Grasshoppa Dance Exchange - Ottawa Cloud

Mark is an in-demand musician on the local scene. He has held down the drum chair for veteran Ottawa jump-blues artists The Jivewires since 1994. The band has released two CDs during that time, and Mark wrote two songs for the newest CD, one of which ("My Eggs are Getting Cold") saw some semi-regular play on CBC Radio. He was also a charter member of the Trevor Finlay Band, powering the band from 1996 until 2005, recording four CDs and one EP, and taking part in five major tours.

Mark also holds down the drum chair for the various side projects led by Jivewires leader Steve Berndt, including his jazz quartet, wedding / party band The Custums, and the funk band WhoopAss. Mark is the drummer for the Impressions in Jazz Orchestra, and also works with Renata, accompanying her Propeller Dance classes. His newest project is working with local dance artist and songwriter Amanda Bon, though for this they are working on her own music. In the past Mark has worked with Sue Foley, Tony D., and Dutch Mason, among many others.

Mark became interested in the Hoppas after joining in with their Hop during the Pres. Bush protest in late 2004 (see Hop Reflections). While he has played dance music for most of his life, this is his first chance to work with professional dancers up close, and he looks forward to continuing to explore the Hop concept. (Mark is also the group's webmaster.) Please visit his website at drumbent.com

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