Markapalooza
Limited seating, tickets going fast
Earlier this year, the StingRays and the Chicago music scene lost a great man -- BeatleMark Eskin -- who passed away in April. We miss him. FIVE BANDS, of whom he was a member, have joined together to play Tribute to him on Saturday, September 11, at the Morton Grove Civic Center, 6140 W Dempster, Morton Grove, IL. Joining the Stingrays are the New Colony Six, Instant Karma, BYTE, and the Chauffeurs. Each band in this amazing line up will feature songs reminiscent of Mark -- the ultimate Tribute to a man that made us all better musicians. We would love you to attend. We have been lucky to find a sponsor for all expenses and all proceeds will go to Mark's family. There will also be a cash bar with a percentage going to Mark's Memorial Fund.
Tickets are $10 and available online through the Tribute webpage www.beatlemark.com doors open at 6:30 and the Tribute will start around 7:15. The first 176 tickets sold will have reserved seating. We expect to fill the hall to the roof. We hope you can come to pay tribute to our dear friend Mark Eskin.

Two In Tents - 8/26/10
Spelling Error or Double Meaning?
The StingRays are playing two shows this weekend, and both will be "In Tents". First, it's the last show of the season at Greco's outdoor, covered patio on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 7:30. Then, Saturday the band returns to Family Summerfest at Divine Savior in Norridge at 7pm. "I can't wait," replied special guest star Loose Bruce, "with the StingRays, it's always a pun time!"

Hot Cars & Cool Music - 8/9/10
StingRays Rock the Musical Universe
The StingRays are breaking rules -- music on a Monday. "Musicians usually use Mondays to catch up on paperwork and sleep," says StingRays Circadian Rhythmist and Bassist Frank. "We figure by breaking the rock and roll cycle, we'd crank up the musical universe." The StingRays will play Westchester Cruise Night, at 31st & Wolf Rd., tonight (Mon., 8/9) at 6:00.
Editor's Note: Check the hotline for last minute details 708-939-9008

Outdoor vs. Indoor - 7/26/10
StingRays Try to Settle Debate
This week, music lovers can make their dancing feet "heard" on the issue of outdoor vs. indoor concerts. The StingRays will play outdoors Tuesday, July 27, 7pm, in Bloomingdale; then, Saturday, July 31, 9pm, at Ki's in Glendale Heights. "I don't think we've ever had a chance to rock the vote on indoor vs. outdoor venues like this before," says StingRays Pollster and Bassist Frank. "I think people should come to both places, skew the results and keep the debate going."
BeatleMark Concert Series IV 9/11/10 -- Markapalooza -- New Colony Six joins in!

Villa Park, Manhattan's and BeatleMark III - 7/20/10
One Week, Three Big Shows
The StingRays will be playing at the Ruggard Gazebo in Villa Park on Wednesday, July 21, 6:30, and Manhattan's on Friday, July 23, 9:30. Then, on Saturday, July 24, 8:30, please join us at BeatleMark III - the NICHE w/ Dave N., Joe Garcia & Heath Chappell at Cabana Charley's in Woodridge. The NICHE's tribute is the third in a series of four tributes to BeatleMark Eskin, who passed away on April 28. In addition to great Rock & Roll, there will be raffles & prizes -- all proceeds to benefit Mark's family. We hope to see you at all three shows. Directions to all three shows can be found at www.thestingrays.com.

StingRays: Friday @ Greco's - BeatleMark II - 7/13/10
Thursday @ Palos Heights Classic Car Show
The StingRays invite you to Greco's on Friday, July 16, 2010, 7:30. This show will be dedicated to BeatleMark Eskin, the band's keyboard player who passed away on April 28. In addition to the StingRays Rock & Roll, there will be raffles & prizes -- all proceeds to benefit Mark's family. The show will be fun -- as Mark would have wanted. As always, there will be no cover. Also, please come to the Palos Heights Classic Car Show on Thursday, July 15, 2010, 5:30.
Editors Note: Special guest player, Loose Bruce

New Pictures, Niles & BeatleMark - 7/8/10
See yourself in pictures, the StingRays in Niles & then Come socialize with us at Manhattans in Carol Stream
NILES/CAROL STREAM -- There are new pictures to see on the StingRays website (maybe of you!). The StingRays will be playing their Niles Concert Friday, July 9, 2010, Lee and Ottawa -- and then heading over to Manhattans, 300 Schmale, Carol Stream, for the first of the BeatleMark Tribute/Benefits with the Renditions.

