JAM: August/September 2004 Issue: Mark Pender Visits the Blue Room

Mark Pender Visits the Blue Room

Mark Pender, from Kansas City , has performed with the Max Weinberg Seven since the Conan O'Brien show's inception. This month, he brings the Mark Pender Band, a funk, jazz, and jump blues band, to the Blue Room for a performance on August 14 th at 8 p.m.

“The (Conan O'Brien) show's been going just great,” said Pender. “We're finishing our 11 th year next month, and I've been in every show. I think we're in around 1,930 performances...That just couldn't get better.”

From 1977-79, Pender played with the Inner City Orchestra of Kansas City. He toured with Diana Ross in 1981-82, and, over the years, Pender has played with Bruce Springstein, David Bowie and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Also, Pender has been leading a band for more than 20 years now.

“I've been running my own band in various groups since the mid 80's. I used to live in New Jersey , and we played in New Jersey and upstate New York . And I used to tour a lot, too.

“I'd go on tour, and the band would fall apart...It's been a lot easier running the band since I've been with Max (Weinberg) because I'm not on tour. I can still do gigs after the show and on weekends. And we have enough weeks off during the year, so I can do shows like the one in Kansas City this summer.”

Pender noted that he's been featured in comedy sketches on the Conan O'Brien show.

“Every now and again I get featured in some comedy sketches...One time, recently, they were talking about perks. Well, I love the fact that we get to keep all the clothes we get to wear. And they said, ‘No you don't.' And they ripped off my suit, and I was standing there in my underwear. Right after that, the sax player hits me with a beer bottle and breaks it over my head.”

Pender is also performing in New York at the Cutting Room and the Cherokee Train Depot this month.

“This time [in KC] I am bringing the band from New York ...That makes it exciting. This unit is the unit I'm always playing with...Glen Alexander is from Kansas , a great guitar player. I have Kevin Jenkins on bass...as well as Mo Roberts on drums. We're going to do a slightly different show this time,” Pender said. “I'm going to invite a few Kansas City musicians to play with us, as well.” That will most likely include cameo performances with Kansas City 's Greg Richter (piano), Tom Pender ( guitar, Mark's brother), Bobby Carson (vocals and guitar, Mark's nephew), and Ricky Anderson (bass).

--Kevin Rabas






	Search our site:		Mark Pender Visits the Blue Room Mark Pender, from Kansas City , has performed with the Max Weinberg Seven since the Conan O'Brien show's inception. This month, he brings the Mark Pender Band, a funk, jazz, and jump blues band, to the Blue Room for a performance on August 14 th at 8 p.m. “The (Conan O'Brien) show's been going just great,” said Pender. “We're finishing our 11 th year next month, and I've been in every show. I think we're in around 1,930 performances...That just couldn't get better.” From 1977-79, Pender played with the Inner City Orchestra of Kansas City. He toured with Diana Ross in 1981-82, and, over the years, Pender has played with Bruce Springstein, David Bowie and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Also, Pender has been leading a band for more than 20 years now. “I've been running my own band in various groups since the mid 80's. I used to live in New Jersey , and we played in New Jersey and upstate New York . And I used to tour a lot, too. “I'd go on tour, and the band would fall apart...It's been a lot easier running the band since I've been with Max (Weinberg) because I'm not on tour. I can still do gigs after the show and on weekends. And we have enough weeks off during the year, so I can do shows like the one in Kansas City this summer.” Pender noted that he's been featured in comedy sketches on the Conan O'Brien show. “Every now and again I get featured in some comedy sketches...One time, recently, they were talking about perks. Well, I love the fact that we get to keep all the clothes we get to wear. And they said, ‘No you don't.' And they ripped off my suit, and I was standing there in my underwear. Right after that, the sax player hits me with a beer bottle and breaks it over my head.” Pender is also performing in New York at the Cutting Room and the Cherokee Train Depot this month. “This time [in KC] I am bringing the band from New York ...That makes it exciting. This unit is the unit I'm always playing with...Glen Alexander is from Kansas , a great guitar player. I have Kevin Jenkins on bass...as well as Mo Roberts on drums. We're going to do a slightly different show this time,” Pender said. “I'm going to invite a few Kansas City musicians to play with us, as well.” That will most likely include cameo performances with Kansas City 's Greg Richter (piano), Tom Pender ( guitar, Mark's brother), Bobby Carson (vocals and guitar, Mark's nephew), and Ricky Anderson (bass). --Kevin Rabas RETURN TO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2004 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2004. All rights reserved.