FPS staff report
July 8, 2008

Performing the songs of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, vocalist Mark Statler of Jewett brings his rich, down home style to the Bluebird Amphitheater July 12 beginning at 7 p.m.

Formerly the assistant pastor at the Carrollton United Methodist Church, Statler learned to love the songs of this era listening to his father’s phonograph records. “These are songs that deserve to be heard,” he has said on occasion “and I want others to hear and enjoy them as much as I do.”

With a smooth, progressive country/pop sound similar to B.J. Thomas and the late, Marty Robbins, he delivers an emotion-packed concert with refreshing, unreserved candor and sincerity. Rich, rangy vocals, a clean-cut, “down-home” sense of humor, and a lot of compassionate, open communication with his audience helps Mark win the hearts of young and old alike.

Mark has performed before 80,000 country fans at the “Superbowl of Country Music” Jamboree in the Hills in St. Clairsville, and has headlined shows at Jamboree U.S.A. in Wheeling, WV, the second longest running live radio country music show in America. Mark was also a finalist on the national TV show, “You Can Be A Star”, on the Nashville Network.

He has become a member and regular performer with the Jamboree U.S.A, opening for country greats such as The Judds, Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Barbara Mandrell, Tammy Wynette, Marie Osmond, The Statler Brothers, Lorrie Morgan and many others including gospel artists such as Dino, Phil Driscoll, Nicky Cruz, Mike Adkins, The Florida Boys and the Blue Ridge Quartet. He has headlined several times at the Gospel Jamboree U.S.A. at the Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling, WV and toured with world-class harpist and Dove Award winning artist Greg Buchanan who has played for the Rev. Billy Graham, at the White House, and every major gospel venue in the United States.

Experiences as a pastor, counselor and teacher, coupled with his own life travels, brings a powerful wealth of wisdom, emotion and honesty to Mark’s singing. As one person said, “God has not only given Mark the gift of song, but also the gift of healing words and compassion.”

Singing has taken Mark over most of the U.S. and also to Canada, Egypt, Greece, Italy and Israel. He has sung for our soldiers at military bases such as Fort Knox and Fort Bragg, on many television and radio programs, and at schools, fairs, festivals and churches of all denominations.

Gates to the amphitheater grounds will open at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Guests are asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Some handicapped seating and parking will be available. Picnic baskets are encouraged. Refreshments before and during the performances are available.

Four parking areas for 100 to 200 cars are available at the Amphitheater, at the Bluebird Restaurant and Toy Museum and at the Carroll County Airport, a short walk away. Handicapped parking is also available for those with tags. A shuttle car courtesy of Best Auto of Carrollton will take patrons to and from parking areas.

The next event will be the Gospel Fest July 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets for both events are $10 for adults, $5 for children and four for $35 which are good at any concert. Please contact the Arts Center at 330-627-3739 for further information or visit www.carrollcountyartscenter.org for maps and links to performer’s websites.
Alcohol, firearms, smoking, pets and glass containers are not permitted on the Bluebird grounds. All events are subject to change and weather conditions.