Vocalist, Lauren Vilmain is a graduate of Drake University. She majored in vocal performance with a minor in musical theatre under guidance of Professor Leanne Freeman-Miller. In her studies she fell in love with both the thrill of live performance and the beauty of self-expression. She has worked as a vocalist locally at StageWest Theatre Company and internationally in Viterbo, Italy. While being classically trained, Lauren also dove into musical theater repertoire. After her studies she found a challenging and deep love for American Jazz music. Although her jazz career is still young she performs locally with Lauren and Dee as well as NOLA Jazz Band.
Guitarist, Dee Blood, an Iowa native, has studied and performed music for over 25 years. Influenced by music from wide range of genres, including jazz, folk and ambient music, Dee has added his unique style to a number of central Iowa bands over the years, including Slopsycle and Stutterin' Jimmy and The Goosebumps. Currently, Dee also plays guitar with Jacob County and the Damaged Goods, a local rock group that has opened for acts like Reverend Horton Heat and Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer, Leon Russell.
Lauren and Dee is a newly found vocal/ guitar duo based in Des Moines, Iowa. Some may ask how a largely self-taught rock and roll guitarist and a classically trained vocalist found each other. Doing a bar gig in downtown Des Moines, Lauren and Dee were introduced to each other by a mutual friend. After getting to know each other, they peeked their own interest in the jazz scene. They began to dive into the classics both artists and music alike. As time past they found themselves venturing into musical theatre composers like Cole Porter and more obscure singer/songwriters like Merline Johnson. They have also enjoyed adding their own flare to popular tunes from decades then and now. They continue to find their own voice and truly enjoy making music. Ultimately, it is a passion for speaking through song that has brought them together.