🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 111 (from laksa050)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa111.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/","crawl_time":1771538356,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,eastbaytimes!www,\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/ s443","src_root_hash":"2746682237970753511","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Slain trumpeter Anthony Anderson united East Bay's music-loving community, friends say","meta_descriptions":["Anthony Ant helped build a thriving scene for funk, R&B and soul music, showcasing a number up-and-coming Bay Area musicians"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Friends of Anthony Anderson, the 40-year-old\nEast Bay musician killed in a police shooting\non Feb. 9, say he was more than a phenomenally talented trumpeter or a skilled teacher, able to bring out the best in his music students, of all ages and abilities.\nHis great gift, they say, was his facility in organizing jams – bringing together musicians and singers from all over the Bay Area at Berkeley’s Starry Plough or anywhere else, where he performed his beloved funk, jazz, R&B and soul music in a fun, improvisational way.\nRELATED: ‘\nThis is not supposed to happen’: Mother of man fatally shot by East Bay cops decries killing\n“He was doing jam sessions all the time, or he would go to a party and make a jam session happen,” said his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine. “He would talk to the people throwing the party: ‘Do you want music? Is it OK if I invite some musicians?’ And he would go through his list and curate the musicians who will come, and these are the ones who will play best together.\n“I think it was an art to him, how to choose and organize musicians,” Irvine added.\nIndeed, bringing people together to make and enjoy music was Anderson’s significant contribution to the region’s arts scene over the past decade, which is why his friends, colleagues and students are reeling from his sudden and shocking death.\nKnown professionally as Anthony Ant, the San Francisco-born son of classical-musician parents is remembered as a singular personality, a uniting force and modern-day impresario who connected thousands of performers through his regular East Bay jam sessions, or via the innumerable club dates and private parties he performed at. Friends recall his generous, upbeat nature, the way he always had his instrument with him, ready to play, as well as his focus on promoting the careers of other Bay Area performers.\nAnthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine) \nShahin Naima, manager of the Starry Plough, the iconic Irish pub and gathering place, said he doesn’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that 80% of Bay Area musicians coming up since the early 2010s got their start because of Anderson. Given the challenges of trying to make it as a performer here, many musicians were ready to “give up on their dream,” Naima said.\n“But Anthony gave that back to them,” he said. “They wouldn’t be artists right now if he didn’t create that space where he said, ‘Get up here, come up on stage, sing a song.’ He gave them that confidence.”\nNaima also credits Anderson with putting his family’s Shattuck Avenue pub back “on the map” as a destination for live music with his Thursday night Free Funk Glory Jam. Growing up, Anderson lived around the corner from the Starry Plough and said his dream had “come true” when Naima asked him, around 2012 or 2013, to produce weekly jams for him.\n“Long story short, he took over Thursday nights, and after six months, there were lines out the door,” Naima said. “It was like we were the heart and soul of the East Bay music scene, because of the funk and it just [being] so incredibly epic and fun.”\nNow, Naima and others are trying to cope with the profound shock and grief they’ve experienced since hearing news of Anderson’s death.\nAnderson\nwas fatally shot outside his home in San Leandro\nin an early morning confrontation with Alameda County sheriff’s deputies. Deputies went to the home after receiving a call from someone who said he had a gun and wanted to talk to deputies. They said a man, later identified as Anderson, came out of the residence and “presented an immediate threat,” prompting the deputies to open fire, the agency’s statement said. Anderson’s death is being investigated by the California Attorney General’s Office, under a state law authorizing investigations when the person killed by police is not armed.\nFor their interviews, Anderson’s friends did not want to talk about his death.cBut it’s safe to say that the report about him being a threat to police don’t align with the person they knew.\n“Anthony was such a goofball,” said friend Alexandria Dwyer, who sings under the stage name Honey. “He was glorious and undoubtedly the most unique character I have ever met. Anthony’s character is a culmination of all things pure-hearted, the spirit of the unicorn. He has all of these little colloquialisms that make people smile.”\nDwyer is one of a number of artists who have spoken about Anderson’s interest in lifting up other people, professionally and personally, and doing so in the place he called home. They became friends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, through – how else? – one of his jams. He began helping her organize her own musical events and, during lockdown, they and a few other friends spent a lot of time together, making music and talking about the joy of making music.\nIn an Instagram post from back in 2019, Anderson had said his recent travels had him realize\nthat “music is literally ‘love,’\na force that binds us, make us unite and feel.”\nDwyer credits Anderson with building up her confidence to apply her classically trained voice to R&B and soul, picking out tunes that he thought could showcase her operatic vocals, such as Teena Marie’s 1980 song “Behind the Groove.”\n“He made me feel way more confident about my own voice, because it was about getting on the mic and improvising,” Dwyer said. “He was just, ‘Get up there and, you know, express yourself and feel free.’”\nSaxophone player Chris Hoog, a friend since 2013, said Anderson’s generosity to other musicians came in part from his quiet confidence in his own abilities. Anderson wasn’t showy or attention-seeking when he performed with his band Oakadelic or other musicians; he would mostly be still on stage, immersed in the music and the moment.\n“He always had plenty to say on his instrument without having to yell,” Hoog said.\nBesides mentoring his contemporaries, Anderson was training the next generation of musicians, by teaching children and teens how to play trumpet, trombone or other brass instruments in the Tri-Valley.\n“With Anthony, I think teaching for him just came naturally, just like hosting jams and playing in bands comes naturally to him,” Dwyer said.\nAnderson’s colleagues and students at\nIngram & Brauns Musik Shoppe\nin Pleasanton are devastated, according to guitarist Zack Ingram, whose family runs the shop and offers lessons to about 1,000 students per week.\n“We really miss him as a teacher and as a player and as a friend,” said Ingram, who said he was sometimes recruited to play with Anderson at his gigs.\nThat Anderson’s death is affecting people in the suburbs is testament to his reach in the Bay Area’s tight but far-flung music community.\nBut amid this devastation, Naima and others are trying to figure out a way to keep the Thursday night jams going at the Starry Plough, even though they know they can’t fill his shoes.\n“Everyone’s like, they don’t want to rush things, but I know he would want the music to continue in the name of the community and just the epic times and good energy,” Naima said. “Every time I saw him, he was like, that’s our purpose to make sure the funk night goes on forever.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/#content)\n\nAll Sections\n\n[Subscribe Now](https:\/\/checkout.eastbaytimes.com\/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=side-nav&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F)\n\n[51°F](http:\/\/www.accuweather.com\/en\/us\/walnut-creek-ca\/94596\/current-weather\/39591_pc?lang=en-us&partner=mng_28 \"Current Weather Conditions\")\n\nThursday, February 19th 2026\n\n[Today's e-Edition](https:\/\/enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com\/ \"Link to E-Edition opens in a new window\")\n\n[Home Page](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/ \"Link to Home Page\")\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/)\n  - [News](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/)\n  - [Latest Headlines](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/latest-headlines\/)\n  - [Crime and Public Safety](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/crime-public-safety\/)\n  - [California News](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/california\/)\n  - [National News](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/national\/)\n  - [World News](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/world\/)\n  - [Politics](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/politics\/)\n  - [Education](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/education\/)\n  - [Health](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/health\/)\n  - [Environment](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/environment\/)\n  - [Transportation](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/transportation\/)\n  - [SiliconValley.com](http:\/\/www.siliconvalley.com\/)\n  - [Weather](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/weather\/)\n- [Local](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/)\n  - [Bay Area](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/)\n  - [Oakland](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/east-bay\/alameda-county\/oakland\/)\n  - [Alameda County](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/east-bay\/alameda-county\/)\n  - [Contra Costa County](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/east-bay\/contra-costa-county\/)\n  - [East Contra Costa](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/east-bay\/contra-costa-county\/east-contra-costa\/)\n  - [West Contra Costa](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/east-bay\/contra-costa-county\/west-contra-costa\/)\n  - [Central Contra Costa](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/location\/california\/bay-area\/east-bay\/contra-costa-county\/central-contra-costa\/)\n- [Obituaries](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/obituaries\/)\n  - [Obituaries](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/obituaries\/)\n  - [News Obituaries](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/news-obituaries\/)\n  - [Place an Obituary](https:\/\/www.bayareanewsgroupobituaries.com\/)\n- [Opinion](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/opinion\/)\n  - [Opinion](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/opinion\/)\n  - [Editorials](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/opinion\/editorials\/)\n  - [Opinion Columnists](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/tag\/opinion-columnists\/)\n  - [Letters to the Editor](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/opinion\/letters\/)\n  - [Commentary](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/opinion\/commentary\/)\n  - [Cartoons](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/tag\/cartoons\/)\n  - [Election Endorsements](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/opinion\/endorsements\/)\n- [Sports](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/)\n  - [Sports](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/)\n  - [Athletics](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/mlb\/oakland-athletics\/)\n  - [Golden State Warriors](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/nba\/golden-state-warriors\/)\n  - [Raiders](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/nfl\/raiders\/)\n  - [San Francisco 49ers](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/nfl\/san-francisco-49ers\/)\n  - [San Francisco Giants](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/mlb\/san-francisco-giants\/)\n  - [San Jose Sharks](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/nhl\/san-jose-sharks\/)\n  - [San Jose Earthquakes](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/san-jose-earthquakes\/)\n  - [Bay FC](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/soccer\/bay-fc\/)\n  - [College Sports](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/college-sports\/)\n  - [Wilner Hotline](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/tag\/wilner-hotline\/)\n  - [High School Sports](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/high-school-sports\/)\n  - [Sports Blogs](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/blogs\/)\n  - [Sports Columnists](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/columnists\/)\n  - [Golden State Valkyrie](http:\/\/eastbaytimes.com\/sports\/wnba\/golden-state-valkyrie)\n- [Things To Do](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/)\n  - [Things To Do](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/)\n  - [Readers Choice](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/readers-choice\/)\n  - [Entertainment](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/entertainment\/)\n  - [Restaurants, Food and Drink](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/restaurants-food-drink\/)\n  - [Celebrities](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/tag\/celebrities\/)\n  - [TV Streaming](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/tv-streaming\/)\n  - [Movies](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/movies\/)\n  - [Music](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/music\/)\n  - [Theater](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/theater\/)\n  - [Lifestyle](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/lifestyle\/)\n  - [Cannabis](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/cannabis\/)\n  - [Advice](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/advice\/)\n  - [Travel](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/travel\/)\n  - [Pets and Animals](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/pets-animals\/)\n  - [Comics](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/comics\/)\n  - [Puzzles and Games](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/puzzles-and-games\/)\n  - [Horoscopes](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/things-to-do\/horoscopes\/)\n  - [Event Calendar](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/event-calendar\/)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/business\/)\n  - [Business](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/business\/)\n  - [Housing](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/housing\/)\n  - [Economy](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/business\/economy\/)\n  - [Technology](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/business\/technology\/)\n  - [Best Reviews](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/best-reviews\/)\n- [Real Estate](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/business\/real-estate\/)\n- [Marketplace](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/branded-content\/)\n  - [Branded Content](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/branded-content\/)\n  - [BayArea.com](https:\/\/bayarea.com\/)\n  - [Partner Content](https:\/\/partnercontent.eastbaytimes.com\/)\n- [Branded Content](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/branded-content\/)\n  - [Paid Content by Brandpoint](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sponsor-content-hub\/?ntv_adpz=4037)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/advertise\/)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/checkout.eastbaytimes.com\/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=side-nav&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F)\n- [Log In](https:\/\/eastbaytimes.com\/login)\n- [Logout](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/logout)\n\nGet Morning Report and other email newsletters\n\n[Sign Up](https:\/\/myaccount.eastbaytimes.com\/ebt\/preference)\n\n[![East Bay Times](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/EBTIMAGEpng.png)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/)\n\n[News Obituaries \\|](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/news-obituaries\/)   [Slain trumpeter united East Bay’s…](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/ \"Slain trumpeter united East Bay’s music-loving community, friends say\")\n\n### Share this:\n- [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=facebook)\n- [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=bluesky)\n- [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/#print?share=print)\n- [Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Slain%20trumpeter%20united%20East%20Bay%E2%80%99s%20music-loving%20community%2C%20friends%20say&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%2F2026%2F02%2F19%2Fanthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene%2F&share=email)\n- [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=twitter)\n\n![]()\n\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/checkout.eastbaytimes.com\/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=nav2&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F)\n- [Log In](https:\/\/eastbaytimes.com\/login)\n\n[Account Settings]() [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/contact-us) [Log Out](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/logout)\n\nSpoof a user\n\nGet Morning Report and other email newsletters\n\n[Sign Up](https:\/\/myaccount.eastbaytimes.com\/ebt\/preference)\n\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/checkout.eastbaytimes.com\/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=nav2&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F)\n- [Log In](https:\/\/eastbaytimes.com\/login)\n\n[51°F](http:\/\/www.accuweather.com\/en\/us\/walnut-creek-ca\/94596\/current-weather\/39591_pc?lang=en-us&partner=mng_28 \"Current Weather Conditions\")\n\nThursday, February 19th 2026\n\n[Today's e-Edition](https:\/\/enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com\/ \"Link to E-Edition opens in a new window\")\n\n[News Obituaries](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/news-obituaries\/)\n\nTrending:\n\n- [Prince Andrew arrested](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/king-charles-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-jeffrey-epstein\/ \"King Charles III received no prior notice of brother Andrew’s arrest\")\n- [Barbara Lee’s SUV stolen](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/oakland-mayor-barbara-lees-city-issued-suv-stolen-from-city-hall-lot\/ \"Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s city-issued SUV stolen from City Hall lot\")\n- [RH store in WC](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/walnut-creek-store-economy-retail-develop-food-wine-art-build-property-jobs\/ \"RH store and food hub may bring dramatic changes, jobs to Walnut Creek\")\n- [Bay Area snow?