"A Grand Night for Singing"!

In a season where plans have been interupted by RAIN - we were blessed to have a wonderful 'rain-free' evening - Truly a blessing! And thanks to all of you who came out - it was quite a large crowd.

For those of you who could not attend, we did a night of Richard Rodgers. Music from some of his most famous Broadway shows such as, Carousel, Sound of Music, Oklahoma and more. Performing were Christy and myself of course, our daughters, Grace and Kylie; Sally Ann Tumas Skoric, Laurie Gayle Stephenson and also Sally Ann's son, Greg.

With all the traveling I do, it is always a pleasure to sing 'at home'. This year, my Mom and Dad were here as well as Christy's Mom and my brother Scott, his wife Susan and their son. It was wonderful to have so many of our family members here!

There are great pictures up on my Facebook page thanks to Matt Richman (thanks, Matt). and I look forward to any other pictures/video you folks would like to share.

Oh, yes, it stayed dry - then the rain returned overnight. What a summer..................

Tonight

Well, folks -

So far, it looks like the weather will hold. We have a great show planned, so, come on out (if you can) and join us! And can't wait to see any photos you may take tonight and share on my Facebook page.

See you later!

Sunday

Just writing a brief note - Mom and Dad are here now and its great to have them with us. The girls are loving this and, well, so am I.

I'm busy working on Thursday's show and getting ready for Tuesday (interview and performance) - very busy week!

Talk soon

Family and Stagebuddy

Hi folks,

Just got back from a few days R&R at Camp-of-the-Woods in NY. It is such a great family vacation spot. We had a wonderful time - lots of things to do- but, of course vacations must come to an end - eventually.

We can keep the 'vacation' feeling going a bit as today my parents are arriving. It will be great to see them again. Not only are they arriving today - but, they will be here through next week when we do our concert at the RidgewoodBand Shell in Ridgewood, NJ on July 30 . I will write more on that and our guests in a later post.

Be back soon - and remember to come out and join me for my interview on Tuesday night with Stagebuddy at the Players Theatre in NYC.

Stagebuddy.com Interview

Hi all,

I wanted to let you know that I will be interviewed on Stagebuddy.com on Tuesday evening, July 28th at the Players Theatre, 115 McDougall St., NYC - with a performance (perhaps). It is open to the public, so, if anyone is in NYC or in the area, come on out and join me. I would love to see and meet you!


JMM

How Time Gets Away From Us......

So many things to do, so little time! I really wanted to post sooner than this - but, this elusive thing called 'time' just doesn't stand still.

I will get back to the more personal/background things soon. In the meantime, thanks for the song suggestions....Now, I like to make it a supprise for all of you as to what will be chosen. So, be sure to come out and join us on the 30th at the Ridgewood Bandshell

New Topics...

Hey everyone! Hope your summer is going well! To this point, on my blog, I have spoken mostly about current events. Things that are happening to me as they happen. While I like to keep folks informed of where I am I also want you to get to know who I am. So, today I would like to share with you a little bit more about myself. Here goes...

I was born and raised in Huntington, WV, and proud of it! Save your WV jokes for another blog. I am a double Capricorn which means I have a very hard head. However, that also means that I, like most goats, will eventually make it to the top of the mountain.

I started singing at a very young age. I still feel that singing is my greatest gift. I want to and I try to share this gift as often as I can. Probably the most important fact about me is that I believe in GOD! Further, I give Him the credit and Glory for everything I have ever done and everything I will ever do!

Talk to you tomorrow!

Home again, Home again.......

We made it home without a hitch. On to the next project. I have to figure out what to sing at the Ridgewood band shell concert on July 30. Any suggestions? I hope some of you can make it out to the concert this year we always have such a great time! I'll be back to you soon. I hope you have a few ideas for songs........

Success

Well the concert at Wolf Trap was a huge success this evening! We had beautiful weather and the crowd was very appreciative. Though the humidity kept us all wiping our brow not a drop of rain fell thank the lord.

It's always a joy to perform with The National Symphony Orchestra and this evening was certainly true to form. Marvin was in great form, as well, and put on a fabulous evening of entertainment as usual!

Sorry if you missed it! Maybe next time. Bye for now!

Travel Day

Had a great day of travel today. Rained on and off most of the way. Didn't mind though because when I drive in beautiful weather I always think about how I could be doing something else. Like sitting on the beach, or, playing with my kids. This trip, driving to and from Florida, has given Christy and I some time to talk as well. We are wondering what is next for us in the grand scheme of things.

I got some new head shots taken while in Florida. After we choose our favorites I'll post a few so everyone can get a look at the new mug shot. Hope to see some of you at Wolf trap on Saturday. Have a great weekend!

Back with you soon.

J. Mark

Summer Fun and Work

Hope everyone is having a great summer! We have been in Orlando trying to take a break and relax a bit. Of course the girls have to see the Magic Kingdom and other attractions and I love to see them enjoy themselves!



Now we’re off on another adventure and heading up the east coast to Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. I hope to see many of you as I appear there with Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony on Saturday, July 11th. Be sure to stop by the area where they sell CDs (I will be there signing) and say 'Hi"



See you there!

The Recording, Trip Back, and More.....

The recording in Brighton for PBS to be aired in December went very well. They recorded it twice and I am anxious to see the finished product and I hope you are as well. The recording for the CD was also completed. I was on the original Concept CD for Tale of Two Cities (in a different role) and it will be interesting to hear this new recording.

Anyway, left Merry Old England for home and the flight was great - until - we were getting nearer to Newark Airport. We were delayed in the air as we were told about 'violent' thunderstorms in the area. Then, they announced we were being diverted to Logan. We didn't know how long this would be - but, I thank the Lord they decided to do this and miraculously - it wasn't that long. We were originally scheduled to arrive at Newark Airport at 6:30 PM but, actually arrived at 9:30. Christy and the girls were there waiting for me! It was so wonderful to see them after two weeks away!

Our reunion was short lived because the very next day I had to travel to Camp-Of-The-Woods in New York for an appearance there. Christy and I had appeared there on New Year's Eve and it was nice to see Camp-Of-The-Woods in the Spring/Summer.

Now Christy, the girls and I are heading for Florida until my appearance with Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap on July 11th.

Hoping everyone is enjoying their summer!

Later