BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 January 28, Tuesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
Blair’s live music scene is in for a treat this Saturday, February 1, as the Rock and Roll Cowboyz make their debut performance at Just Mary’s from 8 PM to 11 PM. The band, known for its mix of rock, country, and Americana, is sure to bring energy and variety to the popular local venue.
The group is led by Mark Marquardt, the band’s lead vocalist and acoustic guitarist, who shared the story behind the band’s name and its journey. “The name came from when I was in Colorado,” Mark explained. “I had a DJ business with my wife, and we came up with ‘Rock and Roll Cowboys.’ Later, I started a band out there under the same name. When I moved back to Iowa, I got some musicians together, and here we are.”
Mark’s transition from DJing to performing in a band was driven by his passion for playing music. “I’ve always wanted to play,” he shared. “Even while I was DJing, I would do solo gigs in local bars with just my guitar. Honestly, DJing isn’t as easy as people think. Weddings and events are stressful, with eight- to ten-hour days. Playing in a band is a lot more fun for me.”
The Rock and Roll Cowboyz live up to their name with a diverse setlist that spans decades and genres. “We do a little bit of everything,” Mark said. “Mostly rock from the ’70s and ’80s and country music from Johnny Cash to Luke Bryan. We’ve even got some newer stuff that our younger members, like Kalsie on keyboards (and great singer) and Dustin on bass, are bringing in. They’re in their mid-30s, and they’re introducing me to great new music I wasn’t familiar with before.”
When asked about their approach to setlists, Mark said the band’s goal is always to connect with the audience. “We try to play songs everyone can sing along to,” he explained. “My favorite part is looking out and seeing people either dancing or singing along. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
The band is rounded out by Bob on lead guitar and Brian on drums, both seasoned musicians with decades of experience. “Bob’s been playing electric for over 30 years, and Brian’s been in rock bands down in Omaha for a long time,” Mark noted. “Kelsey and Dustin, on the other hand, are newer to being in a band, but they’ve picked it up so quickly. You can tell they practice at home because when we get together, we’re able to pick up new songs in just a couple of tries.”
The Rock and Roll Cowboyz pride themselves on keeping their performances clean and family-friendly, a decision rooted in their shared values. “It’s more of a faith-based decision,” Mark said. “Three of us go to church here in Blair, and many of us have kids or grandkids. We want everyone to feel welcome, whether it’s a private party or a bar gig. It’s just not our style to go any other route.”
This commitment to family-friendly entertainment has made the band a popular choice for a variety of events. “We’ve played over 20 to 25 gigs the past two summers, including a lot of private parties, Fourth of July events, and outdoor shows,” Mark shared. “We’ve also been performing at bars in Council Bluffs and Omaha, and now we’re excited to be coming to Just Mary’s for the first time.”
Audiences can expect a mix of rock and country favorites from bands and artists like Bob Seger, Van Halen, Little Big Town, and Zac Brown. “We even do Last Kiss by Pearl Jam, which was a remake itself,” Mark said. “We always try to keep things fresh. If we’re returning to a venue, we mix up the setlist so it’s not the same show every time.”
The camaraderie among the band members is evident both on and off the stage. “We’ve had people say, ‘It looks like you guys are having a great time up there,’ and they’re right,” Mark said. “We all genuinely get along and love what we do. Bob has been in other bands before and told me he’s never seen a group of five people get along this well. I think that’s part of why we’re able to connect with audiences—we’re having fun, and it shows.”
For anyone on the fence about coming out to Just Mary’s on Saturday night, Mark has one message: “If you’re looking for a great time, come see us. We’ve got energy, variety, and a fun atmosphere. You’re guaranteed to hear something you love.”
The band will arrive a couple of hours early to set up and ensure everything is ready for their debut performance in Blair. With a mix of classic rock, country favorites, and plenty of good vibes, the Rock and Roll Cowboyz are sure to deliver a night to remember.
And, like I told Mark, “Anytime I get a chance to see a band who replaced an ‘s’ with a ‘z’ in their name, it’s gotta be good.”
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 1, from 8 PM to 11 PM, and head to Just Mary’s for an evening of live music, dancing, and community.
