Nashville, TN (www.mikomarks.com) – Mirrome Records recording artist, Miko Marks, set sail aboard the Carnival Cruise Ship Miracle with legends Charley Pride, Roy Clark, Pam Tillis,
Little Jimmy Dickens and a host of others for the 2006 Grand Ole Opry Cruise to the Caribbean.
During the cruise, which caters to country music fans and includes performances and meet-and-greet opportunities, Miko shared her own extraordinary vocal and songwriting gifts. Audiences at the nightly Karaoke lounge were taken by surprise and the artist was soon invited to sing at several other onboard venues throughout the journey.
On January 25th, Miko won the ships' talent competition and was crowned "Carnival Cruise Line Legend" for her performance of her newly released single, "Kickin' Back" and a powerful rendition of the Bonnie Raitt hit, "Somethin' to Talk About". The Phantom Auditorium was filled to its' nearly 600-seat capacity, the name Miko Marks spread throughout the ship. Charlie Pride, Roy Clark and Eddie Stubbs of The Grand Ole Opry were all told about Miko by others onboard. The performance was broadcast repeatedly on shipboard TV throughout the cruise, making Miko Marks a star before the trip was through.
The following night, Charley Pride was in the audience as Miko proudly offered a short showcase in his honor. Mr. Pride gave Miko a "big thumbs up" and shared advice with the young artist. He commented on Miko's "beautiful voice", and she in turn presented him with a signed copy of the February Issue of Ebony Magazine. Miko is the first black woman in country music ever to be featured in the African American publication. It was truly a historic moment. According to one fan, "Everyone in the room could feel that something special was happening. We watched a legend meet a rising star."
On the night of the 27th, Miko took advantage of some great live musicians on hand and performed "God Bless the Child" in an intimate setting which included special guest Pam Tillis who was sitting only a few feet away. Pam commended Marks for her voice and stage presence and Miko presented Tillis with an autographed copy of "Freeway Bound", Marks' debut album on the Mirrome label.
On the night of the 28th, Charley Pride took the stage and wowed the audience, which included Marks and the Mirrome contingent. The performance was captivating.
"The entire trip was nothing less than miraculous", says Miko. "I went as a fan, and was so grateful for the opportunities to sing and to meet such great names in country music." By the time the voyage concluded, guests were requesting autographs, albums and taking photos with Miko.
On her flight home, Miko found herself on the same plane with Charley Pride, his wife, Rozene, and Mr. & Mrs. Roy Clark. It was an adventure the young star will not soon forget. Could a Charley Pride / Miko Marks double bill be in the making? Let's hope so.
