Originally from the Northeast, born & raised in CT, Mark got his start in Acoustic music while attending the University of Connecticut where he majored in Psychology & minored in Music.
Upon graduation, Mark toured New England for several years with an Acoustic trio called “On The Road Again”, culminating in a six week Tour in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He returned home to play in several Rock bands until he discovered the new Country styles of the 80’s, moved to Nashville as an aspiring Country Music Artist and began to focus on his Songwriting ability.
In 2019, Mark decided to form an all Original group, the Mark Anthony Ensemble and in 2021 signed with Iron Gate Records in Nashville as an Independent Recording Artist and released his first Single, “Running Away”. Since then, he has released (11) Singles out on 80+ music platforms worldwide with his first 6 song EP planned to be out in 2025 entitled “Exodus”.
Mark is a BMI Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist and has been an Actor in Feature Films & Commercials, performed on Discovery Television’s National Talent Search, WSMV Channel 4’s “Today in Nashville” Show, interviewed on WZTV Fox 17’s “Rock & Review” Show Hosted by Eric Dahl, WTVC Channel 9 Chattanooga and has been on several Independent Radio Station Podcasts nationwide. Mark continues to write his unique style of Americana music and perform live shows throughout the SE with his Band, the Mark Anthony Ensemble.
Mark Anthony Ensemble – Band Members
Click for Biographies…
Joe Folan – Electric & Acoustic Lead Guitars/Vocals
Joe Folan is an accomplished guitar player & composer originally from the Greater Boston, MA area. His natural ear for American music in all it’s forms has given him a lyrical approach to music, both in his phrasing and composing. He moved to Nashville, TN in 2022 to pursue the music business and is a regular fixture on the Broadway music scene. Well versed in multiple genres ranging from Jazz to R&B to Country and everything in between, Joe always puts the song first and is evident as he pours himself into every note. Joe is also a multi-instrumentalist and a proficient vocalist, being able to sing lead and BGV’s as well.
Nayte Russell – Drums & Percussion
Nathan Russell, (aka Nayte) is a seasoned drummer with an impressive musical journey spanning 30 years. He began his musical career within the genre of Gospel music. His odyssey has since taken him through a diverse array of genres, from the raw energy of Rock n’ Roll to the improvisational intricacies of Jazz, as well as the captivating world rhythms that have indelibly left their mark on his music. With three decades of playing drums under his belt, Nayte’s passion for percussion has only grown stronger. His musical journey is a testament to authentic musicianship – dedication, creativity, and an underlying love for the art of drumming. Nayte is extremely excited to join Mark Anthony and the other great musicians of The Mark Anthony Ensemble.
Roger P Shimoff – Bass Guitar/Keys/Vocals
Having grown up in San Francisco during the “Summer of Love,” listening and influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, and Tower of Power, Roger decided to make music a career and brings his vast musical background to the stage as the newest member of the Mark Anthony Ensemble. He started playing guitar at the insistence of his Dad and at the age of 13, Roger switched to bass harnessing the influence of artists like Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, and John Entwistle, to name a few and has been performing professionally ever since.
Roger has been in various bands ranging from Janis Joplin’s “Kozmic Blues Band,” progressive-rockers “Romance” and “Artist” in the 70s/80s, to a Frank Sinatra Tribute Band. Roger has also performed as bassist in the stage production of The Who’s “Tommy” in San Francisco and was a 2018 Sammie Award recipient in the Blues/Rock band category. He brings an impressive arsenal of bass guitars to the Mark Anthony Ensemble ranging from standard 4, 5, and 6 string electrics to electric stand-ups and double-necks. Roger is not only an entertaining performer but an accomplished keyboardist, guitarist, and singer.