Ellis Paul

The third concert is a first for Winter Wind.  A very special Ellis Paul Family Concert at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 5, will feature songs from Paul’s award winning children’s CD, Dragonfly Races. 

With two children of his own inspiring him, Paul has written delightful songs which are enjoyed by adults and children alike.  His children's CD, Dragonfly Races, was winner of the 2008 “Parent’s Choice Silver Honor Award.”  Established in 1978, Parents’ Choice is the nation's oldest nonprofit guide to quality children's media and toys.

Lynne Heffley of Parent’s Choice says of Dragonfly Races, “Noted folk singer-songwriter Ellis Paul serves up a deft, soulful acoustic mix of American folk and contemporary pop songs that find magic in road trips, dragonflies, The Star Inside the Apple, and swings and pinwheels --- simple pleasures.  Traditional folk themes of world peace and harmony resonate with immediacy, but are delivered with a gentle touch with The Million Chameleon March and The Little Red Rose.”

Winter Wind Chair Becky Grider adds "In much the same way that Woody Guthrie penned songs for children that are still being sung today, Ellis Paul's children's songs are destined to become classics.  I think children for generations to come will be singing these songs and in doing so not only will they be learning about the world around them...Road Trip is a tour guide of places to see, Because It's There takes you on a journey to mountain tops and beyond.....but will also be singing songs that contain bits of wisdom and slivers of universal truths."

One of the most significant stars in the modern history of folk music, Ellis Paul was a chief architect of what has become known as the Boston School of songwriting -- an urbane, literate and thoroughly modern folk-pop style that helped ignite the folk revival of the 1990’s.  His infectious melodicism, literate and provocative lyrics, and honest performing style drew attention as early as 1993.  Calling him  “a songwriter’s songwriter,” The Boston Globe wrote that “no emerging songwriter in recent memory has been more highly touted and respected by songwriters.” 

The Portland Press Herald wrote “Ellis is one of the most distinguished songwriters in folk circles nationwide and his show enthralled us and ensconced us in the poetry of his words melded with his guitar and distinguished voice.”  Performing Songwriter Magazine calls Paul “a master storyteller...who delivers with a passion that sets him apart in the company of a new breed of songwriters.” 

A favorite at Woodyfest, Ellis Paul has won numerous fans in Oklahoma.  He was made an honorary citizen of the city of Okemah, Woody Guthrie’s hometown.  Guthrie has influenced and inspired Paul in a profound way -- he considers Guthrie his hero -- yet Paul’s music is always uniquely his own. 

In addition to the three Performing Arts Studio concerts in the Norman Depot, Borders’ Books in Norman will host Paul from 2:00 to 3:00 P. M. Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4.  CD’s will be available to purchase and Ellis will be available to autograph them.

For additional information about Performing Arts Studio programs phone 405-307-9320.  For additional information about Ellis Paul visit www.ellispaul.com.  Listen to Paul’s children’s songs at www.myspace.com/dragonflyraces.  The Parents Choice web-site is www.parents-choice.org. 

Tickets for all performances are available at The Performing Arts Studio, 200 South Jones Avenue, and through OKC Tickets, a link for which is on the PAS website.  The evening performances are $20.  Family Concert tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults.  All tickets are general admission.  Seating is limited.  Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Winter Wind Concerts are made possible in part by grants from the Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Additional funding comes from: sponsors Tom McAuliffe of Don Cies Real Estate; Mark and Teresa Marsee of Avanti Skin Care; Therapy in Motion; and Nancy McClellan. Skye Diers of Gingerbread Nursery School, Becky Grider and Danna Primm also provide financial support.  Residence Inn by Marriott provides in-kind services.