MARK LALAMA
“He’s a giant. A true Artist.”
Mark is a Canadian singer/songwriter, musician and producer. Born and raised in Welland, Ontario, he began playing paying gigs at the age of 12. His instrument is keyboards and he moves seamlessly between the live stage and the recording studio. When not performing live, he is in the studio producing/recording/writing. His studio rig includes a grand piano, Hammond A100 organ, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, pump organ, melodicas, various hardware and software synthesizers and numerous accordions. Live, you will usually find him rocking the Nord Stage and an accordion or two.
Mark has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (music major) from York University in Toronto where he studied composition and performance with John Gittens, Mark Eiseman, Frank Falco and Oscar Peterson, amongst others.
Performing as a solo artist or with his band, MARK LALAMA has been connecting with audiences for over 30 years. His extensive touring history has taken him to virtually every nook and cranny in Canada, from east coast to west and into the high Arctic. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Marc Jordan, Molly Johnson, Suzie Vinnick, Dizzy & Fay, and John McDermott to name a few. He was instrumental in launching the Hear! Here! Niagara Music series along with the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and performed 8 seasons of sold out monthly shows in his capacity as featured performer, music director, and curator. His project, Dizzy & Fay, is a songwriting and performing duo with Amanda Walther. They have recorded two full length records and have received extensive air play in Canada and the U.S.A. He was a member of the Juno Award winning band Sisters Euclid. He has had the opportunity to produce, record and/or perform with many artists: Daniel Romano, Kevin Breit, Marc Jordan, Tom Wilson, Terra Lightfoot, John McDermott, John Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Mariah Carey, Tom Jones, Chrissie Hynde, Olivia Newton-John, Martina Mcbride, Michael Macdonald, Paul Anka, Anne Murray, Roger Hodgson, Jackie Richardson, Molly Johnson, Ian Thomas, Harry Manx, Amy Sky, Susan Aglukark, Dennis DeYoung, Guido Basso, Jennifer Warnes, Gary Taylor, Suzie Vinnick, Sarah Slean, Gregory Hoskins, and many many more. Television work includes: The Bridge(CBS/CTV), Battle of the Blades(CBC), Canada Sings (Global), Stars on Ice, Meteor & Friends (Discovery), Toot & Puddle(Treehouse) and Canadian Idol(CTV) where he was pianist, arranger and performed in the Canadian Idol Band and worked with Tony Bennett, Nelly Furtado, Bryan Adams, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, The Barenaked Ladies, Simple Plan, Enrique Iglasias, Cyndi Lauper and many more.
The Old Sumbler House is Mark's recording studio; a stand alone facility constructed on his Niagara property. It is set on 8.9 acres and features five isolation rooms and a wide range of digital, analog, and vintage instruments and recording gear.
BIO
“Not just any songwriter, Mark has become a brilliant chronicler of the human condition .... the longing ... the pain .. the dreams, and the joy that we all share as humans. And so his band was born to support this music in what is becoming a must see group in Ontario clubs. The band is perfectly dialled in to the unique songs and singular style created by Mark to deliver those stories, and our dreams, as they unfold before us one song at a time; each truth resonating in the universal language of the heart and explained simply by one of Canada’s most unique voices in the art of songwriting. ”
“The band sounded great, and the storytelling was so engaging. One of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time”
““The Canadian John Hiatt has arrived and is taking no prisoners.”
“I am humbled when I hear work such as yours. It is so good.”
“He’s a giant. A true Artist.”
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AUDIO
PHOTOS
I have been touring as a musician my entire life. There isn’t a province or territory I haven’t played. My songs have been on television and recorded by A-List artists. All this info is in the above BIO. It would be an honour to play your venue. I hope that you find me to be a worthwhile addition.
Thank you!
Mark