Laurie Dawes

Laurie is a native New Orleanian and the only female DeSoto Street Band member. She sings, plays the 12 string guitar, the djembe (pro-nounced JEM-bay, a skin covered hand drum capable of high and low pitches), washboard and various other percussion instruments.

Laurie co-wrote "Where Was Fema," "Katrina," "Going Home," and "Let's Don't Throw Our Candy in the Sand" song lyrics.

She has devoted much of her professional life to being a music therapist. With strong belief and results in the healing power of music, she continues to practice and administer music therapy everyday.