From solo piano performances to jazz trios and quartets, to symphony orchestra concerts, Mark Sloniker has played and recorded in many different situations in the U.S. and abroad, and now he brings his jazz piano and bass duo with his son Myles in concert at 7:30 pm Sunday, April 29, in Adams State College’s Leon Memorial Hall. The Alamosa Live Music Association, ALMA, is helping the ASC Music Dept. and Grizzly Activities Board present the show.
“I have been listening to Mark’s music for 20 years and his music was a great influence on my decision to become a musician,” said Dr. Matthew Schildt, Adams State associate professor of music, who helped organize the event.
Mark has played prestigious jazz festivals in Toronto , Telluride, Longmont, and Disneyland and Fort Collins. He has opened for Billy Taylor, Pat Metheny, Bob James, and Carmen McRae, among others.
As a producer,composer and recording artist, Mark has released six recordings of his own and contributed to numerous others. His own discs have reached the top six of three national radio airplay charts and spent time on Billboard magazine’s national sales charts. His music has been featured on ESPN, ABC Sports, nationally syndicated radio show “Music from the Hearts of Space,” and nationally aired radio shows such as “Jazz Tracks” and “Musical Starstream.”One of his discs was named best jazz recording of the year by KUNC radio.
Mark has a degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University and has worked extensively using music as a therapeutic tool in achieving and maintaining wellness. He has worked with physicians, psychologists, and many practitioners in the healing fields, bringing music to many who wish to use music in their fields. He has recorded music as well as presented and taught in workshops and seminars for this purpose.
Bassist Myles Sloniker, a freshman at University of Northern Colorado in the jazz studies program is currently performing with two of UNC’s top jazz ensembles. He is already a sought after bassist along the Front Range. Primarily a jazz bassist, he also performs classically, as well as playing piano, guitar, and drums.
Tickets are $5 for adults, $1 for students, and free to ALMA members, AS&F, and Friends of Music. For more information contact the Adams State Music Department at 719-587-7621.
