Our Host Ed Ellis is a railroad man and music lover.  Ed grew up in a small town in Western Kentucky, and worked his way up from a switchman on the Illinois Central Railroad in Paducah, to President of a company that operated 20 small railroads all over the country, and in England and South America.  He loves riding trains, often with his wife Peggy and their three kids or with friends, Ed has ridden thousands of trains and millions of miles on the rails.

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Ed has always loved music and has played the guitar since childhood. He learned guitar because he loved campfire singalongs, and he later led singing on train trips.  He and Peggy met at the Old Town School of Folk Music in a harmony class taught by Barbara Barrow, musical muse and wife of singer/songwriter Michael Smith.

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Wesley’s Place is the fourth musical venue Ed has created.  The first was called “The Listening Room” and was in Trinity United Methodist Church which was on Austin in Chicago.  Second was “La Grange House Concerts” at the Ellis home where Ed and Peggy hosted folks like Bill Staines, Anne Hills, and Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen.

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Ed combined his love of trains and music in Colorado, where he created “Mountain Rails Live” at the top of La Veta Pass, at a little place called “Fir” where the Rio Grande Scenic railroad staged 300+ concerts over more than a decade.  The Magic at Fir was recognized by USA Today as one of the top outdoor venues in America.

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Ed and Peggy love to sing together, particularly with their kids and friends, and even recorded a family album with songs like “I’ll Fly Away” and "City of New Orleans.” Ed has written a few songs, but doesn’t think of himself as a great songwriter, or singer, although he is likely the best singer/songwriter/railroad-president ever.

 

Wesley’s Place is something Ed created to support his church, his musical friends, and those who love to listen to live music in a quiet room where it’s possible to experience the love and passion of the musicians. 

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Ed hopes you enjoy being at Wesley’s Place as much as he does. The video Magic at Fir featuring Anne Hills and the Ellis Family captures the spirit of mountaintop music.  Enjoy.