News coming about at this week’s end – WORLD CAFE LIVE & A KID’S SHOW!
WORLD CAFE LIFE – A new gig offer came in this week from a new show producer we are excited to be working with – Afton Shows – MARK DeROSE & The Dreadnought Brigade to perform at World Cafe Live on Thursday July 14th – showtime 6:30P!
Philly is the closest and biggest “town” (I can see in my head my Philly “cuzins” rolling their eyes as they read the word TOWN) for my music to aim to play in on a regular basis. Getting to perform at shows like these on a regular basis is ALL ABOUT bringing out our fans and filling up the seats!
IF YOU ARE READY TO PURCHASE get your tickets here … Up until July 1st, use the promo code MARK168 and get $2 off!
FIRST EVER SOLO KID’S SHOW – as some of you may know, I spent round about 3 years playing bass with local to Lancaster kid’s entertainer Steven Courtney. I’ve always enjoyed kiddos – perhaps bc I never mentally matured much further than the age of 12 – and of course I LOVE MUSIC… So it was during that time this time performing with Steven that the songwriter in me thought further about this logical marriage.
SO, I did ponder upon the thought, ”HEY… maybe I can do this as well?”…. and Me thunk it further, and I concluded, “Yup I can!”.
SOOOO… I’ve been doing some writing – attempting to “keep it simple” but “keep it feel good” – for the kiddo market and I have MY FIRST EVER SOLO KID’S SHOW this weekend! (Saying it’s a “show” may be a stretch as it’s a birthday party for one of my dear ol’ buddy’s 4 year old daughter. None the less, it’s a good way for me to get my feet wet. MY FIRST REAL KID’S SHOW? Friday July 29th at Martin Memorial Library in York, PA.)
Wish me well… I’m surprised how nervous I am about this performance…. it’s a bit more safe hiding behind the bass and performing with a veteran like Steven.
IN OTHER NEWS – MORE SHOWS THIS WEEKEND!!!
TONIGHT – SOLO @ Spring Gate Vineyard 6P
TOMORROW – TRIO @ Ephrata Brew Fest 2P
TOMORROW NIGHT – DUO @ Columbia Kettle Works 7P
A Father’s Day thought!
My dad, Nov. 1999 – Disney World. Enjoying a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar.
I just wanted to share a quick thought on this, my first Father’s Day! (I am not ashamed to admit that my Father’s Day celebrations lasted all weekend because my wife spoils me… I should maybe say “on this my first Father’s Day weekend”).
My little boy will be 9 months old in under a week. These past 9 months have been some of the best times of my life, I’m truly full of a kind of love I did not think myself capable.
I am 100% confident I say the above because of the great father I had.
It will be 14 years this July since my father passed. He was 65, and I was 25 at the time…. it rather rocked my world. I remember thinking, “I am not ready to be on the other side of things just yet!”. Meaning, I was not ready to be “old enough” to be without my father.
No one’s ever really ready to say good bye to a parent… my dad meant a ton to me. He was so, so good to me! And, he was one of my best friends. I am truly blessed to have had him as my father and as an example to aim to try to live up to.
My favorite part about my dad is that people always have had nice things to say about him… that he was “a kind man”. I don’t think there’s a better way to be remembered than that – “KIND”!
There are few days where I don’t think of him. I especially do so when I’m sharing good times with my son Liam. I wish he could be here to enjoy it with me, as I know he’d get a kick out of seeing how far I’ve come from being that scared 25 year old. And, I’d hope he’d see he taught me well!
So… to all you dad’s out there… new and not so new… keep it positive and kind and loving… little people are watching and one day, they will want to be just like you!
Happy Father’s Day!!!
My band mates…
I am thankful for my band mates… It’s not always “fun” to have to “work” on the weekends when everyone else is off, kicking back! But, the love for music makes it all the easier… Admittedly, sometimes that’s not quite enough… Thankfully, I’ve got great band mates that keep it light, and are a joy to be with… Even when it’s not the best gig, it’s fun or we seem to find a way to keep it fun! For this I am thankful…
Days work is done, home to see my wifey and kiddo!!! Ma’ boy spent his day at the pool for the first time. Excited to hear all about it.
Toots ’til next time
Thanks Old Republic Distillery
Lovely gig last night playing for the folks over at Old Republic Distillery. So many friendly folks, in particular the owners/brewer, sister & brother team of Denise & Bill Mathias! They’ve recently relocated their venue from Seven Valleys to downtown York… In what used to be Club 19…. Great space w a very cool vibe. Seemed to me they have a devoted clientele as the place was buzzing for most of the night. I’m 100% sure it has a bit to do w the kindness they exude!!!! Keep up the great work Denise and Bill, I’m looking forward to coming back in August.