Mark Hamza: News

Monday, July 18, 2011

Blues at The Station

The Jacob Stroud Corporation presented The SheilaMark Blues Band on Saturday July 16th at The Dreibe Freight Station in Stroudsburg, PA as part of their Music in the Park Series. A sizable crowd filled the little known McMichaels Park where the train station is presently located. The SheilaMark Blues Band consists of Mark Hamza on The Hammond Organ, Steve Shiposh on drums, Sheila Stratton on vocals, and RocDoc (Chris Imber) on guitar. The music that greeted the attendees ranged from smooth renditions of classic blues ballads, to songs echoing the empowerment of womanhood, to comfortably numb psychedelic journeys all combining to create an enjoyable experience on a wonderfully bright summer day. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert in the Music in the Park 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude.

The SheilaMark Band was formed by Mark Hamza and Sheila Stratton to compliment their musical adventures together. These adventures include the formation of The SheilaMark Duo who perform in intimate venues and the larger Mark Hamza's Great Swamp Blues Band which performs in a variety of venues including several festivals throughout the summer. Please Explore the SheilaMark Website at www.sheilamarkproductions.com to learn more about their musical offerings.

The Dreibe Freight Station was built in 1882 and serviced shipments traveling along the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad. In now serves as an art gallery to showcase the collections of the Monroe County Historical Association.

Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival proudly announces The Great Swamp Blues Band will participate during the upcoming 2011 Main Street Band Festival Live Performances.  Main Street Music Committee Chair, Randy Kohrs, is anticipating having as many as six live performances at various locations up and down Main Street, Honesdale from 10 AM to 1 PM, Saturday, June 18, 2011 to kick off the music and arts festival scheduled for well into that evening.

 The Great Swamp Blues Band performances are known for delighting audiences with recognizable cover songs complemented by originals.  According to frontman, Mark Hamza, their style echoes “the Jazzy side of the Blues”.  Performing as a quartet, their instruments include Hammond organ, trombone, saxophone, and drums.  Mark became a full-time musician some 40 years ago, and during a gig in the Poconos he became convinced that the wonderfully supportive, highly musician-friendly area was where he wanted to relocate.  He has performed on many albums and played with a wide variety of bands and individual acts, including “The Happenings”, “Clarence Spady Band”--where he worked particularly on Blues-style playing on his customized Hammond organ--Richard Meyer, Eric Anderson, and Richard Shindell.  More information and a sampling of their talent can be found at on their facebook page, Great Swamp Blues Band, at the websites, www.markhamza.com and www.reverbnation.com/greatswampbluesband.

The ArtMusic Coffeehouse in East Stroudsburg, PA presented The SheilaMark Duo on Friday February 25th. Although the gathering was rather small due to the still wintry weather conditions, the music presented by Sheila and Mark Hamza filled the home of Don Slepian and Jan Julia enhancing it’s welcoming and calming effects on all who come to visit their abode. The concert consisted of Mark playing his accordion while Sheila sang songs which touched the heart and brought smiles to the faces of all who partook of their reminiscent qualities.

The SheilaMark Duo performs in a variety of venues and can be seen almost anywhere throughout the area at any given time. Besides begin a part of the duo, Sheila has played with a number of Celtic bands and has performed in numerous festivals. She recently publish a CD titled, "Celtic Lady of the Lake." Mark and his accordion is often seen (among other places) roaming around The Annual Delaware Water Gap, PA Celebration of the Arts (COTA) Jazz and Arts Festival which takes place in September. He can also be seen playing his huge Hammond Organ with his fellow musicians of The Great Swamp Blues Band in several locations. Please feel free to explore The SheilaMark Duo website at www.sheilamarkproductions.com to learn more information about them, their music, and where you might catch their next solo and collaborative performances.

Along with the wonderful music, the evening also included an opportunity to enjoy some delightful conversation and some delicious culinary treats. A peaceful and welcoming environment never fails to engulf those who come visit the house which many has come to feel at home. The ArtMusic Coffeehouse is not only a place one can go to hear some great music; it is also a place one can experience love. You’ll find more Photographs taken during the concert in The ArtMusic Coffeehouse 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude.

The ArtMusic Coffeehouse holds its concert series in the home of Don Slepian and Jan Julia who reside in the borough of East Stroudsburg, PA. A variety of musical forms are presented including folk, jazz, classical, and electronic music. Although the concerts welcomes all who wish to attend, seating is limited as it they take place in a private home. The Next The ArtMusic Coffeehouse Concert will feature Ann and Will Rowland on Monday March 7th beginning at 8pm. Please Explore The ArtMusic Coffeehouse Website at www.ArtMusicCoffeehouse.com or Call 570-476-6307 for more information and to reserve your seat.

Mark Hamza with the Great Swamp Blues Band: Radio Interview, "The Doodlin' Lounge", Sept. 2007