Ellis Paul with Special Guest Frank Critelli at the Kate May 26

Press release

OLD SAYBROOK, CT - The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, “the Kate”, welcomes back folk-pop singer-songwriter Ellis Paul on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Connecticut folk singer Frank Critelli opens.

Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless.

Born in Aroostook County, Maine, Paul is a key figure in what has become known as the Boston school of songwriting, a literate, provocative, and urbanely romantic folk-pop style that helped ignite the folk revival of the 1990s. His pop music songs have appeared in movies (Me, Myself, and Irene, Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and on television and he has released several children’s albums. Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, An Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year.

For more than 30 years, Frank Critelli has played in streets and subways, clubs and coffeehouses, barrooms and classrooms, colleges, festivals, theaters, and in his kitchen. Those who have seen him live know that this is when he’s in his element. With Rick Allison, Frank co-hosts The Local Bands Show on WPLR 99.1 FM and CygnusRadio.com. In addition, he contributes to the scene with performances and interviews and by organizing events such as the Olde Church Acoustic Series.

For information and tickets, visit www.thekate.org or call 860-510-0453.