Hotel Paradise Orchestra

Specializing in playing music authentically from the 1920s and 30s, capturing the charm and swing of the early jazz era.

We perform throughout the Baltimore/Mid-Atlantic area.

For information about booking and to be on our email list please contact our manager, Janet Paulsen, who can be reached at 410-456-7010 and jlwpaulsen@gmail.com

Upcoming Events:

Jazz al Fresco Benefit Concert, at the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival, Thursday, June 11, 2026, 7:00 to 9:30 pm, doors open at 6pm.

Private event at Londonderry On The Tred Avon, July 22, 2026

Catonsville Concerts at 3, at Catonsville Presbyterian Church, Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3pm

The Hotel Paradise Orchestra is a 15-piece ensemble that authentically recreates the sound and style of the 1920s and 1930s. We feature two violins, tuba, banjo, two trumpets, two trombones, three saxophones/clarinets, piano, and drums—all performed by professional musicians.

Our repertoire highlights the timeless music of Duke Ellington, Baltimore’s Eubie Blake, Cole Porter, Fats Waller, and the Gershwin brothers, presented as the composers originally intended.

In addition to concert performances, our Orchestra appears at charity galas, ballroom dance events, private parties, and foreign embassy functions. Programs can also be customized to meet the specific needs of any event.

Jari Villenaueva is the music director, conductor, and music arranger of the orchestra. Click here for Jari's full biography.

Janet Paulsen is the lead vocalist and manager, click here for Janet's website.

Here are some venues where the orchestra has performed:
Hamilton Live, Washington, DC
Keystone Korner, Baltimore, MD
Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD
National World War I Memorial, Washington, DC
Live Arts Maryland, Annapolis, MD
Spanish Ballroom, Glen Echo, MD
Johns Hopkins Peabody Library, Baltimore, MD
Annapolis City Dock, MD
Italian Embassy, Washington, DC
BlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown, MD

Below are video clips from some of our performances, click here to visit our YouTube Channel.

Someone To Watch Over Me
Our Lady Of Angels Chapel Concert

Keep Your Sunny Side Up!
Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom

A-Tisket-A-Tasket
Annapolis City Dock
Outdoor Concert

Alexander's Ragtime Band
Live Arts Maryland