• Christmas concert will blend rock with country

Singer-songwriter Mark Mackey is returning to the Ford Theatre Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m. This full-band Christmas tour presents his award-winning lineup of music, promoting his new album, “Meant for This.”

A California native, Mackay trained as a classical pianist who added blues and rock guitar to his musical mastery. According to markmackayoriginal.net, his guitar-driven American music style blends “rock and roadhouse,” in classic and contemporary settings of music that has matured into musical story-telling that comes from who he truly is.

With “a rock and roll heart, and a love for Christmas tradition, Mark has left his boot prints on stages like Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater.” He has opened for rock legends Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon and Night Ranger, as well as Country mega-stars Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Old Dominion, Gary Allen, and the Eli Young Band.

“We are so excited to have Mark Mackay back again this year at the Historic Ford Theatre,” said Salt River Arts spokesperson, Jaclyn Lechner. “He put on a great concert last year, and this year won’t disappoint either!”

Tickets are available at: saltriverarts.com or at the door.