The Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena presents The Stapenhorst Duo, Ellen and Steve Stapenhorst, who have been performing at the Backstage since 1998 when Steve was the first performer, on Thursday, Dec. 29, starting at 8 p.m.
The only time they’ve been away was over the past three years, says Bob Stane of the Coffee Gallery Backstage. Their return is so overdue.
Ellen and Steve Stapenhorst are veteran performers with countless solo shows over more than six decades. Their Aspen-based band in the ’70s, Tanglefoot, played nationwide with acts of all stripes, from John Stewart to Jim Nabors, Kenny Rogers, Dr. Hook, John Denver, Buffy St. Marie, Crystal Gayle and more.
In the ‘60s, Steve Stapenhorst was an original member of The Men, a seminal LA folk-rock group that spawned The Association. He sang and danced on The Red Skelton and Danny Thomas TV shows, and recorded an album of originals in 1967. Since then he’s been acting in movies, commercials, and over 60 TV shows. The latest is the comedy “Not Dead Yet,” coming to ABC in January.
Ellen lives in Western Colorado, and has five albums of original music dating from 1987 to now. Her music is heard on folk and alternative radio nationwide, and she has performed from castles on the Rhine to Red Rocks in Denver and so many places in between. She sings with intelligence and passion, looking at the joys and power of love, loss, justice, dreams, and everyday life.
During the height of the pandemic, Ellen performed online each week, prompting many of those tuning in to say it was what they needed to get through hard times. Humor, honesty, and her warm, seasoned voice carry her songs to the souls of listeners.
Tickets for Thursday night are $20. To reserve your space, call (626) 798-6236.
For more information, visit www.coffeegallery.com/blog/12-29-22-the-stapenhorst-duo.html.
