Two guests share their stories and connection to the Asian American Drug Abuse Program: Kevin Shibuya, a graduate and now counselor for the program, and renowned saxophonist Michael Paulo who has regularly contributed his musical talents to past Showtime events. (Intro: How I Got Involved with AADAP)
KEVIN SHIBAYAMA:
Born in January 1985 and raised in Southern California of the South Bay Los Angeles area. Being a second generation Japanese American, raised in a first generation Japanese traditional household, it was not easy to find my identify. As a result, I got involved in drugs and gangs during middle school and high school which only lead to my drug addiction, broken family, pain, guilt and low-self esteem. Almost gave up on life but with the strong support, help and guidance not only from parents and family but from other support systems like people of AADAP, was able to have a foundation to build back up a broken life and family together.After completing treatment and maintaining a life of recovery, graduated high school, pursued college university education and successfully graduated with an AA degree in Human Services, Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and Certified as a licensed professional addiction counselor.Worked extensively with at-risk youths in a residential treatment facility from 2006-2018. Currently working with the adult population at an Intensive Outpatient treatment program since 2019. Having the passion in the service and business of helping support and guide people in need in our community is what I believe God has provided for me to do in this world.
Artist Biography by Scott Yanow:
Michael Paulo is a fine saxophonist who has thus far mostly played in the pop/jazz crossover field. Paulo grew up in a musical family (his father was a pianist and his mother a singer) but did not take up the saxophone until he was 15. He developed quickly and before he left high school was playing gigs around Hawaii. After graduation, Paulo became a member of the Hawaiian pop/rock band Kalapana (1975-79), recording four albums with the group. He also recorded with Herbie Hancock during this period. Paulo was a busy studio musician in Hawaii when he moved to Los Angeles in 1981. He played with Ray Armando, with a local r&b band and in 1983 became a member of Al Jarreau’s touring band, working with the singer for a decade. In 1989 Michael Paulo recorded his first date as a leader (other than an earlier set for the Japanese Trio label), One Passion (MCA) which was a strong seller. He has since recorded pop-jazz dates for GRP and Noteworthy and worked with Patti Austin, David Benoit, Johnny Mathis and many others, concentrating on his solo career in recent years.