Mark August Spitznagel
(composer/banjo player for The Tree On His Back)
Mark August Spitznagel was found by the banjo at the adventurous age of 12. Once found, he was not able to hide from it no matter what he did, because all the hiding places magically disappeared. He was in love with the twangy loud happiness that emitted from its soul. Subsequently, he quickly searched for a teacher to unveil the magic of this five stringed device and was blessed with the president of the Pittsburgh banjo club, Norm Azinger, accepting him as a pupil. Since that day 16 years ago, Mark has taken his best friend on all of his Journeys into the unknown and back again. These Journeys include a talent show in front of 2000 people, and a Bachelor of the Fine Arts in Acting from Point Park University where Mark was declared a "Rising Star" for the first time in the University's history by a Mr. Jimmy Miller. From there, Mark took the show to NYC where he merged his acting and musicality in several off-broadway, TV and film productions ranging everywhere from Shakespeare to Arthur Miller's "The American Clock". In one of these adventures he found a guitar player by the name of Chris Cornwell. And once he found him, Chris would not hide again. The banjo was pleased. Chris and Mark started a band, and this band is called THE RUSTY GUNS. He is excited for you to hear this lovely story and this piece, as it is very dear to his heart. He would also like to take this opportunity to thank his brilliantly talented team; Amanda Gookin on cello, and his brother, Martin Spitznagel, on piano. This is just the beginning people. Imagine what is to come...
You can follow Mark, his comedy web series, his music, his band, and his ongoing adventure with the banjo by clicking HERE. Feel free to contact him on that site, as he would love to hear from you.
You can follow Mark, his comedy web series, his music, his band, and his ongoing adventure with the banjo by clicking HERE. Feel free to contact him on that site, as he would love to hear from you.