JANET PAULSEN
Jazz and Pop Singer
​Jazz/Pop vocalist Janet Paulsen is known for her carefully curated shows, thoughtful interpretation of lyrics, and passionate delivery. An evening of entertainment with Janet Paulsen is always a joyful, swinging, and inspiring occasion. With her sparkling stage persona and warm, welcoming style, she brings her heart and soul to every performance. With a strong lyrical focus, Janet connects deeply with her audiences, making every show an experience to remember.
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Janet is the lead vocalist and manager of the Hotel Paradise Orchestra. The 15 piece orchestra plays jazz music of the 1920s and early 30s.
A Sampling of
Janet's Curated Shows
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The "Joyful Song: A Tribute to Rosemary Clooney" is comprised of song selections that reflect Clooney’s life and love of music, along with a narrative.
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"It's a Lovely Day Today with Doris, Dinah, and Ella" features Doris Day, Dinah Shore and Ella Fitzgerald, and songs from albums they recorded with the famous conductor/pianist Andre Previn.
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Hotel Paradise Orchestra performances include:
The Great Gatsby Dance Party highlights music of the F.Scott Fitzgerald era.
Concerts that tell the story of the music of the Jazz Age Decade.
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"Jazz Stylings" features early jazz standards to pop.
"Halloween Tribute Show to John Waters" with songs from his films and personal favorites.
"Harvest Moon," an autumn show featuring songs with "moon" in the title.
"Holiday Jazz" shows with themes that reflect the season.
Janet Paulsen's Passion is Singing
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Janet lives in the Baltimore area and performs throughout the USA. She performs her own jazz ensembles and The Hotel Paradise Orchestra, which specializes in music from the 1920s and 30s.
From an early age Janet started singing and performing. She is a classically trained singer who received a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University, and went on to perform with a variety of opera companies in New England and the Midwest.
During the pandemic Janet made a transition to jazz, and was inspired by singers like Jane Monheit and Barbara Cook. She partnered with jazz pianist Anthony Pocetti for perf orming and arranging curated themed shows. They perform as a duo as well as with larger ensembles.
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Janet loves performing with and being manager of the Hotel Paradise Orchestra. As the Lead Female Vocalist with The Hotel Paradise Orchestra she works closely with musical director Jari Villanueva. The orchestra plays the music of Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Baltimore’s Eubie Blake, and other composers of the jazz age decade.
Contact Janet Paulsen for bookings.​
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House/Home concerts
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Private events and parties
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Intimate venues
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Hotels/Ballrooms
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Concert halls
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Jazz clubs
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Outdoor venues
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Non-profit organizations
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Janet is on the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) Touring Roster Program, which allows non-profits to apply for state grants.
Click here to visit Janet's MSAC listing.
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Hotel Paradise Orchestra
The Hotel Paradise Orchestra is under the musical direction of conductor Jari Villanueva. The 15-piece orchestra consist of two violins, banjo, tuba, trombones, trumpets, clarinets, saxophones, piano, drums, and vocalist Janet Paulsen.
​Recent performance venues include Hamilton Live in Washington, DC, Keystone Korner, Baltimore, Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, Italian Embassy, DC, Emory Grove Hotel Great Gatsby Dance Party, The Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom.
Click here to view a video highlight of The Great Gatsby Dance Party.
Reviews of Janet's EP
and Live Performances
Janet's EP "This Time It's Love" is streaming.
Click here to listen:
World renowned jazz and pop singer, Jane Monheit
To say I had a wonderful time working on this project would be an understatement; Janet is an utter joy to make music with, and brings such a passionate enthusiasm to the Songbook. The band sounds fabulous, and Janet gives her whole heart to every lyric. A joyful, engaging listen!
Janet Kenyon, Kenyon Artist Development, Nashville, TN
I love the recordings!! Janet has such joy and emotion in them all! Just gorgeous. Think Two for the Road is my favorite. Such beautiful expression and wonderful unique delivery! And the band sounds amazing!!
Norton Ewart, Denver based percussionist
Janet is a captivating and talented jazz/pop chanteuse, whose voice exudes elegance and style in every performance. Her range is a beautiful mix of intimate, lush, romantic Mancini to a toe-tapping Latin interpretation of My Foolish Heart. As she swings effortlessly through a collection of jazz standards and pop classics, Janet takes you on a journey that is reminiscent of late-night rendezvous - enchanting and unforgettable.
Performance Review by Todd Canter, Owner of the Riverbend Hotel
Janet Paulsen and her accompanist have performed in the Skyroom at my hotel, the Riverbend Hotel & Suites, Ashtabula, Ohio, twice in the past six months. At both events, the grand opening party and our New Year’s Eve party, she was enthusiastically received. Janet has a unique ability through her voice and vivacious personality to capture the spirit and sound of Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, and Doris Day. I’m thankful that I was introduced to Janet Paulsen and I look forward to her performing at Riverbend again in the near future.
Performance Review by Brenna Kupfeman, Director of Business Development, Liriodendron Mansion, Bel Air, Maryland
We thoroughly enjoyed having the Janet Paulsen Jazz Quartet's Joyful Song Tribute to Rosemary Clooney at the Liriodendron. The combination of expert musicianship, enthusiastic storytelling, and warm engagement delighted our audience, and provided them with a deeper understanding of Ms. Clooney's life, career, and music.
Harford County Living has named Janet Paulsen as
Artist of the Week for January 28, 2025
This week on Harford County Living, we feature Janet Paulsen, sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC. A classically trained singer from the Baltimore area, Janet has transitioned into a celebrated jazz and pop vocalist. Her performances, both solo and with the Hotel Paradise Orchestra, are acclaimed for their emotional depth and engaging narrative. Supporting local artists like Janet is crucial for nurturing the vibrant cultural landscape in and around Harford County. Click here to read the story.
