AN AMAZING MUSIC EXPERIENCE

About Mark

Mark has been performing since the age of nine years old, performing in nursing homes singing
and playing Gospel Hymns, for the residents. In the beginning, Mark was very shy and timid, 
which he quickly grew out of turning into the showstopping, charismatic performer he is today.
He is an extraordinary musician have conquered playing all the brass instruments, woodwinds
and auxiliary percussion by the time he left high school. 
While attended college, at Vander Cook College of Music, he fine-tuned his vocal abilities
having studied under the tutelage of world class voice teacher, James Hayes Parks. In addition,
he learned piano, and the orchestral strings. He soon caught the performance bug, performing in
night clubs, bars and corporate functions, becoming one of the most sought-after musicians in
Chicagoland. 
Mark’s musical talent, voice and performing skills got him noticed by a number of music
industry professionals, landing him an opportunity to perform his original music on the main
stage at the Grand Ole Opry, in Nashville, Tennessee. Here he met music executive, and video
producer Eric Straton.  Straton, recognizing Mark’s  potential, included him as a featured artist 
on a gospel compilation album.  He later cast Mark in prominent acting roles in two feature film
projects, titled “Phoenix Falling”, and “Fire Base 9”. 
Mark has been part of numerous musical groups, throughout his career, including Virtuosity, the
Orange Whips, the Jazz Express and Salsa-faction. He has also appeared hundreds of times as a
solo artist, where he has gained invaluable experience, as an entertainer.  In addition, to being a
consummate performer he has developed a successful career as a songwriter having written a
number of songs, including one of which got a lot of local attention titled “We Are America”, a patriotic tune about the September 11th attacks. 

Mark's Photos

A Few Of Mark's Credits

Model: Sears Catalog (1977 - under the name Mark Blue - birth name before being adopted)
Trumpet player: Salsa-Faction, Jazz Express, Virtuosity (1991-1995)
Grand Ole Opry main stage performance: (Don Reed Productions, 1996)
Actor: Phoenix Falling, Fire Base 9 (Galaxy Entertainment) 1997 co starring Randall Franks and Stella Parton. 
Promotion to Scandinavian Market - original music 1997
Gospel Compilation album: Galaxy Entertainment 1997
Betsy Bobel - Miss Indiana (2001 - with Rhythm & Blues Showband)
Governor Frank O'Bannon (2000/2001) with Rhythm & Blues Band

Performance for 9-11 victims (President Bush in attendance) - 2002
Performed throughout the Midwest with Rhythm and Blues Showband that I created from 1999-2010.
Performed vocally and instrumentally for weddings, church functions, and charitable functions from 1990-2016
Grammy Award winner Glen Kolotkin - recorded full length album with him in Fort Lauderhill Florida - 2019
Formed new and current band - Mark Vargas and the Monon Express
Signed to Wind River Records - 2019
First full length album, Love Sick, released 2019

Invited To appear on "The Music Underground",  available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV,  January 2020

Testimonials

Laura B.

"It was a great show!  I really enjoyed it!  They played without any breaks, and kept the energy going strong."

Donna (Mark Vargas Fan)

"You guys are awesome live!

Blake ( GM for Oakdale Dam Bar & Grill)

"You guys are amazing!  We will definetly be having you back."

Connie (Owner of Bob & Connies)

"Wow you guys are fantastic!  I don't think I'm paying you enough."