Mark Cabaniss serves as a guest speaker/singer/entertainer for schools/universities, civic organizations and churches. Contact The Robinson Agency to book Mark and/or learn more about these events.
Confessions of a Shameless Name-Dropper
- Music and multi-media presentation based on Mark’s book of the same title
- A fun and unforgettable walk down memory lane with songs, stories, video clips, and projections
The music business has taken Mark Cabaniss on adventures far from his native state of North Carolina…from Nashville to Broadway to Hollywood and back.
In Confessions of a Shameless Name-Dropper this self-admitted “shameless name-dropper” tells witty and inspiring stories of his fun connections through the years in the music business and broadcasting. The stories are mixed with music and visual media to bring the audience into the stories all the more.
Join him as he shares the inside scoop of his encounters with legendary entertainers Bob Barker, Andy Griffith, Shirley Jones, Kathie Lee Gifford, Steve Allen, Dick Clark, Sherwood (Gilligan’s Island) Schwartz, and more. It’s a walk down a classic showbiz memory lane.
The stories, photos, and video clips are woven together with beloved songs (Try to Remember, Trouble in River City, Edelweiss, and many more) sung by Mark, (accompanied by international touring pianist Diane Earle) bringing the stories all the more to life, while celebrating the transforming power of music and the arts. The audience walks away not only entertained and inspired, but educated about the ins and outs and ups and downs of the music business.
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden was gifted the presence and present of a Mark Cabaniss show. Mark was captivating with his storytelling skills accompanied by interspersed correlating, familiar songs and video/audio clips. He infused humor and wisdom in his engagement with the audience. The experience felt like a personal creation for each individual who was there as Mark sincerely connects with his audience. It was an afternoon to remember and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
–Laurna Strehl, Executive Director/Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Mark Cabaniss is a warm-hearted, wonderful raconteur.
-Rupert Holmes, Tony Award-winning hit songwriter, playwright and artist
Confessions of a Shameless Name-Dropper is a pure delight!
-David Pomeranz, multi-platinum award-winning recording artist and songwriter
Miracle of “The Music Man”
- Music and multi-media presentation based on Mark’s bestselling book “Miracle of The Music Man: The Classic American Story of Meredith Willson”
- Behind-the-scenes stories of the unlikely hit musical “The Music Man”
- Celebrates the transforming power of music, community, faith, and love
- Length can be tailored to meet the sponsor’s desired format
The Music Man stands as one of the greatest achievements in American musical theatre, but few know about its rocky beginnings and the against-all-odds success story of its creator Meredith Willson.
Mark Cabaniss steps back into the Golden Age of Broadway and brings to life the origins of this classic show, the music behind it, and the unlikely story of its creator. Interweaving behind-the-scenes accounts of people who worked with Willson, Cabaniss looks at his long and unusual career as a composer, conductor, radio personality, and flutist, which reached its pinnacle in The Music Man.
No one initially believed in Willson’s “Valentine to Iowa,” seeing it as nothing but a corny flop or, worse, a recipe for disaster. But when the curtain fell on opening night, a star called The Music Man was born. Over 65 years later, that star is still marching right to this day, endeared by millions around the world. To understand Willson, his career, and his music is to understand how The Music Man came to be: he was truly the only person who could have ever written this show due to his unique background, talent, incredible persistence, and belief. The show’s ultimate success and longevity was anything but inevitable—rather, it was truly a miracle.
What an enjoyable hour filled with entertaining and fun stories!
-John M./Denver, CO
Fascinating and delightful! Mark’s delivery is down-to-earth and engaging.
-Kristen C./Lansing, MI
I walked away renewed and inspired.
-Jody G./Jonesboro, AR
How to Be a Star In One Million Easy Steps
- Publishing, Songwriting, and Recording based on Mark’s book “Music Business Essentials: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals”
- Packed with fun stories, real-world tips, learning experiences, and more
In this event, Mark Cabaniss shares his over 30 years of experience in the music business as a songwriter, producer, publisher, broadcaster, and entertainer to give aspiring and/or interested people an inside look at the businesses of music and entertainment. Based on his book Music Business Essentials, Mark mixes fascinating anecdotes and lessons learned of his work with world-class celebrities with solid tips for success. Mark’s ultimate goal with this event is to educate, entertain, inform, and inspire.
I so enjoyed the ‘How to Be a Star’ presentation! It was fast-paced, fun and Mark Cabaniss is hilarious!
– Deb S.
Wow! After attending ‘How to Be a Star’ I not know only know a ton more about the music business but am inspired to go and follow my dreams!
-Ryan M.
The ‘How to Be a Star in One Million Easy Steps’ evening was so much fun. I learned more in that hour than I’ve learned in a whole semester.
-Natalie P.
Meet the Composer
- Music event for churches and schools
- Stories behind the songs and compositional tips
- A “behind-the-scenes” look into the music publishing process
In this event, Mark Cabaniss meets with any and all interested music directors and ensembles to conduct and interpret his music with the performing group(s). A public performance of the music (with Mark conducting) is an integral part of the experience for all. During rehearsals and performance, Mark weaves fascinating and relevant facts and anecdotes about the music itself and its creation along with his own rich experiences in the music business with world-class celebrities and musicians.
Mark Cabaniss did a ‘Meet the Composer’ weekend at our church, where he worked with my 35-voice choir, rehearsed four of his wonderful anthems, and discussed his compositional process. Then he conducted them singing these compositions in church. He was a huge hit with the choir and the congregation! As one choir member said, ‘I learned more from him in two hours than I had in fifty years.’ His spiritual depth, zany personality, and outstanding musical skills brought a whole new dimension to my church choral singing and commitment. We can’t wait to have him return!
– Diane E.
For more information or to book Mark, contact:
The Robinson Agency
Contact@TheRobinsonAgency.com
1-800-782-2995