Meet Recording Artist & Chef Laurnea Yue’

Cahuita, Costa Rica
Vegan Culinary Artist | International Performer | Cultural Producer | Wellness & Creativity Curator

Multidisciplinary visionary Laurnea Yue’—a globally respected recording artist, vegan chef, and creative director—has launched a powerful series of culinary, artistic, and wellness initiatives in Cahuita, Costa Rica. Blending music, food, storytelling, and ancestral healing practices, her work centers Black wellness, creativity, and cultural exchange through immersive programming and media.                                                        

Laurnea started her career in New York on Broadway straight out of high school, followed up with one of the starring roles in the National and International touring company of “Ain't Misbehavin”.  Prior to her debut in 1997 and solo recording project on a major label, Laurnea was a member of three groups in the 1990s. Bobby McFerrin’s acapella group VOICESTRA, the British Group Loose Ends, and later a member of the Grammy Winning group ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT in the mid 1990's

She produced and wrote several songs on each project. Joining the R&B industry in 1997 with the release of her debut album ''Betta Listen", the album featured production by Omar, Raphael Saadiq, and Jon Jon Robinson. After 4 years of working with Sony, Laurnea left to form her own label, Era Sound 1 Records.

On her own label, Laurnea released several albums. In 2000. “Laurnea II” was released in Japan, South East Asia and Australia. The album featured well-known producers, Jon B, Craig Love and Dwayne Wiggins. Following up this release, Laurnea released “New Territory”. This album, too, was released exclusively overseas.  In 2004, Laurnea released "I Remember " in Japan with production by India Arie and Billy Odum. Laurnea returned to the United States with the album “The Collection” which was actually a compilation of four songs from each of her past four cds.

Laurnea worked with India Arie on her first 4 CDs and wrote for film and television, including American Idol. She also collaborated with Rachelle Farrell, co-writing five songs.

She recorded background vocals with Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson, Shanice Wilson, Ledesi and N'Dambi on a Rachelle Farrell project.
Laurnea has now completed her 6th CD, titled “UNIVERSAL LOVE, and now is working on releasing a house, Afrobeat projects with producers from several different musical countries,Currently working in Costa Rica with the Caribbean beats and musicians.

What is Laurnea up to today?

Food Notes: Live from the Creative Table (Podcast + Retreat Series)

Role: Creator, Executive Producer, Host, Chef
A 12-episode filmed podcast and interactive retreat blending vegan/raw food demos, live music, and soulful conversations. Features:
- 3 Local Episodes (with Caribbean Costa Rican guests)
- 9 International Episodes (filmed during a 5-day artist retreat)
- Bi-weekly Beach Finale Dinner Parties
- Set around a long island stovetop table with 6 guest sous chefs per episode
- Featuring guest DJs, poets, and soul food tastings
- Collaborators include Ocean Morisset (photographer), Tamishia Weaver (director), Suki Smoot and an international roster of talent

W.A.S.U.P. NITE @ private locations (Word Artist Sign-Up Poetry Nite)

Role: Co-Producer & Host with Samantha Thornhill
Bi monthly creative mic series spotlighting poets, singers, and emcees in an intimate venue.
- Encouraging spontaneous artistry and wordplay
- Highlights regional voices and special musical guests
- Open mic meets curated performance vibes

S.O.O.N. (Something Out of Nothing) Vegan Weekly Meal Prep

Role: Head Chef & Founder
Laurnea’s signature vegan culinary company offering soulful, health-focused Caribbean-fusion menus weekly.
- Orders open every Sunday
- Dishes include: Vegan Crab Cakes, Yam-Beet-Red Onion Roast, Butternut-Carrot-Ginger Soup, and more
- Focus on local produce and accessible plant-based wellness

International DJ & Artist Residency Collaborations

Role: Host Curator, Guest Chef, Performance Artist
Bringing global creative talents to Costa Rica for collaborative events, cooking segments, and musical sets.
- Possible partners include DJ Kemit, Dj Salah.Terry Hunter, Wayne Williams, Tony Hatchett, Omar, Soul II Soul, and Loose Ends
- Includes DJ-hosted beach dinners and filmed artist talks

Food Notes Retreats (Seasonal 6-Day Creative Wellness Retreats)

Role: Program Director, Culinary Guide, Artist-in-Residence
A deeply restorative, artist-led experience for musicians, poets, chefs, and creatives.
- Set across three boutique hotels (Miotrakasa, Olinka, Atlantada Beach Hotel)
- Includes cooking classes, beach meditations, music labs, poetry sessions, and final feast/performance
- Custom payment options: Zelle, PayPal, Cash App