Melissa Ellis & Her Cool Friends bring Southern soul to Crossville on Sunday

Melissa Ellis & Her Cool Friends will take the stage Sunday evening, Aug. 14, as part of a free summer series of outdoor concerts by regional acts at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tenn.

In a Facebook post, Ellis promises “some jazz and blues, with a country sound,” a mix she defines as “Southern soul.”

Ellis has been a professional musician for more than 25 years, with a resumé that includes regional theater, studio work, worship platforms, voice instruction and songwriting.

In 2009, she released her first album (under the name Melissa Benjamin), covering bluegrass gospel hits. The title track, “Crossville,” was adopted by her hometown as an official city song.

2012 brought a solo acoustic album of pop tunes, “Just Me.” Its 10 tracks include “Southern Spitfire,” a self- penned song that became her nickname.

A multi-instrumentalist, Ellis studied classical voice in college and dabbled in jazz while earning her degree in music therapy.

When not performing with her band, Ellis takes the stage as a one-woman show and as half of the duo Matt + Mel with her husband. She’s also a voice coach and published author of adult fiction.

She cites Dusty Springfield, Norah Jones, Connie Francis, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Brenda Lee and Shelby Lynne among her musical influences.

In case of inclement weather, Sunday’s concert will be moved inside.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Melissa Ellis