Mark and Jan performing as a duo for an outdoor summer event.
Having fun in the sun!
Mark warming up before a performance at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Mark, with Paul Ross on drum set, and Paul Cotton on percussion. This is our 4 piece version of the band (Jan not pictured).
The Steel Express Duo performing on the viewing deck overlooking the indoor pool, downtown on Chicago's Magnificent Mile at the Hotel InterContinental. Thank you Don Cagen for the photo.
We have made many friends over the years. This picture is from a 50th wedding anniversary for a family from Trinidad. We had previously played at their daughters wedding, as well as family birthday parties. This family really enjoys our music.
Here's Mark at the Tuesday night Jazz Jam Session at Chicago's 50 Yard Line Club on the south side. Thank you Margaret Murphy-Webb for the photo.
Jan and Mark performing with Steve Butters, on his gig at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. It was a night of hot weather and hot music at one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in Chicago.
L to R: Mark, with Jim Cornolo (guitar), Stu Greenspan (bass), and Angel de Cuba (conga's, percussion and vocals). Mark, Jim, and Stu, were classmates at the American Conservatory of Music.
In Trinidad, these metal instruments (brake drums) are used as part of the rhythm section in the big steel bands. This picture is from a 60th birthday party for the father of one of Mark's students. The family and most of their friends were from Trinidad. It was really exciting when a couple of them pulled these out of the trunk of their cars and brought them in to play along with the band.
When he's not busy performing, Mark teaches at Chicago State University. Here he is teaching steel band, working with students at the Summer Jazz Academy music camp at the university. The camp is through a partnership with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Thank you Lesley Picchietti for the photo.
When he's not performing with Steel Express, Mark can be seen performing with Johnny Russler and the Beach Bum Band. Thank you Karl Smith for the photo.
L to R: Ian, Johnny, Mark, and Tom. The Beach Bum Band. Thank you Karl Smith for the photo.
Jan and Mark, from a performance at the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago.
Mark had the privilege of performing with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic at the Auditorium Theater, Chicago. Scenes of Cuba, Fall 2015.