Here we are in December with Christmas just around the corner. In our continuing effort to showcase some of our local talent, this month’s Sooke Folk Music Society’s Coffee House is presenting local singer/songwriter, Mark Ellis and his son, Reuben Ellis this Saturday, December 20 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. The evening is sure to be sporting a Christmas theme, so bring your caroling voices.
Mark Ellis has a diverse musical singing style (pop, folk, classical, jazz) and a varied background as a performer, songwriter, and solo artist. He has played to a wide variety of audiences both in Ontario and British Columbia. Mark received his musical training at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, and credits his musical home life for his interest in singing and playing.
His influences include Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Mark’s songwriting style can be described as sensitive and unique and the genres of his original compositions range from traditional folk to contemporary modern. His commitment to songwriting has been a lifelong goal and he believes through voice, words, and music he is able to expresses the feeling behind each song. Considered, largely self-taught on keyboard and guitar, his performance has a way of engaging all to participate. His intent is to take the listener on a songwriting journey that “satisfies the soul”.
After extensive time in the studio writing, recording and exploring his folk, country and blues roots, Mark’s first album titled “After All These Years” recorded at “Fresh Air Studios” in Victoria, was released 2007. Mark’s second album “Bubbles” is a contemporary modern single that was released in 2013, and recorded at “The Basin” in Sooke. Currently Mark is back at “The Basin” recording his third album with his son a local drummer, producer, and audio engineer Reuben Ellis. “After All These Years” and “Bubbles” are currently available through itunes or cdbaby.
Reuben’s entrance into the music world began at an early age, because he was inspired to join is father in creating music. Local drummer Murray Creed is often credited for much of Reuben’s training, and expertise as a drummer. By the time Reuben was 16 he was performing with local rock band “Acidwash” and had played in many local bars, and venues in the Victoria area. After years of touring British Columbia and Alberta, Acidwash was awarded a spot at the first ever Pemberton Music Festival. Later in 2010, when band members went separate ways, Reuben pursued a degree in audio engineering and music production at Harborside Institute of Technology in Vancouver. After performing various sound jobs in and around Vancouver Reuben returned to Victoria and began work on Mark’s third album.
Mark is a committed songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and with Reuben’s thoughtful punctuation on the drums, the music takes on a new dimension. Over years of practice, Mark and Reuben have created a polished musical sound and many of the songs presented tonight will be available on Mark’s upcoming album. Mark was past MC and friend of the Victoria Folk Society and friend of the Sooke Folk Society. He can be seen performing at various venues in and around Vancouver Island.
Mark and Reuben are look forward to seeing you at this Saturday evening’s Coffee House. So, please join us on Saturday evening, December 20. As usual, it takes place at Hoy Trinity Anglican Church, 1962 Murray Road. Doors open at 7pm with open stage at 7:30 and our feature at 9.
Contributed by Dave Gallant
