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A few years ago I attended a Newsboys show at the Mercury Lounge in New York City, the opening band was a local group called "Mother Kirk." The young man who supplied the vocals and most of the writing that night was Mark Giacobbe. That evening was also the beginning of an introduction for me into what was at that time a growing underground music scene in the city by people who held to a Christian world view. It was through Mark that I was introduced to a sizeable number of artists and bands that have become like a family to me. On Friday, Sept. 20th a contingent of friends and fans gathered at All Angels to bid a temporary farewell to one of the city's favorite sons. After the incidents of last year in NYC, Mark said he felt the calling of God to go to Afghanistan and assist in relief and development efforts in the name of Jesus. This concert was to be a combination benefit and a sort of send off for Mark. The evening featured some of the area's best musicians and songwriters paying homage to one of their own. Each act did three songs and briefly told of the influence that Mark has had on their lives and careers.

The evening opened up with Annie Quick of Stickman Jones, as usual she was brilliant and almost stole the whole show. She sang background for a number of groups that evening. Mark worked closely with the band, producing two of their albums as well as her recent solo project.  Also appearing that evening was Christy Tennant, a worship oriented artist from Mark's home church. She was an interesting addition to the cast of regulars and someone you need to keep an eye out for in the future. Also performing was a young man by the name of Glenn Sealand, another newcomer whose debut project is due out hopefully soon. He was excellent! Vesper Stamper from New Jersey was accompanied by her husband Ben and performed some beautiful acoustic pieces. I should mention at this point that most of the artists had each written a song in Mark's honor that they performed that evening  The first part of the evening closed with an outstanding performance by a new band called "Wesley Watts". The groups core consists of former "Stickman" guitarist, David Sacks and "Spinoza" member, Lee Kizer the third. During the course of the evening a short presentation was given on the need in Afghanistan. The need is great and many are responding. Mark will be working with a Christian aid organization as an English computer teacher.
 

The second segment of the evening opened up with "The Queen of Cool," Sarah Lentz playing a solo set  of some of the slickest music around. In the past few years I have become a big fan of all of these kids and consider them some of the best players in the country. This evening just reinforced this opinion. Up next was the man of the hour. About a year ago Mark decided to go the route of the solo singer/songwriter in his performances. This evening though he played with a four piece combo that included Jad Mintun of "Stickman Jones" on bass guitar. To say that they smoked the joint would be a complete understatement. The crowd was dancing in the aisles, literally. After a much too short set, due to time restrictions, Mark led the worship team of his church in a short time of worship and praise. The evening then closed out with various people praying for the safety of Mark and the success of his time away. It was difficult leaving that night knowing that I would not see a good friend for a few years, but knowing that he is following the call of God on his life made it a whole lot easier. Goodbye my friend, I'll see you soon.