SoulPilot will perform on The District stage on June 21. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – When Neal Anderson was just five years old, he already knew he was going to grow up to be a musician. He was four years away from getting his first drum set at age nine, but his young mind could envision himself playing in a band years down the road.

His dream came true. Today, Anderson is a drummer with the Eric Sowers Band, Slow Burn, the Grace Community Church worship band and SoulPilot. SoulPilot will perform on The District stage in downtown Port Clinton on Saturday, June 21, from 8 to 11 p.m. as part of Main Street Port Clinton’s summer concert series.

“I started playing drums when I was nine, and I’m turning 40 this year,” he said. “I’ve played professionally for 25 years.”

SoulPilot plays a variety of music from the 70s to today.

“We play about anything, but mostly the rock and pop genre,” Anderson said. “We play everything from Aerosmith to Maroon 5 to A-ha.”

In addition to Anderson on drums and backup vocals, the band also includes Mike Steffen on bass and vocals, Drew Hoerig on rhythm guitar and vocals, Scott Brown on lead guitar and vocals, and Dylan Kromer on keyboards and vocals.

Anderson said the group plays songs “everybody knows.”

“It’s stuff you hear on the radio and stuff you haven’t heard in a long time,” he said. “That’s our niche – playing songs you don’t hear other bands play in our area. Our set list is different than everybody else’s.”

Between the various bands he plays in, Anderson has performed on The District stage many times. He believes it’s a great venue for live music.

“What can’t you like about The District stage?” he said. “You know it’s going to be a good time.”

Anderson said Port Clinton is always welcoming to the bands, and the atmosphere at The District stage creates a great evening of entertainment.

“I love the interaction. I love the restaurants. It’s just a giant block party, and everybody is having a good time,” he said.

In addition to the June 21 SoulPilots concert, Anderson will also perform on The District stage with the Eric Sowers Band on July 18 and with Slow Burn on July 26.