Los Angeles Times

Feel Good Music: Mark Allen describes his music as straight-ahead rock and roll with lyrics about everyday situations. It's feel good music with readily apparent influences by Journey, Bonnie Raitt and Melissa Etheridge, he said.

"I try not to get too cerebral or thought-oriented about it," Allen says. "A lot of people can relate to what I write about."

Allen came to Los Angeles in search of the "proverbial record deal" nine years ago, after working several years with touring bands in the Midwest and Canada.

The Mark Allen Band, which plays Saturday at Mancini's has only been together since last September. But Allen says being in the band has given his songwriting a focus and cohesiveness that it lacked.

Besides Allen on lead guitar and vocals, the band consists of backup singers Carol Kaye and Karla Gianelli, drummer Michele DiSisto, bassist Barney Cortinez, and keyboardist Tony Agapiou. The Valley-based band has played at FM Station, Toby Jug's, and Mancini's.

"Mancini's has been a home stage for us," Allen says. "It's a great testing ground for new music. We go there and it feels like home sweet home."