MUSIC AND VIDEO PRODUCTION (click song title to listen to song)
• 2006 Jewish Community Services Domestic Abuse - You're Not Better Than Me
• 2006 Greater Miami Jewish Federation Campaign 2006 - Tikkun Olam. Repair The World.
• 2008 Camillus House Homeless Project Campaign 2008 - Somebody's Child

SELF PROMOTION VIDEO PRODUCTION
• They Lost My Vote Music VIdeo (2 versions)
• Hey, Mr. Politician live at Miami-Dade County Auditorium
• You're Not Better Than Me Faces Of Violence (2 versions)
• Breaking The Silence In Song Competition New York City
• Georgr Goehring, Lipstick On Your Collar - My Life In The Brill Building

COMMERCIAL SONGS AND CREDITS (click song title to listen)
•1995 MasterCard Bermuda Annual Meeting - Leading Edge of Technology
•1996 MasterCard Miami/Nassau Annual Meeting - MasterCard: The Future Is Here
•1998 MasterCard Paris Annual Meeting - Time Is Now To Celebrate The Future
•1999 MasterCard Washington, DC Annual Meeting - Celebrate The Americas
•2000 MasterCard San Francisco Annual Meeting - Cross The Bridge to the Millenium
•2001 MasterCard Mexico Annual Meeting - Everyone Come To Mexico

About Ellen
Born and raised in Miami, Florida and a veteran to the stage since childhood, Ellen Bukstel studied and performed classical piano for many years only to find that her real love of music came later, as a teenager, when she taught herself to play the guitar and discovered her voice. From her first solo piano debut with the Miami Symphonic Orchestra at the age of 10 to performing before a cheering audience of 2200 for a Miami-Dade Democratic Fund raiser featuring Guest Speaker, Senator Barack Obama, her powerful songs and music videos have nurtured the causes she supports, affirms her love for her family and routinely brings her audiences to laughter and tears...sometimes both simultaneously.

From deeply emotional to hilariously funny to moving compositions of love, remembrance, and social awareness, her songs always hit home, Ellen sings from the heart about her life and family….and brings all that passion to the stage.

Ellen's first original song, Another Place In Time, started as a poem called Legacy Of Love that she wrote to her husband Douglas Segal, just prior to his death in 1988 at age 36 from hemophilia-related AIDS. Co-written with good friend Paul Hoyle, she began to deal with her grief though her music. Her song A Wooden Box, with the backdrop of a an actual TV broadcaster announcing Doug’s death, walks us vividly down the painful and difficult road of a young widow and her three toddler children as they bury their father. Ellen’s song Grow Up and Change the World expresses the sentiments of a letter written by Doug to his children with a hopeful plea to keep his memory and values alive. During the two years of his illness Ellen and Doug shared their story publicly together, educating literally thousands of people about AIDS by speaking out hundreds of times in the community. An AIDs curriculum guide was introduced in Miami-Dade County Public schools due to their work, they presented to President's Commission on AIDS and invited by Congressman William Lehman to present testimony on AIDS before the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee in Washington, DC.

Ellen has been an activist ever since, raising her three children, performing her music and speaking out publicly. This dedication and labors of love brought Ellen the honor of being chosen to carry the Olympic Torch for the 1996 Olympics and she shares the poignant tales of her fellow torch bearers in Raise The Torch.

Losing her father to Alzheimers Disease inspired her first solo song writing effort, Daddy’s Little Girl, which was chosen as a finalists in the esteemed New Folk Songwriting Competition at Kerrville Folk Festival. She affectionately refers to this song as her “good luck” song since it has consistently been recognized in many songwriting competitions across the country and helps to keep the memory of her father alive.

Ellen has honed and combined her exceptional art and music skills to write songs and produce powerful music videos. Her first one is called Faces of Violence featuring her song; You're Not Better Than Me. Her powerful voice and lyrics are the backdrop to a choreographed black and white photo study representing women and children in the community who are victims of domestic abuse. Subsequently, this song was judged from hundreds of entries as the Winner of the “Breaking The Silence in Song” competition chosen by five Grammy Award winning artists: Michael Bolton, Cissy Houston, Darryl “DMC” Mc Daniels, Warner Music Group’s VP Kevin Liles and Ben E. King. This competition was sponsored by Warner Music Group, Women Who Jam, (NCDAV) National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and (NABFEME) National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment.

