Meet Mark Stonerock | Co-Director; Marquette Area Blues Festival

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Stonerock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, what is the most important factor behind your success?
By far, the most important factor to our success has been the dedication and drive of our Executive Board. As a volunteer organization, members come and go, but the folks that are mainstays within our leadership have been rock solid. We all love the music we support, and enjoy bringing it to a new audience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although I’ve been involved with the Marquette Area Blues Society over the past 21 years, my real job is as a Certified Athletic Trainer here in Michigan. My path started out in Ypsilanti, MI, and I have been fortunate enough to live and work in the Upper Peninsula over the last 30+ years. During the time, I have been able to serve my profession as the President of the Michigan Athletic Trainers Society, and was the State Representative to the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association. This was as a result of serving as the Upper Peninsula Representative to the state organization. I feel that my roles within both the Blues Society and the Sports Medicine world are closely linked. Both “jobs” require organization, tenacity, a calm demeanor and the ability to juggle several tasks at once. Most of the time, the job can seem like smooth sailing, but whether it’s an injured athlete or a band cancelling at the last minute… when things go sidewise, you’d better know what you’re doing!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First off, a little breakfast at Donckers. It is a fantastic candy shop that doubles as a restaurant with great food. They also have a functioning old fashioned soda fountain and a slew of handcrafted chocolates! Next would be some hiking. Both Sugarloaf Mountain and the Dead River Falls are local favorites and close to town.
After working up a hunger, Vango’s is a great place to get lunch. Their waffle fries are fantastic, but so are the sanwiches and pizza. Another great choice is Stucko’s, which makes some of the best poutine I’ve ever had.
For an afternoon activity, you can’t beat a walk around Presque Isle Park. Whether you choose to walk circumference, or crisscross the “island” via several footpaths, the views are stunning. It is here that you’ll find Blackrocks, a series of natural stone outcroppings that overlook Lake Superior. Locals and tourists alike line up to make the 20-30 foot leap into the big lake’s crystal clear (and freezing cold!) water.
My next stop would be at one of our excellent breweries. Marquette currently has several in the area, but my choice for this day would be Blackrocks Brewery on Third Street. Proprietors Dave and Andy have done a great job of creating a space where all feel welcome, and the beer is fantastic. Although I like a good dark beer, they have many excellent choices, many of which can be purchased by the 6-pack to go. If Blackrocks is too busy, The Ore Dock Brewing Company is close by, and also has several brews to sample… hmmm…maybe hit both?
Marquette is a very bike friendly town, so next would be a pedal around some of our beautiful shoreline. It’s all well marked and there are plenty of places to stop for photos and breaks.
Easily accessible to the bike paths are many excellent restaurants. My choice for dinner would be one of two… for fantastic Cajun and Creole fare, Lagniappe is top shelf. Chef Don Durley and his wife Terri make regular trips to New Orleans in a never ending quest to make sure that the food is as authentic as possible. Delicious!
Our other option is The Lake Superior Smokehouse for some fantastic BBQ. Owner Scotty Arbour has his smoker dialed in, and the back yard is a perfect place to wind down your day with one of their hand crafted pints of beer. Not into beer? No worries, there is a full bar as well.
Of course, if you’re lucky, the night could end with one of Mother Nature’s greatest shows, the Northern Lights. Now that would be a great way to end the day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutouts to my previous festival directors Terry Klavitter, Mark Hamari and Walt Lindala (along with his wife April). JoAnne Maki has been invaluable to us over the years as the organization’s Treasurer and/or Secretary, and of course, my wife Dawn for supporting me from within and outside of the Marquette Area Blues Society. Our wonderful Board of Trustees and volunteers are the foundation that our society stands upon!

Website: www.marquetteareabluessociety.org