About

Eli Elkus is a Musical Storyteller, SongCraftsman, and Folk Activist currently residing in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. He began sculpting his craft as a young troubadour fishin' for songs by the riversides and busking in the streets of New England. It was here the love of folk music and storytelling found him, connecting with perfect strangers through meter, melody, and merit-making story and song. Music for the people, by the people. No frills and no show business. And so it goes. The ramblin’ folk singer plays and tells for multigenerational audiences across the USA and beyond, freewheelin’ in his road sweet home 'JeBus' with his trusty hound Bronco. 

His performances draw upon a vast repertoire of original songs and stories from his travels and rekindlings of Old Timey Americana, Folk & Country Blues songs dating back to the early 1900s. The songs tell tales of travel, humanity, and treasures of the natural world. Recent works have been in cahoots with his partner in life and songcrafting Lara Wahl, including their first album together, Postcards From Heaven, and short musical films, "Lazy-Eyed Dreamer" and “Sleepin' On Trains”.

Eli’s latest releases are Jelly Bean Farmer  and Spinnin’ Yarns at Parks, Markets, & Farms (Live 2024).

 

Quotes & Letters Of Recommendation

“Eli brings a fresh approach to old-time music in his show that is a combination of musical storytelling and traditional folk-music playing. He is young and sincere and talented, all of which allows him to connect to his audience, whether they are folk-music fans or youngsters looking to dance and giggle. We also really appreciate the positivity of Eli’s show. As he writes, his songs “tell tales of travel, humanity, social equity, and treasures of the natural world.””
-Matt Atwood 
Programming Librarian, Dickinson Memorial Library

“Eli is a uniquely talented and beloved musician who has been performing at our Saturday market for many years. His style of folk music has become a cherished part of our community atmosphere. He is a reliable and engaging performer whose presence consistently draws and delights both townspeople and visitors.”
-Hannah Logan
, Market Manager, Greenfield Farmers’ Market

“Eli Elkus is a gifted troubadour who blends original compositions with timeless Americana, Folk, and Blues songs that have been passed down through generations. His performances are rich with narrative and melody, creating an experience that resonates across age groups. Our members are especially moved by his ability to evoke nostalgia, encourage sing-alongs, and foster a sense of shared history through music and story."
-Pam Parmakian
Director, Bernardston Senior Center and COA

“Eli is a truly gifted performer, storyteller, and instrumentalist. This mastery allows him to deliver songs about the shortcomings of modern living, but not the shortcomings of us. He is honest and entertaining and can mesmerize a crowd."
-Suzanne LoManto 
Director of RiverCulture, Montague, MA

“Eli Elkus is an experienced performer and easily engages the audience into participation.”
-Jennifer Reynolds
Director, Bernardston Senior Center and COA

“Eli is a talented performer with a unique style that appeals to listeners of all ages. We are lucky to have Eli in our community. I have seen firsthand how his performances bring people together, creating an atmosphere that is welcoming, joyful, and engaging. His music is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with a storytelling quality that resonates with audiences.”
-Mary Anne Antonellis 
Director, Shutesbury Public Library

“Eli is a talented musician and has a unique capacity to connect with strangers through the magic of storytelling.”
-Katherine Umstot 
Director, Sunderland Public Library

“Eli is an experienced and talented musician who has an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences of all ages through his captivating blend of folk music and storytelling. He has performed a numerous libraries, including Tilton, Falmouth, and Sunderland, as well as town events across the western Massachusetts region in places like North Adams, Amherst, and Shelburne Falls. Eli’s performances are known for their warmth, charm, and the way he effortlessly engages his audience, encouraging them to sing along and become part of the performance. His style of musical storytelling fosters a sense of connection and community.”
-Jaime Hageman 
Children’s Librarian, Wilbraham Public Library

"Eli is a terrific musician and more importantly, he “reads the room” so well; immediately fitting
into the whole Gestalt of what the Amherst Farmers’ Market means and it being central to the
Amherst community every Saturday during the Market season."

-David A. Machowski
Manager and Director of Operations, Amherst Farmers’ Market

“Our members have a deep appreciation for programs that bring people together through shared experiences, and Eli's work does exactly that. His ability to evoke cherished memories, encourage audience participation through sing-alongs, and connect listeners to our collective cultural heritage makes his performances especially meaningful for older adults. Beyond entertainment, his programs foster social connection, stimulate conversation, and inspire reflection on the stories and traditions that shape our communities. “
-Pam Parmakian
Director, Bernardston Senior Center and COA


"Thank God for Eli Elkus. Heaven’s cowboy... hell’s outlaw. I love all of Eli's songs... but especially the ones that I have a love/hate relationship with. These are the ones that make you cringe, force you to look at why you’re cringing… and thus set you free all at the same time. These are the ones that spit in the eye of societal pretenses, not just spits but exposes its raw red anus... and that little cowboy is just about the only authentic thing left to walk this here earth."
-Lara Wahl, Wolf Children Life

"You and that dog really is cut from the same shag carpet..."
-Mike Linscott

 

 

Press & Interviews
On the album Jelly Bean Farmer…


“Singer-songwriter Eli Elkus taps into a wondrously old-time style of music, fusing together the raw and primal elements of country blues, campfire Americana, and storytelling folk. There is a real sense of community that comes through in this music also, as has been captured throughout his most-recent full-length album, entitled Jelly Bean Farmer. This set has an honest and direct disposition, earthy vocals and gritty accompaniment, reflecting the true nature of the day-to-day human experience, the troubles and the joys and everything in between. And as the buzz and momentum surrounding Jelly Bean Farmer continues to gradually build, Eli took a brief respite to reflect with Aldora Britain Records on his life in story and song so far. We discussed formative musical memories from his adolescence, his unique and individual approach to songwriting and songcraft, a selection of his recorded output to date, and much, much more. That exclusive and in-depth conversation is published here in full for the very first time. “
-“No Country For Good Dogs”, Tom Hilton, Aldora Britain Records 
https://bit.ly/aldorabritainrecords-magazine-631

On the album Nonsemble… 


https://livemusicnewsandreview.com/2019/03/eli-elkus-nonsemble/
-Kathy Hicks, Live Music News & Review


"With his gravelly narration and ramblin’ guitar licks, Eli Elkus always takes us on a journey. His songs lead us through trailer parks and back alleys and introduce us to the unsavory characters that no doubt occupy the shady corners of his mind." 
-Betsy Green & Scott Heron, Folk New Hampshire

 

Aired on…

92.5 The River Boston, MA
90.7 WWOZ New Orleans, LA
106.1 Granite Rodeo Portsmouth, NH
93.1 WTJS Blue Suede Forever TN
93.1 WUNH NH 
WMUR TV NH
105.9 WVAO Athol MA
91.1 WGDR Plainfield VT 

90.1 WRUV Burlington VT