Richard Marx is making a comeback.

The Meridian Mall, 1982 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos, will host a free concert featuring Marx at 7 tonight as part of the grand opening of its new food court.

The event was put together by Tim Kiesling, program director for Lansing’s WFMK (99.1-FM).

“Richard has a new album out, a new song release and he’s got two other songs on the radio he wrote that Natalie Cole and ’N Sync sing,” Kiesling said. “He’s making a comeback both as a solo artist and a songwriter.”

Kiesling said when the station decided to start playing Marx’s new record, “Days in Avalon,” Marx called the station and asked if there was anything he could do.

“I asked him to come do a show and we put our heads together,” he said. “He’s had tremendous music success even though he went out of the mainstream focus for seven or eight years now.”

Marx had a strong presence in the music industry from the late 1980s through 1997. In the past several years he has been writing music for other artists, including 98 Degrees, Barbra Streisand and Kenny Rogers.

“He’s definitely a really notable ballad writer,” said Mark Bashore, morning show host for WFMK. “I think those have probably been his best remembered songs, but at the same time he can surprise you with a rock song.”

Kiesling said this show is just the beginning of bringing top shelf artists to put on concerts for WFMK listeners.

“He’s had tremendous music success and the best way to reestablish himself is by a grassroots effort,” Kiesling said. “He’s trying to get out there and be accessible to the people who buy the CDs and albums.”

Bashore said this is a great chance to see a nationally known act close to home.

“At the food court in the mall, the person farthest away is going to be pretty close and will have a chance to ask Richard questions and have him sign autographs,” he said. “It’s a chance to get to know him on a more intimate level.”