Paula West to Return to Feinstein's at the Nikko for 6-Week Engagement
By: Tyler Peterson Jan. 05, 2015
Located within Hotel Nikko (222 Mason Street, San Francisco), Feinstein's at the Nikko presents a wide range of entertainers from stage and screen all within an intimate 140-seat cabaret setting. There is a $20 food and beverage minimum per person inside the showroom which guests can use towards cocktails as well as a variety of small plates crafted exclusively for Feinstein's at the Nikko by Executive Chef Philippe Striffeler, through Restaurant Anzu. Cheese and dessert platters will also be available in the showroom.Born into a Marine Corps family in San Diego, California, Paula West was initially exposed to classical music. It wasn't until college that West began listening to jazz singers such as Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn. After college, West moved to San Francisco, unsure of what she wanted to do with her life. Buying old records from thrift shops, she studied them and then began singing classes. As she became more secure in her talent, she ventured into jam sessions, places where an open mike gave her a chance to perform before an audience. It was at one of these sessions that she met a pianist who would join her in the climb to her own musical identity and her musical success. His name was Ken Muir, and he continues as her accompanist today. West went on to study with Faith Winthrop, developing her unique tone and delivery. She learned how to sustain a note without a vibrato, which is now a Paula West trademark.
West's critically acclaimed debut CD, "Temptation," was released in 1997, and included classic songs she grew up with, including "You'll See" by Carroll Coates and "Peel Me A Grape" by Dave Frishberg. It was followed by "Restless" (1999) and "Come What May" (2001). West's most recent release is "Live at Jazz Standard" (2012).
West has honed her talent, finding audiences from coast to coast and internationally. The recipient of three New York Nightlife Awards for 'Outstanding Female Jazz Vocalist,' West has shared the bill with such luminaries as Rosemary Clooney, Jimmy Scott, Oscar Brown Jr., Freddy Cole, Mose Allison, Mavis Staples, and Dave Frishberg. West has been the featured vocalist with The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, performed at The White House and had a sold-out debut at the Maison de la Musique in Paris.
Paula West's band includes Adam Shulman on piano, John Wiitala on bass, Ed Cherry on guitar, and Jerome Jennings on drums.
All seating at Feinstein's at the Nikko is cabaret style and available on a first-come, first-served basis within the section purchased. Guests who purchase the prix-fixe dinner at Restaurant Anzu will receive a complimentary section upgrade (subject to availability) and get to choose their exact seat locations within the upgraded section.
Guests of Feinstein's at the Nikko can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options before performances. Kanpai Lounge, located in Hotel Nikko's lobby, offers light cuisine, a full bar and specialty cocktails. Restaurant Anzu, Hotel Nikko's intimate restaurant located on the second floor, serves sustainable California cuisine enhanced with Asian flavors. Restaurant Anzu will also offer Feinstein's at the Nikko guests a special three-course prix-fixe dinner ($45 per person) prior to all performances. Reservations can be made by calling (415) 394-1100.For additional information on Feinstein's at the Nikko, please visit: www.feinsteinssf.com.
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