The Rest of Me at Club Cafe

Experience original musical theater songs from one of Boston’s emerging composers, Shira Laucharoen! Life is a journey, and our memories shape the stories that we tell ourselves. In this one-night show, witness reflections and personal narratives, while gaining insight into the craft and creative process of writing. Joined by cellist Sophie Paul, this is a concert that you won’t want to miss.

Shira Laucharoen is a composer and singer based in Somerville. Inspired by musical
theater, she writes songs that capture tales that often go unheard, characterized by lyrical melodies and evocative refrains. Her work often focuses on romantic themes and the ways that we bring the past to life. She has performed at spaces around the Boston area, including the Multicultural Arts Center, the Boston Figurative Art Center, Fort Point Arts Community, Warehouse XI, the Lilypad, and Club Passim.

Originally from New York City, Shira studied English and history at Columbia University, before beginning work as a journalist in Boston. Primarily covering art and culture, she has reported for WBUR, Boston Art Review, Sampan newspaper, and the Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism. In her writing, she has always believed in elevating voices from marginalized communities, and she sees many parallels between her work as a musician and as a journalist, which both involve a process of excavation. Currently, she works for an organization called You’re With Us, a non-profit that supports adults with disabilities, and she has learned so much about the capacity of empathy to change the lives of others.

Shira is thrilled to be performing at Club Café this night and will be sharing a collection of original ballads, several of which have never been performed before. Thank you to everyone for making this show possible, and Shira hopes you’ll enjoy this musical exploration of inner truths.

Originally from Salem, Oregon, cellist Sophie Paul is an avid chamber musician, passionate educator, and advocate for contemporary music. She earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of Puget Sound, studying with Alistair MacRae, and her Master of Music from the Boston Conservatory under the guidance of Rhonda Rider.

Now based in Boston, Sophie performs with ensembles including the Venus Quartet, Beacon Ensemble, Vibrant Matter Collective, and the Apollo Orchestra. As the cellist of the Venus Quartet, Sophie was awarded first prize in the Boston Conservatory’s Honors Chamber Music Competition for the 2024–2025 academic year. Her performance experience includes appearances at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, the Shalin Liu Performance Center, Boston’s Symphony Hall, and Citizens House of Blues. Sophie spent four summers as a student at the Brevard Music Center and has held fellowships with festivals including the Dalí Quartet International Music Festival, the Bach Institute at Emmanuel Music, Music from Salem Chamber Music Festival, and the Harvard Chamber Music Festival.

As an educator, Sophie has served on the faculties of Cappella Music Academy, Camp Encore/Coda, and the Conservatory at Highlands, where she currently teaches a vibrant cello studio with students.