Paula Harris

With a degree in Event and Meeting planning, Paula understands both the planning and performance side of an event. She has performed at literally thousands of Weddings, parties, corporate events, Galas, festivals and other venues. She understands how to make an evening flow perfectly through the requirements of each event. She can also accommodate special requests such as toasts, announcements etc and work them seamlessly into the show.

"Paula's show was the first time in years that all the managers had smiles on their faces because the music was perfect! The crowd was happy and dancing yet the seated patrons were able to easily hold conversations without having to scream over the band. The vocals were easily discernable over the music and the musicians and song selections were top notch. A totally professional act that knows how to put on a show without taking over the venue"
Bilal Hodge- Manager, Top of the Mark- San Francisco.

"I hire world-class National and International acts on a nightly basis and Paula is much better than most of them. She is a Bay Area Treasure" Steven Suen- Owner, Biscuits and Blues-San Francisco.

"Paula is Hands down the best vocalist to ever grace our stage and the crowd loved her! We're looking forward to having her back" Denton Morrell- Booking Manager- Blues on Whyte, Edmonton Canada.

Paula offers several band formats from her trio plus vocals which is her standard format up to a 10 piece horn band with female lead vocals as well as background vocals. The larger formats can be tailored towards either a blend of Paula's Original funky blues mixed with classic soul or classic covers of 60's through todays horn-driven dance music. Her Trio/vocal format is the top echelon of "Cocktail music" The act was created specifically for the elegant "Top of the Mark" in San Francisco along with any other venue that wishes to have a surprising variety of Smooth Jazz, Classic Standards, Sophisticated Blues and Softer Soul. They can go from ambiance to concert stages to funky dance as the situation calls for. And they DO on a regular basis. Should you desire- set lists can be weighted more heavily towards one genre than others to meet your specific needs. It is a tremendously versatile group that can accommodate almost anyone's needs. This act can also deliver should you require an acoustic act. Paula offers special song requests for things such as a "First Dance" or a special arrangement of a theme song or other requirement. *One free arrangement will be provided per event. She can also bring in a guitar, horn, or violin as you prefer in addition to the trio.

All the musicians Paula hires are professional, prompt, dependable, and no use of drugs or alcohol at shows. Music can make or break an event or party and Paula understands what these special occasions need and how to give it to her clients. Her communication and professional outlook make her a delight to work with.

Multiple Music Award Nominee and winner including the International Music and Entertainer Award for Best Female Vocalist 2019, two 2019 and 2020 Global Music Awards( Best Jazz/Blues Album and Best Acoustic Album for "Speakeasy"), A 2019 International Singer Songwriter Award for Best Jazz Song ('Round Midnight) and the 2018 "Best Female Vocalist" from the NCEMA Awards( NorCal).

Paula Harris, is one of those rare “Genuine singers” who can authentically sing the full spectrum of Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Blues. Raised in South Carolina, Paula is a classically trained vocalist who has performed with Multiple Symphonies and Orchestras. After stints as a beauty queen, compulsive talent show competitor, and finally a corporate band "Hired gun", Paula decided to launch her career as a musical artist and bandleader as a 40 something. A feat many said was futile at her age. All were proven wrong.

She burst onto the scene in 2012 winning several prestigious "Battle of the Bands" including top honors in the largest Battle of the Bands competition in the world, The International Blues Challenge. This competition is held annually in Memphis TN and featured more than 250 bands from 40 states and almost that many countries. It's no surprise given the world-class players Paula uses, many of whom hold Grammy awards. It's a unique experience that allows her clients to have the headliners they see at Festivals and on TV play at their events with Paula acting as liaison/bandleader.

Paula has been written up in numerous magazines, newspapers, and reviews and has also received airplay on a global level on more than 3000 stations. Her accolades include being called “The Rightful Heir of Etta James”(At the Crossroads Magazine), Compared to Ruth Brown (The Monterey Herald), The great Sarah Vaughan (Blues Blast Magazine), Dinah Washington ( Scott Yanow- Jazz Critic) and called “A Force of Nature” (Cashbox Magazine) “She’s a sassy singer with a remarkably wide range, near-perfect intonation, and astounding breath control. She knows the value of subtlety when the material calls for it and she achieves an uncanny balance between tenderness and virtuosity” (Living Blues Magazine) Her write-up in the Sonoma Times said “Wow!” does not even come close. Voices like this are born, not trained, although I’m sure she has put in the time developing that gift with diligent study." Her latest effort "Speakeasy" has not only won multiple awards, it has also received 100% rave reviews in more than two dozen countries. Paula is obviously hard to describe, and the list of iconic names used in the press and media in attempts to do so, include not only the previously mentioned names but also those of Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith, Marlena Shaw, and even Phyllis Hyman and Diane Schuur, two of Paula's admitted influences. As you can see the list covers the full gamut of Jazz, Blues and Soul genres- as does Paula. "Speakeasy" has received 100% glowing reviews from more than two dozen countries around the world. It has been called "Stunning", "Top-Shelf", "Timeless", and described as "A masterpiece"

She has Southern Charm, an Earthy Sassy personality, a monstrously large voice and an impish sense of humor. She tends to run the gamut of emotions in a show and frequently, at appropriate venues, intersperses personal stories of how her original songs were inspired as well as hilarious recounts of incidents from her rich life and small-town southern upbringing.

Her repertoire pulls from classic gems of the 40’s through the 70's onward, as well as original material that blends seamlessly with her show's groove-driven vibe. Her off-the-beaten-path song selection bursting with humor, passion, and soul, delivered with stunning vocal prowess as well as the unique arrangements and the unbelievable energy these musicians deliver all stand to justify why their shows are always packed with an ever-expanding fan base. “Paula is a superb vocalist, songwriter, and interpreter of the music she sings. "Her ability to take and hold center stage is amazing indeed. Her live performances are heady, slinky and downright sexy! She mixes Jazz, Soul & Blues with ample attitude and sheer joy. There is no room for disappointment when this lady sings the Blues!" (Blues 411)
Paula Has performed at The Blue Note, Yoshi's, The Montalvo Performing Arts Center, Lesher Center for Performing Arts, The Orpheum Theater- Memphis, The Fox Theater, Atlanta, The Peace Center- Greenville SC, as well as with the Long Bay Symphony(SC) , the Atlanta ”Pops” Symphony, and a 10 year stint fronting the Carere Orchestras (GA). She was a resident vocalist at San Francisco’s famed “Top of the Mark” Jazz Club who has worked with Oleta Adams, Rick Stevens(Tower of Power) , Cold Blood, Tom E. Politzer (Tower of Power), Mic Gilette (Tower of Power/Santana) Joe Gransden, William Bell, Bill Ortiz (Santana) , and dozens of other acts.

Paula and her band can provide all equipment, cords, microphones and instruments required for any show. There are some case where a backline is provided such as a festival etc. Paula and co. can be flexible when these situations arise.

In cases where there is no house PA/sound in place, One can be provided for a minimal additional fee should it be required.

Lighting is never supplied and adequate electrical outlets must be present near staging area.