About

Paul Emery and Anni McCann (photo John Taber)
Paul Emery and Anni McCann (photo John Taber)

The “Nevada City Live” series marks Emery’s 41st anniversary of producing concerts and gatherings that create unforgettable moments for both the performers and attendees. He has organized concerts for legendary artists such as Richie Havens and Johnny Winter along with supported up and coming musicians including MaMuse and Mark Growden and assembled local musicians for special one-night productions such as “A Thousands Kisses Deep the songs of Leonard Cohen” and benefit concerts for local non-profits and community causes.

Emery started producing concerts for his band at the Nevada Theatre in the early 70s. His productions continued throughout the 1980’s and included the North Columbia Folk Festival from 1986-1991.  In between organizing and promoting concerts and festivals, Emery toured Europe four times and performed for the Queen of England when she visited Sacramento in 1983.  In 1984 he opened Bennett House Recording Studio in Grass Valley and started a record label bearing the same name. During this time, Emery served as the engineer on two Jonathan Richman’s albums, “Jonathan Richman (S/T)” and “Jonathan Richman and Modern Lovers 88”, both recorded at Bennett House.

Mr. Emery is a professional musician, producer and audio engineer (approx. 35 years). From 1998 to 2000, he contracted with Steve Lavere to restore vintage blues and jazz recordings. He has his own audio studio and audio production equipment (used for live sound, archiving, audio restoration, album/cd production and audio editing). He also owns a van used for equipment transport. Current clients, in addition to his own productions through Paul Emery Presents, include NC Chamber of Commerce, The Center for the Arts, Strings Concerts, KVMR, Nevada Theatre, Miners Foundry, Auburn Park and Recreation District, Alasdair Fraser, North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center, numerous bands, Legacy Productions, Oddfellows, GV Elks and others. In 2012, Emery was awarded the prestigious Dr. Leland and Sally Lewis Performing Arts award by the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce for his contribution and support of the performing arts in Nevada County.