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The Paula Boggs Band traverses jazz, bluegrass, soul, folk and Americana. This Seattle-brewed “Soulgrass” group features Paula Boggs (vocals/guitar/ukulele), David Salonen, Tor Dietrichson, Paul Matthew Moore, Jacob Evans and Darren Loucas, creating a rich, roots-driven sound rooted in harmony, storytelling and groove.Paula Boggs is a former member of the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities who resigned following the Charlottesville riots. Her song “Benediction,” inspired by the Charleston church murders, premiered in Charleston with the Mother Emanuel AME Choir. Before music, Boggs served as a federal prosecutor, attorney for the White House and U.S. military, and later as Starbucks’ top lawyer and a VP at Dell.
The band’s acclaimed latest album, Sumatra (2026), features collaborations with the Blind Boys of Alabama, Valerie June, Josh Neumann and James Falzone. Blending blues, gospel, folk and Americana traditions, the album explores aging, ancestry, hope, loss and resilience through mostly acoustic instrumentation.
Rainbow Rodeo called the band “an organic continuation of the music of people like Odetta and Mavis Staples,” adding, “We need more people to be making this kind of music.”
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.
Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Thank you for your support!
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1984 Bonita Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA, United States
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