**NELA Cultural Happening**
MARK TALORYMADE BAND – OUACHITA LIVE AT ALLEY PARK
October 25, 2024, West Monroe
WHAT HAPPENED IN DOWNTOWN WEST MONROE LAST NIGHT!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, an eager crowd gathered at Alley Park. The excitement had been building all week for the much-anticipated performance by Mark Taylor and the Taylormade Band. As Main Street Director Adrienne LaFrance Wells took the stage to introduce the band, the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause, setting the tone for what was to come.
The energy was palpable as the band launched into their set with precision and flair. In a masterful transition, they broke into “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan, infusing it with their unique style while paying homage to the Queen of Soul. They followed up with “Square Biz” and “Rock with You.” A nostalgic old-school groove resonated throughout the park. Downtown West Monroe came alive!
With a blend of charisma and talent, Mark Taylor and his band took the audience on a musical journey with their infectious beats, pumping bass lines, and thick soundscape. Just when you thought you were at a musical plateau, the band took you higher with “Brick House,” “Jungle Boogie,” and “Jamaican Funk.” The crowd was swaying and dancing, at one point chanting, “Ain’t no party like a Taylormade party.”
There was no slowing down, playing songs like “Outstanding,” “Bad Mama Jama,” and “This Is How We Do It.” The audience responded to “Tennessee Whiskey” with cheers and accolades. My musical highlight was their stellar performance of “What You Won’t Do for Love,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “Got to Be Real.”
Mark told the audience his singers did not want to take a break, so they launched into some gut-busting blues in celebration of PO’ Henry & Tookie. During Adrienne’s introduction of Mark Taylor, she shared with the audience that Mark is the grandson of PO’ Henry, which helps explain Mark’s musical gift. She also said that singer Laquindrelyn McMahon was the granddaughter of international recording artist Robert Finley. What a band!
The Taylormade band consists of Mark Taylor on guitar and vocals, Bernard Smith on bass, Ahmad Smith on keyboards, Terrance Smith on drums, Laquindrelyn McMahon on vocals, and Ruth God on vocals.
It was a beautiful night of music in Downtown West Monroe. Thank you, Mark and the Taylormade band, for giving everyone a night off from life for a little while. A special thank you to Adrienne Lafrance Wells for your contributions to this article and your tireless efforts in Downtown West Monroe.
Tom M.
Downtown West Monroe Mark Mrtaylormade Taylor Monroe Music Live What’s Happening in NELA Bernard Smith Ahmad G Smith
