Mark came through Monterey last Sunday and Santa Cruz last
night. His solo show is just so much fun with so much variety,
and he plays off his surroundings quite well.

In Monterey (Ocean Thunder), he played two sets for free at a
biker bar and suprised the regulars with his ability to pull Jimmie
Rogers ("California Blues") out of his hat upon request. He
started with Springsteen ("Thunder Road") and mixed Cash ("I
Still Miss Someone") and Robert Earl Keen ("The Road Goes On
Forever") with his original folk and 40's Western swing tunes.
We got there early enough to sit and chat with him while he ate
and took in the unique bar scene. Mark recognized my girlfriend,
Juliet's, D&T Gentle Arms Of Eden t-shirt, and promised to play
some Dave later (never got to it - had to play to the biker crowd!). I
wore a Kerrville Folk Festival t-shirt from my 1998 visit when I first
saw D&T (Mark was a finalist the next year). He called us
"ringers" but was otherwise very humble and thankful for us
coming.

In Santa Cruz (Henfling's), he played a bit more folk and Western
swing (including a hilarious new ending to "Little Sister" - or
should I say "Petite Soeur "). He was inspired by my good friend,
Charlie Wallace, a local dobro and pedal steel player in the
opening band, and invited him up for several songs. They clicked
instantly. He recognized me and Juliet and remembered to play
"Midnight Train" from a forgotten request in Monterey, but he
never got around to doing some D&T (he will at a house concert
in April!). Before the shows, I had caught him staring intently at
the jukebox in Henfling's. For his encore, he pushed the mike
aside, unplugged, stepped forward, and pronounced that
Henfling's was so cool not only because they have a jukebox, but
because it has Roy Orbison on it. Then he did an amazing
version of "Crying".

If you go to those Portland or Eugene shows - and you should -
let him know it was because of the D&T list. He's the nicest guy
you'll ever meet and you will love his playful voice.

http://www.markerelli.com

Greg
Monterey CA