Thanks for your time. So tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
The five musicians come from all over the world, but now we all live in some part of Jacksonville. Geej is from the Philippines and has been in Jax for about 15 years; Mark is originally from PA and then lived and worked in NYC before drifting south; Roy is from KY, Ken is from Baltimore, where he earned a degree in Percussion Performance from the University of MD. Arvid is from the Southwest and lived in various parts of Florida before settling down in Jax.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
We were all born with the desire to play music and/or sing. Some showed their talents earlier than others. There are rumors that Arvid was born with a slide guitar in hand. Geej’s family was theatrical and musical. Her father directed plays at college, and her uncles used to visit the house and play guitars and sing Beatles’ songs and CSN&Y.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
Geej started singing, then picked up a guitar. She started writing music for plays performed. Some of the plays ended up being performed throughout Europe and Asia. Roy played guitar then switched to bass. Ken started by banging pots and pans before switching to the drums and various percussion instruments. Arvid plays guitar, and took a liking to the sitar, and now has been studying the pedal steel. Mark was writing songs before he could play an instrument. Started teaching himself guitar at 14, added harmonica, bass, and later in life taught himself piano.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
Well we are MoonStalker. Everyone in the band does side projects
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
We all have different influences. Geej has been influenced by indigenous music as well as by Asian and Celtic music and singer/songwriters such as Tom Waits. Arvid has a list of influences but number one is John Fahey and his approach to music. Ken’s influences are traditional drumming from India, Africa, and the Middle East. Roy’s main influences are the Clash, Velvet Underground, and Bikini Kill. Mark was influenced by his grade school music teacher and singing in the children’s church choir.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
So many highlights over the years for all of us. One of Arvid’s is when he was prominently featured on the only tribute album for John Fahey. Geej has performed all over the world; Roy’s is playing the Bowery Ballroom in NYC with Robert Lester Folsom. Ken’s was performing with Victor Wooten at a benefit concert in Annapolis, Maryland in 2010.
Mark finds it hard to choose one and wants to believe the biggest highlight is yet to come. That said, here are a few things He’d like to mention: writing music for theater that ended up Off-Broadway; playing at an NFL event when the Super Bowl was in Jacksonville. Hearing one of his songs for the first time on the radio when he was 19. Finding out in 2023 that one of his songs, “What Do I Say,” was a financial success. Getting to perform on the same stage with some of his childhood heroes such as Steve Forbert and Arlo Guthrie.
Geej has performed in many countries around the world, and has composed music for various theater productions. She toured extensively as a performer and theater trainer with the internationally renowned Kaliwat Theater Collective, then led by Nestor Horfilla, and with the Asian Council for People’s Culture Theater for the Environment Network (ACPC-TENT) led by Al Santos. She also conducted many trainings in music and theater for the Cultural Center of the Philippines and was Vice-Chairperson of the Dramatic Arts Committee of the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts for two consecutive terms (8 years).
A song Geej wrote the music to in the dance-drama “Uwahig,” written by Steven Patrick Fernandez, was performed on “The Voice” in the Philippines, which to date has 14 million views on YouTube. The music, now entitled “The Myth and the Poet,” is available on Bandcamp.
As a musician, Geej is one of the founding members and songwriters of the prestigious band, Mebuyan, in her hometown, Davao. She was also an award-winning songwriter at the Tunog Mindanaw World Music Competition for two consecutive years. The music video of her instrumental music, ONE, by Elvert Bañares, is an entry to three short music video festivals, including Blackbird 15 and World Music Videos.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
So many good musicians and songwriters in Jacksonville and all styles of music. Mark books performers at Mudville Listening Room, which brings artists in from around the world as well as great local artists. So he doesn’t want to list any one person or band because he doesn’t want to leave someone off the list.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
Mudville Listening Room (But Mark runs it, so maybe there is a conflict of interest here). We love Friday Musicale and the back room of Ronan School of Music, where they do 10 Songs and a Poem
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
October 28 Geej is performing at 10 Songs and a Poem with special guests Mark and Krishna Das. On October 30, Geej will be performing at an event in Chicago. On November 7, we are excited to be doing PorchFest. We go on at 1:00 PM. November 20, we will be at Mudville Listening Room.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Show up for each other’s gigs when you can.
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician, what would it be?
Mark’s answer: What is your writing process? What has your practice routine been? As a band, how often do you rehearse?
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
The people. The weather and beaches are great too. Also, we have a city filled with talented artists, singer/songwriters, performers, writers…
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
www.moonstalkermusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/952151477556747?active_tab=about
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
