Laurie Goldsmith (guitar, vocals, percussion, keyboard) has been performing music professionally in and around the Boston area for over twelve years, working initially as a solo performing songwriter. Laurie has released three albums of original material and has participated in several songwriting competitions (including the finals at Boston's Acoustic Underground Competition and the semi-finals at the Great Woods Songwriting Competition). Laurie has received airplay on several of Boston's local radio stations and has also enjoyed contributing to different independent recording projects as a session musician, producer and assistant engineer. Over the past few years, Laurie has enjoyed performing with different ensembles including Jane's Bond, Sistahs of the Yam, and presently, Zili Roots and the Rajdalari Jazz Duo. Her love of music spans over many genres, including jazz, blues, reggae, r&b, rock, and of late more rhythms from the African diaspora. "I respect all forms of music that have feeling and come from the heart. Music is above all an expression of human spirit and a way to share this feeling with those around you. We need a lot more of this kind of connection."