original songs, “Wake Me Up” with Grammy nominated producer Anthony Newett in Philadelphia. “Wake Me Up” will be released in September 2008 on Kaczor’s own newly launched record label, Running Spirit Records.
Kaczor has been singing and writing songs since the age of 10 and placed second among 50 schools and 1,000 participants in PMEA regional vocal competition.

She has written close to 100 songs to date, and plays guitar, piano, flute and violin.
“Since she was a child, Laura dreamed of singing for a Disney movie and now she is the singer/songwriter for MelaoArts, Enchanted Characters from the Rainforest, animated films featured as hosts at the Denver International Film Festival in 2007 along with Dustin Hoffman, whose goal is to soon be produced into a full length movie,” notes her press information.
Since its inception in 2001, Kaczor has been the worship leader and co-emcee for Jesus Fest, a quarterly festival uniting thousands of youth and young adults in worship and evangelism from over 150 churches throughout the Northeast.

She has been a youth leader and Sunday School teacher for many years. She recently performed in two Gospel Music Association showcases in Nashville and a Campus Crusade for Christ, Wake Me Up Tour at the University of Pennsylvania. A National Merit scholar with a class rank of third, Kaczor also was recognized as “Montgomery County’s Outstanding Woman” for academics, leadership, talent and citizenship. While a student at Penn, she was a member of Full Measure, a Christian a cappella group and was a soloist on their album “Not for Nothing.”
She also was a worship leader for Penn’s Campus Crusade for Christ.

“Laura continues on tour throughout the country inspired by her passion to bring the beauty of God’s love to a broken world,” notes her press information.

For more information, visit her Web sites at www.laurakaczor.com or www.myspace.com/laurakaczor2.


- The Times Herald

Laura Kaczor will be performing her “Wake Me Up” Tour – Concert and Worship at Paoli Presbyterian Church Sat. night, July 12th at 7:30 PM. Originally from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, a voice student of Susan Dash of Devon, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Laura is a Nashville recording artist, anointed singer, songwriter, worship leader, musician and speaker. Following her move to Nashville in 2006, Laura completed an EP of original songs with Grammy award winning producer John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter Cash at the infamous Cash Cabin Studios. She completed her debut Christian CD of all original songs, “Wake Me Up” with Grammy nominated producer Anthony Newett here in Philadelphia. Since it’s inception in 2001, Laura has been the Worship Leader and Co-Emcee for Jesus Fest, a quarterly festival uniting thousands of youth and young adults in worship and evangelism from over 150 churches throughout the NE. Laura is the singer/songwriter for MelaoArts, Monarcha Stories, Animated Children’s Films featured as hosts along with Dustin Hoffman at the Denver International Film Festival in 2007.

Laura recently launched her own record label, Running Spirit Records, performed in 2 Gospel Music Association showcases in Nashville and a Campus Crusade for Christ, Wake Me Up Tour at the University of Pennsylvania. Laura continues on tour throughout the country inspired by her passion to bring the beauty of God’s love to a broken world.

For more information, visit www.laurakaczor.com or www.myspace.com/laurakaczor2
- Main Line Life, Daily Local, Suburban Wayne Times, King of Prussia Courier, and Times Herald

Monarca Stories, The World of Enchanted Creatures and Amazing Adventures, Came to Life at The 30th Starz Denver International Film Festival. God Was Never Too Early or Too Late, But Right on Time With His Promise.

By Anne Ferrier Crook
July 01, 2008


Once a little girl with a big imagination, singer/songwriter Laura Kaczor is breaking new ground in the music industry, and has had to endure many hardships along the way. After moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 2006, the capital of Christian and country music, Laura’s voice captured the heart of Venezuelan filmmaker, Elder Cordero, with her new CD. Her unwavering vision in Christian song writing has taken her to new heights, as she becomes the freshest new talent in Music City, USA.

