Before the lights grow dim, before the voices of an audience are replaced by the voice of one, a young man sits in a back room and prays.  Moments later, with a guitar in his hand, he stands on stage, assuming the spotlight of a room full of new and familiar faces.  As the sounds of bluegrass fill the theater, a sudden flash of a smile betrays the soul behind the song.  And the audience relaxes, preparing themselves for a night of music sung to them by a young and eager heart.

 

Years ago, when he first took hold of his dad's old Gibson, the Elizabethtown native perhaps never dreamed he would one day be promoting his own CD and performing with some of the best musicians in the bluegrass business.  Yet at the age of 22, Mark Melloan, a senior at Western Kentucky University, is doing just that.  With music and lyrics all his own, he's taking his talent and love for music to packed crowds in theaters, cafes and even elementary schools.  With every new performance, he takes one more step on the journey that's brought him thus far.  And though full of twists and turns, it is also a journey with many rewards.



"Music proves to be an awesome way to communicate with people," he said.  "Just the other day, I performed and spoke to Briarwood Elementary School in Bowling Green, encouraging the kids to write.  When I asked the question, 'Why write?' a little girl raised her hand, 'to express myself.'  And that's true, but I encouraged them to take it a step further, to reach others.  A good writer is a good communicator."

Since he learned his first chords on the guitar, Mark has been writing and creating songs with lyrics both personal and thought-provoking.  His subjects range from a coal-burning train to an old general store to a Bible man. 

"Sometimes it's as simple as an interesting person I run across, a twisty folk tale, a Kentucky landscape," he said about the inspiration for his songs. 

 

Another inspiration is his faith in God.  Through studying, through growing, through walking, Mark has found his faith to be a foundation on which to live and sees God as the ultimate guide, leading him now and in the future.

"My faith in God has made me a better man," he said.  "My pride is continually checked by the humility of the Gospel, and I welcome that, need it more." 

    Mark is involved in Campus Crusade for Christ on Western's campus and is also involved in a Bible study on Monday nights led by Louisville senior Nathan McBroom.  A group of over 15 guys, it is a source of encouragement and growth for Mark as he balances life's demands with his spiritual walk.

His family and friends have also been a source of encouragement to him, including his fiancee, Nicole Ingram.   A sophomore at Western and a Hodgenville native, she and Mark plan on getting married in January of next year.  Although he graduates this May, he will stay in Bowling Green and take graduate classes, attempting a masters in English.  His primary focus, however, will continue to be the pursuit of his music career.

And that pursuit is becoming increasingly successful. 

"I think he's the next James Taylor," said dobro player Curtis Burch, who plays with Mark in the band and whose work includes the "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack.  "He's a very talented singer, songwriter and musician."

His first album, "The Shadowlands," debuted in September of last year.  Since then, Mark has devoted his time to promoting the CD and giving concerts, whether with a band or playing solo.  He admits that a dream has always been to one day play on the Ryman stage in Nashville.  But right now, he's focused on recording another album, for which he's already written the songs.

As far as what the future holds, Mark will be the first to admit the unknown.  Yet in his faith, he is confident.

"There's an old gospel tune," he said, "that says something like, 'I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.'"