Mark Zelenz: New York and Connecticut Musician, Singer, Piano Player, Guitarist & Vocal Coach

My musical journey began the moment The Beatles landed at JFK in February 1964 and conquered America. Nine months later, on October 14, 1964, I was born. With my full head of dark hair and eyes, my family’s running joke was that I was “the milkman’s baby.” Let’s just say my mom was a huge Beatles fan… I’ll let you do the math.

Growing up, my biggest influences were The Beatles, the Jackson 5, and even The Chipmunks. That unique mix gave me the vocal range to hit high notes that still earn screams and high-fives when I perform songs like Aerosmith’s “Dream On”, Maroon 5’s “Payphone”, or power ballads by Adele.

A childhood health challenge became one of my greatest assets. Shortly after birth, I developed pneumonia and spent time as a “boy in the bubble” healing my lungs. Doctors prescribed swimming to rebuild my lung capacity — and the results exceeded all expectations. I went on to achieve All-American status in swimming during my senior year of high school.

For most of my youth, I was extremely shy and only sang in the shower when no one was listening. After college, I confronted my fear head-on. I grabbed my guitar and harmonica, headed to Grand Central Terminal, and busked for three hours straight — belting out classics by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young.

Memorable moments from that day still make me smile: “How long have you been playing?” (“About an hour now.”) And the young girl who loved my U2 songs asked if I knew any Dead Milkmen. My reply? “I think mine is still alive, but I haven’t seen him for a while.”

That experience changed everything. Shortly afterward, I teamed up with my cousin to form the band “The End”. I recorded my first of many solo projects and later joined childhood friends to create the award-winning cover band The Short Bus.

From 2007 to 2015, The Short Bus dominated the local scene, winning the Best of the Gold Coast award for Best Cover Band 7 out of 8 years in the Greenwich, Westport, Darien, New Canaan, and Fairfield County area. The band is still going strong today, delivering high-energy live performances that keep crowds singing and dancing.

Beyond the band, I love bringing music to more intimate settings. I regularly perform at convalescence and retirement homes throughout Fairfield County and Westchester, to the delight of residents and staff alike. Some of the wonderful venues I’ve played include Cambridge Health & Rehab Center in Fairfield, CT, facilities with National Health Care Associates (NHCA), Parsonage Cottage in Greenwich, Waveny LifeCare in New Canaan, and Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich. These performances often turn into joyful sing-alongs filled with nostalgia and smiles. 

You can find me at Little Pub in Greenwich CT on Monday nights performing on piano and guitar - come for the food, stay for the entertainment.  I play other various local restaurants like The Farmhouse at the Crossroads, Carens Cos Cobber, The Griff, and Zaza throughout Greenwich and Stamford. Check out my calendar for the most up-to-date info! 

I’m also proud to serve as a vocal coach at School of Rock in Bedford, NY, where I help the next generation of singers build confidence, technique, and stage presence.

Whether performing high-energy sets with The Short Bus, heartfelt solo acoustic shows, or uplifting gigs at senior communities, I bring energy, vocal range, and a personal touch that makes every event memorable — tapping into shared musical memories from childhood through adulthood.

Ready to book live music with an award winning musician for your event in Greenwich, Fairfield County, Westchester, or beyond? From weddings, private parties and corporate events to senior living facilities and School of Rock-style performances, contact me today for solo acoustic gigs or full-band shows with The Short Bus.