"Ellen Bukstel's beautiful voice and poignant lyrics on her track, "Your Not Better Than Me" create an anthem and a voice for the thousands of survivors and victims of Domestic Violence who hopefully now know that they are not alone. I was honored to have judged the contest that led us to Ellen--an amazing artist and spirit. Watch the video, listen to the song and you will know what I know....that Ellen has managed to capture the horror of Domestic Violence while providing hope for thousands...all in a ballad that stands on its own as a great song."
-Michael Bolton, Grammy Winning Recording Artist & Singer/Songwriter

Her music videos have been used to raise monies and awareness for nonprofit community organizations including her song Tikkun Olam, Repair The World, licensed to The Greater Miami Jewish Federation for their Annual Campaign 2007 and Somebody's Child licensed to Camillus Houses’ for their $88 Million Capital Campaign 2008 to help house the homeless in South Florida. Her songs are making a difference. Ellen’s son, Todd Segal, graduate of Full Sail and a young successful film maker in LA, has been her co-producer as well and a creative and technical force behind her powerful music videos.

In addition to her own original songs, Ellen teams up to to write with her friend and fellow baby-boomer, Nancy Wuerzburger. Together they have found humor in the everyday concerns of today’s woman; from Hot Flashes to Voting Reform. It all adds up to award winning songs that vividly describe the joy, sadness and the humor of life that many can relate to including the hilarious, insightful and award winning song It Hot in Here or Is It Me? Ellen's sultry voice is striking a chord with Hot Women across they country.This playful, hilarious anthem to menopause hits all the hot buttons of women going through life changes, and has their partners nodding and clapping in wholehearted agreement. Bukstel is turning up the heat on menopause, and women everywhere are applauding. The song made a splash with Dr. Demento and was chosen for his 2004 Basement Tapes #12 CD Compilation; it is also on the 2006 Momapalooza, Moms Who Rock CD Compilation.

Ellen song writing has brought her national recognition, from Songwriter Competitions and CD Compilations to licensing opportunities and commissions for music videos for social and political causes.

She was one of the top three winners at the 2007 Wildflower Arts and Music Festival, where she rocked the house with Is It Hot In Here, Or Is It Me? and Ellen and Nancy's rockin', toe-tappin' tune They Lost My Vote...a humouous satirical song that speaks to the issues of election reform. It has been feartured on Air America's Thom Hartman show among others and has been adopted by many election reform organizations as their 'voter reform' anthem.

Ellen and her good friend and award-winning songwriter, Nick Annis co-wrote a song called By My Silence. A panel of judges including such esteemed artists as: Tom Chapin, Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, Judy Collins, Holly Near, Len Chandler, Christine Lavin, John Stewart, Peter Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey, Cheryl Wheeler and Mary Travers chose the song as winner of the coveted 2008 Music To Life song competition sponsored by Paul Stookey's Public Domain Foundation, which sponsors the competition to promote and facilitate the creation of cause-related music and furthers its impact upon issues and organizations of social and political justice.

"Keep on singin, girl! You have a gorgeous voice. Your work is fantastic...you are as good as it gets in every way that matters --
your passion, your voice, your musicianship, your meticulous recordings...."
-Christin Lavin, Singer/Songwriter

With three CDs under her belt, she has finally produced her first solo project called Daddy’s Little Girl, (CDBaby) co-produced with her son Brett Segal, an accomplished producer, arranger, drummer and recording engineer.

A native of Miami, Florida, Ellen’s parents encouraged her long years of study of classical piano; Ellen’s mother Rita, herself an accomplished opera singer, imparted the love of all music to Ellen and her two brothers. Ellen and her younger brother Gary Bukstel have been performing together since they were teenagers, originating their first musical group LEGACY, in Doug’s memory. Both performing singer/songwriters blend each of their own unique acoustic power-folk-pop style with their original songs and remarkable harmonies, a product of their "sibling relationship". When they sing together they rock the house with their high energy producing sounds and songs from the soul. Their combined talents delights audiences everywhere.

