Mark Kowalenko

Mark Kowalenko graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1977 with a Bachelor of Music Degree. He taught Jazz Band and Concert Band at D. W. Poppy Secondary School in Langley for 20 years.

Over these years, Mark's Concert and Jazz Bands were extremely successful at the New Westminster Jazz Festival, the Surrey Jazz Festival, the Kiwanis Music Festival, Festival Canada in Banff and Musicfest Canada. His jazz bands were showcased in feature concerts in both Banff and at Musicfest Canada, and, along with his Concert Bands, frequently won gold awards. 

Mark has played professionally for over 45 years in various combos, club bands, show bands and big bands. He has also served as an adjudicator at a number of Music Festivals.  Now retired, Mark still finds time to play the occasional gig, enjoy the camaraderie of the Moonliters, and enjoy his passion for fly fishing.

Marco Balducci

Marco first joined The Moonliters in the late 80s-early 90s, when he subbed in the sax section. He became a regular in the section in 2013. 

Marco's love of the saxophone traces back to grade 7, when he saw someone playing an alto saxophone. He fell in love with the instrument on the spot. Since his school band days he has played saxophone in quite a few groups, including a Blues Brothers Band during Expo 86. Like many horn players, Marco has been heavily influenced by Tower Of Power and Chicago. He also is a big fan of Pat Metheny. 

What many people perhaps don't know about Marco, is that it is classical saxophone that he enjoys performing most. These days he exercises his classical chops with The Cascadia Wind Ensemble. 

Marco's favourite memory of The Moonliters dates back to when the band's founder, Larry Homer, was still alive. Marco really enjoyed playing in the band's original rehearsal space, and with some of the members who are no longer with us. He recalls a time when the band organized a trip to see the Rat Pack in concert. It is that camaraderie and those types of shared experiences and friendships, that he treasures most about The Moonliters.

Helen Kahlke

Helen has played in a wide variety of musical settings including: rock, blues, R&B, jazz, Latin, concert, dance, and swing bands, as well as sax ensembles, pit orchestras, and small combos. Helen has also done studio and solo work.

None of her instruments are new. Helen prefers to play vintage saxophones—most dating back to the middle of the 20^th century or older.

Helen plays all voices of saxophones from soprano through bass. She also doubles on clarinet and bass clarinet. She has been with The Moonliters since January 2014.