Mark Dvorak Begins Performance Series with the Mark Dvorak Trio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 14, 2009 -- Nationally Acclaimed Folk Singer/Songwriter Mark Dvorak will begin a series of concerts showcasing his new trio with Ellen Shephard and Christopher Walz.

Refreshing original songs, a wondrous musical spirit and a superb vocal blend have audiences anticipating the emergence of this powerful new ensemble. Mark, Ellen & Chris share a collective lifetime of performing and a heartfelt commitment to the American tradition.

Mark Dvorak has distinguished himself as a unique and influential figure on the national folk scene. He was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Woodstock Folk Festival, and won a Parents’ Choice Gold Medal for his 1995 children’s music CD, Old Songs & New People. He toured for six years, playing banjo and singing Pete Seeger’s parts in Michael Smith’s acclaimed show, Weavermania! LIVE, which culminated in a joint concert with the legendary Seeger for a live WFMT radio (97.1fm Chicago) broadcast. The Rockford Folk Music Society calls Mark, “The Midwest’s premiere keeper of traditions.” The Chicago Tribune has called his performance, “Masterful.” SING OUT! Magazine wrote, “Dvorak shines.” His songwriting has been called “wondrous” and “profound.”

Ellen Shepard sings everything from show tunes to jazz to old-time gospel. Most recently, she performed with the all-woman trio Sweet Fern. Ellen has a background in theater, picks clawhammer banjo, and can always find that third harmony part without worry.

Acoustic virtuoso Christopher Walz is renown throughout the country for his powerful and versatile guitar style, impeccable ear and his deeply rooted musical sensibilities. He toured nationally with the celebrated Woody Guthrie’s American Song before joining Greg Cahill’s legendary bluegrass band The Special Consensus. Chris joined the cast of Michael Smith’s acclaimed show Weavermania! LIVE and toured with the group the last two years of the show’s run. Chris plays guitar, mandolin, and 5-string banjo to name a few.

To bring Mark with Ellen & Chris to your concert series, festival, or arts organization for an exciting and exceptional musical experience, please contact Joann Murdock at Artists of Note, jmurdock@artistsofnote.com.

UPCOMING APPEARANCES

October 8, 2009 - 8:00pm
FARM (Folk Alliance Region Midwest) ANNUAL CONFERENCE & SHOWCASE
Bolingbrook, IL
http://www.farmfolk.org/gathering.html

November 21, 2009 - 7:00 pm
HICKORY RIDGE COFFEE HOUSE
Lewiston, IL.
www.hickoryridge.outfitters.com

March 20, 2010 - 7:30 pm
MAPLE STREET CHAPEL
Lombard, IL.
www.maplestreetchapel.org


I heard Mark, Ellen & Chris warming up before the show at The Heartland Cafe and I knew I wanted to hear a lot more from this great blend of talent! Their stage set that followed was a great maiden voyage and I look forward to the great times and great music this group will bring us.
Juel Ulven - Fox Valley Folklore Society, Geneva, IL

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