Mark Dvorak
Mark Dvorak is a charismatic performer with a gentle spark of passion that lights every concert hall and every greenway where he lifts his voice in celebration of the old songs. He has been called "a folk singer's folk singer who follows unerringly in the footsteps of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie," and his song writing has been called "wondrous" and "profound."

People remember what Mark Dvorak sings. In concert, his natural style of performing can make an old song sound new and make a new song sound familiar. Though his stage presence may seem unassuming, Mark knows exactly how to present these songs, with stories and arrangements that allow the deep emotional roots of the music to come through. Entertaining warmth, sincerity, distinctive talent and variety in presentation have distinguished Mark Dvorak as one of today's important folk artists.

• Old Songs & New People (school assembly or family events)
  For intergenerational groups or young audiences, Old Songs & New People captures the innocence, determination and beauty of folk music, luring young and old alike to experience the social aspects of folk music. Participation songs, sing-alongs and action songs taken from America's four winds.
• Just Something My Grandma Used to Sing
  An autobiographical and entertaining program of songs and stories for intergenerational and senior audiences. Sing alongs, good stories and lots of humor.
• The American Folk Song (American Studies Classes, concerts)
  Examines the roots of American music using examples from African and British Isles traditions. Featuring songs, oral history, demonstrations and the music of American folk artists such as Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie. Suitable for performance, workshop, middle school, high school, or community audiences.
• The People, Yes!
  In the 1930s, Carl Sandburg wrote an epice poem called The People, Yes which turned the everyday words of Americans into everlasting images on the page. Mixing some of the traditional songs preserved by Sandburg - who was also a folk song collector - Mark has created a compelling, entertaining and timeless musical portrait of the American essence.
• The Acoustic Roots Workshops
  A teacher for over 20 years at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music, Mark offers workshops and master classes in a range of subjects from old-time banjo styles to the 12-string guitar legacy of the great Lead Belly, and many other topics tailored to your needs.
• Once I Had An Old Banjo
  Though Mark is a multi-instrumentalist, he offers a one hour concert packed with interesting stories about the origin and evolution of this uniquely American instrument. Including samples from the minstrel show era, old time mountain banjo, and examples from the masters of the 5-string banjo, from Pete Seeger to Earl Scruggs.
• Long Time Teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago
• Mark is an ideal emcee for your community event!
• Mark Dvorak and Friends -- trio or larger ensemble

For more information, contact us or link to Mark's web site.

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Hear Live Story/Song:
Brownie McGhee

Live Clip:
Streets of Old Chicago

Audio Clip:

”one of a vanishing breed ... Although all of us benefit from the tradition, Dvorak is one of the few who keep it alive. Listen. Join in.
-U Utah Phillips

“The Children really enjoyed the experience both musically and socially.
-Creative World Montessori School

“My parents had Pete Seeger, this generation has Mark Dvorak.
-Amazon.com

”His singing is warm and engaging ... Dvorak reminds us of how folk music becomes folk music
-Sing Out! Magazine

Contact: Joann Murdock
630-557-2742 | jmurdock@artistsofnote.com
P.O. Box 11 | Kaneville, IL 60144-0011 USA