Musicians
Mark Manker
Mark, a lifelong Michigan resident and Petoskey High School graduate, began his musical journey playing cello in elementary school orchestra before switching to guitar when his family moved to Marshall, Michigan.
For over 30 years, Mark has been a key vocalist and guitarist in various lineups of The Atwood Green Band, performing throughout Northern Michigan. His music is heavily influenced by progressive rock icons such as Yes and Genesis. He often teams up with his brother Matt, a talented vocalist and bassist, to create dynamic musical collaborations.
Mark holds multiple degrees in science from NCMC and CMU. He currently applies his skills in the local real estate industry, where he manages several properties.
Matt Manker
Matt, along with his older brother Mark, co-founded the Atwood Green Band. Originally the group’s drummer, Matt transitioned to bass and vocals when the original bassist was unavailable for a performance.
A graduate of Central Michigan University, Matt earned a double major in Psychology and Sociology before pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) at Michigan State University. He became a Licensed Master Social Worker and dedicated 27 years to serving Northern Michigan as a therapist before retiring to fully embrace his passion for music.
A self-taught musician who plays by ear, Matt is proficient in guitar, keyboards, and drums. His musical tastes span an impressive range, including Progressive Rock, Classic Rock, Blues, Motown, and Country.
In addition to his work with the Atwood Green Band, Matt performs in duos such as Tic Tac Go, M and M, and Typhoid Harry. Over the years, he has also been part of several other groups, including C.O.D. (winners of the 1988 Cheboygan Battle of the Bands), Paula and the Tones, One Lane Highway, and Underleaf.
Andrew Ellison
Andrew is an early member of the Atwood Green Band and currently resides in the Petoskey area. He attended the Berklee School of Music and spent several years performing across the Midwest before settling in Northern Michigan.
An accomplished percussionist, singer, electronic music innovator, audio engineer, and jazz pianist, Andrew brings a diverse range of musical talents. Outside of music, Andrew works in the Clinical Engineering Department at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital.
Kathy McGraw
Kathy, a Southeast Michigan native, began her musical journey with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, where she discovered a passion for traditional Native American music and the women’s hand drum. The experience played a key role in building her confidence as a vocalist, leading her to perform at traditional gatherings and eventually grace this Blissfest Main Stage.
Her career continued to flourish as she lent her talents as a backing vocalist for various local rock bands. Today, Kathy shines as the lead vocalist for the Atwood Green Band, captivating audiences with her incredible voice and high-energy stage presence. Known for creating a lively and engaging atmosphere, she consistently delivers performances that leave crowds entertained. In addition to Atwood Green, Kathy leads Sugarbush, a band performing regularly acorss Northern Michigan, showcashing her versatility and deep commitment to music.
David Chauvin
David, a recently retired Emergency Medicine physician, now enjoys life in Good Hart, north of Harbor Springs.
In retirement, David has embraced his passion for music, becoming a skilled woodwind multi-instrumentalist. He currently plays Baritone saxophone with the Mitchell Street Saxophone Quartet and the Pine River Big Band, Tenor Saxophone with the North Western Symphonic Winds, and Clarinet with the Harbor Springs Community Band. Additionally, David performs as a substitute musician with the Rivertown Traditional Jazz Band, playing Bass and Tenor Saxophone. David also brings a unique touch to the duo, Over There, where he plays Flute and Alto Flute, creating a captivating fusion of sound with electronic jazz.
David also supports jazz education and community performance through the Petoskey Jazz Collaborative, a local initiative dedicated to connecting adult amateur musicians through learning, improvisation, and live events.