The Flagpole Radio Café will continues its sixth season on Saturday, March 22, with special guest Sandy Hook resident Mark Barden.

The show begins at 7 pm at the Edmond Town Hall Theatre, 45 Main Street in Newtown. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and students, and are on sale at www.flagpoleproductions.org. 

Mark Barden began his career in Nashville studying with Reggie Wooten, working as a session musician, and touring with The Cox Family, Michael Martin Murphy, Doug Stone, Vern Gosdin, Vicki Bird, and Randy Stafford, among others. He also worked as a producer and sound engineer.

Returning to the Northeast, he studied composition with the distinguished composer of American classical music John Corigliano, and began playing in several different bands, including that of jazz guitarist and former New York Yankee great Bernie Williams.

Mr Barden has also composed music for film, television, and radio. He often plays in the Newtown area with his current band Alternate Universe, and is a guitar instructor.

Mr Barden lives in Sandy Hook with his wife and children. This past year, he has been working with Sandy Hook Promise to help find common sense solutions to the problems at the intersection of gun violence and mental health.

“From our earliest shows, it has always been a goal of The Flagpole Radio Café to showcase accomplished and talented artists from Newtown,” remarked Producer Martin Blanco. “We have wanted to have Mark Barden perform with us for some time. He is an outstanding guitarist, regularly works with some of our ensemble members, and has a strong following. We’re so glad he can join us this month.”

Flagpole Radio Café features music by Jim Allyn and The Flagpole Radio Café Orchestra (Rob Bonaccorso, Rick Brodsky, Howie Bujese, Dick Neil and Francine Wheeler), radio style comedy sketches by the Flagpole Shakespeare Repertory Theatre (Martin Blanco, Barbara Gaines, Kate Katcher and David Wheeler), and appearances by guests artists. Previous guests have included Livingston Taylor, Peter Yarrow, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Jonathon Edwards, Elisabeth Von Trapp, Christine Lavin, Deborah Henson-Conant, Patty Larkin, Vaneese Thomas, Roger Ball (Average White Band), and Yale's internationally acclaimed male choir The Whiffenpoofs.

For further information send email to info@flagpoleproductions.org or call 203-364-0898.