Since the age of ten, Laura has been singing and writing songs, when an unexpected event planted a seed in her heart. A special gift surfaced when Laura’s
friend, Rose Murray, was dying of breast cancer. Being Laura’s first recorded song, Rose listened to it every day to receive comfort and strength, in turn nourishing her spirit. As a result, Laura’s passion for song writing grew, as she knew that God’s love had been the inspiration for her lyrics. She had always dreamed of writing songs for Disney movies, and bringing the beauty of God’s love to a broken world. So at the age of 14, Laura pursued her interest in music through studying voice with Susan Dash, piano, flute and violin. Then, at the age of 18, she taught herself how to play guitar. This required much patience and discipline, however she was clearly up for the challenge. Receiving a national merit scholarship, Laura attended the University of Pennsylvania during her college years, where she was overcome with the desire to record her own music. What began in the basement studio of a friend soon grew into something bigger. Eventually, the right producers came into the picture, and she was connected with producer Chris Davis from the Christian group, GLAD, and Grammy nominated producer, Anthony Newett, where she completed her first album, “Wake Me Up.”

Finally in 2006, Laura made the decision to pack her bags and spread her wings to Nashville, Tennessee. Given the challenge of not knowing anyone, and without much money, she certainly faced her share of struggles. At times, she even wanted to return home, seeing how tough it was to break into the music industry. After tears of discouragement, Laura renewed her faith in God’s promise, and soon found her rhythm in Music City, USA. With her first album, “Wake Me Up” under her belt, she eventually connected with award winning producer, John Carter Cash, son of famed musicians Johnny and June Carter Cash. It was then that Laura knew a big change was in the works. In 2007, a second studio project was undertaken, and Laura completed her “Wildflowers” EP at Cash Cabin Studios. As she continued embracing her dreams in Christian song writing, she began to experience amazing untapped potential and success, with God as her shield.

As the Spirit of God’s love is never too early or too late to deliver His promise, two worlds merged, as Laura’s voice captured the heart of Venezuelan writer-director, Elder Cordero. After twelve incredible years of research, development, T.V. interviews, among Tom Cruise, Ricky Martin, and Shakira, and international recognition, Cordero was able to experience his life-long vision on the big screen. His 3D enchanted characters of “Monarca and My Purple Flower,” hosted the 30th Starz Denver International Film Festival Children’s Gala, world premiere (starring Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman’s “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”). Through the unfolding of God’s plan, Elder’s friend, Joanne Gutierrez, opened a website to promote free Christian music, which connected the dots between Elder and Laura. After five years of searching for songwriters, Elder knew in his heart that Laura fit his request.

With divine timing weaving together these events, synchronicity continued to flow even more into the picture. Being a native from Nashville, Tennessee, MelaoArts writer, Anne Crook, was given the honor to meet with Laura and share the good news with her. She had been chosen to sing and write songs, exclusively, for Monarca enchanted characters! With her childhood dreams becoming a reality, Laura exclaims, “It’s awesome to see how music speaks to the human condition, bridging our differences, and touching the heart of a person. This is what excites me the most, and keeps me singing every day!” Laura has always believed that God had a master plan for her
music, and she is more than ready to reach out and touch the hearts of many through sharing God’s love. She is also planning on taking Spanish, which will allow her to communicate her messages of hope, faith, love and life even more with a global audience. Indeed, a Laura Kaczor victory!

For more information on MelaoArts and Laura Kaczor, visit these - Melaoarts Press Release

QUOTES:
“Laura has a heavy anointing on her life. When she sings, chains fall off of people.”
-Bishop Melendez, Soul Saving Station

“Laura, you have such a powerful and beautiful voice! Your lyrics are such a BLESSING! Your music is from God’s heart! He is speaking through your heart and voice to reach out and touch the hearts of thousands that hear you. God is using you in a mighty way! This is definitely a ministry that God called you to....I know that I am blessed!”
- Bill & Tina, Birmingham, Alabama

“Carol and I can remember the first time we saw you sing and I remarked, ‘You can really see Jesus on her face,’ and Carol said, ‘That’s just what I was thinking’. Thank you for being such a visual representation of Christ in leading youth and adults into His presence. Thank you for your sensitivity to the Spirit and the way you listen and then respond to the promptings of God. That is such a blessing to us all.”
- Pastor Dave Sharpes, Church of the Nazarene

