ANTHONYSTEELE

Born to a loving Family from the islands, I first showed enthusiasm for music by tapping on pots and pans in the kitchen at the very young age of 3. Inspired by my father, I discovered the distinct art of percussion. My professional music education comes from the Community Music Center of Boston, the Boston Arts Academy High School, and Berklee College of Music, from which I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Performance in 2006. I received numerous awards and accolades, some of which include, the “Best of Boston” in 2002 and a Musician Citation for Performance at the International Association for Jazz Educators(IAJE) Festival in 2001. My passion and skill for the drum set has opened many doors for me to perform all over the world – from California to Austria, Prague, Germany, and to the islands. I have played with the best of the best singers and musicians this world has to offer such as Wynton Marsalis, Andre Ward, Walter Beasley, George Duke, the Yellow Jackets, Johnathan Dubose, Mary-Mary, Donald Lawrence, Twinkie Clark, Rueben Studdard, Dr. Bobby Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Marcus Miller, Kierra "kiki" Sheard, Warren Hill, Noel Gourdin, the Gershwin Orchestra and now the Velveteen Playboys just to name a few. I was also in the Top 5 out of NY for MTV's "Making His Band". I continue to share the gift of music through playing, educating, touring, and mentoring young musicians.

Birthplace: Boston, MA

Influences: Steve Gadd

Favorite drink: Ting

Favorite place to play music: Church

Favorite article of clothing: Express

Last book read: The Bible

Passion: Music