Lead Vocalist and Band Leader

Steve Anthony Loporchio

Steve's entertainment career dates back to his high school days where he was a member of the nationally known Cranston High School East a Capella Choir as a soloist touring the New England states, 10 European countries as well as the Soviet Union.

Steve also has a theatrical background performing in several musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Gospel, Man of La Mancha and Hello Dolly.

His first lead singing role was as a vocalist with the 18-piece "Big Band" sounds of the Young Rhode Islanders. Where he had performed for thousands at Dinner Dances, Corporate Parties, Political Balls and many Black Tie Events throughout New England.

Taking a break from live entertainment Steve lived in Manhattan and Los Angeles where he acted and sang in 8 national television commercials for Trident Sugarless Mints, TWA, The American Dairy Association, Chevrolet and Ragu Spaghetti Sauce to name a few.

Steve also shared the stage with Michael J. Fox, Tony Orlando, Dick van Patten and Neil Sedaka. Other musical accomplishments include singing at the National Finals for Talent America in New York City as a guest performer. Steve toured with the 9 piece powerhouse band "Night flight" along side of 70's acts such as the Tramps, Andea True, Tavares and LTD featuring Jeffrey Osborne.

Since 1992 Steve has fronted the explosive "Persuasion" band where he shares the stage with 6 of the areas best musicians performing at various establishments from the Newport mansions to Foxwood's Fox Theater.

Featured Female Vocalist

Gabrielle (Washington) Silva

Rhode Island born, vocalist, Gabrielle (Washington) Silva, began singing at the tender age of two. She began her vocal training as a member of the Olney Street Baptist Church Children's Choir.

Through the years Gabrielle's talent has been showcased in various talent shows and competitions, including, The Miss Hemisphere Pageant, where she was first runner up and twice in The Miss Rhode Island Pageant, where she placed in the top ten and received awards for style and poise.

In 2003, Gabrielle received a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Rhode Island College. She studied classical music and majored in voice. 

In 2008, Gabrielle began singing with Front and Center, a Rhode Island based R&B show band. She was their lead female vocalist for 3 years.

In 2009, Gabrielle began frequently sitting in with Rhode Island's favorite track band, Brother to Brother and has also sat in with various bands throughout Rhode Island and Mass.

In 2011 Gabrielle joined Steve Anthony and Persuasion where she continues to delight audiences with her soulful vocals, style and grace, as well as her energetic stage presence. She has made a fine addition to Steve Anthony and Persuasion as their featured female vocalist.

Bass

Ed Mace

Ed, a primarily self taught electric bassist of many years, studied briefly with RI legend Bob Peterutti and cites him as a major influence in refining his self driven approach.

During the disco years Ed toured the USA, Canada and Virgin Islands with a very popular NYC based show band.  He has shared the stage with local bands such as Rizz, GQ, Brass Attack, Jim Hitte, Bob Mainelli and was the last bass player to perform with the highly popular Match for two and a half years.  Ed has been a consistent musically driving force behind Steve Anthony and Persuasion since 1997.

When he is not playing music, Ed fervently pursues his ever growing voice over career.  Besides voicing hundreds of video games worldwide, his voice can be heard in countless animations, narrations and teaser/trailers.

Drums

Paul Ionata

Paul has always been a natural at playing the drums.  He wanted to become a drummer at the age of ten so his parents bought him his first “champagne sparkled” Ludwig drum set!   At the age of fourteen Paul began drum lessons with a great teacher and performer Mr. Artie Cabral and started jamming with friends and schoolmates.

After High school Paul attended Rhode Island College for music and studied with instructor Mr. Gary Chaffee while attending numerous professional drumming clinics.  During the 1980’s Paul began playing professionally at private functions and local club venues where he had the chance to share the stage with the legendary entertainer “Tiny Tim”!

For the past twenty five years Paul has been teaching private lessons and continues instructing in RI.  In 1996 Paul joined up with Steve Anthony and Persuasion and has been the drummer ever since driving the “Persuasion” rhythm section with his solid and syncopated rhythms that will make you want to dance!   

Guitar and Vocals

Vinny Abbaticola

Vinny has a great passion for music.  When he was six years old he was plucking the strings on his Dad’s old beat up guitar. In junior high school Vinny started his music career by playing the trumpet in the school band and studying with Anthony Polito.  In 1975  Vinny bought his first Electric Guitar at a church flea market and formed his first band. 

While attending Cranston High School West class of “1981” Vinny joined the marching, concert, and jazz bands playing both trumpet and guitar under the direction of Mr. Dennis Disano.  After high school he attended CCRI majoring in Music. While in college in “1982” he joined a very successful band called “Imagination” playing many private and corporate functions. Vinny was writing his own music and performing in city clubs with a local original band called “Spingo” who had their first record release party in “1985” that packed the popular Providence club “The Living Room”. The Spingo 45rpm record was played for several weeks on WHJY with many requests on the Sunday local band spot.
 
Vinny became a freelance musician known as Vinny Edwards in “1989”.  He became a member of the Providence Federation of Musicians where he worked as a guitarist, bassist and vocalist. He traveled throughout the U.S. performing with orchestras and ensembles working with many great musicians such as Ralph Stewart, Ed Drew, Hal Corcoran, Duke Belair, Artie Cabral, Dick Johnson, Al Conti and many more. 
 
Through the 1990’s and present  Vinny has performed with some of the area’s best bands including, GQ and the Lady, In The Groove, Sure Thing, Reminisce, Triad, The Bobby Justin Band, Crosswinds, The Black Tie Band, Bandstand Review, Kickin’ Brass, Studio C, and cool R&B bands, such as C.O.D. Blues Band, Blues Deville and Ellery Street. Vinny has also worked with The Platters and The Coasters filling in as a guitarist. You never knew who Vinny would pop up on stage with.
 
As a song writer, producer and arranger Vinny released his first solo CD “It Is What It Is” in February 2012. With all original music featuring some of the areas greatest musicians from RI and MA. The CD is available on iTunes and Amazon.com
 
Vinny is currently the guitarist and a vocalist with Steve Anthony and Persuasion. One of the area’s finest show bands available for private functions and nightclub venues.  There is never a dull moment with this tight, energetic and vocally sound combination of musicians and singers.