The Sooke Folk Music Society is proud to be presenting the last in this season’s concert series, featuring incredible singer/songwriter, Mark Stuart. We have featured Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart on several occasions in the past. This time Mark is appearing on his own as Stacey is taking some time off from touring.
After growing up in Nashville, TN and playing professionally from age 15 on, Mark Stuart set his sights on being a recording/touring artist. Much of the time in the 1980s and 90s he fronted his own roots music band in the southeastern U.S. The rock, blues, country, and folk mixture that poured from his vocals/guitar/piano/songwriting defined him as being more versatile than most artists — musically speaking. At times, he took jobs as a guitarist for hire to get a respite from being a bandleader, front man and self-booking agent. This is how he became visible to some as a guitar wiz, instead of the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist that he is. Some periods he toured with Texas legend Freddy Fender, or folk-rocker Steve Forbert. Then, there were stints with country-rocker Steve Earle (who became his brother in-law). While being an opening act (with wife, Stacey Earle) for folk icon Joan Baez, Stuart so enamored the headliner that she would bring him onstage during her show to showcase his guitar work. This took place nightly on a two-month tour.
After touring hundreds of dates in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Europe the couple decided to join forces as an official duo (Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart). Some 2,000 concerts later, Mark has re-embarked on a solo career.
Stuart’s 2014 tour features a rare segment of paying homage to some of the notable artists he has toured and recorded with in his earlier career as a sideman guitarist (Freddy Fender, Steve Earle, Joan Baez, Steve Forbert, Stacey Earle). You will want to join us this Saturday, July 26 to spend an evening with this engaging and entertaining artist. It all takes place at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1962 Murray Road.
Doors open at 7:30 pm and the concert starts at 8. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance at Shoppers Drug Mart in Sooke.
