Laurie Vega, How did you get where you are?

1996 was a year of big change for me.  I was summoned by a dear friend to come live with her in Naples, Florida – to help her through a rough time – she needed a friend.  Since I was unattached and always up for an adventure, I packed my bags and headed south.  I lived in Naples for a year before moving on to Orlando actually.  When I got there, I hit the ground running.  I quickly established a following at the local jazz spots and country clubs.  And in Naples, Florida is where I would meet a great man by the name of James Dale.  Mr. Dale is a retired composer, arranger, pianist and orchestra conductor, music director. He was absolutely instrumental and monumental in helping me develop my repertoire and my singing style.  And Mr. Dale would eventually produce my first CD entitled “Baby, I Feel Like Jazz Tonight.” However, before that would happen, another friend called almost exactly a year later and requested my company/my friendship in Orlando, Florida.  I was like Super Diva – singing the pain of out of my friend’s lives.