Ellis Paul's Kids Show

Saturday August 6, 2011 @ 12:30 PM

Ellis Paul will be performing songs off of his "Parent's Choice" award-winning album, The Dragonfly Races.

"The Dragonfly Races" is Ellis' 14th album which was inspired by his two daughters. This marks Ellis' debut into the family/children’s genre. It began with the birth of his second daughter, when Ellis took time off the road for 6 weeks, the longest amount of time in his 15 year touring career. Late nights of pacing the floor while singing Sofi to sleep, Ellis decided to use his songwriting skills to create lyrics and music comprised of the messages he wanted to pass on to his daughters as they grow.

The songs on the album are intended to be sweet and playful yet insightful and thoughtful. Written in true to form Ellis Paul style of compelling and witty story telling; each song will bring both parents and children into a picture that Ellis paints with each lyric. Themes of peace, unity, and a sense of the planet as a whole underlie the album with grace rather than overstatement. To make the CD even more special, Ellis has married his drawing and painting skills with his music; all the artwork is done by Ellis, fulfilling his dream of putting the two together. The songs and artwork are clearly meant to be enjoyed by children as well as adults and promises to be a significant addition to the genre of family music. The album is produced by Flynn (producer of American Jukebox Fables) and is joined vocally by other folk favorites, Antje Duvekot, Vance Gilbert and rhythmically by Bill Jonas.

"Paul is one of folkdom's most incisive and intimate songwriters. Now a doting father, his first family album, "The Dragonfly Races," bubbles with buoyant, hummable songs that appeal to kids and parents - and incite good conversations between them. As simple as the songs are, they don't duck tough issues; a fairy tale, for instance, becomes a timely political allegory about leaders who peddle fear for their own purposes. Paul sings movingly about what really worries new parents and turns lazy dragonflies, gentle monsters, and resilient roses into useful metaphors for world peace, the power of faith, and the delights of a sleepy day. It's nice to see a world- class songwriter focus on kids without lowering either his sights or his standards. --Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe

Ellis Paul is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, poet and troubadour He is the recipient of thirteen Boston Music Awards, second only to multi-platinum act Aerosmith. Since launching from Boston, Ellis has built a vast catalog of music which weds striking poetic imagery and philosophical introspection with hook- laden melodies. He averages 150 shows a year and travels across America and Europe, playing venues from church basements to Carnegie Hall. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame invited Ellis to pay tribute to his hero Woody Guthrie, who has influenced and inspired Ellis in a profound way.

The Boston Globe heralds him as a "songwriter's songwriter" saying "no emerging songwriter in recent memory has been more highly touted and respected by songwriters." USA Today's national feature on Ellis was titled, "Best Bet for Stardom" which has come true after 15 years of non-stop touring.

"The Million Chameleon March" tells of a lizard-led protest on Washington with a gentleness that evokes Peter, Paul & Mary...Accompanied by CD liner notes that look like a children's book with Paul's own charming illustrations accompanying his lyrics, it's tough to say who will enjoy "Races" more, children or adults. With Paul's discreetly metaphorical songs, there's enough for listeners of all ages to ponder and appreciate." --Catherine P. Lewis, The Washington Post

Sound Clip:

Links:

Tickets:

$10 Adults / $5 Children