Funky blues acoustic folk with a twist of jazz - that is the unique sound of MarKaren Music. We love to create music that weaves a story empowering, enlivening, impassioning, and healing our listeners. Our music brings people together in celebration of life, in sadness and in joy. You are among friends with us.
Who are we? We are Mark and Karen Humpage, a married couple living in Mission, BC Canada and we love giving back to our community! We are the Mentors, Program Creators, and Instructors behind the Youth Open Stage, a free program for youth ages 13 through 19, that teaches stagecraft, songwriting, vocal development and musicianship. Check out the Youth Open Stage Facebook Group for more details. https://www.facebook.com/groups/youthopenstage/
MarKaren are also the Creative Directors, Hosts, and House Performers for the Mission Coffee House Concert Series, featuring some of the best independent musical acts from around the world. Check out the Facebook page Mission Coffee House Concert Series for more details. https://www.facebook.com/MissionCoffeeHouse
Once upon a time...Sounds like the start of a fairy tale doesnt it? Truthfully it feels like one. A chance meeting online 10 years ago resulted in a whirlwind of musical creations and romantic adventures for Mark and Karen Humpage. Defying cancer and traumatic brain injuries, MarKaren Music was born from their long distance romance, with years of commuting between Canada and New Zealand. Blending Mark's alternative rock reggae style with Karen's bluesy folk jazz style has created a funky and sometimes hilarious musical experience for their fans. Not focused on any one genre, their unique songwriting and theatrical comedy adventures explore the human condition, emotional experiences, and uniting connections between people with laughter, poignant lyrics, and intricate guitar patterns. MarKaren Music performs in pubs, house concerts, markets, concert halls, and theatrical productions across the lower mainland of BC, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, England, and New Zealand.
Hundreds of times...most special memory was summer of 2018. We were playing at an outdoor festival in Vancouver and this young man came up to Karen while we were on stage to present her with a beautiful single rose. He was so sweet and said "Your beautiful voice reminds me of my mama who went to heaven this year." Lots of tears and hugs ensued. It was a very special day.
Karen's influences - Etta James, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Eva Cassidy, Amanda Marshall, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Tragically Hip, Janis Joplin, Memphis Minnie, Billie Holiday
Mark's influences - David Bowie, U2, Police, Sting, The Jam, Queen, Eurythmics, The Clash, Duran Duran, Bob Dylan, Santana, Hendrix, Clapton
Various guitars, bass, ukuleles, percussion (cajun, tamborine, shakers, hand drums), flute, penny whistles, banjo, piano/keys, violin.
Winner of Vocal Performing Artist of the Year 2018 - Central Fraser Valley Arts Awards
Nominated as Best Performing Artists 2018 and 2020 - Central Fraser Valley Arts Awards
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