Best Richmond Singer and Songwriter

Susan Greenbaum

susangreenbaum.com

Second Place: Jason Mraz

Third Place: Steve Bassett

Susan Greenbaum, the pint-sized songstress who gave up a corporate career more than a decade ago to become a full-time musician, repeats as Richmond’s favorite singer and songwriter. For good reason, too — her most recent CD, “This Life,” is her best and most accessible to date, filled with memorable pop-rock arrangements and a plethora of melodic hooks. Plus, this woman really works it. In the past few months she’s performed in venues as varied as Temple Beth El, the New Community School, Ashland Coffee and Tea, and CenterStage. “When I first started doing this, I didn’t even know how to string a guitar,” Greenbaum recalls. “And I didn’t know anyone around here. To be voted the favorite two years in a row is just mind-blowing. I love this city.” Even though he’s currently featured in a California tourism ad and no longer resides here, Richmond native Jason Mraz grabs second. He still comes back to visit family, though, and offers generous support to SPARC, his alma mater. In third is that “Sweet Virginia Breeze” man himself, Steve Bassett, a respected veteran who practically broke the mold on singing and songwriting around these parts.

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