Leraine Horstmanshoff
MySpace | Listen to Samples

     Leraine Horstmanshoff, a world-renowned singer/songwriter, has been touted as having ‘enough in her musical bag of tricks to defy almost any expectation’ (Brian Staker, The Event). Her vibrant physical presence offers no choice other than to listen and observe her inherent musical genius, which is her gift to humanity. On stage, and in person, she holds nothing back and is the embodiment of welcoming energy.
     A traveling minstrel from birth, Leraine has extensively traveled the world, becoming known for performances that are ‘honest, gritty [and] exude confidence and individuality.’ (Cathy Gardiner, Harbourlight, New Zealand). At one point, she embarked on a four-year tour of the world where she earned her keep by playing music on the streets.
     “I figured I was in a foreign country,” Leraine says, shrugging. “They didn’t know me and I love to perform. It was easier than picking fruit.”
     When she returned home, she had gained self-reliance and a practiced stage presence that now causes even the toughest hearts to melt when she unleashes her rich, captivating voice. With lyrics as creative and laughable as in “Behind the Zion Curtain” or as tender and heartfelt as in “My Mother’s Song,” each performance is sure to please.
     Influenced by such greats as Patty Larkin, Joan Armatrading, Bob Marley and Martin Sexton, Leraine’s musical talents are seemingly endless. Her innate ability to make anything sound good is what sets her apart from everyone else and landed her a feature spot on the award-winning PBS television program, Music Factory.
     In any performance, you will be rewarded with a dazzling combination of guitar, flute, didgeridoo, djembe, bamboo saxophone, or an empty wine bottle. Her notably acoustic performances are a delight for the ears – as well as the eyes – especially when she attempts to play her guitar and her didgeridoo at the same time, and succeeds!
     Leraine has been playing the didgeridoo for 15 years and was first attracted to the didge while playing on the harbor streets of Sydney. For three days, she shared the harbor space with an aborigine man, Jawin, who played a didgeridoo. Eventually, they ended up playing together and she has been hooked ever since. Years of training have led her to teaching continually sold-out workshops in the art of didge playing. Recently, she started training with a Spiritual Didgeridoo master, Ash Dargan, and is expanding her work to include the ancient healing art of “Didge Medicine” in conjunction with her one-on-one Yoga instruction sessions.
     “Yoga,” Leraine says, “is what keeps me grounded and moving.
     Her introspective nature creates a supportive environment as she teaches the meditative art of Yoga, inspiring self-awareness in her students. She approaches the sessions in the same easeful manner she approaches the stage while, at the same time, she projects undeniable strength and power in her lithe form.
     Whether on the stage or in a Yoga studio, Leraine’s gentle demeanor wraps her in a warm cloak of mystery. Her performances weave a web of stories from her personal life and allow her audiences a glimpse of her that she most often shields with that cloak. When asked about it, she declares convincingly, “I really am shy.”
     You wouldn’t know it, though, when she leads a class or steps onto a stage. As she expands in her genius, she inspires those around her to do the same. Her goal is to have everyone around her wake up to things they may have never felt before.
     “Music is a vehicle for opening people,” she says. “You don’t have to even speak the same language. With music, you can still express in a way that reaches others and opens them up to deeper feelings.”
     Leraine has been called ‘a blessing for the world,’ (Ric Sharette, Salt Lake Center for Spiritual Living) and it is obvious on her highly acclaimed album, The Gift. She followed that work with the recently-released, duet album recorded live with the gifted singer/songwriter, Kathryn Warner and includes their much sought after rendition of Amazing Grace. Her current endeavor is her soon-to-be-released Leraine and the Soul Vibrations.
     If you are looking to be entertained, Leraine’s undeniable talent, relaxed grace and comedic timing never fall short. Her performances are direct, sensual, peppered with dry humor and entrancing. Being in her presence, whether she is performing or teaching is sure to be transformational. Be prepared to be amazed by this powerhouse.