Tony Ellis of Circleville is a banjo player of astounding skill and innovation and a legend among people who know bluegrass and old-time country music. He has composed more than 80 works and received 11 awards from the American Society of Composers and Publishers. Ellis has been an integral part of several influential bluegrass bands and in recent years composed, recorded and performed new musical works for the banjo that are influencing musicians in many folk traditions. Tony’s Ohio roots and contributions to traditional arts are strong. He has participated as a master artist in several Ohio Arts Council funded traditional arts apprenticeships and represented Ohio folk music in several international tours, including one produced by the Ohio Arts Council. As an artist, Ellis helps to support and conserve traditional music in the state, especially southern Ohio, and he has developed a grassroots organization in Pickaway County that presents fine traditional musicians from around the world. In recent years, Ellis has again taken up an extensive touring schedule, performing and lecturing at numerous colleges, universities and folk and music festivals throughout the country, Japan, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. No matter the setting, Ellis always exemplifies the finest qualities of traditional music, respectful of the limits of the traditions, but possessing a dynamic creativity that pushes the boundaries.
