Door Community Auditorium
Fireside Coffeehouse Concert
Presents
Mark Paffrath
Singer/songwriter Mark Paffrath’s interpretations of the world and the human condition are thoughtful and well-crafted, as well as quirky and humorous. His vintage Gibson guitar in hand, Paffrath garners comparisons to Kenny Loggins, Lyle Lovett, and John Denver. Performing in the 4th Door Community Auditorium Fireside Coffeehouse Concert of the winter season, Paffrath will take the stage on Saturday, March 1 at 7 pm in a concert that will spotlight his enormous versatility and musicality.
A pop/folk singer, Paffrath’s vocal command and instrumental skills, as well as his easy and refreshing style, have entertained audiences from Wisconsin’s neighborhood coffeehouses to Germany’s folk clubs and festivals.
A keen observer of the world around him, Paffrath’s musical interpretations are insightful, his original music well-crafted. Combined with a self-deprecating, but keen sense of humor and repartee, Paffrath’s performances reflect a genuine sensitivity for the human condition, the joys and sorrows of the world.
Paffrath has been performing for more than 25 years. Prior to turning solo several years ago, Paffrath collaborated with a number of artists. In the mid-80s he performed as part of the duo Paffrath & Dykhuis, releasing two recordings. The pair received a Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award for “Best Folk Artists” for their efforts.
A stint as the drummer for the regional band Marvin & The Dogs was followed by performances with Moulin Rouge, Milwaukee’s Willy Porter, and Richard Holly. From 1997 – 2000, Paffrath performed with the Milwaukee-based Zydeco band Big Nick and the Cydecos. In 2001, Paffrath went solo and released “Retrofix – Life’s Journey With Musical Friends,” later that year. His debut solo album received numerous awards.
In the course of Paffrath’s career, the multi-talented and multi-faceted performer has garnered numerous recognitions for his music. As a full-time performer early in his career, his 1999 release “Rainbeat” won the award for “Best CD” in the Racine Journal Times reader’s poll. Together with his friend and music collaborator Richard Holly, the duo was nominated for a WAMI 2000 “Best Folk Artists” award. In 2003, Paffrath was voted “Best Musician” in the “Best of Racine County” poll.
When he’s not on stage, Paffrath is involved in a number of non-profit agencies. He has served with the Racine County Project Emergency, the Racine Emergency Shelter Task Force, the Prairie Performing Arts Center Entertainment Series at the Prairie School in Racine, “Thoughts for Food,” and the Tim Hansen Project, a musical fundraising and hunger awareness endeavor. Paffrath also founded New Leaf Music Enterprise, his own booking, management and publishing operation.
Seating for the Fireside Coffeehouse Concerts is limited and advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. General admission tickets are $14 and are available at the Door Community Auditorium box office, by phone (920.868.2728), or via the www.dcauditorium.org. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 – 3 pm; weekend show days, 11 – 3 pm; and one hour prior to a performance. The Door Community Auditorium is located in Fish Creek, just north of the town center on Highway 42. Refreshments will be available for purchase during this performance.
