Contact Kia and Paul

Kia Hamm | kiaham@gmail.com  | (510) 205-1500

Paul and Kia’s repertoire includes standards from the Great American Songbook and features tunes from the days when “jazz” and “pop music” were synonymous. You’ll enjoy an interesting and eclectic mix of classic and current popular, blues, country and rock tunes!

Together Paul and Kia will give your guests a classy, stylish and highly entertaining time! Reach out to Kia for scheduling availability.

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Kia Hamm, Vocalist:

Kia Hamm’s multifaceted sound offers a refreshing change for listeners!

Kia grew up in Philadelphia, singing in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Kia’s early musical influence came from such towering musical legends as Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman and Marian Anderson.

After moving to the West Coast, she performed with various groups at venues including the Temple Bar in Santa Monica and the Sunset Room in Hollywood.

Kia was a regular performer at several notable California festivals. Kia’s first album, full of heart and soul, was produced by fellow Philadelphian LaRombé.

Back home from the west coast, Kia continues to pursue her musical career for her home crowd! She is currently working on several projects in the tri-state area, one of which is performing as a duo/trio with local guitarist Paul Elwood.

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Paul Elwood, Guitarist

Guitarist Paul Elwood has played at venues around the tri-state area for more than a decade. Paul’s repertoire includes many standards from the Great American Songbook and also features tunes from the days when “jazz” and “pop music” were synonymous. Enjoy an eclectic mix of classic and current popular, blues, country and rock tunes!

Paul studied at Berklee School of Music online under Boston-based guitarist and instructor David Newsam and privately with noted NJ guitarist John LaGreca. He performs regularly with pianist Patrick Kerssen and Arturo Baguer as the vocalist/guitarist for the Paul Elwood Trio. An avid guitarist and guitar/music instructor, Paul’s dad Johnnie Elwood got him started with Travis-style guitar as a pre-teen and he’s been trying to get better at it ever since (a half-century and counting). He plays electric, acoustic & classical guitar, ukulele, harmonica and clarinet.

When he’s not working with Kia, Paul also gives private fingerstyle guitar lessons in-person and online.

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Arturo Baguer, Double Bass

Originally from Miami, Arturo grew up in New York area, where he began playing professionally at 17. He has played many kinds of music (cabaret, theater , jazz, rock, top 40, classical, country, blues, Afro-Cuban, cumbia and other Latin styles, Celtic, singer-songwriter, Brazilian). He currently resides in Milford, NJ and is active as player and teacher.

He began touring in Europe in 1993 with folk singer Jack Hardy and plays at festivals and clubs in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and Italy. He has also toured the U.S. and Canada with various acts.

Arturo has done a variety of theater /cabaret work in New York tri-state area including Tracy Venner Sings (Gypsy), Metronome Tap Allstars, Pippin, Secret Garden, Anything Goes, Frida Kahlo: A Life in Art (Dance), David Barry Hot Band featuring Jane Arthur.

Recorded and toured with RCA Recording Artist Jordan Chassan, Revenge Records Recording Artists Rude Haiku, Grammy Winner Pinetop Perkins, UK pianist Ben Waters, Brazilian Recording Artist Ted Falcon, Fast Folk Recording Artist Jack Hardy, Lamon Records Recording Artist Chris Berardo, Koch Records Recording Artist Amy Allison, Henry Butler, Phil Wiggins, George Kilby Jr., Dana Lacroix, The Ink Spots, The Belmonts, Hunterdon Symphony, Moravian College Symphony, Lehigh Valley Pops Orchestra, Stone Soup Symphony.

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Some songs from our repertoire:

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Appearances

Friday, February 27th, 2026
Parker Stonegate

The Paul Elwood Quintet featuring Kia Hamm (vocals), Arturo Baguer (double bass), Bill Noren on percussion and  Patrick Kersson on piano.

Monday, August 17th, 2026
Gibson House (Evesham NJ)

Kia Hamm and  Paul Elwood

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