Point Richmond Acoustic Presents Claudia Russell & the Folk Unlimited Orchestra with Special Guest Monica Pasqual | Friday, February 8

Photo Credit: Cha Levia

Point Richmond’s own resident folk diva, Claudia Russell, brings her eclectic blend of folk, blues and pop to Point Richmond Acoustic, Friday, February 8, at 8:00 p.m. Russell will perform with her band, the Folk Unlimited Orchestra, with husband Bruce Kaplan on guitar on mandolin,  Mark Petrella on bass, and Tom Tally on viola and violin. The concert is at the First Methodist Church, located at 201 Martina Avenue in Point Richmond and is part of the 14^th annual SF Bluegrass and Old Time Festival. Special guest songwriter Monica Pasqual of the popular group Blame Sally opens the show. Tickets are $15. More information is available at www.pointacoustic.org.

Russell is an award-winning singer/songwriter and was named Best Musician in the 2006 East Bay Express Reader’s Poll, Best New Artist by Boston Radio station WUMB and was nominated for Best Song by the Texas Music Awards. She and her band play an eclectic blend of folk woven from a patchwork of genres to form a unique, compelling sound. With an expressive voice that is as much at home on a whispery ballad as a full-tilt Buddy Holly-styled romp, she sings songs that deal with classic themes in her distinctive, unique way.

The events of the 14^th annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival (SFBOT) will honor old-time music from the past, highlight hot new talent from the present and glimpses into the refreshing Alt-Bluegrass sounds of the future through performances and dance. The 10-day festival runs from Feb. 7-17 and comprises more than 25 shows at 18 clubs and live music venues around the Bay Area featuring some of the most talented musicians on the Americana and Roots music scene today.

Russell has just finished recording a new CD for a spring release, and will be previewing songs from it. But to many fans, it’s her live show where Russell shines the most. Sing Out magazine said, “Claudia Russell is a great performer…She can really sing. And her band - let’s just say they’re hot. Connect them to the power grid and they’d light up a medium-sized town.”

Russell is a third-generation singer and has shared the stage with Peter Rowan, Tish Hinojosa, Laurie Lewis, Dave Alvin and Rosalie Sorrels. Her father, Val Rosing, sang with the San Francisco Opera Company and was the original 1930s vocalist on such million selling BBC Orchestra hits as “Teddy Bears Picnic” and “Try a Little Tenderness.”

Special guest artist Monica Pascual opens the show. Perhaps best known as a member of the group Blame Sally, her 2010 solo album This Cold Desire won Best Concept album from the Independent Music Awards. Her piano playing supports a clear sweet voice and songs that paint a picture from the palette of love, life and loss. Monica brings a modern ethereal pop sensibility to the singer/songwriter scene.

The Pt. Richmond First Methodist Church is an intimate place for concerts, and music is an important part of its program. Built more than 100 years ago, the octagonal sanctuary accentuates the up close and personal nature of the music. Pt. Richmond is a small enclave right off 580, ten minutes north of Berkeley and 10 minutes south of San Rafael.

Visit www.pointcacoustic.org for more info or contact Pt. Richmond Acoustic at folkunlimited@att.net