Community gathers for amazing night at Mark at the Park

Friday night, June 7, at our Sally Buffalo Park was a night to remember. To launch the 2024 Summer Concert series for the Mark at the Park Music Shed, there was an impressive lineup of mainstream, nationally recognized, country music artists. Concert conditions were perfect. Security measures were rapid and efficient with parking being carefully prepared to assure that everyone made it to the concert safely. Best of all, Mother Nature smiled favorably on concert goers by providing mild temperatures which almost felt Autumn crisp by the end of the concert. The concert event came together with arriving fans finding places to set up their portable seats. Although the concert was well-attended, it was never over-crowded or disorganized.

The concert lineup for the evening began with Isaac Cole, an exceptionally talented artist with a gifted voice who displayed his youthful energy in his almost acrobatic playing and singing. Cole grew up near Emlenton, PA, on a family farm, so he has deep family roots in the country lifestyle. He recorded his first CD at age 10. His singing talent was discovered in 2014 on televised talent tryouts that quickly led to a singing and musical career at the young age of 14. He came out on stage at The Mark, already a seasoned performer at age 24. At one point between songs a fan came up to the stage and asked Cole if he was 21. He sheepishly grinned and said he was actually 24.

Next in the musical lineup after Isaac Cole was the singing duo of Love & Theft with the soaring harmony vocals of Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles, both played acoustic guitars with a very talented lead electric guitarist and a drummer. They explained their unusual stage name was inspired by a Bob Dylan album of the same name.

The final and most anticipated act was Emerson Drive, a wall of sound country music powerhouse, that in their high level of professionalism provided evidence of their more than two decades of live performances. Vocalist Brad Mater with bandmates Danick Dupelle, Mike Melancon, and Dale Wallace, completed the outstanding band. They hail from the town of Grand Prairie in western Alberta, Canada, but have experienced over two decades of country musical success both in Canada and the U.S.. They announced during their set that this would be their final extended tour and added how pleasant they found the cool Cadiz concert weather after the sweltering heat of Nashville, which was their previous concert site.

The concert started around 6 p.m. by Mark at the Park event organizer and administrator, Mark Pusarich, with an announcer who gave credit and thanks to all the local businesses and individuals who made the event possible. The lineup of concert artists was announced and mention was made about a special fund raising auction for the Harrison County Cancer Crusaders between acts for two special artist autographed guitars and a drum skin from Emerson Drive.

The first set began with talented young artist Isaac Cole when he came out front to the center of the stage. The image in the big screen at the back of the stage displayed Cole’s Cowboy hat logo with his IC initials. Cole transitioned energetically between guitar and fiddle in the songs with his four piece backing band providing a tight sound that was at times breathtaking. Cole paused to share items about his life between songs. He shared he was in a serious accident several years ago that left him with injuries so severe that doctors only gave him a 20 percent chance of ever being able to play and perform again so he was grateful and thankful to be where he was today. Perhaps the high point of Isaac Cole’s set was when he came over to the microphone with fiddle in hand and said he had met the late Country music legend, Charlie Daniels, who showed him how to play his hit The Devil Went Down to Georgia and signed his fiddle. Daniels also gave him his personal bow. Cole then launched into a robust rendition of the classic country song that surely would have made Daniels proud. Cole’s set also included his early hits, as well as his more recent hit, Oh Deer. Affable Isaac Cole stayed around for the rest of the concert and was seen mingling with the crowd while posing for selfies and signing autographs.

Next on stage was the seasoned Love & Theft singing duo of Gunderson and Liles with an extraordinary electric guitarist adding another layer of sound to their acoustics. Especially poignant was their somber song, Whiskey on my Breath, about the tragedy of alcoholism.

A pause between acts allowed a short auction to be held for the local non-profit Harrison County Cancer Crusaders. The auction was followed by Emerson Drive, a country music powerhouse from western Alberta, Canada, that played on stage like a well oiled machine. They played hits such as,I Should be Sleeping, Moments, and Just Got Paid. Towards the end of their set, a young fan named Hunter was recognized because he was seen singing the lyrics to their songs so he and his siblings were brought up on stage to interact with the band. That improbable scene was what musical memories are made of for children. Fireworks were set off as Emerson Drive ended their set. Special thanks go out to Mayor Kevin Jones for graciously providing access passes for this event.

Sunday had another series of events scheduled at Sally Buffalo with a 6 p.m. concert by the sister trio of harmony singers, Sorrell. They were recognized as top 5 finalists on the NBC talent show, The Voice, for their beautiful harmonies.