Feinstein's at the Nikko Welcomes Paula West, Now thru March 9

Hotel Nikko and Michael Feinstein will welcome renowned San Francisco Bay Area jazz vocalist, Paula West, to Feinstein's at the Nikko for a four-week engagement - tonight, February 13 - March 9, 2014.

Known for her rich, powerful contralto voice, West will present an all-new show featuring an eclectic range of songs - from memorable jazz standards by Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart, to contemporary American classics by Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Accompanied by her four-piece band, West will take San Francisco audiences on a musical journey through the ages.

Tickets for Paula West range in price from $35 - $50 and are available now by calling 866.663.1063 or visiting www.ticketweb.com.

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.

The performance schedule for Paula West is as follows:

Thursday, February 13

8 p.m.

Friday, February 14

7 & 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 15

7 p.m.

Sunday, February 16

7 p.m.

Thursday, February 20

8 p.m.

Friday, February 21

8 p.m.

Saturday, February 22

7 p.m.

Sunday, February 23

7 p.m.

Thursday, February 27

8 p.m.

Friday, February 28

8 p.m.

Saturday, March 1

7 & 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 2

NO PERFORMANCE

Thursday, March 6

8 p.m.

Friday, March 7

8 p.m.

Saturday, March 8

7 & 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 9

7 p.m.

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 almost 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 and Bruce Barth on piano, Barak Mori and 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, visit: www.feinsteinssf.com. For Hotel Nikko San Francisco room specials, visit www.hotelnikkosf.com. Code: FEIN.

ABOUT Michael Feinstein: The two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated Michael Feinstein is considered one of the premier interpreters of American standards. His 200-plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace. More than simply a performer, Feinstein has received national recognition for his commitment to celebrating America's popular songbook and preserving its legacy for the next generation.

ABOUT THE Michael Feinstein GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK INITIATIVE: Founded in 2007, The Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative is dedicated to increasing the appreciation for the Great American Songbook and preserving it through educational programs, Master Classes, and the annual High School Vocal Academy and Competition, which awards scholarships and prizes to students across the country.