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For This Strawberry Farmer, There's Picking And Pickin'

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Mark Sprouse

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By PAUL CATALA, Tribune correspondent

Published: December 27, 2007

Updated: 12/26/2007 11:34 pm

PLANT CITY - During the workday, Mark Sprouse's mind, body and soul are with the land -- down, dirty and diligent -- working hard to reap his harvest of strawberries.

But once the tractor is parked, the plow put away and the harvester shut down, Sprouse turns to his other true passion: music.

Born and raised in strawberry farming in Plant City, Sprouse spends up to 12 hours a day toiling at his trade during the August to November growing season. But most evenings and weekends, the 39-year-old farmer can be found out of the fields and in a home studio recording, at a local pub performing or just hanging out with friends, sharing his talents.

At a recent impromptu Sunday evening party and concert, Sprouse, also known as "The Singing Farmer," entertained about 25 friends and family members.

Hosted at the Armor Road home of his best friend and fellow musician Steve Gillman, Sprouse said he regularly performs beneath a pavilion and stage Gillman built in his backyard. He said it's a way for him to play, get his music heard and have fun with friends.

"Everyone comes out here and we just have a good time," Sprouse said, holding a plateful of barbecue, beans and cole slaw. "It's like a camping trip, around a fire, with entertainment every Sunday."

About six months ago, Sprouse began working on a 10-track CD, "It's A Country Thing," in a recording studio he and Gillman built. The CD, which will be available Jan. 26, features a song close to his heart, written for the city's Fourth of July celebration.

Called "Plant City (You're My Home)," the song is about growing up in the area.

Standing on the stage at the gathering, Sprouse crooned to the audience: "Plant City, you're my home. Plant City, sorry I ever roamed. Looking for something better, it's not out there. But I had to find out. I loved you then, and I still do, my home, Plant City."

After a few country and southern rock songs, Sprouse took a break from the stage. He said he hopes someday the song will become the official or unofficial Plant City song.

"It was amazing, growing up and being a teenager in Plant City, especially during the high school years. Everyone knew everyone and we were real tight," Sprouse said.

After graduating from Plant City High in 1989, Sprouse and some band mates headed to Los Angeles, aspiring to be musicians. But the mystique quickly evaporated, and by 1991, Sprouse was back at the family's 43-acre farm.

"I finally picked up the guitar again and played it at home. Everyone was into it and that got me going into music again," he said.

That year, he met Deb, the woman who would become his wife. They have a son, Daniel, 13, who also plays guitar.

By early 1992, Sprouse was back to playing at clubs and parties, including a regular gig at O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill on Alexander Street. Many of his fans from O'Brien's, including unofficial Sprouse Fan Club President Marcy Martinez, also catch his act at the Gillman-sponsored barbecue-concerts.

Gillman said he looks forward to the days Sprouse performs, despite putting a lot of effort into getting everything ready.

"This is kind of what we always do. He's just a great guy. My house is always open for Mark Sprouse shows and it's all family-oriented," he said.

Martinez, of Riverview, is Gillman's girlfriend. She said she rarely misses a chance to see him perform.

"No one's a stranger here when he plays. He invites everyone to the house and sometimes people will show up that we don't know. That doesn't matter: Have a seat and enjoy the music," she said.

After the barbecue and the festivities began to die down, Sprouse said he would have to be up at the crack of dawn, then back in the fields. Despite the somewhat late hour, he said he wouldn't miss a chance to play when he's asked.

For information about Sprouse, go to www.marksprouse.com.

This story appeared in one or more of The Tampa Tribune's semi-weekly community papers. To read more community stories, go to community.tbo.com

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