Born in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, Mark was destined to play music.  While most kids were just learning to read and write, Mark was also learning to play piano with his mom and watching his father, “Tex” play Dixieland music throughout the French Quarter.  Thus, Mark’s home was filled with music and the characters of the New Orleans music scene.  As a kid, Mark won music competitions, performed in jam sessions with prominent New Orleans bands hanging out at his house, and recorded with his father for Cosmo Matassa.  In high school, Mark played trumpet in the marching band and attended Loyola University continuing to perform with The Murmurs and working at Allied Music Store.  During the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, Mark performed as the house bass player.  
 
In the late 80’s, Mark solidified his recording career, launching a recording studio in his childhood home and beginning to write jingles for prominent businesses.  In the 90’s, Mark began his Bourbon Street career serving as a musical director for several clubs.  After a brief departure to Destin, FL after Hurricane Katrina, Mark returned to New Orleans and reclaimed his place in the New Orleans music scene.  Mark has shared the stage with Chuck Berry, Johnny Adams, Marva Wright, and Harry Connick, Jr.  
 
Mark is excited to bring his depth and breadth of musical experiences to perfect the sound of the Phunky Monkeys.