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Northbrook man inspires with music
Darryl Markette says he's a "part-time cowboy, full-time rock star." He was a hit at last October's North Suburban YMCA Grand "Re-Opening" Celebration. Karie Angell Luc~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: December 30, 2012 6:13AM
NORTHBROOK — Tidings of joy hint year-round via colorful holiday lights strung on Darryl Markette’s microphone stand. Then again, Markette’s show-stopping smile lightened the mood at a recent Northbrook North Suburban YMCA event where the guitarist wowed crowds with his original music, much of it Christian-inspired. You can also see him on Nov. 30 at Essence Pilates Deerfield Studio at 849 Waukegan Rd. Meet Darryl Markette, who’s “part-time cowboy, full-time rock star.”
Q. So who is this Darryl Markette, part-time cowboy, full-time rock star?
A. I write all my songs with my guitar. But I can play piano and drums, can figure out any instrument. It’s from God, I guess. I am a singer/song writer who fell into it by accident five years ago. I play literally all over the country. Last year I played at the most famous rock club in the world, The Whisky A GoGo in West Hollywood.
Q. Who are your influences?
A. Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles.
Q. Thinking of going on the talent program, “The Voice” per chance?
A. I have done “America’s Got Talent” twice, only not to advance. No more contest shows as my mission is far greater than a show.
Q. You live in Fox Lake. What are your Northbrook roots?
A. My parents went to GBN 50 years ago (High school sweethearts Barbara and Jim Markette, Glenbrook High School 1961 graduates). My ex-wife is from there and lives there now with my son Dylan, 10, a Winkelman School fifth grader.
Q. Why is Northbrook such a great place to raise children?
A. Nice little Norman Rockwell USA town.
Q. The North Suburban YMCA (NSYMCA), why such a great place?
A. My son has attended summer camp there the last five or six years now along with an after care program at Winkelman called Adventure Campus.
Q. How has the NSYMCA helped to shape your son?
A. As an only child, (the NSYMCA) has taught him to bond and play nice with his peers.
Q. What are your philanthropic passions?
A. I am a Susan G. Komen alumnus, 3 day alumni walk, 60 miles a year the last four years since 2009. I host my original signature concert fundraiser called “Pinko De Mayo” on Cinco De Mayo (which also happens to be my birthday). Raising money for the three days is very tough and my once a year Pinko de Mayo has been a great success, raising $25,000 in the last four years. This year we had 500 people. John Barleycorn in Schaumburg gives me the entire upstairs for the night and each year I have all you can eat and drink with pink margaritas and three or four bands.
Q. Any special songs?
A. Singing my breast cancer song “Soldier In Pink” live at the 2009 3 Day on iTunes where proceeds for life go to Susan G. Komen. Visit http://www.dmarkette.com/my3day/.
Q. What’s your favorite Darryl Markette authored lyric?
A. “Rain On Thee” is the most beautiful song I ever wrote. Here is the final chorus.
And when the oceans dry up…and the sky won’t rain
And when the sun sets high… on its final day
She’ll never thirst for love again…like a desert begs for wind
Yes her heart…I will rain on thee.
Outro:
Yes you gave me the reason… to believe
What I always dreamed.