❄️](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/bay-area-hills-wake-up-in-white-snow-crowns-mount-diablo-range-amid-bay-area-cold-snap\/ \"Bay Area hills wake up in white: Snow crowns Mount Diablo range amid cold snap\")\n- [Must-try soul food 🍲](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/three-bay-area-soul-food-restaurants\/ \"Three Bay Area soul food restaurants you need to try\")\n- [Return of Steph and Seth?](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/seth-curry-injury-update-warriors-steph-curry\/ \"Why Seth Curry, Steph’s younger brother, will not return for Warriors until early March\")\n\n## Breaking News\n### [Bay Area to get a brief break before more weekend rain arrives](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/bay-area-weather-brief-break-more-weekend-rain\/ \"Bay Area to get a brief break before more weekend rain arrives\")\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/)\n\n[News Obituaries](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/news\/news-obituaries\/)\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/)\n\n**News** Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.\n\n# Slain trumpeter united East Bay’s music-loving community, friends say\n## Anthony Ant helped build a thriving scene for funk, R\\&B and soul music, showcasing a number up-and-coming Bay Area musicians\n\n### Share this:\n- [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=facebook)\n- [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=bluesky)\n- [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/#print?share=print)\n- [Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Slain%20trumpeter%20united%20East%20Bay%E2%80%99s%20music-loving%20community%2C%20friends%20say&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%2F2026%2F02%2F19%2Fanthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene%2F&share=email)\n- [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=twitter)\n\n![In a photo of an East Bay performance, Anthony Anderson holds his beloved trumpet, immersed in the music. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine) ](data:image\/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA\/v3AgAA=)\n\nIn a photo of an East Bay performance, Anthony Anderson holds his beloved trumpet, immersed in the music. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine)\n\n![Martha Ross, Features writer for the Bay Area News Group is photographed for a Wordpress profile in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Anda Chu\/Bay Area News Group)]()\n\nBy [Martha Ross](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/author\/martha-ross\/ \"Posts by Martha Ross\") \\| [mross@bayareanewsgroup.com](mailto:mross@bayareanewsgroup.com) \\| Bay Area News Group\n\nPUBLISHED:\n\nFebruary 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM PST\n\n\\| UPDATED:\n\nFebruary 19, 2026 at 11:28 AM PST\n\n**Getting your [Trinity Audio](https:\/\/trinityaudio.ai\/) player ready...**\n\nFriends of Anthony Anderson, the 40-year-old [East Bay musician killed in a police shooting](https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2026\/02\/12\/man-fatally-shot-by-alameda-county-sheriffs-deputies-had-object-designed-to-resemble-a-firearm-agency-says\/) on Feb. 9, say he was more than a phenomenally talented trumpeter or a skilled teacher, able to bring out the best in his music students, of all ages and abilities.\n\nHis great gift, they say, was his facility in organizing jams – bringing together musicians and singers from all over the Bay Area at Berkeley’s Starry Plough or anywhere else, where he performed his beloved funk, jazz, R\\&B and soul music in a fun, improvisational way.\n\n**RELATED: ‘[This is not supposed to happen’: Mother of man fatally shot by East Bay cops decries killing](https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2026\/02\/10\/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician\/)**\n\n“He was doing jam sessions all the time, or he would go to a party and make a jam session happen,” said his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine. “He would talk to the people throwing the party: ‘Do you want music? Is it OK if I invite some musicians?’ And he would go through his list and curate the musicians who will come, and these are the ones who will play best together.\n\n“I think it was an art to him, how to choose and organize musicians,” Irvine added.\n\nIndeed, bringing people together to make and enjoy music was Anderson’s significant contribution to the region’s arts scene over the past decade, which is why his friends, colleagues and students are reeling from his sudden and shocking death.\n\nKnown professionally as Anthony Ant, the San Francisco-born son of classical-musician parents is remembered as a singular personality, a uniting force and modern-day impresario who connected thousands of performers through his regular East Bay jam sessions, or via the innumerable club dates and private parties he performed at. Friends recall his generous, upbeat nature, the way he always had his instrument with him, ready to play, as well as his focus on promoting the careers of other Bay Area performers.\n\n![Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJM-L-ANTHONYANT_388b7d.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)\n\nAnthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine)\n\n## Related Articles\n- [This California bill would stop local law enforcement from helping ICE carry out its agenda](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/17\/this-state-bill-would-stop-local-law-enforcement-from-helping-ice-carry-out-its-agenda\/ \"This California bill would stop local law enforcement from helping ICE carry out its agenda\")\n- [Murder suspect gets 8 years in case where Berkeley police repeatedly came under scrutiny](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/16\/murder-suspect-gets-8-years-in-case-where-berkeley-police-repeatedly-came-under-scrutiny\/ \"Murder suspect gets 8 years in case where Berkeley police repeatedly came under scrutiny\")\n- [East Bay mom fights for people with mental illness after son’s police killing](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/13\/bay-area-mom-fights-for-people-with-mental-illness-after-sons-police-killing\/ \"Bay Area mom fights for people with mental illness after son’s police killing\")\n- [Records show California cops in friendly-fire case saw fellow officers before shooting at suspect](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/13\/records-show-san-diego-deputies-in-friendly-fire-case-saw-fellow-officer-before-shooting-at-suspect\/ \"Records show California cops in friendly-fire case saw fellow officers before shooting at suspect\")\n- [East Bay musician fatally shot by cops had object ‘designed to resemble a firearm’](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/12\/man-fatally-shot-by-alameda-county-sheriffs-deputies-had-object-designed-to-resemble-a-firearm-agency-says\/ \"Man fatally shot by Alameda County sheriff’s deputies had object ‘designed to resemble a firearm,’ agency says\")\n\nShahin Naima, manager of the Starry Plough, the iconic Irish pub and gathering place, said he doesn’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that 80% of Bay Area musicians coming up since the early 2010s got their start because of Anderson. Given the challenges of trying to make it as a performer here, many musicians were ready to “give up on their dream,” Naima said.\n\n“But Anthony gave that back to them,” he said. “They wouldn’t be artists right now if he didn’t create that space where he said, ‘Get up here, come up on stage, sing a song.’ He gave them that confidence.”\n\nNaima also credits Anderson with putting his family’s Shattuck Avenue pub back “on the map” as a destination for live music with his Thursday night Free Funk Glory Jam. Growing up, Anderson lived around the corner from the Starry Plough and said his dream had “come true” when Naima asked him, around 2012 or 2013, to produce weekly jams for him.\n\n“Long story short, he took over Thursday nights, and after six months, there were lines out the door,” Naima said. “It was like we were the heart and soul of the East Bay music scene, because of the funk and it just \\[being\\] so incredibly epic and fun.”\n\nNow, Naima and others are trying to cope with the profound shock and grief they’ve experienced since hearing news of Anderson’s death.\n\nAnderson [was fatally shot outside his home in San Leandro](https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2026\/02\/10\/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician\/) in an early morning confrontation with Alameda County sheriff’s deputies. Deputies went to the home after receiving a call from someone who said he had a gun and wanted to talk to deputies. They said a man, later identified as Anderson, came out of the residence and “presented an immediate threat,” prompting the deputies to open fire, the agency’s statement said. Anderson’s death is being investigated by the California Attorney General’s Office, under a state law authorizing investigations when the person killed by police is not armed.\n\nFor their interviews, Anderson’s friends did not want to talk about his death.cBut it’s safe to say that the report about him being a threat to police don’t align with the person they knew.\n\n“Anthony was such a goofball,” said friend Alexandria Dwyer, who sings under the stage name Honey. “He was glorious and undoubtedly the most unique character I have ever met. Anthony’s character is a culmination of all things pure-hearted, the spirit of the unicorn. He has all of these little colloquialisms that make people smile.”\n\nDwyer is one of a number of artists who have spoken about Anderson’s interest in lifting up other people, professionally and personally, and doing so in the place he called home. They became friends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, through – how else? – one of his jams. He began helping her organize her own musical events and, during lockdown, they and a few other friends spent a lot of time together, making music and talking about the joy of making music.