Ellen and Friends

Ellen sings “Songs I Learned at My Mother’s Knee, and Other Joints.”

Ellen’s mother used to play records to try to help her sleep; everything from the Sons of
the Pioneers to Edith Piaf. The night was filled with the plaintive cries of, “Mommy, turn
the record over!” Growing up in New York City and New Jersey, her life revolved around
music. She got her first guitar for her 14th birthday, then her cat ate the strings off it.
After purchasing a steel string guitar, she made the rounds of the northern New Jersey
coffee house scene in the 1970s.
After attempting a Fine Arts degree at Penn State, Ellen moved westward to seek fame,
fortune and the Colorado magic promoted by John Denver. Arriving in Georgetown
1979, she moved to Steamboat Springs for her first ten Colorado winters. Ellen fronted
several popular local bands in Steamboat (remember the Cow Pattie and the Meadow
Muffins? No one else does either!), before moving to Denver. Music pursuits morphed
into a career in massage therapy, which lead to years in elder care. Ellen now
combines her love of Seniors with music to entertain, engage and enlighten any group
that likes to sing, laugh and listen.
Ellen’s style combines old Folk favorites, Pop tunes, Sing-alongs and stories. A special
favorite is the Kingston Trio’s salute to Anne Boleyn, “With Her Head Tucked
Underneath Her Arm;” a song that gives her the same thrills as when her mother played
it for her 63 years ago.