MARK GARMAN

Mark Garman grew up in Courtland, Kansas a rural town of 300 strong. In elementary school he was raking and swathing hay for his father. In high school his writing started as personal outlet. After some time led to volumes of lyric filled notebooks. He debuted many of his original songs to friends at the "Summer House". This was an old farm house out side of town on HWY 36. Long hot summers of wit...h no cable or A/C required a lot of cold beer and creativity. Music was the lone survivor in the war on modern technology in the house. Boom boxes were constantly playing the latest Red Dirt music.. Otherwise there were impromptu acoustic jam sessions on stadium seated couches or outside by the fire ring.

Mark's creativity came in handy on those long days in the tractor. Where he would write songs about reckless youth, small towns, and farmer's daughters. Countless rough drafts were penned on a receipt or piece of cardboard. Mark would come home and pursue the rhythm that he hummed all day with his guitar. His songs have ingrained a folk sensibility tied to youthful humor. His sly honesty engages all ages from foolhardy youth to quiet old souls.

Mark plays solo shows for events or private functions, mostly in North Central Kansas. Local sing song-writer Craig Stensaas started playing and writing at the same time those summers and they frequently open up for each other at area shows. Mark has played mostly in Kansas and in Central Nebraska. He can however chalk up one very brief week in Nashville, Tennessee playing some song-writer nights.