Phoenix resident Paula Tesoriero is a classically trained pianist who uses her background to write songs on guitar. Having never taken a single guitar lesson, she feels a greater sense of freedom to create deeply personal music.

The Show caught up with Tesoriero after Paula T and Company’s performance in the Center Space gallery at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The “and Company” refers to a rotating cast of musicians that plays behind Paula, who notes she has never played a show with the same collection of artists. 

Tim Agne/KJZZ

(From left) Bailey Zick, Paula Tesoriero, Jordan Tompkins, Ambur Gore and Max Beckman of Paula T and Company

This performance was filmed in June. The exhibit at the time was “Unintended Consequences,” a collaborative installation featuring the work of local artists Carolyn Lavender, Monica Aissa Martinez and Mary Shindell. Their wall paintings explored the effects of human activity on Arizona’s people, wildlife and plants. 

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