Ellis Paul

Cycle of Life

Hey all—

Some sad news this week from me. My dear friend Paul Wiltberger passed away over the weekend. It was sudden and a surprise, though all of his friends were aware of his health issues and were worried for him. Late Friday night sometime, it all caught up with him. He was 62, and will be sorely missed by so many. I still don’t have details on what happened, but I pray it was quick and that he passed knowing how much he was loved.

Paul was one of a few people that I have worked with over the years that eventually became a great friend. Always smiling, full of light. An optimist. He was always a comfortable presence to be around. I wanted this email to honor my time with him, and I know many of you knew him from my shows and cruises, where he’d be on sound and helping with logistics. When my engine broke down in Illinois a few years ago, I spent a week at his place waiting for the repair. It was a $4000 vacation. He made it worthwhile! Soaking up time with him was priceless. He was always there for me and the rest my vagabond tribe of musicians. An open door, a home to sleep in, carrying guitars and sometimes even humans (Eric Lowen).

There will be a live concert memorial for him down the road and I am planning an online tribute as well, likely Sept 25, on the Traveling Medicine Show. Keep an eye out for details.

Now I start another run of fall shows, feeling emptied by the loss of a friend who I undoubtedly would have seen along the way. I’m so happy that on Wednesday my friend David Wilcox visits us in VA and will be my special guest, live, for my online series. Take care of yourselves! Let old friends know you love them!

Best,

Ellis

Ellis Paul Upcoming Concerts 2024

Click here for all details: www.ellispaul.com

• August 10, Bridgton, ME

• August 11, Arundel, ME

• August 14, Traveling Medicine Show Livestream ONLINE with David Wilcox (every Wednesday)

• August 16, Philadelphia Folk Festival, PA

• August 17, Columbia, MD

• August 18, Philadelphia Folk Festival, PA

• August 24, Traveling Medicine Show Livestream ONLINE

• August 23-27, New England Songwriters Retreat (NESR 8A), Chester, CT

• August 30-September 3, New England Songwriters Retreat (NESR 8B), Chester, CT

• September 5, Harvard, MA

• September 6, Natick, MA

• September 7, Beacon, NY

• September 8, Kennett Square, PA

• September 14, Columbia, SC

• September 19, Dayton, OH

• September 21, Alexandria, VA

• September 28, Flagpole Radio, Newtown, CT

• October 3, Pittsburgh, PA

• October 4, Thomas, WV

• October 5, Trenton, NJ

• October 6, Frenchtown, NJ

• October 17, St. Augustine, FL

• October 18, St. Petersburg, FL

• October 19, Tampa, FL

• October 20, St. James City, FL

• October 25, Boulder, CO

• October 26, Denver, CO

• October 27, Fort Collins, CO

• November 2 Neeedham, MA

• November 8, Belmont, MA

• November 9, Brownfield, ME

• November 10, Ogunquit, ME

• November 14, Methuen, MA

• November 15, Northampton, MA

• Novemeber 16, Saratoga Springs, NY

• November 17, Piermont, NY

• November 29, Charlotte, NC

• November 30, Decatur, GA

• December 13, Timonium, MD

• December 14, Peterborough, NH

• December 29, Boothbay Harbor, ME

Did you know?

SONGWRITING RETREATS: Ellis and his partner Laurie run one of the best songwriting retreats in the US, in Chester, CT. Only five slots left at NESR 8A! www.newenglandsongwritersretreat.com

VACATIONS: Ellis leads vacation excursions all around the world. Come Cruise with Ellis from June 16-23, 2025—see Amsterdam and the fjords of Norway! https://fanclubcruises.com/event/ellis-paul-amsterdam-norwegian-fjords

PRIVATE CONCERTS: Interested in having Ellis play a private show? Reach out to Craig: craig@blackoakartists.com