Staff

Jon maintains a busy working schedule in Los Angeles with a handful of personal musical projects that have been on tour throughout the United States and Europe. He is also a regular member of bands led by Vinny Golia, Bennie Maupin and Mike Barone. Jon’s passion for reaching out to the community and educating young minds in the ways of music has led him to design and teach multiple improvisation and listening based curricula that he’s employed throughout Los Angeles. In addition to teaching piano at HOLA, he also works with a college preparatory creative ensemble through the California Arts Partnership.

Mark was born into music. His older brothers, father and grandfather all played music. Born and raised in California, Mark grew up in a multi-ethnic neighborhood in Los Angeles. Being a mix of African American, Lebanese and Danish heritages, Mark explored the cross cultural aspects of his rich heritage. At home, Mark was introduced to many different instruments and styles of music, developing an early ear for World Music sounds. Mark started playing guitar, flute and saxophone, but by the age of 17, he focused solely on the guitar.

Mark has been involved in the Los Angeles music scene since the early 70’s. He has performed or recorded with innumerable world musicians.  His collaboration with Ras Michael as both guitarist and musical director took him on tour all over the nation. Mark then decided to focus on his own band, The Blue Nile X-press (The BNX). He has recorded two albums with his current group.

Mark formed an educational program, Music Makes You Smarter, which has already been implemented in many school programs in the Los Angeles area. He has been on staff at HOLA for the past 6 years. Besides his wonderful work at HOLA, Mark also volunteers his time as band leader/guitarist, producer and sound engineer for organizations such as the Starlight Foundation, Projects AIDS benefit, and the Martin Luther King Day Parade.