Since 1976, for more than three decades, Ellen’s graphic design studio Design Workshop Group, Inc., has produced original music, creative print and multimedia projects for a diverse range of local, national and international companies including AT&T, MasterCard International, PepsiCo International, Pillsbury, Ryder Systems (Ryder Trucks) to name a few.

Ellen has also been a tireless contributor to the South Florida Folk Festival, as both Board member and Graphic Designer for all the Festival print, signage and collateral materials.

Ellen also created and produced the Graphics for “Remembering Rachel" double CD compilation which raised over $50,000 for the children of the late singer songwriter Rachel Bissex who died from Breast Cancer. Ellen not only designed the CD package but is also the very first voice you will hear on the CD as she performs the beginning of Rachel’s song For Florence. A few of those included on the CD are Dar Williams, Patty Larkin, Annie Gallup, The Dreamsicles (Tom Prasada-Rao & Cary Cooper), Kate McDonnell, Siobhán Quinn, Lucie Blue Tremblay, Ronny Cox, Eric Schwartz, The Kennedys, Ruthie Foster, Freebo and Jim Photoglo.

In addition to her own busy songwriting and music career, she also encourages and promotes both new and seasoned singer songwriting performers. Since 1994 Ellen has been producing acoustic concerts. Starting with Miami-based Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse Concert series, named Best Venue by New Times magazine and currently Ellen and her sweetheart Brian (the Breadman) Wolfsohn, together offer House Concerts at their very unique outdoor, country Bukstel House Concerts-Shack In The Back. With a stage, lighting and professional sound, the converted Pole Barn on their two and a half acre property in South Florida seats more than 180 people. They have featured such notable artists ar Tom Rush, Chad and Jeremy, Vance Gilbert, Susan Werner, Christine Lavin, 60’s Hit Songwriter George Goehring (Lipstick On Your Collar) Jack Williams and the list goes on.

Ellen says “I have always loved to promote and encourage other artists because I know how much I love to perform and when I see them smile and having a great time up on our stage, it makes me happy. I know how good it feels when put your heart into your music and then get to share it with others.“

Ellen was recently accepted as a voting member of The Recording Academy / Grammy Awards.

The Critics, Fans And Friends Say It Best...
"It is a treat to witness the evolution of a significant talent. Ellen expresses that imagination with her beautiful voice, guitar and keyboard. Her award winning songs chronicle the joys and sorrows of a colorful tapestry still being woven...She conveys a depth of concern for the ever-increasing threats to world peace and to our own democratic rights. All this is related to the audience through a brave, though humorous and earthy connection between the world of musical performance and that of the social “bard” or “troubadour” from which the most powerful and relevant strand of folk music derives it’s roots. It’s not an act. It’s real."
-David Engels, at Sunrise Musical Center

"The music filled the room, with harmonies entwining like good lattice work. As I listened to the lyrics I wondered how she could possibly know so much about me....who told? Then someone made a comment in a similar vain, so I guess the universality of the lyric sentiments became obvious. What also had powerful impact for me was the stage presence. The strong eye contact and response made me feel like a participant rather than an observer. The evening was filled with original music and came to a strong ending. The room quaked."
-Deanie Heller, Broward Folk

How about a wonderful evening of listening to one of the most beautiful songbirds in South Florida...from Ellen’s sweet lilting voice to the perfectly played acoustic guitars, keyboard and percussion, you’re in for a rare treat and a memorable night."
-Carol Ulbrich, Entertainment News & View

"Brother - and - sister team Ellen and Gary Bukstel form the core of the folk-pop ensemble Legacy, which also includes multi-instrumentalist and singer Andy Neuman. Their album “Somewhere in Time”.....brims with love songs, some heart wrenching, others perky. Outstanding tunes include the title track and “Another Place in Time.” Profound yearning — for kinship, tranquility, re-connection with a lost love — is the theme in both ballads, which feature Ellen’s warm voice and the trio’s Peter, Paul, and Mary-sounding harmonies. Gary’s adroit finger picking shimmers."
-Nina Korman MIAMI New Times

