Grand Rapids' native son Mark Lavengood has toured the Regional, National, and International music circuits for over 10 years. Best known for his dynamic slide guitar playing, Mark prefers recording and performing music that cuts right through to the human condition. Wearing a multitude of hats as a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, band leader, teacher, active member of Michigan's Earthwork Music Collective, emeritus member of Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, source of motivational energy, hobbyist massage therapist, Spanish translator and idea generator, Lavengood (affectionately known globally as "Huggy Bear") employs his skill sets to engage with communities through song and voice and collaboration.

PRESS

“On “We’ve Come Along,” Mark shows his diversity as a musician and a dobro player. This record has it all. Bluegrass, jams, solo slide performances and more! It’s band centric but the standout slide playing and singing make this a must listen! ”
— Andy Hall of the Infamous Stringdusters

“Mark Lavengood embodies the enthusiasm needed to take music and listener to new places.”
— Paul Hoffman of Greensky Bluegrass

“Mark’s dynamism as a human and fierce musician shine through completely on We’ve Come Along”
— Christian Sedelmeyer of 10 String Symphony and the Jerry Douglas Band.

“Mark is a compelling musician and entertainer. His playing is refined, full of personality, and extremely fun to listen to. Amazing body.”
— Jon Stickley, of the Jon Stickley Trio (Town Moutain, Broke Mountain Bluegrass Band)

“Mark Lavengood’s new album, “We’ve Come Along,” is a treasure of great tunes, great tones, killer picking, and good vibes. The real deal. [I] can’t stop listening to it!”
— Eric Skye

“Paying homage to tradition and blazing a trail all his own, Lavengood’s slide work is both playful and thoughtful. “We’ve Come Along” is an album of honest performances played and sung from the heart. ”
— Mike Witcher, resonator guitarist (Peter Rowan, Jordan Tice, Missy Raines)

“Lavengood has woven together a sound quilt of friendship and American Roots music that could have only happened in Michigan.”
— Seth Bernard Earthwork Music Founder, Artist, Activist

“There is a reason that Mark Lavengood is called “Huggy Bear”. We’ve Come Along is a nearly 40 minute embrace of musical love. From the originals to the covers, Mark invokes feelings of overflowing joy. One listen and you will be dancing up to the next person you see just to give them a big “Huggy Bear” hug! Get on board a go for the ride that is We’ve Come Along.!!”
— John Crissman, promoter of Cowpie Music Festival

“It’s like bourbon in your coffee cup, a soft sweet vibration that finds itself taller and taller, chasing round and round, track by track. Its been handed down, for generations, a simple pick on a porch, a I, IV, V everyone knows and vibrates in the deepest, rarest bone in us all. Well know it’s here, this round we’ve been waiting singing. What a swell deal you’ve arranged.”
— Benjamin Fidler, builder, poet, apiarist, of winter/sessions.

“It’s rare to see an artist become the personification of their art. But hearing Mark Lavengood’s leg kicking and mouth manipulating licks over the ferociously tight Bluegrass Bonanza! band brings out the same smiles he conjures with the hugs he delivers. His infectious laugh, absolute unpredictability, and yet steady love for those he encounters along the way is heard in each note and lyric. His newest album, We’ve Come Along, is a collage of where he has been and where he is going. The Lavengood ride continues to be worth each mile.”
— Matthew Sucaet, of winter/sessions

“Mark Lavengood’s undeniable passion for music is an incredible thing to behold. His superhuman drive is infectious and awe-inspiring. He is a pirate of love - a swashbuckling, slide-slinging, tide-turning old fashioned good time rambling man. He’s the last slick picker standing at the all night Jamboree and the first one up playing sweet gospel with the sun. Thanks, Mark.”
— Joshua Davis artist and singer/songwriter of Steppin' In It

“Dobro player Mark Lavengood is taking the Midwest by storm! His ambition and ability to play a wide variety of styles well makes him one of my favorites!””
— Joe Wilson, of the Wilson Brothers, True Falsettos, and Steppin' In It

“I’ve watched Mark grow immensely as a musician and player over the years. The future of dobro and roots music in Michigan is in good hands.”
— Drew Howard, Lansing-based dobro/pedal steel guitarist, multi-instrumentalist

“Mark Lavengood is my favorite Midwest dobro player. He’s easy to work with from the first note and remains super tasteful to the last; super talented.””
— Ben Wright, of the Henhouse Prowlers

“Mark Lavengood has carved out a niche in the thriving Michigan music community as an in-demand string player.”
— Matt Jarrells, Program Director for 88.1 WYCE, Grand Rapids, MI