For as long as I can remember I have been singing, and by the time I went to High School, between 1973-1977 I got involved with a few friends and we started a band that played some pop and rock and roll music for school dances. I also did a little acting in a few High school productions.
In 1977, I went to MCC College in Edison N.J. to study Hotel /Restaurant management but spent most of my time jamming in the student lounge. When the guys heard me sing they introduced me to "Condit Atkinson" the college music Professor and Arranger/Conductor of the 25 piece Jazz Big Band . He asked me to join the band as its boy singer, I agreed. I was 19 yrs. old. The band was great ! We did concerts for the general public both on and off campus with audiences of 500 to 5000. It was a great time. I performed with the band until 1988.
In 1979 I decided to take some voice lessons to strengthen my natural abillities. The teacher turned out to be J.T.Carter who was the original bass singer in the 1950’s group “The Crests” of which “Johnny Maestro” was the lead singer. Through J.T.Carter I met long time friend and associate “Joe Caroselli” who was the drummer in the group “Looking Glass” which had the 1972 hit song “Brandy you’re a fine girl” He was working with a local agent that was booking weddings.
So, in 1980 I started performing at weddings, dinner dances, award shows, restaurant/lounges, and night clubs doing everything from “standards to top 40” working with studio and road musicians, in bands as small as a Trio, and up to to 10 pieces depending on what was booked for the event. I continued doing this until 1991. During that same time from 1985—1990, I worked with “Alan Quinns Big Band Orchestra” in N.J. performing in large halls, auditoriums, and nightclubs. This was a 22 piece orchestra.
During that same time from 1983—1987, I worked at the Joe Kurasz studios and production co. in Rahway N.J. , recording many radio commercials, jingles, voice overs, and voice tags for local radio in the N.Y./N.J. area. These commercials were aired on AM and FM stations in the metropolitan area.
In 1991, I moved to South Florida with the intent to do the cruise ship circuit, but I got involved in a local business deal and could not be away for 3 or 6 months at a time. So in 1992 I joined the 50 member choir of St. Marks Catholic church in Fort Lauderdale to keep my voice in shape. I sang solos, and harmony with this group. In addition to Sunday services, we did broadway style stage shows and concerts, to raise money for the church. In 2000 I began taking tap dance lessons to improve upon what I already knew about it. I had done some tap dancing in the past from sight, but I wanted to learn more to improve my ability. It has turned out to be great fun.
In 2001 I was introduced to pianist Billy Marcus and from 2001 through 2004 I did appearances with him and various other musicians at some local venues “ 1 Nite Stans”, “Ellington’s”(now legends café), “Ohara’s on Las Olas”.(no longer there). I also performed at “Jazziz at the Seminole Hard Rock” a number of times with the Mark Marinaux trio. I’ve had the pleasure of performing with some great local artists; Billy Marcus, Duffy Jackson, Jeff Carswell, Eric Allison, Mike Harvey, Mark Marinaux, and Nicole Yarling to name a few, and many others. From 2006 - 2007 From time to time I would do a guest appearances at the Polo Club restaurant/lounge in Wellington, Florida with my friend Larry Brendler. Starting in 2007 I began production on my 2 new shows and have been performing them since June of 2009. It's been going well thanks to all of you !
PRODUCTIONS:
"A Swingin' Evening of Entertainment" Is a show that combines the talent of myself and many other people. Structured like a live television broadcast, performed before a live audience in a supper club setting with dining and dancing, or as a stage show in regular theatres. It's a show of variety, with an 18 piece Orchestra, and sets the performers against a large band background for most of the performances. The show includes Myself and Female Vocalist Terri Gonzalez, Hot Show Dancers, Stand up Comedy from local and national talent, and a variety of Special Guest artist's along with a variety of music. All on stage before a live audience. People attending the show can dance when the band is playing.
This is a 2 hour show, Performed in dinner theatre style venues or as a stage show for regular theatres.
“An Evening with Mark Fernicola” is a night club style show, using a 4 - 7 piece jazz group. This show brings together live jazz, swing and comtemporay music, along with some great standard songs, a little comedy and some tap dancing; that makes this a unique show experience .This is a 2 hour show !
Be sure to come and see these 2 exciteing shows. Check the upcoming shows page for times and locations.
Both of these shows are available for club's, hotels, lounges, corporate events, private events, weddings, dinner dances etc.
Either band can also just play music along with vocals, without the show.
MARK FERNICOLA