StingRays Often Called Oldies - 7/1/10
But, the U.S. has them beat by 220 years
BENSENVILLE -- The StingRays invite you to celebrate America's 234th birthday with them on Sunday, July 4, 2010, 5:00 p.m., at Redmond Park in Bensenville. After the StingRays, festivities continue with American English and then fireworks. "Wow! Birthday parties for the U.S.A. are a lot bigger deal then my birthday parties ever were," says StingRays Celebrationist and Drummer Ron. "Do you think anyone will throw me a party like this next year?" Libertyfest is a combined celebration of Bensenville, Wood Dale and Elmhurst. The StingRays have reportedly assured Drummer Ron that his next birthday party will equal this one.

Help Put up Posters for BeatleMark - 6/28/10
Please click, print, and tape them up
The BeatleMark Concert Series needs your help. Please click on this mini-poster, print a few copies and tape them up at restaurants, grocery & music stores, churches, large social gatherings and at work. We don't recommend any clubs or music venues. Please ask first. Your help is the most important way to get the word out about these tribute/benefit concerts. Thank you very much.
The StingRays
P.S. Remember, the first show is on Friday, July 9, with the Renditions at Manhattan's in Carol Stream. www.beatlemark.com

StingRays Play Chicago-Lombard Connections - 6/25/10
Two Great Shows only a Bike Ride Away
CHICAGO/LOMBARD -- The StingRays will play their only Chicago appearance on Friday, June 25, 2010, 8pm, at Our Lady Mother of the Church Carnival & Fest. Then, on Saturday, July 26, 2010, 7pm, the band will play near the Prairie Path, 13 S. Park Ave., at the Lombard Cruise Night. "Since we're playing near the Prairie Path, I thought people could ride their bicycles from one show to the other," says StingRays Tri-athlete and Guitarist Dan Ware. "I checked on Google and it's only 15.9 miles: through Thatcher Woods and down the Prairie Path." The rest of the StingRays report that they'll be taking their cars to the shows.
Editor's Note: special guest player, Loose Bruce

Goin' Out West - 6/22/10
Where we belong
OREGON ILLINOIS - The StingRays are checking their vehicle's tire pressure and oil because it's time to head out west to Oregon (Illinois that is) for their biennial show at the Park West (not that Park West) on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 7:00pm. "Tire pressure isn't just about gas mileage," says StingRays mechanically minded guitarist Danny. "It's also about safety".

Greco's FRI, 6/18/10 RAINED OUT - 6/18/10
The StingRays show at Greco's tonight (6/18/10) has been rained out.
See you there on July 16, 2010.
Thanks, The Stingrays

The Wait is Over! - 6/17/10
Patio's Open & the StingRays are Back!
WILLOW SPRINGS - The StingRays are back at Greco's splendid outdoor patio in Willow Springs, on Friday, June 18, 2010, 7:30pm. "We've been looking forward to this since Greco's Patio closed up for the season last August. It's been 10 months but it feels like I've been waiting 10 years," says StingRays chronologist and Bassist Frank.
Editor's Note: special guest player, Loose Bruce

Good Job Soldier - 6/12/10
Salvation Army Show Wins First Place
CAROL STREAM - A big thank you to everyone that came out to the Stingray show for the Salvation Army in Villa Park last month. With your support the event took first prize and will receive a $5000 award from Salvation Army headquarters. For doing such a good job the StingRays and Manhattan's are sending along the coupon at the bottom of the StingRay News... Good job and party on dudes!

StingRays Control the Weather - 6/10/10
Indoor Show Removes Climate Variables
CAROL STREAM - The StingRays are defying mother nature to ensure this weekend's show goes on -- rain or shine. They'll play one of only three indoor concerts of the summer this Saturday, June 12, 9:30 p.m. at Manhattan's, 300 S. Schmale Rd., Carol Stream. "We've been dabbling with controlling the weather for several years now and have been pretty successful. We've only been rained out three times in 15 years -- twice last year. " says StingRays Storm Chaser and Guitarist Dan Ware. "But, with climate change and all, having a summer show at Manhattan's has a better chance of working than the weather machine we built on Drummer Ron's roof."

