Steven Gellman is a quintessential folk singer-songwriter with “insightful original songs and homespun stories that provide a soul-warming folk rock respite in a busy, chilly world.” -Donn B. Murphy, The National Theater. His songs tell stories of everyday life wrapped in notes that will have you humming along in a style that Billboard Magazine has described as “intensely sensitive and impressively intelligent at the same time.”
Armed with a dime store guitar and the sheet music to I Love Rock n Roll by Joah Jett, Gellman taught himself how to play guitar with one thought on his mind – he wanted to play in a rock band. But his rock n roll heart came with a “John Denver-ish voice” and Gellman soon found his passion for folk music founding the ‘90s folk-rock group Diamond Rose. When the band broke up, as first bands are apt to do, Gellman struck out on his own releasing a solo, full-length album to critical acclaim. Photobook was nominated for 4 awards from The Washington Area Music Association Awards and by The Gay/Lesbian American Music Awards for Debut Album of the Year. His follow-up release, Return to Summer Lake, was hailed by Billboard Magazine as “essential for fans of sensitive acoustic music.” In 2022, Gellman was a Wammie Award finalist for best folk artist.
“Gellman’s sensitive songcraft incorporates simple but evocative slice-of-life imagery, homespun folk warmth, keen pop instincts, and crisp, first-rate musicianship.” – Taylor Guitars. Never has this been more true than on Cold Harbor, Gellman’s 9th indie release where he digs deep into his own struggles exploring the intersection of depression, anxiety, and identity. This new concept album, covering themes that are common to many, but often left unspoken, was released on May 14, 2021 and was a finalist for best folk album and best folk song ,The Ocean, in the 2022 Wammie Awards.
Gellman has traveled near and far to perform at renowned acoustic music venues throughout the United States and Canada including the Birchmere in Alexandria, the Ark in Ann Arbor, the Blue Bird Café in Nashville, the Tin Angel in Philadelphia and Club Passim in Boston. In Washington, DC, he has performed at the venerated National Theatre and the most sought after venue of all, The White House. Steven has had the honor to open shows for Dar Williams, Cheryl Wheeler, Richie Havens, Richard Shindell and Al Stewart among others.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Tony, works with a national non-profit and we live in Lake Linganore with our three dogs, Fergus, Artie & Oscar, and our cat, Emily.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a full time singer/songwriter since the late ’90s. I love performing live and connecting with an audience. Please check out my website at hiddenpoet.com
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved to New Market from Germantown three and a half years ago. We love it here so much!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Random folks/dogs we meet along the walking paths in the neighborhood.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To sing live with a full orchestra
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how animal friendly it is to live in this area.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I don’t see much change. I will still be do the things I love-writing songs, performing live, reading books, and drinking tea.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I think most people already know this, but I’m a huge nerd. I love everything sci-fi/fantasy. Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, comic books, etc.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ireland for sure!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October. Hanukkah/Christmas – we celebrate both. Best day on the calendar? Hmmm, maybe the week between Christmas and New Years when we do nothing but sit in front of the fire with a pot of tea, good books, cozy blankets and, of course, our companion animals.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I loved the book The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
Music, music, music! A few of my heroes/inspiration are Bruce Springsteen, Kate Wolf, Tom Petty, Mary Chapin Carpenter, John Denver, Ann & Nancy Wilson, Phil Ochs, Carole King, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Paul Simon. I could go on and on.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
cozy, safe, welcoming
