Mark and Brenda Ramsey

Mark knew early on in life that he wanted to play music more than anything else. He grew up in Austin, Texas and did the standard piano lesson thing as a kid. As a teenager he played keys and drums in several Austin bands, while also playing in his high school band and the All-City Jazz Band. It was in the drum section that he met his future wife, Brenda. They performed music together long before becoming a couple. Our high school marching drum section played Mark's original cadences, and we think they still do today.

Mark studied Piano, and Theory & Composition at the University of Texas. He has been able to develop skills in arranging, producing, and playing multiple instruments. He has played in several cover bands in the Central Texas area. Like a lot of musicians, he made the pilgrimage to Nashville a few times and did some showcases up there.

These days, along with performing, Mark teaches private piano, guitar, and drum lessons and workshops for Christian bands. He also produces recording projects for local songwriters and musicians.

After decades of cheering Mark on from the sidelines, Brenda is now singing by his side. She studied music and theater at St. Edward's University in Austin, where she was a featured soloist. Marriage and family took center stage for several years, but Brenda still managed to pursue her love of singing with the contemporary Christian bands, Freeheart, and Wear That Shoe. Now that the kids are grown, she's having the time of her life making music with her love.

Being children of the '70's, Mark and Brenda gravitate to the music of that era. Their song selection is vast and varied, though. They go back to early jazz standards of the 1940's, classic rock, pop, Motown, and country from the '50's and '60's, their beloved '70's classics, and '80's favorites and beyond. (Don't worry; they do some songs from this century, too.)

Mark's piano skills provide the foundation for their songs. Both he and Brenda sing, and the compliment they receive most often is how entertaining their wide variety of songs are.

If you're looking for a larger, '70's Classic Rock band, Mark can provide that with his band, Reload. For an '80's Arena-Rock show, his band Departure ATX never disappoints. Let us know what you're looking for, and chances are, we can provide it!