‘MUSIC & MADNESS’ TO FEATURE MARK LOWRY AND THE MARTINS The Long-Awaited First Tour Together Kicks Off this Spring

(Nashville, TN)  – It’s been talked about for years and is now finally coming to pass. Gospel music legends Mark Lowry and The Martins will hit the road together for the first time this spring with their Music & Madness tour.

Kicking off March 6th in Little Rock, Ark., the first leg of Music & Madness will cover 22 cities including stops in Des Moines (Iowa), Bowling Green (Ky.), Fayetteville (N.C.), Nashville and more.

“It’s a lifelong dream,” says Mark about touring with The Martins. “It’s going to be an exciting year, just getting to hear them sing every night.”

The history between Mark and sibling trio Joyce, Jonathan and Judy Martin spans more than two decades and can be traced back to a cassette tape The Martins gave him at a national convention in 1992. Mark and fellow Gaither Vocal Band-mate Michael English were so impressed, they insisted Gloria Gaither listen to an impromptu audition of the group, which they held in the women’s restroom. Gloria then told husband Bill and the rest is history as the Gaithers helped introduce The Martins to the world.

“I’m so excited about being on tour with Mark,” says Joyce, the eldest Martin. “We have for years talked about getting on the road together, but never had the opportunity, so it almost feels surreal. We’re going to just hit the road and have a good time.”

Sponsored by Feed the Children, Music & Madness will also feature renowned pianist Stan Whitmire, and according to Lowry, fans can expect a little bit of everything at the shows: “We’re going to mix it up. The Martins and I will be singing together. I’ll be kicking Jonathan out and singing with just the sisters on a couple songs. Whatever it takes to make the night a success, we’re going to do!”

Best known for his comedic storytelling and writing the Christmas classic, “Mary Did You Know?” Mark Lowry has been entertaining audiences since age 11. His life work includes a long list of recordings and DVDs reflecting a wide range of influences. In October 2013, Lowry announced his departure as the baritone of the Grammy-Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band to focus on his solo career.