“Ellis Paul is one of the best singer/songwriters of his generation. And for many of us he is the face of contemporary folk music. Few are as smart, as literate, as poetic as Paul. I cannot think of another artist on the acoustic music scene is better loved by fans, or more respected by his contemporaries.” Lee Zimmerman – (writer/reviewer for American Songwriter)

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Ellis Paul is one of those gifted singer/songwriters. Though some may refer to him as a folk singer, he is more, for lack of a better word, a singular storyteller, a musician whose words reach out from inside and yet also express the feelings, thoughts and sensibilities that most people can relate to in one way or another, regardless of age or upbringing. The exhilaration of the open road. A celebration of heroes. The hope for redemption. Descriptions of those things that are both near and dear. The sharing of love, intimate,passionate and enduring.

Some artists document their lives through their music. Others chronicle their times. It’s a rare artist who can do both, telling their own story through songs that also encapsulate the essence of people and places who have helped define their era overall. Woody Guthrie comes to mind, and so does Bob Dylan. Bruce Springsteen certainly as well. Yet few others, for whatever genius they may possess, can relate their own history to the history experienced by those who find that common bond, be it in a coming of age, living through the same realities or sharing similar experiences.

There’s likely no greater evidence of how Woody Guthrie’s insights and humanity have rubbed off on Paul than in this particularly telling tribute from Nora Guthrie. “A singer-songwriter is only as good as the times he reflects, ”she said in praising Paul. “In times like these, when so many nuts are running the show, it’s comforting to know that Ellis Paul is actually holding our sanity on his own stage! Wise, tender, brilliant and biting, Ellis is one of our best human compasses, marking in melodies and poems where we’ve been and where we might go if we so choose to. Personally, Ellis, I’m goin’ where you’re goin’! ”   we are hoping to put together a member only workshop with Ellis.

Darryl Purpose as a special guest of Ellis Paul. Darryl is a tremendous songwriter with a long history of shows across the US.

Darryl Purpose. Website https://darrylpurpose.com/home

Opening our show is ACMA treasure, member and singer/songwriter Gene Martin!Gene is a radiologist who has been singing in church choirs, glee clubs, and choruses since childhood. He started playing the ukulele, and four string banjo as a teenager, then the guitar which was his constant companion through college, medical school, and during his tour as a battalion surgeon in Vietnam. He formed a quartet with fellow students in college where they entertained at many functions and parties. After retiring he joined the ACMA, and began writing songs. His first real attempt was the song, I Can’t Live Forever, But It’s On My Bucket List. He then formed a band called The Floridians with Mary Dahl, Al Candelaria, and Chuck Dettmann. They entertain in the atrium at Health Park, and at least twice a month at Loving Hearts, an adult day care center, leading many songs the clients sing with them, and they have done several shows sponsored by the ACMA. Gene also cohosts the ACMA Songwriters Circle with Bruce Cese Gallant. 

Concert Tickets are available at the door

Donations:
Members – $15
General Public – $20

Doors open at 6:30 pm