COURT HOUSE – Linda Gentille & The Jersey Shore Pops have confirmed that singer and original founding member of “The Lettermen” has signed a contract to perform with the orchestra in their 2014 season. Preston will perform standards from The Letterman which they made famous, as well as classics which he considers his favorites. Music director for the orchestra, Linda Gentille comments, “I saw Preston perform on a Regent Cruise last year and was amazed at his talent and rapport with the audience. He is a consummate entertainer and reminds me a lot of Wayne Newton and Liberace. I knew in 5 minutes why he is considered one of the most in-demand entertainers on the high seas right now. I know our audiences will love him.”
Growing up in Indiana gave Preston plenty of opportunity to perform and grow with his talent. Starting at the age of 11, Preston carried his singing through school and then decided to enlist. Joining the Air Force was Preston’s first stop on his way to being a top performer. His talent earned him accolades when he was selected as the Air Force’s finest vocalist of 1975, and then toured with Tops in Blue. This elite group is made up of the Air Force’s top 20, most versatile entertainers. During his time in the Air Force, Preston was awarded the American Spirit Honor Medal as well as the Air Force Commendation Medal.
President of The Jersey Shore Pops Dr. Nick Holland comments, “What made our 2013 Summer Concert Season so successful this year was our music director and conductors ability to find such amazing guest artists like Mark Preston as she travels around the world performing as a headliner herself on major cruise lines. She came home a few months ago so excited about this performer from The Lettermen and couldn’t wait to get approval to book him. We were just fortunate that Preston now lives in Pennsylvania making him within driving distance for the performance next summer. We know this concert will be a sell out and a stand out performance for the history of the orchestra.”
Preston ever flew under the radar when it came to his career and talent. Country Music Hall of Famer Tennessee Ernie Ford so aptly put it, “Cock your pistols, there will be no stopping this young man”, and there hasn’t been. After his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force and a string of impressive performances at one of Los Angeles’ oldest clubs, The Horn, Preston decided to make his next career move to Las Vegas. Preston became a featured performer at The Dunes, The Silverbird, The Marina and The Sahara hotels. Preston also performed on Harrah’s stage in Reno and in Lake Tahoe. None of these performances went unnoticed as he continued to receive reviews that described him as “an extraordinary singer, being able to belt out a song, filling you with eye watering emotion”. Variety magazine dubbed him “one of the finest entertainers in show business”.
The young man from South Bend then found another dimension of his career to expand upon, television. With several appearances on the hit series Vegas, as well as being the stand-in and photo double for the show’s star, Robert Urich, Preston went on to do guest appearances on several network specials. Again, none of this went unnoticed as Preston would find himself moving again for another opportunity to expand his already growing career. Because of his acting on television and his singing, the Indiana native was asked to co-host The Bob Braun Show, a syndicated variety show originating in Cincinnati, Ohio. Preston proved his versatility when he joined the Braun Show. The Bob Braun Show was filmed live each day, and they were known to shoot from different sites in the cities where the show was broadcast. Preston proved to be an all-around entertainer as he interviewed guests on the show, worked in places like the Ohio State Fair and different remote tapings. He sang his heart out for people coming in from the tri-state area to see him perform.
Preston’s star was not yet shining bright enough. While he was performing on the Bob Braun Show, he was asked to open for the First Lady of Comedy, Phyllis Diller. “I love to refer to Mark Preston as my protégé”, said Ms. Diller. “He has one of the strongest, most beautiful voices I have ever heard. He really gets to an audience. He sings, acts, emotes, is handsome…everything.”
Preston’s unique talent preceded him again, and he was asked twice to join the world famous recording group, The Lettermen. With the second invitation, Preston accepted and spent 10 years with the group. During that time, Preston recorded several CDs. The group’s most recent recording “New Directions 2010” with the Les Brown Jr. Orchestra, was put forward for 3 Grammy Nominations. In 2001, Preston’s contributions to The Lettermen were recognized when the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame. The late, great, Tennessee Ernie Ford was right when he spoke of Mark Preston. Today his comment would be “Cock your pistols, there IS no stopping this talented singer”…
Preston was excited to comment, “This will be the first time in years that I have performed in South Jersey. I am so looking forward to performing with The Jersey Shore Pops and meeting old friends and fans from the shore who remember me when I was with The Lettermen. The Jersey audiences were always so wonderful for us, and I am excited to once again share that tremendous energy and enthusiasm. I was so impressed with the orchestra’s conductor Linda Gentille when I saw her show on the Regent ship last year. We have a mutual admiration and professional respect for each other. It will be an awesome collaboration next summer and I am so looking forward to it.”
Individual tickets for the July 12, 2014 show with Mark Preston are not available yet, but buyers can call and be put on the waiting list to be informed when the date is confirmed for ticket sales. Please email: Linda@JerseyShorePops.org or call
1 609-628-4544.
The Jersey Shore Pops currently have 2 shows planned and confirmed in Ocean City at the Music Pier. The concerts which are confirmed for 2014 for the Ocean City Music Pier are as follows:
May 24 at 7:00 PM: “America” starring Linda Gentille & The Jersey Shore pops. This big band concert will tribute America Heroes with mainly music Glenn Miller & George Gershwin.
Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 PM: “Country Divas” starring Jacklyn Buckingham & the Jersey Shore Pops. This concert wills tribute the great ladies of country music including Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton and many others. Jacklyn Buckingham has become a regular popular guest entertainer with the orchestra and will break from her traditional Broadway style of singing for this country themed show.
To purchase tickets for the 2014 Ocean City Season Pass, call 1- 609-628-4544 or 1-800-838-3006 or go online at www.JerseyShorePops.org. You can view the seating chart online and all seats are reserved seating on a first come first serve basis.
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