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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Peter Kapp – Lead Guitar/Vocals
Originally from South Africa, Peter Kapp started playing gigs at the age of 5 on the drums. He then moved to the organ where he taught himself to play keyboards & bass using the pedals. He won a regional organ competition at age 13 and quickly transitioned to playing guitar on National TV competitions. He spent many years as a drummer/bassist/guitarist in the South African Police Band recording multiple albums with legendary South African artists. He moved to the U.S. in 1998 and joined John Records Landecker and The Legends on bass and background vocals. Peter has shared the stage with numerous bands including Jim Peterik from Ides of March, Jan & Dean, and Paul Revere and the Raiders. He has owned a recording studio and also provided session services on multiple instruments, creating original compositions and harmonies. While Peter is a multi-instrumentalist, guitar is his first love with a passion for harmonies as a close second.
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.