\n\nIn an Instagram post from back in 2019, Anderson had said his recent travels had him realize [that “music is literally ‘love,’](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B1V5AcFhTWf\/?hl=en) a force that binds us, make us unite and feel.”\n\nDwyer credits Anderson with building up her confidence to apply her classically trained voice to R\\&B and soul, picking out tunes that he thought could showcase her operatic vocals, such as Teena Marie’s 1980 song “Behind the Groove.”\n\n“He made me feel way more confident about my own voice, because it was about getting on the mic and improvising,” Dwyer said. “He was just, ‘Get up there and, you know, express yourself and feel free.’”\n\nSaxophone player Chris Hoog, a friend since 2013, said Anderson’s generosity to other musicians came in part from his quiet confidence in his own abilities. Anderson wasn’t showy or attention-seeking when he performed with his band Oakadelic or other musicians; he would mostly be still on stage, immersed in the music and the moment.\n\n“He always had plenty to say on his instrument without having to yell,” Hoog said.\n\nBesides mentoring his contemporaries, Anderson was training the next generation of musicians, by teaching children and teens how to play trumpet, trombone or other brass instruments in the Tri-Valley.\n\n“With Anthony, I think teaching for him just came naturally, just like hosting jams and playing in bands comes naturally to him,” Dwyer said.\n\nAnderson’s colleagues and students at [Ingram & Brauns Musik Shoppe](https:\/\/www.ibmusik.com\/) in Pleasanton are devastated, according to guitarist Zack Ingram, whose family runs the shop and offers lessons to about 1,000 students per week.\n\n“We really miss him as a teacher and as a player and as a friend,” said Ingram, who said he was sometimes recruited to play with Anderson at his gigs.\n\nThat Anderson’s death is affecting people in the suburbs is testament to his reach in the Bay Area’s tight but far-flung music community.\n\nBut amid this devastation, Naima and others are trying to figure out a way to keep the Thursday night jams going at the Starry Plough, even though they know they can’t fill his shoes.\n\n“Everyone’s like, they don’t want to rush things, but I know he would want the music to continue in the name of the community and just the epic times and good energy,” Naima said. “Every time I saw him, he was like, that’s our purpose to make sure the funk night goes on forever.\n\n### Share this:\n- [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=facebook)\n- [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=bluesky)\n- [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/#print?share=print)\n- [Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Slain%20trumpeter%20united%20East%20Bay%E2%80%99s%20music-loving%20community%2C%20friends%20say&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%2F2026%2F02%2F19%2Fanthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene%2F&share=email)\n- [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/?share=twitter)\n\n![The Trust Project logo](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/dfm-trust-indicators\/static\/images\/Trust-Logo-Horizontal.svg)\n\n- [Report an error](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/report-an-error\/)\n- [Policies and Standards](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/policies-and-standards\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/contact-us\/)\n## RevContent Feed\n\n## Most Popular\nMost Popular\n\n- ### New poll: Republican candidate surges to a lead in California governor’s race\n  [New poll: Republican candidate surges to a lead in California governor’s race](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/hilton-swalwell-lead-california-governors-race-in-new-independent-poll\/)\n- ### RH store and food hub may bring dramatic changes, jobs to Walnut Creek\n  [RH store and food hub may bring dramatic changes, jobs to Walnut Creek](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/walnut-creek-store-economy-retail-develop-food-wine-art-build-property-jobs\/)\n- ### Guide company leading group caught in deadly avalanche warned of snow conditions days before incident\n  [Guide company leading group caught in deadly avalanche warned of snow conditions days before incident](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/guide-company-leading-group-caught-in-deadly-avalanche-warned-of-snow-conditions-days-before-incident\/)\n- ### Deadliest avalanche in state history kills 8 near Donner Pass; storm stalls recovery\n  [Deadliest avalanche in state history kills 8 near Donner Pass; storm stalls recovery](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/eight-confirmed-dead-six-survivors-located-after-deadly-avalanche-near-truckee\/)\n- ### Extreme cold warning affecting Bay Area inland regions Friday\n  [Extreme cold warning affecting Bay Area inland regions Friday](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/extreme-cold-warning-affecting-bay-area-inland-regions-friday\/)\n- ### More human remains found in Oakland\n  [More human remains found in Oakland](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/more-human-remains-found-in-oakland\/)\n- ### Sugar Bowl ski community reeling after avalanche victims identified as mothers of youth racers\n  [Sugar Bowl ski community reeling after avalanche victims identified as mothers of youth racers](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/sugar-bowl-ski-community-reeling-after-avalanche-victims-identified-as-mothers-of-youth-racers\/)\n- ### Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s city-issued SUV stolen from City Hall lot\n  [Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s city-issued SUV stolen from City Hall lot](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/oakland-mayor-barbara-lees-city-issued-suv-stolen-from-city-hall-lot\/)\n- ### Mother, adult son killed in shooting at Pleasanton home\n  [Mother, adult son killed in shooting at Pleasanton home](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/18\/two-people-killed-in-shooting-at-pleasanton-home\/)\n- ### Four arrested in connection with Oakland armed robbery\n  [Four arrested in connection with Oakland armed robbery](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/17\/four-arrested-in-connection-with-oakland-armed-robbery\/)\n\n## More in News Obituaries\n- [![FILE – Rev. Jesse Jackson waves as he steps to the podium during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo\/J. Scott Applewhite) ](data:image\/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA\/v3AgAA=)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/17\/the-rev-jesse-jackson-who-led-the-civil-rights-movement-for-decades-after-king-has-died-at-84\/ \"The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84\")\n  \n  ### [The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/17\/the-rev-jesse-jackson-who-led-the-civil-rights-movement-for-decades-after-king-has-died-at-84\/ \"The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84\")\n- [![Actor Bud Cort attends The Paley Center for Media's presentation of the premiere of \"American Masters - Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides\" at The Paley Center for Media on January 8, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston\/Getty Images)](data:image\/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA\/v3AgAA=)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/12\/bud-cort-dies-harold-and-maude-mash-actor\/ \"‘Harold and Maude’ star Bud Cort dies at 77\")\n  \n  ### [‘Harold and Maude’ star Bud Cort dies at 77](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/12\/bud-cort-dies-harold-and-maude-mash-actor\/ \"‘Harold and Maude’ star Bud Cort dies at 77\")\n- [![Actor James Van Der Beek, seen here at an event in 2016, has died. The \"Dawson's Creek\" star was 48.](data:image\/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA\/v3AgAA=)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/11\/james-van-der-beek-dies-dawsons-creek-cancer\/ \"James Van Der Beek dies at 48; ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star later garnered laughs mocking his persona\")\n  \n  ### [James Van Der Beek dies at 48; ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star later garnered laughs mocking his persona](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/11\/james-van-der-beek-dies-dawsons-creek-cancer\/ \"James Van Der Beek dies at 48; ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star later garnered laughs mocking his persona\")\n- [![Lead singer Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down performs during the Super Bowl Concert Series on Feb. 5, 2005, at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta\/Getty Images)](data:image\/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA\/v3AgAA=)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/08\/brad-arnold-3-doors-down-cause-of-death-kidney-cancer\/ \"3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold dies at 47 after kidney cancer battle\")\n  \n  ### [3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold dies at 47 after kidney cancer battle](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/08\/brad-arnold-3-doors-down-cause-of-death-kidney-cancer\/ \"3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold dies at 47 after kidney cancer battle\")\n\n- [2026](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sitemap\/2026\/)\n- [February](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sitemap\/2026\/02\/)\n- [19](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sitemap\/2026\/02\/19\/)\n\n[![East Bay Times](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/EBTIMAGEpng.png)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/)\n\n- [News Alerts](http:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/newsletters)\n  - [Email Newsletters](http:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/newsletters)\n  - [Today’s e-Edition](https:\/\/enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com\/)\n  - [Mobile Apps](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/mobile\/)\n- [Marketplace](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sponsored-content\/)\n  - [Place an Obituary](https:\/\/www.bayareanewsgroupobituaries.com\/)\n  - [Place a Real Estate Ad](https:\/\/leadhax.com\/)\n  - [Lottery](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/lottery\/)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/checkout.eastbaytimes.com\/?g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=footer&g2i_campaign=nav&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav)\n  - [Member Services](https:\/\/myaccount.eastbaytimes.com\/)\n  - [Manage Subscriptions](https:\/\/myaccount.eastbaytimes.com\/)\n  - [East Bay Times Store](https:\/\/store.mercurynews.com\/dept\/bang-papers?cp=110522_113774&utm_campaign=evergreen&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=edit-footer-ebt&utm_content=&utm_term=)\n  - [Archive Search](https:\/\/eastbaytimes.newsbank.com\/)\n  - [Reprints](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/reprints\/)\n  - [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/sitemap\/)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/contact-us\/)\n  - [Digital Access FAQ](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/digital-access\/)\n  - [Join our Team](https:\/\/www.bayareanewsgroup.com\/join-our-team)\n  - [Sponsor a Group](https:\/\/sponsor.medianewsgroup.com\/a\/?tag=bayarea)\n  - [Get Sponsored Access](https:\/\/access.medianewsgroup.com\/d\/bayarea)\n  - [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n  - [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Advertise With Us](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/advertise\/)\n  - [Special Sections](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/special-sections\/)\n  - [Network Advertising](https:\/\/www.digitalfirstmedia.com\/advertise-with-us\/)\n  - [Daily Ads](https:\/\/eastbaytimes-ca.newsmemory.com\/?marketplace)\n  - [Public Notices](https:\/\/www.capublicnotice.com\/)\n  - [Place a Legal Notice](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/advertise\/)\n- [Subscribe Now](https:\/\/checkout.eastbaytimes.com\/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=side-nav&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F)\n\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/terms-of-use\/)\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/cookie-policy\/)\n- [Cookie Preferences](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/)\n- [California Notice at Collection](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/privacy-policy\/#911-notice-at-collection-the-personal-information-that-we-collect)\n- [Notice of Financial Incentive](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/privacy-policy\/#916-notice-of-financial-incentive)\n- [Do Not Sell\/Share My Personal Information](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2026\/02\/19\/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene\/)\n- [Arbitration](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/arbitration\/)\n- [Powered by WordPress.com VIP](https:\/\/vip.wordpress.com\/)\n\nCopyright 2026 East Bay Times. All rights reserved. The use of any content on this website for the purpose of training artificial intelligence systems, algorithms, machine learning models, text and data mining, or similar use is strictly prohibited without explicit written consent.\n\n[![Bay Area News Group](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BANG.png)](https:\/\/www.bayareanewsgroup.com\/?utm_source=newssite&utm_medium=footer)[![Amplified Content Studio](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ACS.png)](https:\/\/www.bayareanewsgroup.com\/amplified-content-studio?utm_source=newssite&utm_medium=footer)[![Media News Group](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MNG.png)](https:\/\/www.medianewsgroup.com\/)\n\nClose","attrs_readable_markdown":"Friends of Anthony Anderson, the 40-year-old [East Bay musician killed in a police shooting](https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2026\/02\/12\/man-fatally-shot-by-alameda-county-sheriffs-deputies-had-object-designed-to-resemble-a-firearm-agency-says\/) on Feb. 9, say he was more than a phenomenally talented trumpeter or a skilled teacher, able to bring out the best in his music students, of all ages and abilities.\n\nHis great gift, they say, was his facility in organizing jams – bringing together musicians and singers from all over the Bay Area at Berkeley’s Starry Plough or anywhere else, where he performed his beloved funk, jazz, R\\&B and soul music in a fun, improvisational way.\n\n**RELATED: ‘[This is not supposed to happen’: Mother of man fatally shot by East Bay cops decries killing](https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2026\/02\/10\/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician\/)**\n\n“He was doing jam sessions all the time, or he would go to a party and make a jam session happen,” said his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine. “He would talk to the people throwing the party: ‘Do you want music? Is it OK if I invite some musicians?’ And he would go through his list and curate the musicians who will come, and these are the ones who will play best together.\n\n“I think it was an art to him, how to choose and organize musicians,” Irvine added.\n\nIndeed, bringing people together to make and enjoy music was Anderson’s significant contribution to the region’s arts scene over the past decade, which is why his friends, colleagues and students are reeling from his sudden and shocking death.\n\nKnown professionally as Anthony Ant, the San Francisco-born son of classical-musician parents is remembered as a singular personality, a uniting force and modern-day impresario who connected thousands of performers through his regular East Bay jam sessions, or via the innumerable club dates and private parties he performed at. Friends recall his generous, upbeat nature, the way he always had his instrument with him, ready to play, as well as his focus on promoting the careers of other Bay Area performers.\n\n![Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine)](https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SJM-L-ANTHONYANT_388b7d.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)\n\nAnthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine)\n\nShahin Naima, manager of the Starry Plough, the iconic Irish pub and gathering place, said he doesn’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that 80% of Bay Area musicians coming up since the early 2010s got their start because of Anderson. Given the challenges of trying to make it as a performer here, many musicians were ready to “give up on their dream,” Naima said.\n\n“But Anthony gave that back to them,” he said. “They wouldn’t be artists right now if he didn’t create that space where he said, ‘Get up here, come up on stage, sing a song.’ He gave them that confidence.”\n\nNaima also credits Anderson with putting his family’s Shattuck Avenue pub back “on the map” as a destination for live music with his Thursday night Free Funk Glory Jam. Growing up, Anderson lived around the corner from the Starry Plough and said his dream had “come true” when Naima asked him, around 2012 or 2013, to produce weekly jams for him.\n\n“Long story short, he took over Thursday nights, and after six months, there were lines out the door,” Naima said. “It was like we were the heart and soul of the East Bay music scene, because of the funk and it just \\[being\\] so incredibly epic and fun.”\n\nNow, Naima and others are trying to cope with the profound shock and grief they’ve experienced since hearing news of Anderson’s death.\n\nAnderson [was fatally shot outside his home in San Leandro](https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2026\/02\/10\/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician\/) in an early morning confrontation with Alameda County sheriff’s deputies. Deputies went to the home after receiving a call from someone who said he had a gun and wanted to talk to deputies. They said a man, later identified as Anderson, came out of the residence and “presented an immediate threat,” prompting the deputies to open fire, the agency’s statement said. Anderson’s death is being investigated by the California Attorney General’s Office, under a state law authorizing investigations when the person killed by police is not armed.\n\nFor their interviews, Anderson’s friends did not want to talk about his death.cBut it’s safe to say that the report about him being a threat to police don’t align with the person they knew.\n\n“Anthony was such a goofball,” said friend Alexandria Dwyer, who sings under the stage name Honey. “He was glorious and undoubtedly the most unique character I have ever met. Anthony’s character is a culmination of all things pure-hearted, the spirit of the unicorn. He has all of these little colloquialisms that make people smile.”\n\nDwyer is one of a number of artists who have spoken about Anderson’s interest in lifting up other people, professionally and personally, and doing so in the place he called home. They became friends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, through – how else? – one of his jams. He began helping her organize her own musical events and, during lockdown, they and a few other friends spent a lot of time together, making music and talking about the joy of making music.\n\nIn an Instagram post from back in 2019, Anderson had said his recent travels had him realize [that “music is literally ‘love,’](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B1V5AcFhTWf\/?hl=en) a force that binds us, make us unite and feel.”