Looking for work.......

I am having a great career, spanning some 25 years now, in the entertainment industry! I continue to reap the benefits of joy, satisfaction and accomplishment from the bountiful gifts I received from God through my mother and father. God willing I will always do so.

I have tried to reinvent myself, on any number of occasions, to fit the vision of others and win a desired part while staying true to myself as an artist. Yet I wonder sometimes if anyone really knows of the trials we as artists go through on a daily basis to keep fresh, motivated, or, even relevant in a constantly changing world. At this point in my career I am once again finding myself in a place of change.

Going forward while I write this blog I am going to attempt to explain some of these trials in addition to letting you know where I happen to be at a given time. It is my hope that you will get to know who I am through these efforts and perhaps take comfort in knowing that no matter where we are along life's path we all have trials to overcome and crosses to bare.

Be well......

Can you say Spa treatment?

Hey everyone! I had a great time this weekend in Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, NC! The Westglow Resort and Spa in Blowing Rock is truly delightful! The food was great and the hospitality exceptional! Mr. Hamlisch and I also had a great time performing at a fund raiser for a new "Temple of the high country" in Banner Elk. Wonderfully friendly people in these little out of the way places! Back with you soon!

Mark

Thanks to Grace and Kylie

I had a great experience this week! I decided it was time that my two daughters see first hand what dad does to put shoes on their lovely little feet. So, Wednesday evening we took a road trip up the NY State Thruway to Saratoga Springs, NY, where I was singing with my good friend Mr. Marvin Hamlisch and the fabulous Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. We had a great time!

We stayed at the Gideon Putnam Hotel which is a stones throw from the incredible (SPAC) Saratoga Performing Arts Center where the concert was being held. The next morning the girls got a true "behind the scenes" view of dad's job. They met all the important people you know the stage hands like Jimmy and the sound crew Matt and Tiffany and of course the artists liaison Nancy Meyer who said that they could come back any time! I hope I get to come back with them. The girls helped me count and sell CD's and we all got a ride in the cart where Mark our driver kept us entertained by humming songs as we guessed the titles. We also got to spend time with a conductor friend of mine Mr. Ernie Green. Marvin hired Ernie to come with him and man the podium when Marvin was playing. The Symphony really performed well under both Marvin and Ernie and from the exuberance of the crowd I feel safe saying a good time was had by all!

The highlight of the trip for me was spending good quality face time with my two precious beauties. They grow up so fast and I always miss them so much when I'm away. I am so proud of them! They really behaved like the perfect little ladies I know some day they will grow up to be! Most of that credit goes to there mom! I am proud of you too honey!

Well it's off to the next gig!

Talk soon......

How are things?

Well, there is just no way possible to catch up from being gone for a week if you have to leave again in less than a week. I take off tomorrow evening for the gig in Saratoga With MH and I'm going to take my girls with me. Well, two out of three of them anyway. Grace and Kylie are going to get the back stage view of what dad does when he goes away on business.

Not too long ago at an audition the agent asked Kylie what daddy did for work. All she could answer is that he just works and works. So, I figured it was about time to let them see first hand. I forget that when they do the concerts with us in Ridgewood that they are more interested in what they are doing than what we are doing.

More to come soon!

Home

Thanks to all for the prayers. The audition went well.

It was really a great trip and I got to meet with some terrific people. Flew home to JFK on British Airways with Marvin Hamlisch on Thursday.

I'll be home for a few days then off again. Will be going to Saratoga Performing Arts Center to appear with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Marvin Hamlisch.

Will write more soon.

London - continued

This trip to London more pleasurable than last (this trip being with Marvin Hamlisch)

Staying at one of last privately owned and run hotels in London The Goring.

Visited Michael at the Dress Circle a Theatre/ Music Shop on Monmouth Street.

Wonderful dinner at Wolsley with Steven and Rocky Gotlieb Steven is a retired music publisher for Schirmer - Rocky is in Real Estate.

Lots of time to walk the parks and such

Four performances with Marvin Hamlisch at Pizza Express Jazz club on Dean Street
The first two went very well. Very warm audiences and well recieved. Marvin was his exceptional witty self. Maria Friedman has a uniquely beautiful voice and wonderful control

All prayers are welcome as I prepare to audition once again for JVJ in Les Mis on Wednesday 8/12 at 4:15 PM London time 5 hours ahead of East Coast time
I miss performing this role and delivering this compassionate message of hope and redemption

Trouble posting from London so my assistant Barb is helping out.
Back to you soon!

JMM

London Town

Well, folks - this will be short -

Today - Marvin (Hamlisch) and I are off to Covent Gardens to 'people watch'. I'll let you know about it.

BTW - we are staying just 2 blocks away from the Queen. Nice, huh?

Back later,

JMM

Back in London

Good Evening all -

Flew back across the 'pond' today. Great flight. Love the daytime flights as the jet lag is not as bad. We flew British Airways today (Marvin Hamlisch and I). Weather is a bit rainy here, but, hey, I'm used to that! LOL

Have to get some sleep now. Back to you soon!

Back to Basics

Well, all the folks have gone home. Scott and his family left the night of the concert while Christy's Mom just left. My Mom and Dad actually got to see all their children in the last month as once they returned home to Huntington, WV (the city where my sister, Beth is also currently living) - my brother Phil and his son visited them. Christy, Kylie, Grace and I stopped by to see Phil and his family on our way up from Florida last month.

So, now we are back to the business of 'summer' and it is finally seeming like summer - hot and humid. For me, this time is short as I will be leaving Thursday for London once again. This time to appear with Marvin Hamlisch at the Dean St. Jazz Club. This should be fun.

I'll get back to you soon!