Mark Basinger grew up in Lima, Ohio and joined his first band, Cold War, at age 15 as lead singer and rhythm guitarist. Within two years Mark was playing gigs around the Lima area with his next band, Zephyrus, all while still being too young to even buy a beer. When Mark’s next band, The Opposition, already had a very talented lead guitarist, Mark picked up a synthesizer and ventured into the new world of MIDI keyboards, drum machines, and sequencing (on a Commodore 64!). This band reached a whole new level beyond Mark’s first two bands when they were signed by CPW Showtime out of Toledo, and gigged for the next two years within the agency’s club circuit throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Eventually, the road became too much for the members to balance with college and other demands, and The Opposition came to an end.

After The Opposition, Mark rejoined the Lima music scene briefly with the already established band Wicca, but again had to leave this band shortly thereafter to focus on college, a new family, and eventually a real day job (welcome to corporate America, Mark!). During the early 90’s and after several years outside of the music scene, Mark again got the itch to play, and joined back up with his Lima music friends for a few years in the bands Dao and Now She’s Blonde. Now these guys knew how to party!

The mid 90’s brought about more change in Mark’s life, as he transitioned into gospel music for a few years with a former high school classmate and his older brother to form the David Weaver Trio. This group produced three albums, recording in Nashville and performing throughout Ohio and Indiana. Mark left the group when he moved to Columbus in 1998 for a new job. After playing keys for a few years at a church in Hilliard, Mark left music entirely for the next 15 years to focus on his family and career.

In 2015, Mark joined up with some co-workers to form the Columbus based blues band, Drivin’ Home. This was Mark’s first real introduction into the Columbus music scene after having been away from music for so many years. Just like riding a bike, Mark was once again playing music! Drivin’ Home has played in the Columbus cancer benefit, Project Blues, the last two years, opening for the likes of Booker T. Jones, Bob Margolin (Muddy Waters), and Ronnie Earl. In 2016, Mark was asked to join the band of Columbus blues singer Shaun Booker. It was through playing in this band that Mark met drummer John Coleman, and was eventually tapped to join the new band of Katie and the RED HOTS. Now Mark was back in his element, playing both keyboards and guitar, as the band delivers a heavy mix of classic rock and timeless 80’s and 90’s hits.

To be continued …