Mark Lavengood Band Electronic Press Kit
Mark Lavengood is a walking, talking ray of sunshine. His resonant energy and sparkling smile light up every stage, every studio, every room, RV and embrace he enters. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Lavengood specializes in dobro & steel guitar, both of which he's played for over a decade, while also being well-versed in guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, drums, and a variety of percussion instruments. In 2012, Mark was named winner of the acclaimed Rockygrass Dobro Competition hosted at Planet Bluegrass’ headquarters in Lyons, CO. Predominantly as a dobro player, Lavengood toured world-wide for 7 years with the award-winning Michigan-now-Nashville-based Americana outfit Lindsay Lou (formerly, & the Flatbellys), performing at a bucket list of venues and festivals over his time with the band. Both as a member of LLFB and as frontman of his namesake, Mark has performed at: the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, ROMP, Celtic Connections, Blissfest, Wheatland Music Festival, Founders Brewing Company's signature events; Black Party, Harvest Party & Founders Fest, Cowpie Music Festival, John Hartford Memorial Festival, Farmfest, Earthwork Harvest Gathering, International Folk Alliance, IBMA, and many, many more. He’s also shared the stage performing with or sitting in with the likes of Seth Bernard, Amy Helm, the Infamous Stringdusters, Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings, Johnny Irion, Gregory Stovetop, Trout Steak Revival, winter/sessions, amongst others. At each stop along the way, whether on tour, in the studio, or passing you on the street, Mark's positivity and genuine warmth is an immediate captivator. His selfless and gregarious nature has allowed him to collaborate, write and record with some hall-of-fame worthy talents. Cutting his teeth in the art and music meccas of Ann Arbor & Nashville, Lavengood has recently returned home to his native Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a new, adorable family and a headful of ambition in tow. Since returning to GR, a burgeoning art and music scene in its own right, Lavengood has 'narrowed' his focus to his main, namesake project, as well as teaching and developing education platforms, mentoring, writing, recording, producing, writing for film, tv, advertising sync license opportunities, growing a music business (Bear Mark Productions) and of course, performing. A natural showman, Mark has released three full-length, critically-acclaimed records, the most recent with the Michigan-based Earthwork Music Collective.
Due to his lovable nature, boundless optimism, warm embrace and cavernous-yet-soft-and-delicate blue eyes, Mark garnered the nickname "Huggy Bear" early in his career, and upon meeting, one understands why. There's simply no denying that this is a very special soul.
“Mark Lavengood is truly a treasure in our lives and his music and positivity shine through the darkness like no other. A great songwriter and a master on the dobro, I am honored to call him my friend.”
— Billy Strings
“On “We’ve Come Along,” Mark shows his diversity as a musician and a dobro player. This record has it all. Bluegrass, jams, solo slide performances and more! It’s band centric but the standout slide playing and singing make this a must listen!
— Andy Hall of the Infamous Stringdusters
“Mark Lavengood embodies the enthusiasm needed to take music and listener to new places.
— Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass
“Mark is a compelling musician and entertainer. His playing is refined, full of personality, and extremely fun to listen to. Amazing body.
— Jon Stickley, of the Jon Stickley Trio (Town Moutain, Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band)
“Lavengood has woven together a sound quilt of friendship and American Roots music that could have only happened in Michigan.
— Seth Bernard Earthwork Music Founder, Artist, Activist
“Paying homage to tradition and blazing a trail all his own, Lavengood’s slide work is both playful and thoughtful. “We’ve Come Along” is an album of honest performances played and sung from the heart.
— Mike Witcher, resonator guitarist (Peter Rowan, Jordan Tice, Missy Raines)
“Mark Lavengood’s undeniable passion for music is an incredible thing to behold. His superhuman drive is infectious and awe-inspiring. He is a pirate of love - a swashbuckling, slide-slinging, tide-turning old fashioned good time rambling man. He’s the last slick picker standing at the all night Jamboree and the first one up playing sweet gospel with the sun. Thanks, Mark.
— Joshua Davis, singer/songwriter and band leader of Steppin' In It
Listen to Mark on Spotify
Videos
CONTACT
contact@marklavengood.com
BOOKING
contact@bearmarkproductions.com
