Garrettsville – Local musician Mark Butto started playing drums at the age of age 6, under the tutelage of his older brother, Nick. He was jamming with his older brother’s rock bands long before joining band class in fifth grade at JAG Elementary. “It’s never been my goal to be famous. I just want to make a living playing drums,” Butto explained. Today, Butto’s dream has become a reality, as the local musician returned home briefly after touring with The Shootouts, an Akron-based country music band.
At the age of 12, Butto joined the Worship Band at Assembly of God Life Church, having played drums for six years prior. Butto continued in Band; performing locally while still in high school. Butto performed at Cellar Door and Summerfest, including ‘Street Beats’, a self-described “flash mob-style percussion ensemble he created with fellow JAG student Nick Crawford.
In high school, I came to the realization that I wanted to pursue music. Honestly, I didn’t know what else I’d do.” Butto went on to explain that since drums aren’t considered a classical instrument, the path of study for drummers is through jazz music. Luckily, the techniques honed in jazz correlate to other styles of music as well.
Butto also began formal music lessons at the Aurora School of Music during high school as well. He credits teachers there with preparing him to pursue his studies in music at college. Butto graduated in 2017 from James A. Garfield High School. He began at Cleveland State, but eventually transferred to Kent, playing in the Kent State Jazz Band and graduating from the Jazz Studies Program.
Due to Covid restrictions, his senior recital (in 2021) could only hold 10 people, including other musicians, faculty, and camera crew. The event was live streamed for family and friends. “On the positive side, it was nice to end my college career playing with my friends. I’ve learned that every performance counts, whether you’re playing for 5 or 5,000. And I was fortunate to receive a good recording of the recital.”
“In retrospect, those were weird times,” Butto reflected. “But it all worked out. God’s been in control of my whole journey.” He noted the importance of being open to what comes next. “And never underestimate the people you meet,” he added. “You never know who will open doors for you.”
While he grew as a musician performing in his church’s worship band, he left that position while in college. Throughout school, however, he continued playing at a variety of churches. In fact, Butto currently serves as the Worship Leader at a church in Cleveland Heights.
Since graduation, Butto has continued to play gigs at Cellar Door and R44 Coffee houses and has been doing weekend gigs in Cleveland and Akron. He teaches private music lessons, and taught Drum Line at his alma mater, James A. Garfield High School. “I loved teaching, and appreciate Mr. Cebulla giving me the opportunity,” he noted. “It was an honor to go back, and humbling to have the opportunity to teach,” Butto noted.
“It’s inspiring for me to be able to share my passion, give insight, and light a fire for other musicians.” Butto has also returned as a substitute teacher at the Aurora School of Music, as well. Butto plans to continue offering private lessons as his schedule allows; visit markbutto.com for more information.
Throughout his journey, Butto has sought out opportunities to follow his passion for music. Most recently, he worked at Prologix Percussion LLC in Stow. Through connections there, he performed with Merle Haggard tribute, and thus began his research into country music. I listened to the greats,” Butto noted, and watched the Ken Burns ‘Country Music’ documentary.”
Butto even took a solo pilgrimage to Nashville to experience the Music City firsthand. “Being from a small town helps me understand a lot of the stories,” Butto explained. “And there’s such a history to country music, as well.” These steps helped to prepare Butto for his next opportunity — when a friend told him about an audition for an Akron-based country music band called the Shootouts. “I didn’t grow up on country music, and never thought I’d end up in a country music band.” Butto shared that his grandmother, who hailed from Tennessee, was a big fan of country music. “She was always my number one fan. And she would have loved the Shootouts.”
The band mixes traditional country, honky tonk, Americana and western swing, and has been topping charts across the country. They hit #1 on the Alt-Country Specialty Chart in February and #5 on the Americana Album Chart in March. Shootouts fans hail the group’s music as, “country music for people who don’t like country.”
Butto joined the band in December of last year and was thrilled to take part in the band’s most recent 30-day tour in February and March. On February 24th, the Shootouts performed at the Grand Ole Opry on February 24th. “It was a dream come true for all of us,” Butto shared.
The sold-out performance at Opryland took place the same day the band’s latest album, “Stampede” was released. The new album features Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, as well as Jim Lauderdale, Raul Malo, Buddy Miller and Marty Stuart.
The 30-day tour also included a performance at the SXSW Festival in Austin Texas, as well as other shows around the Lone Star state. “It’s always been my goal to continue making a living through music, to get better, and to the see the country,” Butto shared. And through his hard work and dedication, those dreams are becoming reality.
While the Shootouts are currently on their Spring tour, they’ll return to the area to perform at the Stark County Home and Garden Show on April 22nd. Local fans can catch them at the American Roots Music Festival in Kent on April 28th, and at Birdfish Brewing Company in Youngstown on April 29th. This summer, the band will return home again, playing at the East Shore Park Club in Cleveland on June 8th.
For more information and updated touring details, visit Shootoutsmusic.com or follow the band on social media.
