Featured photo by Alex Brikoff

The Mark DuFresne Band featuring Billy Stapleton is not your typical blues fare. This spectacular “show band” plays the material like a quintessential Chicago Blues Revue Band. This quartet is truly one of the best rhythm and blues outfits on the West Coast.

Since reforming in 2016 with founding guitarist, Billy Stapleton, this current version of the Mark DuFresne Band has been wowing audiences in the Pacific Northwest. With Grammy nominated Mark DuFresne at the helm with his 3-octave tenor voice, and his championship harmonica playing at full force, Mark’s powerhouse skills are sure to captivate and entertain. A dynamic singer and showman, DuFresne’s original rhythm and blues songs and instrumentals shine in the hands of this talented quartet. His work on the chromatic harmonica is considered as some of the most innovative in Blues music.  His ability to circular breathe has left audiences amazed.

“DuFresne is as distinctive as a vocalist as he is a fiery player; rather than recycling old riffs, his original compositions are tuneful, melodic and grooveworthy..” – Blues Review Magazine….

Veteran Guitarist, and recent Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame inductee, Billy Stapleton is kept busy with rhythm, lead, and slide guitar duties. Stapleton’s artistry is second to none.

On Fender electric bass, the rock-solid Kelly Leifer is the perfect foundation to this rocking rhythm section.

Filling the drum chair this year will be Thomas Dostal. Tom is a seasoned pro who has played with Andy Williams, Glenn Campbell and Petula Clark to name a few biggies and has graced the stage locally with NW blues acts.

The “Mark DuFresne Band” includes guitarist Billy Stapleton of the trio- “Billy Stapleton Powerhouse”. Mark also performs with the “T-Town Aces”. All three are great bands and members of the South Sound Blues Association. Since reforming in 2016 with founding guitarist, Billy Stapleton, this current version of the Mark Dufresne Band has been wowing audiences across the Pacific Northwest.

Grammy nominated singer and champion harmonica player Mark Dufresne leads his crack quartet through original rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul and soaring ballads. A true world class talent.

 

Photo by Dan Hill

Mark is one of the most sought-after Blues talents in the Northwest.  The Washington Blues Society has awarded him for best vocalist, songwriter, and harmonica, more than any other artist.

Photo by David Bristol

He has recorded three CDs of all original music.  “Out of That Bed”, “Have Another Round” and “There’s A Song in There”, which featured the lineup of the former Hollywood Fats Band.

In 2002 Mark joined the coveted band “Roomful of Blues” as lead vocalist.  While in that role the band received a Grammy nomination for “That’s Right”.  They also won the W.C. Handy award for Best Band – 2004.  The New England Blues monthly awarded him Best Blues Vocalist.  He returned home to the Pacific Northwest in 2006 after a successful and fun four and a half years.