Concert Series/Benefit for BeatleMark - 6/1/10
Dear friends,
The StingRays are joining with several bands in a concert series to benefit the family of Beatle Mark Eskin, who passed away on April 28, 2010. You can get details on the new BeatleMark.com website. The site will be updated continually as bands join in and finalize their individualized tributes. Thanks to a good friend, people can also contribute to Mark's Memorial Fund at BeatleMark.com. If you can, donate a little something to help Mark put his affairs in order.
WANT TO HELP? please email BeatleMark2010@yahoo.com
BANDS: Join the series; see what other bands are doing.
FRIENDS: Help with events - run 50/50, donations for silent raffle, man a table, etc.
EVERYONE: Come to the shows & please pass this on to as many people as you can.

Photos From First Fest of 2010 - 5/19/10
A Perfect Day to Start the Season
VILLA PARK - Conditions were clear and sunny with lots of Rock & Roll, for the first outdoor fest of 2010. See this picture perfect day by clicking on here. Also, don't forget to print your StingRays June 2010, refridgerator calendar by clicking on the Calendar link below. Thanks to everyone for coming out last weekend. We'll see you soon.

Two Shows this Weekend - 5/12/10
Including First Festival of Season
The StingRays have two great shows planned this weekend. First, come out Friday May 14 to Manhattan's in Carol Stream for a night of food, drinks, dancing and fun. Then Sunday, May 16 come out to the band's first outdoor show of 2010 at Ruggard Gazebo in Villa Park and celebrate the Salvation Army's 125th birthday. The event's theme is "Building Bridges Of Hope" and will feature the Salvation Army Band, the Stingrays, Free Hot dogs and pop compliments of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Relief, Moon Jump, bean bag toss, face painting, balloon making, puppet show and more!

Thank You
The StingRays would like to thank everyone for sharing so many beautiful thoughts and stories about Mark on Mark's memorial page. You've all helped make the site a wonderful tribute to a great friend, man and musician. Also, a special thanks to those who paid their respects to Mark at the services held for him this last weekend. In this very difficult time, your support has been very much needed and is truly appreciated. The next StingRay show will be this Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Ki's Steak and Seafood in Glendale Heights. There will be two shows the next weekend, Friday May 14 at Manhattan's in Carol Stream, then an outdoor show Sunday, May 16 which will be a benefit for the Salvation Army at Ruggard Gazebo in Villa Park.

It is with heavy hearts that we have to tell you that our very good friend and fellow StingRay Mark "Beatle Mark" Eskin died yesterday April 28, 2010 at his home in Morton Grove. We have set up an online memorial to Mark and hope that friends will share their stories, photos, videos and condolences.
Visitation for Mark will be:
Sunday May 2, 2010 3-8pm
Grein Funeral Home
2114 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL
(773) 588-6336
There will be another opportunity to meet with family on:
Monday May 3, 2010 1pm
Rosehill Cemetery
5800 North Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL
Mark's wife Florence has said that she "wants lots of musicians, acoustic instruments and singing. We are not going out quietly."
Please forward this to anyone who loved Mark or call people who don't have email.
Yours,
Frank, Ron and Dan

ReFUNd Weekend - 4/14/10
StingRays Get Political
CAROL STREAM - Unlike typical tax protests, the StingRays will host a gathering this Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Manhattan's in Carol Stream after Tax Day. "We're protesting line 22 on Schedule A form 1040", said Dan, StingRay guitarist and accountant for the griping group. "I think our founding fathers would be rolling their eyes if they could see how the tax forms have changed", said Frank, StingRay bassist and part-time historian. Let everyone know how you feel by signing the StingRay Guestbook. The future of our nation may depend on it.

