South Florida has produced few artists of the quality and character of brother and sister Gary & Ellen Bukstel. Starting with fine, individual musicianship, they give a blending of familial voices honed over the years. Native Miamians, their styles combine to form a blend of rich harmonies, accompanied by acoustic guitars and keyboard with captivating music and lyrics in their original material. In addition to their desire to produce fine music, Gary & Ellen are driven by the fond memory of Ellen's late husband Doug Segal, who died in 1988 from Hemophilia related AIDS....he was the inspiration for their community outreach for AIDS Awareness, hence the dedication of their original group name, Legacy. When brother and sister vocal duo Gary & Ellen Bukstel join forces watch out! The pure joy and harmony, a product of their "sibling relationship", and combined talents will carry you away. Both talented performing singer/songwriters and their unique blend of acoustic power folk pop style combined with their remarkable harmonies, promises sounds and songs from the soul. Gary & Ellen bring their family's history and their love for each other to the stage sharing the triumphs and defeats that their family has experienced. The blend of their voices is special. As they express themselves in a new song called "Brother and Sister", their harmony is decades in the making. Gary has been writing songs since he was nine years old. Ellen's began writing after her late husband was diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. Together they sing of love and remembrance... their songs are eloquent and moving.. Gary & Ellen sing from the heart. "We want to sing about the things that move us and affect our lives... that in turn gives a voice to people who share the same feelings" ...Their songs vividly describe the joy and sadness of life and their relationships..expressing deep emotions that many can relate to. Gary & Ellen have an impressive background of performances at festivals and venus across the state and nation. They have been featured as a main stage acts at festivals such as South Florida Folk Festival...The Will McClean Folk Festival as well as many clubs, coffee houses and house concerts have enjoyed their music. They have performed at Gusman Theater, and were featured on the CD, Songwriter Solstice Compilation, recorded live at the Kravitz Center, featuring a collection of South Florida songwriters. They have done many concerts to benefit AIDS Awareness. Their first CD, Somewhere In Time, is a collection of original songs and has enjoyed significant air time. Their latest CD, "Born To Sing", was a collaboration with Amy Carol Webb and is a sampling of some of the finest harmonies you will ever hear. ELLEN BUKSTEL... Finalist-2002 Kerrville, TX Folk Festival New Folk Songwriting Competition Semi-finalist-2002 USA Songwriting Competition Finalist-2003 South Florida Folk Festival National Songwriting Competition Audience Choice-2003 South Florida Folk Festival Finalist-Woody Guthrie Folk Festival with the 2003 OSCA .“One Plus One” (Oklahoma Songwriters & Composers Association) Honorable Mention-2003 Woody Guthrie Songwriting Competition Finalist-2004 South Florida Folk Festival National Songwriting Competition Song chosen for-2004 Dr. Demento... #12 CD Sampler Is It Hot In Here, Or Is It Me? Finalist-2004 Woody Guthrie National Songwriting Competition Finalist-2005 South Florida Folk Festival National Songwriting Competition Song chosen for-2005 CD Compilation: Protest Songs for a Better World Hey, Mr. Politician Song chosen for-2006 CD Compilation: Momapalooza, Mom That Rock Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Me? Semi-FInalist-2006 Public Domain Foundation Music To Life Song Competition Hey, Mr. Politician GARY BUKSTEL... Finalist-2003 South Florida Folk Festival National Songwriting Competition