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. In 2021 he signed with Iron Gate Records in Nashville as an Independent Recording Artist and released his first Single, “Running Away”. Since then, he has released (12) 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 Hosted by Sierra Waggoner 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
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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.
Frank ‘Scotch’ Schaub – Bass Guitar/Electric & Acoustic Guitars/Vocals
Originally from Brooklyn NY, Frank ‘Scotch’ Schaub brings a wealth of experience to The Mark Anthony Ensemble as a multi-instrumentalist & vocalist, playing both Bass, Electric Guitar & BGV’s. He is a recent newcomer to Tennessee but is already making his mark in Downtown Nashville, playing well known venues like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s Honky Tonk, The Tin Roof, Underdog, 5 Spot and other clubs along the Broadway circuit. He has toured nationally with Artists such as the late great Aurelio Martinez, Craig Wayne Boyd, Zee Avi, Jack Johnson, The Bakers Alley Band and many others.
Frank has played the Casino circuit all over the country and in venues including The Tipsy Boar in Hollywood, The Greek Theater, and The Santa Barbara Bowl. He has played Internationally at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia as well as in the countries of Singapore & Malaysia.
Currently, when he’s not playing with The Mark Anthony Ensemble, Frank is involved with multiple projects and can be seen in ‘Shot By Cheney’ as the Lead Guitarist/Vocalist, ‘CC2Crazy’ as the Guitarist/Songwriter and his own unique project, ‘Scotch Creek’.