Paula Clare, a singer and actor who hails from the Mahoning Valley, will release her debut album, the jazz-influenced “Lighter than Light,” in early April.
Clare, who now lives in Rhode Island, wrote and sung every song on the album, which will be available on streaming retail sites and at PaulaClareMusic.com.
The singer, whose maiden name is Paula Elser, graduated from South Range High School in 1978. She went on to Youngstown State University, where she performed in theater productions.
Clare’s love for the stage started early. Her first performance came when she was 12 years old and appeared in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the Youngstown Playhouse.
She left for Chicago in 1980 to build a career in theater, film and television, studying at The Second City, the St. Nicholas Theater and the American Conservatory, and appearing in multiple stage productions.
Clare has also appeared in several national television commercials, including McDonald’s, Blistex and Sears, and appeared in the film “Sixteen Candles.”
She later relocated to Rhode Island.
Clare combines her music and storytelling sensibilities on her upcoming album.
Produced by jazz musician Joe Parillo, the album blends rich orchestrations, cinematic jazz and cabaret influences.
Clare will celebrate the album’s release with a concert April 6 at Pump House Music Works in South Kingstown, R.I.