THE MARK WOOD EXPERIENCE
This powerful group stars Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s original string master and powerhouse vocalist Laura Kaye performing exciting and original songs and music by other classic rock legends.
Recording artist, performer, producer, inventor, Emmy award-winning composer and music education advocate Mark Wood has spent the past four decades electrifying the orchestra industry – literally. Dubbed ‘The Les Paul and Jimi Hendrix of The Violin World’ by PBS, Wood is the premier electric violinist of his generation who pioneered the entire genre. Wood rose to fame as string master and original member of the internationally acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra, selling over 10 million albums. A successful solo artist in his own right, Wood writes and records original music for film and television, has released seven albums, and tours with his band The Mark Wood Experience. He also is featured on his own TED talk, and his YouTube channel (markwoodtv) has over 4 million views.
Laura Kaye has a lyricism and musicality all her own, and is a rock and roll chanteuse whose take-no-prisoners voice invokes the likes of Steven Tyler and Aretha Franklin. As a singer, songwriter, performer, and vocal coach, Laura has spent the last 25 years empowering young singers as part of Electrify Your Symphony (EYS), a groundbreaking music education program she co-founded with Mark Wood. Laura has worked with legendary musicians such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Sean Lennon and her voice has been featured on countless television shows and advertisements. In addition to her solo work, Laura is the featured vocalist on many of Mark’s recordings.
The true passion of this power couple is music education. Their groundbreaking music education program Electrify Your Symphony (EYS) celebrated its 25rd anniversary in 2025. EYS is an immersive rock and roll workshop and concert series for school music departments that boosts student self-esteem and helps raise much-needed funds. Mark, Laura, and their team of Artist Mentors visit upwards of 75 schools per year. EYS has been featured on NBC-TV’s The Today Show, CBS Evening News, CBS Morning News, and regional media outlets.
In addition to EYS, Mark and Laura run the annual Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp and Festival, now in its 16th year, as well as The Mark Wood Music Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting music and the arts in America’s underserved communities.
The masterful musicians of The Mark Wood Experience band are Rob Bambach (guitar), Paul Ranieri (bass), Matt Vanacoro (keys), and special guest Elijah Wood (Shania Twain) on drums.
MATT VANACORO
Matt Vanacoro is a graduate of Manhattanville College’s music program and NYU’s prestigious Music Technology program, and is a skilled pianist and composer with a strong background in contemporary music and jazz. Always a dynamic performer, Matt has studied jazz piano and guitar with New York Jazz Legends Charles Blenzig and Jay Azzolina. Matt has integrated his love of composing and theory with his keyboard skills to craft the perfect fit for a myriad of live situations. He has performed, recorded and collaborated with local and national touring acts up and down the east coast in a range of styles from pop sensation Aaron Carter, NY jazz vocalist Amy Regan, Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, Mark Rivera of Billy Joel and numerous others. His music has been featured in television and film, from Oprah Winfrey’s television show to films by Lionsgate. Matt’s biggest influences as a musician are Trey Anastasio of Phish, Chick Corea and Al DiMeola of Return to Forever, and Herbie Hancock / Thelonious Monk. He endorses Nord Keyboards, Traveler Guitars, Gator Cases, Morely Wah Pedals and Source Audio distortion pedals.
