Mark Hembree, a Wisconsin native, was born in 1954. He’s been a notable fixture for many years, playing in some of the most prominent bands of the last three decades. Hembree began his career as a member of the second edition of the Monroe Doctrine, subsequently joining Bill Monroe’s band, the Blue Grass Boys. Mark played bass and sang the bass parts with quartets, working with the “Big Mon” himself for almost five years, from 1979 – 1984. His solid bass playing can be heard on Bill Monroe’s classic instrumental album “Master of Bluegrass”.

After leaving the Blue Grass Boys, he co-founded the popular Nashville Bluegrass Band. He played with them from 1984 through 1988, and recorded on their first three albums. Additionally, he has been the bassist for a variety of recording sessions, including the all star album band Dreadful Snakes, which included Bela Fleck and Jerry Douglas. When he returned to Wisconsin, he was part of the popular Western Swing band, the Western Box Turtles. He often works with such talented singers and players as Jerry Wicentowski and Andy Statman. He is currently playing bluegrass with Madison’s Nob Hill Boys.

At last year’s Sugar Maple Festival, Mark participated in special Blue Grass Boys reunion performance with Mike Compton, Bob Black and Tom Ewing. Whenever Mark is playing, you can be assured of a rock solid performance by a man who is always having a great time behind the bass.

It is an honor to have Mark as our master of ceremonies for the entire festival!