Ellis Paul's road to success has been blessed by his inspirations. Born in Maine, the singer-songwriter elected to move to Boston after receiving a track scholarship, and it was there that he became a vital force in that city's acclaimed school of songwriting, while balancing a rewarding career teaching inner-city kids. As a result of his performance dedication, he ended up receiving 14 Boston music awards.

After Paul discovered one unforgettable inspiration singer Roy Orbison, he covered the classic "Crying" for a video tribute recorded in Nashville last year and remains an avid fan of the late American folk artist Woody Guthrie, though his early influences were jazz artists: Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson.

But it was his dedication to Guthrie's legacy that drew him to perform at the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Woody Guthrie tribute in 1996, where he played with Bruce Springsteen and Ani DiFranco, the Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah, Oklahoma, where he was given an honorary citizen award and, as his reputation as an authentic Guthrie interpreter grew, was even asked by Guthrie's daughter, Nora, to collaborate posthumously on "God's Promise."

Paul's heartfelt approach to lyricism and melody also caught the attention of the Farrelly Brothers and his work appears in "Me Myself & Irene," "Shallow Hall" and "Hall Pass."

The recordings "The Day After Everything Changed" and "The Hero In You" establish Ellis Paul as an innovator in both adult and family entertainment. The latter introduces kids to important American leaders like Rosa Parks and Benjamin Franklin, while the former features a myriad of musical styles and a song, which summarizes Paul's trajectory: "World Ain't Slowing Down," for him or the enthusiastic followers who funded his current album.

Paul, who performs all over the US frequently, but not always in the Midwest, includes Chicago in this season's lineup.

WHO: Ellis Paul

WHERE: Schuba's, 3159 N Southport, Chicago, Illinois

WHEN: Saturday, September 15th, 2012, 7:30 PM