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 a Recording Artist. Mark is a BMI Singer/Songwriter, Actor, and has appeared on Discovery Television, WSMV Channel 4’s “Today in Nashville”, and WZTV Fox 17’s “Rock & Review” Show hosted by Eric Dahl. Mark continues to write & produce new music and perform Live with his Band, the Mark Anthony Ensemble.
Mark Anthony Ensemble – Band Members
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Vander Warner – Lead Guitar/Vocals
Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Vander Warner started playing guitar at 10 years old. After playing his first gig in public, he was hooked on performing and began a long journey in planning his musical career for a living. After a season of building a life outside of music, he finally made the move to Nashville in 2022 and jumped in with both feet, playing for several Independent Artists as well as the local music scene. Vander’s influences range from 60’s and 70’s Rock n’ Roll to early 2000s Country and 90’s Contemporary Christian Music. Adding to his musical resume, he has found even deeper inspiration by delving into the recording studios in both Nashville and LA from the 1970’s to the present. Since moving to Nashville, Vander has toured the country as well as played extensively on Broadway and in the studio as a hired gun guitarist and a proficient lead/backup singer 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.