Enjoy Ellen’s songs and music videos. Visit her websites:

www.ellenbukstel.com
www.myspace.com/ellenbukstel
www.myspacetv.com/ellenbukstel
www.sonicbids.com/EllenBukstel
www.designworkshopgroup.com
www.youtube.com/ellenmargo
www.cdbaby.com/cd/ellenbukstel
www.designworkshopgroup.com

DISCOGRAPHY:

1996: LEGACY: Somewhere In Time
10 song CD with Ellen and Gary Bukstel and Andy Newman

2002: Born To Sing
10 song CD with Ellen and Gary Bukstel and Amy Carol Webb

2008: Daddy’s Little Girl
17 song Solo CD with Ellen Bukstel and friends

COMMUNITY SERVICE / AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

In-kind Graphic Arts and Design services to various Community Organizations;
• Health Crisis Network (AIDS)
• Mothers’ Voices’ (AIDS)
• United Foundation for AIDS (UFA)
• Positive Connections  (AIDS)
• The River Fund (AIDS)
• World AIDS Day
• Safe Space (Home for Battered Women)
• NOW  of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
• FMVR - Florida Voice on Mental Retardation
• National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games
• Rachel Bissex Remembering Rachel CD
• Jewish Federation of Broward County

Public Speaking Volunteer for AIDS
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools AIDS Information Program Speaker’s Bureau
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools Teacher Training Workshops
• Veteran’s Administration AIDS Information Training
• AIDS Speaker for DCPS Elementary, Middle and High Schools, Synagogues, Churches, Corporations, Social Services Professionals (Doctors, Lawyers, Health Care Professionals)
• Corporate Employee Training
• Jewish AIDS Network
• World AIDS Day
• Baptist Hospital
• Temple Samu-El-Or Olam
• Temple Beth Am
• Dade County Public & Private Schools
• Health Crisis Network
• Informed Families
• Jewish Family Services
• Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Hospice Incorporated
• Family Counseling Services
• University Of Miami
• Broward Community College
• Safe Space (Servicing Victims of Violence)
• Hadassah
• United Foundation for AIDS

Committees/Board of Directors
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools AIDS Materials Review Committee and Development of AIDS Curriculum Guide for all Dade County Public Schools
• Broward Folk Club BOD Member
• South Florida Folk Festival Co-Director
• Folk Club of South Florida BOD Member at Large

Awards
• The Interior Design Guild of South Florida & International Furnishings & Design Association Florida Chapter  "Awareness Award"
• Mothers’ Voices "Pioneer Award"
• 1996 Olympic Torch Relay Runner
• Songwriting Competitions (see above)

Government
• Presented to: President's Commission on AIDS and the Florida State Legislative Task Force on AIDS in Miami, Florida
• Invited by Congressman William Lehman to present testimony on AIDS before the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee in Washington, DC.

Entertainment
• Producer of Temple Beth Or Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse to showcase original performing artists for purpose of donating money to various community organizations
• Recording artist and songwriter for her musical group, Legacy, named in honor of her late husband, Doug Segal who died of hemophilia related AIDS
• Has performed to raise awareness of AIDS in the community
• Producer of Bukstel House Concerts
• Multiple Singing Performances -ask for list of venues

In Addition...

Design Workshop Group, Inc...
www.designworkshopgroup.com

Also an accomplished graphic designer, Ellen has owned and operated Design Workshop Group, Inc. since 1976. For over three decades, Ellen has taken great pride in producing quality corporate collateral from creative concept to complete print production.

Her clients include a wide and diverse range of local, national and international companies and organizations. Design Workshop has complete in-house design capabilities using state-of-the-art Macintosh computers and the newest equipment to facilitate projects and provide quality service for clients ranging from annual reports, corporate image, logo design, ad design, brochures & direct mail to package design, web design, displays and environmental graphics.