Baker Artist Portfolios

Lauren Austin Silinsky is a Chicago-born jazz and Latin jazz vocalist and drummer based in Baltimore, where a serendipitous pandemic-era stop turned into a deep artistic home. Performing as Lauren Austin Trio/Duo/Band for refined events such as weddings and special engagements, and as Lauren Slinny Band for lively, informal performances, Lauren brings a versatile sound rooted in jazz and Latin jazz while incorporating Motown, ’90s R&B, and classic rock influences when the moment calls for it.

Lauren’s musical journey began early—studying vocals and piano at age five, alto sax by eight, and later guitar— attending Indiana University for Psychology, Spanish, and Business, but taking all of her electives at the renowned music school. Her journey was profoundly reshaped in her twenties when complications from a previously undiagnosed connective tissue disease temporarily took away her ability to sing and play. During that time, she stayed connected to music by booking and supporting musicians across Chicago venues. Upon arriving in Baltimore and gaining access to exceptional medical care and a supportive community, Lauren gradually regained the ability to perform, adding drums to her repertoire and rediscovering music as a central part of her healing.

Living with an invisible illness, Lauren is deeply committed to using music as a means of connection, resilience, and restoration. She is the annual recipient of Innovation Station Music Station’s “Pay It Forward” Grant, which highlights musicians living with physical disabilities or mental health challenges stemming from military service or other life experiences. Inspired by her father—a fellow musician who lived with an acquired disability—and a multigenerational musical lineage rooted in Ukrainian immigrants, Lauren honors the healing power of music by creating inclusive spaces where artists and audiences from all walks of life can connect and thrive.