Experience a night of soul, groove and storytelling as The Carpenter Ants join legendary singer-songwriter John Ellison for a special concert in the park. This is your chance to see West Virginia’s premier R&B band perform with the man behind one of the most iconic songs in music history.
The Carpenter Ants deliver their signature "chicken-fried gospel soul," blending rich harmonies, fiery guitar solos and a rhythm section that keeps every groove propelling forward. The band features guitarist Michael Lipton, drummer Jupiter Little, bassist Ted Harrison and keyboardist and vocalist Mark Bates.
Ellison formed The Soul Brothers Six in 1967 and released the timeless hit "Some Kind of Wonderful," later covered by more than 75 artists including Grand Funk Railroad, Buddy Guy, Huey Lewis & the News and Rod Stewart.
His solo releases include Welcome Back, Missing You and Back. He has earned five Lifetime Achievement Awards, performed with Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, James Brown and Smokey Robinson, and was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
At 81, Ellison still commands the stage with energy and joy, while The Carpenter Ants bring power and precision as his backing band. Together, they perform a show packed with soul, heart and toe-tapping music.
