Jazz Singer Paula West at CV Center for the Arts

“I can’t believe I’m in Castro Valley!”  That was a comment I kept hearing after the success of the summer musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. And, in fact, this is Castro Valley Arts Foundation’s 18th season of providing “Big City Entertainment in the Heart of Castro Valley." Next up at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts is internationally acclaimed cabaret and jazz singer, Paula West, Saturday, September 7 at 7:30pm. Adam Shulman (piano), Aaron Germain (bass), and Leon Joyce, Jr. will join Paula on stage.  

Paula’s gigs have included cabaret/jazz clubs and concert halls with stops at the White House, European capitals, Japan and Israel. Later this fall she will perform her new show “Breathing Democracy” at SF Jazz and in New York. She is known for her fun and innovative programs. As expected, she sings from the Great American Songbook, but she always includes some pop/rock icons such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Glen Campbell to mix it up. “Telling a story is what I like to do. The lyrics are the most important thing,” Paula shares.

Born into a Marine Corp family, Paula grew up in San Diego and, after college, moved to San Francisco, where she discovered her love of jazz.  At the time, she haunted the many record stores in the city, discovering all the greats. In fact, she has been compared to Billie Holiday and Lena Horne. The New York Times says, “No singer can be all things to all people…but Ms. West comes as close as any jazz singer nowadays to carrying off that impossible feat.”

Come enjoy this evening of live music with Paul West, and behold a true musical treasure.  Purchase tickets at cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ or call 510-889-8961. Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501Redwood Road. There are handicap accommodations and free parking.