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.

        Uncle Sam, the Beatles and his extraordinary talent and musicianship have made Mark one of the most sought after musicians in the area. If music can be made with an instrument, Mark can make it exciting and danceable. Now part of the StingRays family, his musical career started with his own family. "I actually remember when I was three years old and my Uncle Sam was performing for the family. I was curious and toddled over. He could sense my curiosity, and when I grabbed for the strings of his guitar, the gentle giant took my hand and showed me how to strum the guitar. I remember his gentle encouragement," says Mark. "I received a guitar for my 9th birthday and between Uncle Sam and the Beatles, as they say – ‘the rest is history'." When Mark isn't playing the with StingRays, he continues to make history playing with his other band, the New Colony Six.