FISHSONGS.ORG
MARK HOLMES
A New Voice for the Marine Environment
Conservation through Song
Some people fish. Lots of people eat fish. Others study fish. But Mark Holmes sings about them. Thirty-five years as an ocean conservationist will do that to a guy.
Latest:
Holmes has worked for the National Geographic Society, The Ocean Conservancy, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. He’s pitched in at the Ocean Foundation and the Ocean Research Project. He’s swum with sharks in Monkey Mia and tagged turtles in Trinidad. He’s dived dock pilings on the Chesapeake and mopped up an oil spill in Alaska. He’s cavorted with clammers and quohogged with quohoggers. He’s mapped ancient shipwrecks and tracked endangered species. He’s worked with Bob Ballard, Sylvia Earle, Enric Sala, and countless other oceanographers and scientists. And he’s sailed since he was a kid.
All the while, Mark has been writing and performing songs about the ocean. A versatile musician and a picker since childhood, Mark put himself through college playing solo in bars. He's performed everywhere, too — at schools, marine conferences, non-profit board meetings, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Aquarium.
He is funny, witty, entertaining, educational, and … not to be missed. Don’t let this one get away.
Selected Song Catalog:
"If Woody Guthrie had been born the son of a salty dog and not an Okie, and if his birthplace was the shores of Narragansett Bay and not dusty Okemah, Oklahoma, he might have become Mark Holmes. Mark writes funny, insightful, catchy songs about the sea, its fate, and its band of colorful characters. To paraphrase Guthrie, this water is your water, and Mark Holmes is your guy to sing about it." — Andrew Myers, Former editor of The Ocean Conservancy
"Since people started throwing nets, spears, and lines into rivers, lakes, and streams, songs have come along for the ride: chanties, net-pulling tunes, and ballads. Mark Holmes has brought his years as a fisherman, scientist, and musician to create a thoughtful, vibrant collection of songs dedicated to this venerable tradition. Knowledge and compassion have gone into the lyrics, music, and delivery." — Jim Metzner, Fulbright Specialist in Media & Communication Producer, Pulse of the Planet podcast
"Whatever I've done in music, I owe to Mark Holmes. His soulful songwriting and fun, clever and meaningful lyrics inspired me to write music. His professionalism as a singer and guitarist showed me how to perform. And then we formed a band, Not Dead Yet, that entertained audiences all around the D.C. area. Mark and I have been friends, collaborators and partners in musical mischief for nearly three decades, and I'm grateful for it." — Kevin Maney Author of Play Bigger, and the NY Times best seller The Two Second Advantage. Former USA Today technology columnist
-
Leadership summits
-
Meetings
-
Seminars
-
Trade shows
-
Workshops
-
Field marketing events
-
Public lectures
-
Schools
-
Corporate events
-
Cocktail parties
-
Community events
-
House concerts
-
Award ceremonies
-
Charity and fundraising events
-
Conferences
-
Conventions
BOOK NOW & CONTACT
Looking to make your upcoming event truly unforgettable? Add a touch of elegance, energy, humor, and entertainment by booking Holmes. Mark will set the perfect tone for:
Mark will customize his performance to fit your event's atmosphere and theme. With the ability to create an engaging experience, from soothing background ambiance to high-energy performances, he ensures your guests will be entertained and impressed.
Book now or contact him for more information and availability.
Photo by Craig Lammes