- May 2, 2024
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Sitting on the stage at Salty Church in Ormond Beach, Mark Russell put the finishing touches on a track before he and his band mates dimmed the lights and began practice.
“It’s tough for the band to get together because they are spread out,” Russell said as he set up his keyboard. Electric guitarist Joseph Dontfraid stood in the back of the church adjusting the sound system.
He is the sound guy at the church, and the reason the band has access to a practice space at 8:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night.
“Thanks to Salty, they hook us up,” Russell said. “They have one of the best sound systems. I think this is more of a show-ready kind of practice spot, where we can really work on what it’s going to be
like.”
The show they were preparing for is to be the opening act for Switchfoot and Thousand Foot Krutch at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre May 31.
Although Russell, who grew up in Palm Coast, has opened for big names in the past as a duo, this is the biggest show the band has played since Russell rebranded himself as Mark Russell, a solo act, in 2011.
As a duo, Mark and James opened for hit artists including Hanson, Robin Thicke, One Republic and Avril Lavigne.
As a solo act, Russell’s song “Dance” played as the season finale song on Lorraine Gibson’s show “Born to Dance.”
“It’s weird because since it’s been Mark Russell and not Mark and James, we’ve had a lot more success on paper, but not as much live shows and performance,” Russell said. “It’s cool to say you’re on a
website, but I’d rather sing for people in person.”
The band is rounded out by drummer Doug Eckhart, bassist Jordan Major and Beth Branches, who will sing backup vocals at the May 31 show.
“I think all of us have grown up playing in church, but our stuff is more about real life experience, positive emotion music,” Russell said in response to how his music will fit in with the Christian-centered music of Switchfoot and Thousand Foot Krutch. “I don’t know if the genre is a total fit, but it’s the same ideals; sharing music to hopefully benefit others.”
Fanpass CEO Scott Mason said that after seeing the band audition, their genre of music, good energy, musicality and sound made them a perfect opening before Thousand Foot Krutch.
“They just had this really cool Dave Matthews kind of vibe,” Mason said.
The big show, which is being presented by Fanpass, a music social media site focused on capturing a behind the scenes look at concerts and festivals, is a good opportunity for Russell and the band to get
exposure.
“They are doing huge festivals and their interest in us can really open a lot of doors,” Russell said. “Hopefully it’s a great stepping stone for us to be able to continually do this magnitude of a show and
to possibly lock in some tours and get on the road.”
IF YOU GO
What: Switchfoot with special guest Thousand Foot Krutch and Mark Russell
When: 6:30 p.m. May 31
Where: St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C Highway A1A, St Augustine
Tickets: Visit ticketmaster.com or call 904-209-0367