Time Is Tight - 4/7/10
Keeping track gets easier
COUNTRYSIDE - If you forgot that the StingRays are playing this Friday, April 9, 2010 at Rolling Lanes in Countryside, it's probably because you haven't printed out the band's new April Calendar. "When I was younger people told me some day I'd hang, I just didn't expect it would be on someone's refrigerator", said Frank, bad boy bassist for the band. "It's easy too, all you need is a piece of paper, microsoft word and a bit of tape", said Drummer Ron, IT specialist for the group. "Thanks for making it so easy Ron", replied Frank. Please sign their Guestbook. They'd love to hear from you.

It's about Time - 3/24/10
New Year's Eve Gallery Online
GLENDALE HEIGHTS - In a shameless attempt to promote their show at Ki's Steak & Seafood in Glendale Heights this Saturday March 27, 2010, the StingRays have just posted pictures from their New Year's Eve shows. "Better late than never", said Dan, StingRay guitarist and proud possessor of the preverbal glass that's half full. "I'd wager a lot of folks reading the StingRay News are in those pictures", said Mark, odds maker and charismatic crooner for the band. Please sign their Guestbook. They'd love to hear from you.

Spring has Sprung - 3/16/10
StingRays Celebrate this Friday
CAROL STREAM - The Stingrays have set their sites at being the first band to play this Spring and they've chosen this Friday 3/19/10 at Manhattan's in Carol Stream as the place for the timely event. "Saturday's the first day of Spring so if we play past midnight on Friday we have an edge," said StingRay keyboardist Mark. "We're working on our speed picking techniques so we can be the first band to welcome Spring this year," added StingRay guitarist Dan. "I think it's a cinch we'll do it," replied bassist Frank. "Yeah", added Drummer Ron. Please sign their Guestbook. They'd love to hear from you.

Rock & Rolling - 2/24/10
Tenth Frame Lounge this Friday
COUNTRYSIDE - The Stingrays will be at Rolling Lanes in Countryside this Friday. "I don't know how many times I've heard, 'I came for the bowling and stayed for the Rock and Roll!,'" said StingRay bassist and all around rumormonger Frank. "Just a second, I have never heard anyone say that," added StingRay guitarist and persistent fact checker Dan. "Oh come on now, I've said it lots of times," replied fact fabricating Frank. Please sign their Guestbook. They'd love to hear from you.

One In the Chamber - 2/18/10
It Never Hurts to Be Prepared
NILES - The Stingrays are urging everyone within a 50-mile radius of Niles Illinois to get ready for their show this Friday at Chambers. "The Lily Lake quake last week was mild compared to what we expect this Friday at Chambers", said StingRay guitarist and part-time geologist Dan. "With all those people bouncing around to our music we could easily cause a 5.0 magnitude quake", continued the seismic singer. To help minimize the possible damage, the band is planning on using mostly blues scales and rock riffs during the performance and avoiding any song written in the Richter scale". Please sign their Guestbook. They'd love to hear from you.

Valentine Dance - 2/10/10
We're Back...
CAROL STREAM - The StingRays are kicking off their 2010 tour this Saturday at Manhattan's Bar & Grill in Carol Stream with a Valentine Dance. "We've come to a fork in the road and have decided to have dinner...", explained Frank R., bassist for the enigmatic ensemble. "Saturday night we're playing our first show of the season with our newest StingRay, Beatle Mark, and it's our big Valentine Dance," continued the bewildering bassist. "We're hoping our friends will catch our first show, welcome Mark, all while spending a romantic evening with someone special. If they're single, they can dance with some of the cool people that'll be there and maybe next year they can show up as a couple". It sounds like the band has big plans for 2010. Please sign their Guestbook. They'd love to hear from you.

Meet the New StingRay - 2/4/10
Beatle Mark - A Perfect Fit
CAROL STREAM/NILES - The StingRays are extremely happy to announce their new keyboardist/guitarist, "Beatle" Mark Eskin. In Mark, the band's quest for fire has been rewarded with a musical inferno! Mark's creativity, tasteful playing, captivating stage presence and rock & roll passion promise to make the StingRays the 'hottest' band in town. A native of Chicago he's one of the most talented and "in demand" musicians around. He's been a great friend of the band for years and it's wonderful to finally make his membership official. Please sign our Guestbook and welcome Beatle Mark to the StingRays.