\n\nDwyer credits Anderson with building up her confidence to apply her classically trained voice to R\\&B and soul, picking out tunes that he thought could showcase her operatic vocals, such as Teena Marie’s 1980 song “Behind the Groove.”\n\n“He made me feel way more confident about my own voice, because it was about getting on the mic and improvising,” Dwyer said. “He was just, ‘Get up there and, you know, express yourself and feel free.’”\n\nSaxophone player Chris Hoog, a friend since 2013, said Anderson’s generosity to other musicians came in part from his quiet confidence in his own abilities. Anderson wasn’t showy or attention-seeking when he performed with his band Oakadelic or other musicians; he would mostly be still on stage, immersed in the music and the moment.\n\n“He always had plenty to say on his instrument without having to yell,” Hoog said.\n\nBesides mentoring his contemporaries, Anderson was training the next generation of musicians, by teaching children and teens how to play trumpet, trombone or other brass instruments in the Tri-Valley.\n\n“With Anthony, I think teaching for him just came naturally, just like hosting jams and playing in bands comes naturally to him,” Dwyer said.\n\nAnderson’s colleagues and students at [Ingram & Brauns Musik Shoppe](https:\/\/www.ibmusik.com\/) in Pleasanton are devastated, according to guitarist Zack Ingram, whose family runs the shop and offers lessons to about 1,000 students per week.\n\n“We really miss him as a teacher and as a player and as a friend,” said Ingram, who said he was sometimes recruited to play with Anderson at his gigs.\n\nThat Anderson’s death is affecting people in the suburbs is testament to his reach in the Bay Area’s tight but far-flung music community.\n\nBut amid this devastation, Naima and others are trying to figure out a way to keep the Thursday night jams going at the Starry Plough, even though they know they can’t fill his shoes.\n\n“Everyone’s like, they don’t want to rush things, but I know he would want the music to continue in the name of the community and just the epic times and good energy,” Naima said. “Every time I saw him, he was like, that’s our purpose to make sure the funk night goes on forever.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

1 month ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	1.8 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/
Last Crawled	2026-02-19 21:59:16 (1 month ago)
First Indexed	not set
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Slain trumpeter Anthony Anderson united East Bay's music-loving community, friends say
Meta Description	Anthony Ant helped build a thriving scene for funk, R&B and soul music, showcasing a number up-and-coming Bay Area musicians
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Friends of Anthony Anderson, the 40-year-old East Bay musician killed in a police shooting on Feb. 9, say he was more than a phenomenally talented trumpeter or a skilled teacher, able to bring out the best in his music students, of all ages and abilities. His great gift, they say, was his facility in organizing jams – bringing together musicians and singers from all over the Bay Area at Berkeley’s Starry Plough or anywhere else, where he performed his beloved funk, jazz, R&B and soul music in a fun, improvisational way. RELATED: ‘ This is not supposed to happen’: Mother of man fatally shot by East Bay cops decries killing “He was doing jam sessions all the time, or he would go to a party and make a jam session happen,” said his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine. “He would talk to the people throwing the party: ‘Do you want music? Is it OK if I invite some musicians?’ And he would go through his list and curate the musicians who will come, and these are the ones who will play best together. “I think it was an art to him, how to choose and organize musicians,” Irvine added. Indeed, bringing people together to make and enjoy music was Anderson’s significant contribution to the region’s arts scene over the past decade, which is why his friends, colleagues and students are reeling from his sudden and shocking death. Known professionally as Anthony Ant, the San Francisco-born son of classical-musician parents is remembered as a singular personality, a uniting force and modern-day impresario who connected thousands of performers through his regular East Bay jam sessions, or via the innumerable club dates and private parties he performed at. Friends recall his generous, upbeat nature, the way he always had his instrument with him, ready to play, as well as his focus on promoting the careers of other Bay Area performers. Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine) Shahin Naima, manager of the Starry Plough, the iconic Irish pub and gathering place, said he doesn’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that 80% of Bay Area musicians coming up since the early 2010s got their start because of Anderson. Given the challenges of trying to make it as a performer here, many musicians were ready to “give up on their dream,” Naima said. “But Anthony gave that back to them,” he said. “They wouldn’t be artists right now if he didn’t create that space where he said, ‘Get up here, come up on stage, sing a song.’ He gave them that confidence.” Naima also credits Anderson with putting his family’s Shattuck Avenue pub back “on the map” as a destination for live music with his Thursday night Free Funk Glory Jam. Growing up, Anderson lived around the corner from the Starry Plough and said his dream had “come true” when Naima asked him, around 2012 or 2013, to produce weekly jams for him. “Long story short, he took over Thursday nights, and after six months, there were lines out the door,” Naima said. “It was like we were the heart and soul of the East Bay music scene, because of the funk and it just [being] so incredibly epic and fun.” Now, Naima and others are trying to cope with the profound shock and grief they’ve experienced since hearing news of Anderson’s death. Anderson was fatally shot outside his home in San Leandro in an early morning confrontation with Alameda County sheriff’s deputies. Deputies went to the home after receiving a call from someone who said he had a gun and wanted to talk to deputies. They said a man, later identified as Anderson, came out of the residence and “presented an immediate threat,” prompting the deputies to open fire, the agency’s statement said. Anderson’s death is being investigated by the California Attorney General’s Office, under a state law authorizing investigations when the person killed by police is not armed. For their interviews, Anderson’s friends did not want to talk about his death.cBut it’s safe to say that the report about him being a threat to police don’t align with the person they knew. “Anthony was such a goofball,” said friend Alexandria Dwyer, who sings under the stage name Honey. “He was glorious and undoubtedly the most unique character I have ever met. Anthony’s character is a culmination of all things pure-hearted, the spirit of the unicorn. He has all of these little colloquialisms that make people smile.” Dwyer is one of a number of artists who have spoken about Anderson’s interest in lifting up other people, professionally and personally, and doing so in the place he called home. They became friends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, through – how else? – one of his jams. He began helping her organize her own musical events and, during lockdown, they and a few other friends spent a lot of time together, making music and talking about the joy of making music. In an Instagram post from back in 2019, Anderson had said his recent travels had him realize that “music is literally ‘love,’ a force that binds us, make us unite and feel.” Dwyer credits Anderson with building up her confidence to apply her classically trained voice to R&B and soul, picking out tunes that he thought could showcase her operatic vocals, such as Teena Marie’s 1980 song “Behind the Groove.” “He made me feel way more confident about my own voice, because it was about getting on the mic and improvising,” Dwyer said. “He was just, ‘Get up there and, you know, express yourself and feel free.’” Saxophone player Chris Hoog, a friend since 2013, said Anderson’s generosity to other musicians came in part from his quiet confidence in his own abilities. Anderson wasn’t showy or attention-seeking when he performed with his band Oakadelic or other musicians; he would mostly be still on stage, immersed in the music and the moment. “He always had plenty to say on his instrument without having to yell,” Hoog said. Besides mentoring his contemporaries, Anderson was training the next generation of musicians, by teaching children and teens how to play trumpet, trombone or other brass instruments in the Tri-Valley. “With Anthony, I think teaching for him just came naturally, just like hosting jams and playing in bands comes naturally to him,” Dwyer said. Anderson’s colleagues and students at Ingram & Brauns Musik Shoppe in Pleasanton are devastated, according to guitarist Zack Ingram, whose family runs the shop and offers lessons to about 1,000 students per week. “We really miss him as a teacher and as a player and as a friend,” said Ingram, who said he was sometimes recruited to play with Anderson at his gigs. That Anderson’s death is affecting people in the suburbs is testament to his reach in the Bay Area’s tight but far-flung music community. But amid this devastation, Naima and others are trying to figure out a way to keep the Thursday night jams going at the Starry Plough, even though they know they can’t fill his shoes. “Everyone’s like, they don’t want to rush things, but I know he would want the music to continue in the name of the community and just the epic times and good energy,” Naima said. “Every time I saw him, he was like, that’s our purpose to make sure the funk night goes on forever.
