Mark209 Shares the Stage with Country Music Icon Ronnie Milsap

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 5, 2012) – Gospel music mainstays Mark209 had the distinct privilege of performing onstage with Country music icon Ronnie Milsap at a recent concert event.

At Ronnie Milsap’s request, Mark209 accompanied The Milsap Show to Palmetto, Florida to perform as a part of Bill Bailey’s Winter Gospel Music Convention, the largest winter gospel music festival in the United States.

Mark209 opened for The Milsap Show, and Ronnie asked the quartet to join him on stage to sing some selections, which included “Peace In The Valley” from his gospel CD, Then Sings My Soul.

Ronnie said from stage, “If you’ve got such a quality quartet as Mark209, you just have to do an Elvis song just like he did it.”

The group then backed him on Elvis’ “Love Me.” Also on the evening’s program in Palmetto, Florida were Karen Peck & New River, the Collingsworth Family, and Wilburn & Wilburn.

Dominic Korzecki was in attendance and posted on Ronnie Milsap’s Facebook page: “These guys [Mark209] have to be one of the best Southern Gospel groups I've heard since The Stamps.”

Jym Howe of Mark209 states, “We have had people ask us what it is like to sing with Ronnie Milsap and to be honest, Kenny Rogers said it best, ‘There is no greater thrill, and at the same time no greater fear, than singing with Ronnie Milsap. He is, quite simply, as good as he has to be to be better than the person he is singing with.’ It is an honor to share Ronnie’s stage and a thrill to sing with him. Each time we have performed with him, his band and crew has actually treated us like we were somebody.”

Seven-time Grammy Award winner, Ronnie Milsap has had 40 #1 songs. He has received every CMA Award available to a male Country artist, including the industry’s highest honor, the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award. From the Academy of Country Music, he has received the Instrumentalist of the Year and Pioneer Award and Billboard Magazine awarded him “Artist of the Year.” Ronnie played and sang on two albums with Elvis Presley, opened for James Brown in the 60s, and recorded duets with Barry Manilow, Patty Labelle, Kenny Rogers, and Trace Adkins. Ronnie Milsap is long overdue for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

2012 has started with a bang for the popular quartet. In addition to doing select dates with Ronnie Milsap, Mark209 has already been scheduled for several television appearances and large festivals. On March 11, 2012, the quartet will be able to be seen LIVE online via a pay-per-view internet concert sponsored by the American Society of Gospel Music.

The group recently landed two Absolutely Gospel Music Award nominations. The group landed nods in the Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Fan Favorite Artist of the Year categories. The group also scored a nomination for Favorite New Excelling Artist in the 2012 SGM FanFair Awards.

The brand new Mark209 website was recently launched. You can visit them online at www.mark209.com.

You can also find the group on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/mark209.

About Mark209
Mark209 is one of the most exciting Gospel quartets touring the country today. The intricate harmonies, detailed arrangements, energy, and versatility place this group in a league of its own. In a time when mediocrity is widely accepted, this group has raised the bar and exceeds everyone's expectations. The group consists of Jym Howe, Nathaniel Justice, Joe Armstrong, and Jimmy Reno.

Father of Mark209’s Jym Howe Suffers Major Heart Attack

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (November 14, 2011) – The father of Mark209’s Jym Howe suffered a major heart attack last week. Howe’s father, Tommy Howe, was admitted to the CVICU at Vanderbilt University Hospital at around noon on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

He was presented with extreme pain in his back between his shoulder blades, which started on Monday (November 7, 2011) at approximately 8:00 p.m. 

Jym recounted, “After a restless night, Dad went to work at Vanderbilt University/Chemistry Dept Glassblowing Shop, still with extreme back pain.  After the pain did not subside, he decided to call his doctor who advised him to go to the Emergency Room.  He walked 1/2 mile to the ER. Can you believe that?  After examining him, he was advised that his pulse rate was 40 and dropping fast, and that he was having a heart attack. The ER cardiologist directed the nurses to bring the paddles in case they were needed.  His pulse dropped even further -- down to 30.  Further testing showed he was going to need bypass surgery (3 grafts), which was scheduled for Friday at 8:00 a.m.  This would allow his body to rest some before the surgery.  However, after having a severe episode of pain, three nitro pills, and two additional EKGs, the surgery was moved up immediately.  Surgery lasted just under five hours, and he received five grafts instead of three!”

Tommy is recovering well and visiting with family and friends.  He walked his first steps approximately 12 hours after the surgery.  The surgeon said there is very little damage to his heart, and he is expected to be released from the hospital on Tuesday of this week. 

Many Southern Gospel fans will remember Tommy filling in for Jake Hess and James Blackwood with the Masters V, for Ed Hill with J.D. Sumner & The Stamps, and filled some dates with Hovie Lister & The Statesmen. 

“All our fans sent tons of support to me and prayers up for my family and especially father,” mentioned Jym. “The support shown to my family during this time has been so amazing. We appreciate your continued support and prayers!”

More information will be posted periodically to Mark209’s website at www.mark209.com or on their Facebook at www.facebook.com/MARK209 .

About Mark209

Mark209 is one of the most exciting Gospel quartets touring the country today. The intricate harmonies, detailed arrangements, energy, and versatility place this group in a league of its own. In a time when mediocrity is widely accepted, this group has raised the bar and exceeds everyone's expectations. The group consists of Jym Howe, Nathaniel Justice, Joe Armstrong, and Jimmy Reno.

Ed Crawford and Jym Howe Announce Retirement of 'The Mystery Men' Name

The owners of the name 'The Mystery Men' have decided to retire the name of the popular quartet.

Ed Crawford and Jym Howe have announced that after October 2011, neither owner will use the name 'The Mystery Men' or 'The Mystery Men Quartet' to identify their respective musical groups.

The name ‘The Mystery Men’ has been in use in the gospel music industry since 2002.