On Saturday, August 15, Alex’s Place at the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard will again host innovative and eclectic singer/songwriter Ellis Paul, marking his 26th year performing on the Vineyard.
Mr. Paul is known for telling stories through music, which he’s done for over two decades. The musician spends most of the year performing at venues throughout the country, and continues to find that special quiet time to contemplate what he has witnessed, put pen to paper, and write, with the intent of sharing his experiences with adoring fans.
According to a press release, Mr. Paul performs in excess of 150 shows a year, has recorded 19 recordings, headlined at major festivals such as Kerrville and the Woody Guthrie Festival, and across iconic venues both large and small throughout America.
Mr. Paul’s newest release, “Chasing Beauty,” came from a trip down South. “I went to Atlanta, and the guys who recorded it for me were the Bush brothers,” said Paul. “They’re pretty extraordinary musicians themselves. Kristian Bush has been in the band Sugarland for the past decade. Brandon Bush is in Train, and is also in Sugarland’s travelling band. So I had a really great crew of musicians playing on it.”
The audience at Saturday night’s concert will have the experience of hearing these and many other classic Ellis Paul songs, sung in an intimate, up-close environment in which the audience is encouraged to join in and be a part of the performance.
“I have known Ellis Paul for over two decades, since our first encounter at the Wintertide Coffeehouse,” said Alex’s Place director Tony Lombardi. “Even I ended up in a song. His consistency and unbelievable humility in the face of such profound talent have been a cornerstone of invitation after invitation to perform at every venue you can think of, and with artists we all know and love. Everyone loves Ellis, and so his annual performances are a reunion for me, and for many on the Island who have come to love Ellis Paul as a part of the fabric of our community,” said Mr. Lombardi.
Ellis Paul at Alex’s Place at the YMCA, Saturday, August 15, at 8 pm, doors open at 7 pm. An all-ages show. Advance tickets $20 at ellispaul.brownpapertickets.com. Day-of-show tickets $25. For more information on the artist, visit alexsplace.net.