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/#content) All Sections [Subscribe Now](https://checkout.eastbaytimes.com/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=side-nav&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F) [51°F](http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/walnut-creek-ca/94596/current-weather/39591_pc?lang=en-us&partner=mng_28 "Current Weather Conditions") Thursday, February 19th 2026 [Today's e-Edition](https://enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com/ "Link to E-Edition opens in a new window") [Home Page](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/ "Link to Home Page") - [News](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/) - [News](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/) - [Latest Headlines](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/latest-headlines/) - [Crime and Public Safety](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/crime-public-safety/) - [California News](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/california/) - [National News](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/national/) - [World News](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/world/) - [Politics](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/politics/) - [Education](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/education/) - [Health](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/health/) - [Environment](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/environment/) - [Transportation](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/transportation/) - [SiliconValley.com](http://www.siliconvalley.com/) - [Weather](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/weather/) - [Local](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/) - [Bay Area](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/) - [Oakland](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/east-bay/alameda-county/oakland/) - [Alameda County](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/east-bay/alameda-county/) - [Contra Costa County](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/east-bay/contra-costa-county/) - [East Contra Costa](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/east-bay/contra-costa-county/east-contra-costa/) - [West Contra Costa](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/east-bay/contra-costa-county/west-contra-costa/) - [Central Contra Costa](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/location/california/bay-area/east-bay/contra-costa-county/central-contra-costa/) - [Obituaries](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/obituaries/) - [Obituaries](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/obituaries/) - [News Obituaries](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/news-obituaries/) - [Place an Obituary](https://www.bayareanewsgroupobituaries.com/) - [Opinion](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/opinion/) - [Opinion](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/opinion/) - [Editorials](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/opinion/editorials/) - [Opinion Columnists](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/tag/opinion-columnists/) - [Letters to the Editor](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/opinion/letters/) - [Commentary](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/opinion/commentary/) - [Cartoons](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/tag/cartoons/) - [Election Endorsements](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/opinion/endorsements/) - [Sports](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/) - [Sports](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/) - [Athletics](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/mlb/oakland-athletics/) - [Golden State Warriors](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/nba/golden-state-warriors/) - [Raiders](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/nfl/raiders/) - [San Francisco 49ers](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/) - [San Francisco Giants](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/mlb/san-francisco-giants/) - [San Jose Sharks](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/nhl/san-jose-sharks/) - [San Jose Earthquakes](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/soccer/san-jose-earthquakes/) - [Bay FC](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/soccer/bay-fc/) - [College Sports](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/college-sports/) - [Wilner Hotline](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/tag/wilner-hotline/) - [High School Sports](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/high-school-sports/) - [Sports Blogs](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/blogs/) - [Sports Columnists](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sports/columnists/) - [Golden State Valkyrie](http://eastbaytimes.com/sports/wnba/golden-state-valkyrie) - [Things To Do](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/) - [Things To Do](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/) - [Readers Choice](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/readers-choice/) - [Entertainment](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/entertainment/) - [Restaurants, Food and Drink](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/restaurants-food-drink/) - [Celebrities](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/tag/celebrities/) - [TV Streaming](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/tv-streaming/) - [Movies](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/movies/) - [Music](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/music/) - [Theater](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/theater/) - [Lifestyle](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/lifestyle/) - [Cannabis](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/cannabis/) - [Advice](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/advice/) - [Travel](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/travel/) - [Pets and Animals](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/pets-animals/) - [Comics](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/comics/) - [Puzzles and Games](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/puzzles-and-games/) - [Horoscopes](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/things-to-do/horoscopes/) - [Event Calendar](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/event-calendar/) - [Business](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/business/) - [Business](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/business/) - [Housing](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/housing/) - [Economy](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/business/economy/) - [Technology](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/business/technology/) - [Best Reviews](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/best-reviews/) - [Real Estate](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/business/real-estate/) - [Marketplace](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/branded-content/) - [Branded Content](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/branded-content/) - [BayArea.com](https://bayarea.com/) - [Partner Content](https://partnercontent.eastbaytimes.com/) - [Branded Content](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/branded-content/) - [Paid Content by Brandpoint](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sponsor-content-hub/?ntv_adpz=4037) - [Advertise](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/advertise/) - [Subscribe](https://checkout.eastbaytimes.com/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=side-nav&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F) - [Log In](https://eastbaytimes.com/login) - [Logout](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/logout) Get Morning Report and other email newsletters [Sign Up](https://myaccount.eastbaytimes.com/ebt/preference) [![East Bay Times](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EBTIMAGEpng.png)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/) [News Obituaries \\|](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/news-obituaries/) [Slain trumpeter united East Bay’s…](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/ "Slain trumpeter united East Bay’s music-loving community, friends say") ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=facebook) - [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=bluesky) - [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/#print?share=print) - [Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Slain%20trumpeter%20united%20East%20Bay%E2%80%99s%20music-loving%20community%2C%20friends%20say&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%2F2026%2F02%2F19%2Fanthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene%2F&share=email) - [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=twitter) ![]() - [Subscribe](https://checkout.eastbaytimes.com/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=nav2&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F) - [Log In](https://eastbaytimes.com/login) [Account Settings]() [Contact Us](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/contact-us) [Log Out](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/logout) Spoof a user Get Morning Report and other email newsletters [Sign Up](https://myaccount.eastbaytimes.com/ebt/preference) - [Subscribe](https://checkout.eastbaytimes.com/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=nav2&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F) - [Log In](https://eastbaytimes.com/login) [51°F](http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/walnut-creek-ca/94596/current-weather/39591_pc?lang=en-us&partner=mng_28 "Current Weather Conditions") Thursday, February 19th 2026 [Today's e-Edition](https://enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com/ "Link to E-Edition opens in a new window") [News Obituaries](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/news-obituaries/) Trending: - [Prince Andrew arrested](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/king-charles-andrew-mountbatten-windsor-arrest-jeffrey-epstein/ "King Charles III received no prior notice of brother Andrew’s arrest") - [Barbara Lee’s SUV stolen](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/oakland-mayor-barbara-lees-city-issued-suv-stolen-from-city-hall-lot/ "Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s city-issued SUV stolen from City Hall lot") - [RH store in WC](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/walnut-creek-store-economy-retail-develop-food-wine-art-build-property-jobs/ "RH store and food hub may bring dramatic changes, jobs to Walnut Creek") - [Bay Area snow?