My daughter Brielle (to the right of Mark in the picture above) has been talking about singing Mrs. Steven Rudy on the Karaoke stage at Fan Fair ever since I told her I was taking her and Calista this year.

We were a little concerned at first because she doesn't know all the words without hearing the song with the lyrics, and she can't read that fast. But Kevin from Illinois saved the day by joining her on stage and helping with the lead vocals! THANKS KEVIN!

Click here to see a video of Brielle's first stage performance in Nashville! :) Unfortunately sirens went off during part of her show, but it is still cute.

Mark played in a songwriters show hosted by the Country Music FAN Network on Sunday June 13th. The event was "Jam Against Hunger II", and was a benefit for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Mark performed during the 12 - 2 segment along with Brett James, Kelly Shiver and Arlos Smith. The event was hosted by Dean Sams of Lonestar, which led to a very special performance of Unusually Unusual!

In addition to Dean and Mark singing Unusually Unusual, Arlos Smith added another twist to the performance. Arlos is the writer of Rascal Flatt's current #1 "Mayberry". When Mark began to sing his "na na na" segment of Unusually Unusual, which is not included in the Lonestar recording, Arlos joined in with his "na na na" rhythm from "Mayberry". Being on his toes, Mark began to sing a line from "Mayberry" and then smoothly rolled back into Unusually Unusual. It was great to see these exceptionally talented artists having fun and enjoying each others music.

In addition to Unusually Unusual Mark performed Mrs. Steven Rudy and 2 new songs from his "future" CD. The first was a very witty song called "Bring 'em Back". This DEFINITE HIT was written by Mark and his wife Stacey. It is about how the country world has changed over the years and that it is time to say bye bye to the corporate owned line dance halls and bring the Honky Tonks back to life! Of course my description can't begin to do justice to the creative and unique lyrics typical of Mark.

The 2nd new song is called "Deep". This amazing ballad was written for his new baby girl whose picture is sweetly taped to his guitar. In this song he explains that it does not matter how big or tall you are, what is really important are the roots you plant in life. The chorus of the song beautifully expresses this message through the words "When you say your prayers tonight, before you go to sleep, don't ask the lord to grow you tall, ask him to grow you deep".

Even though we wished we could have heard more songs from Mark, the show was great and we enjoyed every minute of it!