These two artists first brought their talents to The Open Mic stage at the club, where their ability stood out.
We have been delighted to have Ellen and Paul as support acts at the club.
Ellen took ownership of the stage as a support act for Amiria Grenell and received warm tributes from Amiria for this support.
Equally, when Paul supported Enda Kenny, it was like a younger version of Enda, as Paul weaved songs of stories and life experiences, along similar lines to Enda's songs, which Enda acknowledged.
We look forward to a night where we experience more of their creativity, flair and their formula to bring us a night of awe-inspiring music. We challenge you to support new local talent, as these two are!
Two young artists to watch as their careers develop.
Ellen Barry
Ellen is a singer and songwriter from Ōtautahi who returned to her hometown in 2024, after 8 years of life in England. Back at the folk club after opening for Amiria Grenell shortly after her return in May 2024, Ellen is offering an evening of original, solo music; featuring intimate songs of love, loss and the evocative landscapes of the heart. With a voice that can quiet a room, described as uplifting and ethereal, combined with a deep love of poetry, spoken word and vocation as a therapist, Ellen creates song spaces that are personal, and self-aware and walk the space in between messily human and otherworldly.
As a former graduate of Ara Institute of Musical Arts, Ellen has led ensembles in the Ōtahtahi Jazz and Big Band festival but has found her way back to her folky roots, inspired by many artists who pair story with the simplicity of voice, guitar and a desire to bring people together. She is in the process of recording her solo works for the first time and is delighted to be sharing some of the upcoming releases this evening.
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Reel
Paul Bacon
Combining the ruggedness of rock, the rawness of rap and the relatability of folk, Otautahi local, Paul Bacon delivers his acoustic-driven originals with a vulnerability and authenticity befitting of the singer/songwriter tradition. Often introspective and always personal, themes of faith and failure, justice and frailty, love and longing are woven together in honest vocals and delicate melodies that remind us all of our shared humanity.
Since first discovering an affinity for songwriting at 15, Paul would spend the next 25 years honing his craft. With influences including Sting, Dave Matthews, Ben Howard, Toto, Steven Wilson and Eminem, he would borrow elements from all, in developing his own unique style based on his preference for fingerstyle guitar and alternate tunings.
Now ready to share with the world, songs previously only privy to bedroom walls, Paul is actively working toward performing and releasing his large repertoire of original music.
Website
YouTube
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