BIOGRAPHY
Mark Stary is primarily a full time musician (live loop one-man band, singer/songwriter, guitar, harmonica, organ) in the Twin Cities, MN, metro area (since approx. 2004). He performs 250 + shows annually and has also released 9+ original albums under “Mark Stary” & “Mark Stary & The Whiskey Roses” (& LOTS of singles, latest being the reggae influenced “I’ll Be Around”). Musical genres include: rock n’ roll, blues, funk, reggae, pop, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, classic country, etc.
Mark has previously signed multiple single-song contracts with Aristomedia (Nashville, TN), auditioned at Capitol Records and has opened for numerous national acts such as: Pat Green, JoDee Messina, Travis Tritt, Kentucky Headhunters, The Knack, etc.
Mark is also the creator and host of the popular “Minnesota Music Shakedown Podcast” (prev. “Mark Stary Music Podcast” est. 2015) which is available on most all podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple, etc.) The podcast explores the unique lives, songs & adventures of working musicians. Guests have included: Sugar Blue, Martin Zellar, Ryan Young of Trampled by Turtles, GB Leighton, Don Shelby, Diana Pierce, Tina Schlieske, The Suburbs, Chris Hawkey, TD Mischke, Kat Perkins, and many many more.
Mark and his therapy dog golden retrievers, Copper and Barley, teach & help develop curriculum for “Canine Inspired Change” (St Paul, MN) which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving vulnerable youth the social-emotional tools they need to be active participants in their schools—and their communities. Union Gospel Mission (St. Paul, MN) & CIC Camp Turtle Lake are a couple of Copper & Barley’s favorites (although they LOVE all the schools and students they work with).
Mark is also a life long professional charcoal and pencil portrait artist. Mark tries to accurately capture the likeness of the subject while still creating a unique, artistic interpretation. Current artistic focus is on Dremel wood carving.
Mark is a mentor, curriculum / course developer and board member at the online non-profit, “The College of Stoic Philosophers.” He shares his experience of learning and applying the philosophy of Stoicism with students and fellow travelers on the Stoic path. Original course offerings include “On Heraclitus” and “Stoic Cosmic Consciousness Course” (SC3). “The College of Stoic Philosophers Podcast” is his latest project for the college. Check out the Dr. John Sellars episode!
Mark is involved with the non-profit organization and bar, B-Dale Club (Roseville, MN). Annual fundraising events include: Winter Bocce (Union Gospel Mission), Mini-Golf (Canine Inspired Change: Camp TL) and Minnow Races (Serving Our Troops). The B-Dale “Underground Jam” music series has included popular guests such as: Don Shelby, Ryan Young, Pat Donohue, Steven C, Andy Crowley, Gabriel Douglas, and many more. The monthly “Trivia Night” has also been a hit with the area community! As of 2025, Mark is happy to be participating on the board of directors with fellow friends and members.
2022 brought the 20th year Mark and Manfred Schonauer (Pipe Dream Center, Comstock, WI) have written and directed the “Summer School Theater and Music” play in Mark’s hometown of Turtle Lake, WI. Since Manfred’s retirement, Mark has teamed with accomplished guitarist, Dustin Degolier (Cumberland, WI) to continue the beloved program.