Laura Theodore is a television and radio host, vegan chef, sustainable lifestyle blogger, cookbook author and award-winning jazz singer and actor. She is the proud creator of the “Jazzy Vegetarian," and author of "Jazzy Vegetarian: Lively Vegan Cuisine Made Easy and Delicious."
Laura is presently the on-camera host and co-producer of the Jazzy Vegetarian cooking show on national Public Television, which was recently nominated for two 2013 Taste Awards. Going into it's third season, ninety percent of television households across the nation are now able to view broadcasts of Jazzy Vegetarian. In addition, Ms. Theodore hosts the weekly show, "Jazzy Vegetarian Radio," a talk/music format that focuses on delicious, easy to prepare, plant-based recipes, eco-entertaining tips, celebrity interviews, and upbeat music, served up with a bit of fun on the side!
Ms. Theodore has made guest appearances on ABC, NBC, CBS, USA, and PBS and was recently featured on Insider, Entertainment Tonight Online, News 4-NBC Washington, D.C. and CBS Radio. Laura has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, New York Daily News, New York Post, VegNews, Family Circle, PBS Food, Vegetarian Times, JazzTimes, Variety, and Time Magazine, among others.
Laura began eating vegetarian style over twenty years ago when good plant-based recipes were hard to find. She began creating healthy recipes, based on the familiar tastes in cherished family dishes handed down for generations. Ms. Theodore began her personal journey into the world of vegetarian cooking when she started working with Marcy Baskin, author of “Hingham Grain and Spice Cookbook.” In New York City, Laura counseled with nutritionist and life extension specialist, Oz Garcia, Ph.D. She became intrigued with developing accessible recipes based on classic American dishes, using vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and non-animal proteins.
As an award-winning jazz singer and songwriter, Laura has recorded six solo CDs, including her award-winning disc, “Tonight's the Night,” which received a Musician Magazine Award. Her 2009 CD release with the late, great Joe Beck entitled "Golden Earrings," was selected to appear on the 52nd Grammy Award list in the category of “Best Jazz Vocal Album.” Laura has toured throughout the country, performing at numerous major events, such as Night of 100 Stars, Fire and Ice Ball, and The American Film Awards.
On the acting side of things, Laura has appeared in over sixty plays and musicals including Off Broadwayfor two years in the hit show "Beehive," which earned her a coveted Backstage Bistro Award. She was honored with the Denver Critics Drama Circle Award as “Best Actress in a Musical,” for her starring role as Janis Joplin in the World Premier Production of “Love, Janis.”
A love for good food, compassion for animals and enthusiasm for great music has created a joyous life path for Laura Theodore, The Jazzy Vegetarian.