Austin, Texas, United States
Writer, performer and interpreter of Jazz, Pop and Folk music. Former career in Marketing, Advertising and Customer Care. Mother, Democrat, Martial Artist, Canine Aficionado, Home Chef
PRIMARY SKILLS Excellence in performance Effectively listen and collaborate on stage Connect and engage with audience Paula Held is an Austin-based performing songwriter and student of jazz, with a penchant for melody, storytelling and poetic lyricism. Raised in New England and Spain, her music is informed by a variety of influences from classical music to popular Jazz, Folk, Rock and Blues. She's won songwriting kudos from internationally known songwriting clubs like the Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower Festival and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest (double finalist). She’s performed in numerous hallowed listening rooms including Anderson Fair, Bugle Boy, Eddie's Attic, Cactus Cafe, Momos Club, Saxon Pub and Blue Bird Cafe. Paula's original music is described as lyrically rich, melodic and sensual, with a voice reminiscent of Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones. PROJECTS Solo Acoustic | Pop-jazz influenced original music and eclectic mix of covers Held & Mann | Great American Songbook standards, Americana and original music Paula Held Quintet | Vocal and traditional jazz RESIDENCIES: Linda's Fine Foods, Wimberley, TX | 2011 - 3/17/20 Opal Divine's Austin Grill, Austin, TX | 2018 - 3/17/20 AWARDS 2012 New Folk Finalist, Kerrville TX 2012 Finalist Songwriter Serenade contest, Moravia TX 2011 Finalist Wildflower contest, Richardson TX 2010 Double-finalist John Lennon Songwriting Contest, New York NY 2011 Finalist Songwriter Serenade contest, Hallettsville TX 2010 ASG Bluebird Contest winner, Austin 2009 ASG Scholarship recipient, Austin 2008 Bugle Boy Showcase Finalist, La Grange TX 2003 Eddie's Attic Showcase Finalist, Atlanta GA PRESS "Paula Held adds new ideas to the jazz-related work of now famous female artists like Norah Jones, Diana Krall and Madeleine Peyroux. Her songs are beautiful, the melody lines fine, her voice is flexible and sultry, [and] the accompaniment is excellent ..." - Fred Schmale, Real Roots Cafe, The Netherlands
KEY SKILLS Excellent verbal and written communication skills Maintain positive, professional demeanor Customer-centric at all times Strong attention to detail Ability to prioritize and multitask Knowledge of home-hospitality industry and market trends As an Airbnb Superhost (5 consecutive years), I offer two listings with a focus on providing a clean and aesthetically pleasing home-away-from-home to travelers visiting Austin. I've been fortunate to engage with people from all over the world during SXSW, F1 and the multitude of other events Austin hosts throughout the year. Austin is truly a destination city, and continues to grow as an internationally recognized food, film and music industry hotbed. As a host, I create and maintain a safe space that soothes and regenerates. As an Austin-based host, I take pleasure in acting as ambassador to a city known for its diverse, creative mindset. As a musician and Austin resident, I enjoy providing a "local's perspective," pointing visitors to the iconic music venues, restaurants, watering holes and neighborhoods that make Austin so unique and memorable. My listings are rated 4.9 (out of 5) for Cleanliness, Quick responses, Thoughtful touches, Outstanding Hospitality, Stylishness, Local tips and Amazing amenities and Location. These Airbnb category ratings are the result direct customer reviews from over 400 guest reservations since opening my first listing in 2011. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, it's not possible to attach my listing URLs to the Links tab. If you're a recruiter looking to see the attention to detail I've put into my home-business, please feel free to copy and paste the links below into your search engine field. LISTINGS Oh-So-Suite Private Entrance & Bath, 4 mi to DT! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33043270 Double-Trouble Suite, Private Entrance & Bath, 4 mi to DT https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39036071
KEY SKILLS Excellence in performance Able to successfully convey composer's intent Able to connect with intimate audience Able to listen & collaborate on stage Knowledge of music theory and stage craft Monthly residency (2011) at upscale family restaurant in Texas Hill Country. Chef prepared foods with a changing seasonal menu served in an intimate setting a mile from Wimberley Square. Performances include selections from Great American Songbook, Folk, Pop and Country classics, & original compositions. PERSONNEL: Monte Mann, guitar (5 yrs) Paul Haake, guitar (2 yrs) Andrew Hardin, guitar (2 yrs) “Paula Held began playing music at my restaurant on February 11, 2011. I have owned a bar, managed and owned restaurants and been a professional musician all of my life. For ten years I wrote a music column. In that time I have seen many hundreds of performers and learned to judge their quality of performance. Very few reach her level of excellence. When Paula picks up her guitar and adjusts her microphone at the beginning of her set, her audience never knows what direction she’ll take. Her tastes are eclectic and her abilities comprehensive. She slides effortlessly from country to jazz standards, to soft rock. When she sings a torch song she sounds like she was tutored by Julie London. When she sings the blues, the intensity of her delivery can cover anyone’s lyrics. Her own singer/songwriter creations span several genres and are remarkably crafted throughout. Though her scope forestalls any boredom at the front tables, it never loses that sense of artistic integrity so essential to a great performer. With a voice that is at once soulful and controlled and a guitar that plays any direction with seeming ease, she stays at the emotional center of of her music, whether it is pain, love, or joy she is projecting." James L. Ash Linda’s Fine Foods Wimberley, TX 2016 PRESS: "A curiously addictive marriage of folk, pop and jazz influences." Arthur Wood, Maverick Magazine, UK
KEY SKILLS Excellence in performance Able to successfully convey composer's intent Able to connect with audience Able to listen & collaborate on stage Knowledge of jazz theory and stage craft Knowledge of sound production Monthly residency (2018) at popular gastro-pub near downtown Austin, with a changing roster of noted local jazz musicians. Performances include selections from Great American Songbook, Bossa Nova and original compositions, to bring vocal and traditional jazz to a new setting in Austin. PERSONNEL (past and present): Monte Mann, guitar Tommy Howard, guitar Darin Layne, guitar Jon Blondell, bass Chris Loveland, bass Chris Jones, bass Mike Gordon, drums Daniel Dufour, drums Jessica Mortensen, sax Tomas Ramirez, sax PRESS "Paula Held adds new ideas to the jazz-related work of now famous female artists like Norah Jones, Diana Krall and Madeleine Peyroux. Her songs are beautiful, the melody lines fine, her voice is flexible and sultry, [and] the accompaniment is excellent ..." ~ Fred Schmale, Real Roots Cafe, The Netherlands
Provide catering and food preparation assistance to UT Executive Chef Robert Mayberry for large-scale catering events through the year. KEY SKILLS Knowledge of food preparation, set up, serving, tear down and clean up Work well in a fast-paced team setting Maintain an upbeat attitude Attention to detail in food preparation and presentation Provide excellent customer service