Acoustic guitarist Mark Kroos took first place in Guitar Player Magazine’s 2011 International Guitar Superstar Competition on July 23rd in Nashville. Mark and 4 other competitors each performed one original composition in front of renown guitar judges Muriel Anderson, Reeves Grabrels, Carl Verheyen and host Larry Carlton. Mark took the cake with his piece titled “Flight Attempt.” Fredrik Halland from Norway placed second and Arek Religa from Chicago came in third.
Currently based in Williamsburg, VA, Mark graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of the Arts in music. He resided in Bowling Green for a year following graduation to teach guitar and perform in his ska / punk band, The Argonauts.
Mark plays two guitar necks at the same time, one with each hand. His style is reminiscent of the late Michael Hedges and draws influence from guitarists such as Leo Kottke, Phil Keaggy and Tommy Emmanuel as well as various punk and indie rock bands.
Mark has been on tour since May, 2010 save a few short breaks for rest, playing concerts or giving clinics every other night on average. Mark plays at bars, coffee houses, listening rooms, churches, schools, house concerts and just about any kind of venue available. He was recently added to the roster of artists endorsed with Ovation Guitars.
Winning the Guitar Superstar Competition awards Mark with a number of prizes including a feature in Guitar Player Magazine and copious amounts of other press. Other endorsements and sponsorships have been offered and Mark has also finalized a partnership with D’Addario Strings and Planet Waves Accessories.
Video of Mark’s winning performance is available at www.markkroos.com.
Print quality photos available at www.sonicbids.com/markkroos
For further information, contact
Mark Kroos
kroosms@hotmail.com
www.markkroos.com
(Submitted by Mark Kroos)