Mark G . Turns
 9 p . m . Fri day in Andyman’s Treehouse,  887 Chambers Rd . ( 614-291- 2460 )

   The Columbus performer records homegrown, jaw-droppingly frank spoken-word pieces. His output and worldview are on display at www.lilgoat.com.

   A sample from his signature piece, Passions:
   "I want you to know that I deeply appreciate you as my spouse, as a woman and as a human being / I love you very much now, forever and beyond my natural life / I appreciate your kind words, your love, your affection and just the things you do for me out of love or what have you . . . / Thank you for being so special in my life / I brought you here to the ocean side . . . / to give you a kiss, to give you this gold bracelet and to say thank you for being my spouse’’
Eat your heart out, R. Kelly.

  Admission is $3 to $5.

Publication:       The Columbus Dispatch; Date:  Jan 25, 2007; Section:  Weekender; Page:63

• Mark G. Turns (compactdisc releases) — 10 p.m. Friday in Andyman’s Treehouse, 887 Chambers Dr. (614-294-2264)

    That’s right: Columbus’ answer to love rapper R. Kelly and the sociopolitical commentators the Last Poets will release three CDs Friday: Just Like It Is, Stop Spraying Cologne and Perfume on Odor and Funk!!! and Are You Aware? Can You Accept?

    Admission is $5.

LOCAL LIMELIGHT   MARK G. TURNS      In the world of the spoken word arts, no one is busier in central Ohio than Mark G. Turns.    A sociological commentator, historian and lover man (in the vein of Keith Sweat, R. Kelly and Luther Vandross), Turns and his beat-making partner seem to release handcrafted albums by the week.    Q » Why are you so prolific?    A » I like to write, and it’s also one of my main outlets of not only expressing myself but also dealing with stress, anger — and also to help others in a positive way.    Q » What musicians and bands inspire you?    A » Carole King, Smokey Robinson, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder and other various Motown artists. Sly & the Family Stone have influenced me as well.    Q » Why should someone see your show?    A » Because people are looking for songs and lyrics with honesty and sincerity that they can really feel, want and relate to without the nonsense. People will hear deep sincerity.    — Aaron Beck    abeck@dispatch.com

The Columbus Dispatch pop music & jazz Thursday May 3, 2007