Singer-songwriter Ellis Paul returns to the Kate, Brian Larney opens on January 23

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, “the Kate”, welcomes Ellis Paul with special guest Brian Larney for an evening of engaging songs and stories on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 8 pm.

Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless.

Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album “Say Something” in 1993. This led to a seven-album contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, “Stories.”

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His songs have appeared in several blockbuster films such as “Me, Myself, and Irene,” “Shallow Hal,” and “Hall Pass,” and have been covered by award-winning country artists. Through a steady succession of albums of his own – a remarkable 23 releases so far – and a constant touring presence around the world, Paul’s audience has grown into a loyal legion of fans. Along the way, he has picked up an impressive number of awards including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award, 15 Boston Music Awards, an

Honorary Doctorate from the University of Maine, the 2019 International Acoustic Music Awards Artist of the Year and most recently his album, The Storyteller’s Suitcase, was named the 2019 NERFA Album of the Year.

Connecticut musician Brian Larney opens. Haunted by hooks and good old-fashioned songcraft, Brian Larney writes songs that feel both familiar and freshly worn in. His songs are organic spoonfuls of classic pop and folk, naturally sweet, non-GMO, without the sugar crash; his style harkens back to the days of Simon and Garfunkel, the Beatles, and maybe a bit of The Partridge Family.

Larney’s work has found its way beyond the stage and into TV and film, including a placement in “Driven,” the Sylvester Stallone–led feature film. He’s released six albums and more than a dozen singles, steadily building a catalog that rewards repeat listening. His songwriting has earned him recognition as a three-time New England Music Awards nominee, a reflection of both his consistency and his connection to the regional music community.

Whether performing solo or with a band, his shows emphasize connection, songs delivered with intention, humor, and an understanding that the best moments often happen in the shared space between performer and audience. It’s music made to last, rooted in melody, and driven by the belief that a great song can still stop people in their tracks.

For information and tickets, visit www.thekate.org or call 860-510-0453.

Event details

Ellis Paul with Brian Larney
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center • 300 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
January 23, 2026
Click here to purchase tickets

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January events at Fairfield Theatre Company

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1/14 – Robert Anthony Jones
1/16 – Brandon “Taz” Niederauer
1/18 – Railroad Earth
1/23 – FTC’s 90s Dace party
1/24 – Deconstructing the Beatles’ Rubber Soul
1/26 – FTC Theatre Education
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1/28 – LFO
1/29 – Shakedown Citi
1/30 – Dylan Conner
1/31 – Rock & Roll Payhouse – Chappell Roan

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Singer-songwriter Ellis Paul returns to the Kate, Brian Larney opens on January 23