Humor & Heart Duo

Since 2004, Mark Iler and Jess McKeegan have been performing everything from old Pop and Rock songs, Trop-Rock and Folk classics to Celtic tunes and songs and Sea Shanties, always with passion and often with a humorous twist. Best known for their fun, upbeat music, they make a party wherever they go.

Mark Iler

Mark is a gifted singer/songwriter, performer and MC. Originally from Detroit, he has lived in the Puget Sound area since 1988. Mark started out playing his Acoustic Guitar in Coffee Houses and at 17 years old, he was playing Bars and Restaurants in the Detroit area and continued to do so when he moved to Seattle.

As well as with Jess, Mark performs throughout the Pacific Northwest as a solo singer/songwriter, accompanying his wry acoustic folk rock/popular/humor ballads on various guitars and harmonica.

Mark is also in demand as a studio session player and live concert sideman, and has appeared with Hank Cramer, The Kevin Jones Band, James “Sunny Jim” White and a variety of other musical artists. Mark has generously shared his time as MC and Sound Tech Volunteer for the Victory Music musicians’ co-op, hosting “open mics” and song circles throughout the Puget Sound area for over 20 years. He currently hosts an Open Mic at the Arbutus Folk School in Olympia.

Jess McKeegan

Jess is a singing musician who also plays the Irish Whistle, Guitar and Mandolin. In addition to the fun, upbeat Classic Pop & Rock, Jess also enjoys singing some of the more “Bawdy” type pub songs as well as the sad beautiful laments of Ireland.

In her youth in the Philadelphia area, Jess started out playing guitar and singing at local coffee houses then spent a few years singing and playing flute in funk and disco bands. She studied flute and music theory at the Bryn Mawr Conservatory of Music.

These days, Jess continues to hone her Mandolin & Whistle skills, applying both instruments to the Acoustic Classic Pop, Rock, Folk, Trop-Rock and Celtic music that she plays with Mark.