Dave Marck

Dave Marck is an acclaimed American jazz pianist and educator who has spent more than 40 years based in New York City. Originally a native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, he is highly celebrated for his masterful command of jazz improvisation and his dedication to preserving the Great American Songbook.

Musical Background & Style

• Main Instrument: Acoustic piano.

• Core Genre: Traditional, swing, and contemporary jazz.

• Focus Area: Rearranging classic arrangements from legendary Tin Pan Alley and Broadway composers like Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and Hoagy Carmichael.

• Philosophy: He strongly emphasizes the power of spontaneous live performance and treats jazz as "America’s classical music" to connect people across diverse backgrounds.

The Annual Homecoming Concerts

Though Marck has long built his career in the competitive New York jazz scene, he returns to his hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin every year to perform heavily attended community concerts.

• The Band: He performs under the moniker Dave Marck and Friends. His long-time, recurring "usual suspects" rhythm section features Greg Balfany on saxophone, Karyn Quinn on bass, and Rich MacDonald on drums.

• The Venue: Most of his major annual performances are hosted at the Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

• The Gift of Music: Funded by the Bob and Jean Marck Family Gift of Music alongside the La Crosse Community Foundation, these major regional jazz showcases are kept completely free and open to the general public.

• Educational Collaborations: During his visits, he also frequently conducts masterclasses or plays side-by-side student and faculty sets—such as the "Duos with Dave Marck" events at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Philanthropy: Music That Heals

Beyond standard theater stages, Dave Marck runs a charitable grant initiative to fund live musical performances inside nursing homes, memory care units, and assisted living facilities. He actively advocates for the neurological and emotional benefits of live instruments for unresponsive or elderly patients.