Singer-songwriter Ellis Paul w/ Brian Larney

Name: Singer-songwriter Ellis Paul w/ Brian Larney
Start: 2026-01-23T20:00:00-05:00
Location: The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

Schedule

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026 at 08:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

The Kate - Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center | Old Saybrook, CT

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 and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a seven album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories.
His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films (Me, Myself, and Irene; Shallow Hal, Hall Pass) and have been covered by award winning country artists (Sugarland, Kristian Bush, Jack Ingram). 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.
His new album “55” touches on the necessity of gratitude in a difficult era of the pandemic and divided political stances on his own imprint, Rosella Records.
Connecticut singer-songwriter Brian Larney opens. Haunted by hooks and good old-fashioned songcraft, Brian Larney writes songs that feel both familiar and freshly worn-in. His songs are organic spoonfuls of classic pop and folk, naturally sweet, non-GMO, without the sugar crash; his style hearkens back to the days of Simon and Garfunkel, the Beatles, and maybe a bit of The Partridge Family.
Larney’s work has found its way beyond the stage and into TV and film, including a placement in Driven, the Sylvester Stallone–led feature film. He's released six albums and more than a dozen singles, steadily building a catalog that rewards repeat listening. His songwriting has earned him recognition as a three-time New England Music Awards nominee, a reflection of both his consistency and his connection to the regional music community.
Larney brings a warm, engaging presence that has put him on stages alongside acts like Cheap Trick, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and Marco Benevento. Whether performing solo or with a band, his shows emphasize connection, songs delivered with intention, humor, and an understanding that the best moments often happen in the shared space between performer and audience. It’s music made to last, rooted in melody, and driven by the belief that a great song can still stop people in their tracks.

With a sound that resonates with authenticity, Larney has carved a niche for himself in the Northeastern music scene, with his songs finding a home on the airwaves of esteemed stations like WFUV in New York. His hauntingly beautiful compositions have not only captured the hearts of radio listeners but have also made their mark on television and film, including the soundtrack of Sylvester Stallone's "Driven."