Mark Schatz

Mark Schatz, one of the preeminent bass players in the New Acoustic Music scene, is equally respected for his clawhammer banjo playing and for his original clawhammer compositions featured on his two Rounder recordings, Brand New Old Tyme Way and Steppin’ in the Boiler House. His banjo work can also be heard on projects by Mark O’Connor, Claire Lynch, Bela Fleck, David Grier, and Jerry Douglas (Mark’s banjo kicks off the IBMA award show theme music, “Shoulder to Shoulder,” which he co-wrote with Douglas). He has taught at Rocky Grass Academy, NashCamp, Common Ground on the Hill, and has done countless workshops at festivals. Since moving to the Washington, DC area in 1995 Mark’s clawhammer has played a prominent role in performances by the acclaimed Annapolis based Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, for whom he is also the Musical Director.