“Laura has the most beautiful voice and such a sweet spirit. Her songs and lyrics are anointed and I listen to her CD every day, over and over and pray with it. My favorite songs are ‘Will I Believe’ and ‘The Communion Song’. Laura is my spiritual daughter and God has anointed her for a great purpose.”
-Pastor Joey Perez, Worldwide Evangelistic Ministries

“Laura, some how in the midst of the millions on myspace you found me. Whatever urged you to wonder on my page and request me has done wonders for my heart. Your lyrics have inspired me and restored my hope knowing that I am not the only one with such an intensity to figure out who I am and who GOD wants me to be. With God’s will & help l will be able to attend one of your concerts.”
-Christina, College Student from PA

“Laura, your voice is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time and your song "How Did You Know" has really deeply touched my heart and soul. I thank God for this great moment He has given me through you. That is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Wow, God is so good in all he does. This is a great night I will never forget. God bless you!”
-William from Massachusetts

“Laura was a hit! She is a gifted musician with and phenomenal voice. Her music and personality connect with a wide range of audiences. We look forward to having her back in Philly.”
-Steve Baker, Philly Metro Director, Campus Crusade for Christ

”Laura was great! She is my role model. Laura has been a blessing both tonight and at the retreat. God is totally using her!” -Vanessa, Student at the University of Pennsylvania (U Penn)

“From the depth of my heart, it surely was not only beautiful, but so amazing to see a ‘Full Measure’ alumni continuously singing for God’s Kingdom! I personally loved ‘Wildflowers’ the most. Laura Kaczor has such a powerful clear voice that touches people’s hearts! Keep singing!” -Minjung, Student at U Penn

“Oh My, Laura, your music is inspiring and your voice is very beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your music and lyrics and heart with us tonight!” -Ashley, Student at U Penn
- Lifethirst

3/26/07
By: Jeff Harvey

John Carter Cash, son of legendary Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, immediately loved Laura Kaczor's music and was impressed with her talent. Shortly after meeting, they began recording Laura's new songs at Cash Cabin Studios for her second CD project, "Wildflowers". These are some of the many songs Laura has written since moving to Nashville in 2006.

"Laura has a beautiful voice, I love her music and she has a great spirit," stated multi-Grammy Award winning producer John Carter. "I am especially impressed with her songwriting abilities. She has an amazing talent and I believe she has everything it takes to go as far as she desires with her music."

"I am very excited," proclaimed John Carter. "This is one of the best projects to come out of my production company, period. I am very proud of it."

"Working in the studio with John Carter was one of the best experiences of my life." recounts Laura.

Some of Nashville's finest contributed to the recording sessions. They included Tony Harrell (piano & keyboard), Bob Britt (electric guitar), Dave Roe (bass guitar who was long time bass player for Johnny Cash's band), Ronnie McCoury (acoustic guitar & mandolin), Rick Lonnow (drums & percussion), Harry Stinson (background vocals), Charlie Chadwik (cello), and Laura Cash (violin).

"They are all remarkable musicians," continued Laura. "Each brought their own unique sound to the track, while still maintaining the integrity of the song. It was an amazing process. On top of that, they are wonderful people and just a joy to work with!"

Laura has an authentic gift for writing sensitive lyrics and captivating melodies. Her desire is to write music that people can relate to, songs that touch their hearts and convey a spiritually uplifting and inspiring message. Her songs also have an organic and transcendent feel, a signature of the musical climate in Nashville.

The talent of John Carter Cash, woven together with Laura's beautiful voice, and her sublime and memorable songwriting, make this a great team that will hopefully produce timeless music for years to come.

For more info go to www.laurakaczor.com and www.myspace.com/laurakaczor2
www.johncartercash.com/Links.html and www.myspace.com/cashcabinstudio
- Jeff Harvey - Press Release