M-Dock headlines next Tlaquepaque visit

Springfield Sister Cities Association members and friends, as well as city and chamber officials, will be traveling with the band to help celebrate the unique cultures and music of the Ozarks, the United States and Mexico.

Limited to 30 travelers, with several slots still available, the group accompanying M-Dock will have the opportunity to explore Tlaquepaque’s picturesque environs, as well as participate in planned festivities and social events with Tlaquepaque citizens and officials.

The classic rock ‘n’ roll band, composed of local professionals with serious musical interests, will hold public and private concerts in Tlaquepaque’s historic, colonial-style center city and in neighboring Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city. M-Dock’s tour will culminate in an elegant gala fundraiser to benefit the sister cities organizations in both communities.

According to John Price, SSCA board member, M-Dock guitarist and vocalist, and attorney with Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown, the special invitation from Tlaquepaque arose during Cinco de Mayo and ArtsFiesta celebrations earlier this year. The Mariachi Juvenil Tapatio de Tlaquepaque performed with M-Dock in Founders Park and with Springfield Symphony at Jordan Valley Park.

“They were just beautiful together,” said Araceli Hanks, SSCA’s Tlaquepaque committee chairperson and tour coordinator. “We are especially honored, too, that this invitation has come in conjunction with Mexico’s September independence celebrations. ... Our relationship with Tlaquepaque is making a difference in both communities.”

Hanks said that publicity for the tour has gone out to the large American retirement community in the Guadalajara area, especially around Lake Chapala. “They are anxious for a taste of music from home,” she said.

Travelers and band members will stay in bed and breakfast inns within walking distance of Tlaquepaque’s many art galleries, shops and restaurants. Optional tours to a tequila-producing hacienda, bull fights, and visits to Guadalajara and Morelia also are being arranged, Hanks said.

Bilingual volunteers from SSCA will accompany the group.

Trip Details

Reservations for the September Tlaquepaque tour are open through Aug. 10. The cost is $1,550 for double occupancy or $1,850 for single occupancy. For more information, call the SSCA office at (417) 864-1191. 

The Band

Listed here are M-Dock members, their professions and talents. 

Mark Brueggemann - stockbroker, Trend Management (trumpet)

Howard Cotner - central region sales manager, Paper Pak Products (vocals)

Rick Davidson - technical sales representative, S&S Audio Products (drums)

Bill Evans – attorney, Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown PC (vocals, acoustic guitar and mandolin)

Dave Farabee - sales manager, Coca-Cola of the Ozarks (bass guitar)

Brent Hendrix - attorney in private practice (electric guitar)

Curt Jensen - dentist (trombone)

John Price – attorney, Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown PC (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars)

Steve Quinn - oral surgeon (saxophone)

Joe Sala - international sales representative, Indiv (keyboard)

M-Dock has also performed in Isesaki, Japan, which has been Springfield’s sister city in Japan for 20 years.[[In-content Ad]]