❄️](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/bay-area-hills-wake-up-in-white-snow-crowns-mount-diablo-range-amid-bay-area-cold-snap/ "Bay Area hills wake up in white: Snow crowns Mount Diablo range amid cold snap") - [Must-try soul food 🍲](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/three-bay-area-soul-food-restaurants/ "Three Bay Area soul food restaurants you need to try") - [Return of Steph and Seth?](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/seth-curry-injury-update-warriors-steph-curry/ "Why Seth Curry, Steph’s younger brother, will not return for Warriors until early March") ## Breaking News ### [Bay Area to get a brief break before more weekend rain arrives](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/bay-area-weather-brief-break-more-weekend-rain/ "Bay Area to get a brief break before more weekend rain arrives") [News](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/) [News Obituaries](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/news/news-obituaries/) [News](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/) News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. # Slain trumpeter united East Bay’s music-loving community, friends say ## Anthony Ant helped build a thriving scene for funk, R\&B and soul music, showcasing a number up-and-coming Bay Area musicians ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=facebook) - [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=bluesky) - [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/#print?share=print) - [Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Slain%20trumpeter%20united%20East%20Bay%E2%80%99s%20music-loving%20community%2C%20friends%20say&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%2F2026%2F02%2F19%2Fanthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene%2F&share=email) - [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=twitter) ![In a photo of an East Bay performance, Anthony Anderson holds his beloved trumpet, immersed in the music. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine) ](data:image/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA/v3AgAA=) In a photo of an East Bay performance, Anthony Anderson holds his beloved trumpet, immersed in the music. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine) ![Martha Ross, Features writer for the Bay Area News Group is photographed for a Wordpress profile in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)]() By [Martha Ross](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/author/martha-ross/ "Posts by Martha Ross") \\| [mross@bayareanewsgroup.com](mailto:mross@bayareanewsgroup.com) \\| Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: February 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM PST \\| UPDATED: February 19, 2026 at 11:28 AM PST Getting your [Trinity Audio](https://trinityaudio.ai/) player ready... Friends of Anthony Anderson, the 40-year-old [East Bay musician killed in a police shooting](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/12/man-fatally-shot-by-alameda-county-sheriffs-deputies-had-object-designed-to-resemble-a-firearm-agency-says/) on Feb. 9, say he was more than a phenomenally talented trumpeter or a skilled teacher, able to bring out the best in his music students, of all ages and abilities. His great gift, they say, was his facility in organizing jams – bringing together musicians and singers from all over the Bay Area at Berkeley’s Starry Plough or anywhere else, where he performed his beloved funk, jazz, R\&B and soul music in a fun, improvisational way. RELATED: ‘[This is not supposed to happen’: Mother of man fatally shot by East Bay cops decries killing](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/10/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician/) “He was doing jam sessions all the time, or he would go to a party and make a jam session happen,” said his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine. “He would talk to the people throwing the party: ‘Do you want music? Is it OK if I invite some musicians?’ And he would go through his list and curate the musicians who will come, and these are the ones who will play best together. “I think it was an art to him, how to choose and organize musicians,” Irvine added. Indeed, bringing people together to make and enjoy music was Anderson’s significant contribution to the region’s arts scene over the past decade, which is why his friends, colleagues and students are reeling from his sudden and shocking death. Known professionally as Anthony Ant, the San Francisco-born son of classical-musician parents is remembered as a singular personality, a uniting force and modern-day impresario who connected thousands of performers through his regular East Bay jam sessions, or via the innumerable club dates and private parties he performed at. Friends recall his generous, upbeat nature, the way he always had his instrument with him, ready to play, as well as his focus on promoting the careers of other Bay Area performers. ![Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SJM-L-ANTHONYANT_388b7d.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1) Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine) ## Related Articles - [This California bill would stop local law enforcement from helping ICE carry out its agenda](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/17/this-state-bill-would-stop-local-law-enforcement-from-helping-ice-carry-out-its-agenda/ "This California bill would stop local law enforcement from helping ICE carry out its agenda") - [Murder suspect gets 8 years in case where Berkeley police repeatedly came under scrutiny](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/16/murder-suspect-gets-8-years-in-case-where-berkeley-police-repeatedly-came-under-scrutiny/ "Murder suspect gets 8 years in case where Berkeley police repeatedly came under scrutiny") - [East Bay mom fights for people with mental illness after son’s police killing](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/13/bay-area-mom-fights-for-people-with-mental-illness-after-sons-police-killing/ "Bay Area mom fights for people with mental illness after son’s police killing") - [Records show California cops in friendly-fire case saw fellow officers before shooting at suspect](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/13/records-show-san-diego-deputies-in-friendly-fire-case-saw-fellow-officer-before-shooting-at-suspect/ "Records show California cops in friendly-fire case saw fellow officers before shooting at suspect") - [East Bay musician fatally shot by cops had object ‘designed to resemble a firearm’](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/12/man-fatally-shot-by-alameda-county-sheriffs-deputies-had-object-designed-to-resemble-a-firearm-agency-says/ "Man fatally shot by Alameda County sheriff’s deputies had object ‘designed to resemble a firearm,’ agency says") Shahin Naima, manager of the Starry Plough, the iconic Irish pub and gathering place, said he doesn’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that 80% of Bay Area musicians coming up since the early 2010s got their start because of Anderson. Given the challenges of trying to make it as a performer here, many musicians were ready to “give up on their dream,” Naima said. “But Anthony gave that back to them,” he said. “They wouldn’t be artists right now if he didn’t create that space where he said, ‘Get up here, come up on stage, sing a song.’ He gave them that confidence.” Naima also credits Anderson with putting his family’s Shattuck Avenue pub back “on the map” as a destination for live music with his Thursday night Free Funk Glory Jam. Growing up, Anderson lived around the corner from the Starry Plough and said his dream had “come true” when Naima asked him, around 2012 or 2013, to produce weekly jams for him. “Long story short, he took over Thursday nights, and after six months, there were lines out the door,” Naima said. “It was like we were the heart and soul of the East Bay music scene, because of the funk and it just \[being\] so incredibly epic and fun.” Now, Naima and others are trying to cope with the profound shock and grief they’ve experienced since hearing news of Anderson’s death. Anderson [was fatally shot outside his home in San Leandro](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/10/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician/) in an early morning confrontation with Alameda County sheriff’s deputies. Deputies went to the home after receiving a call from someone who said he had a gun and wanted to talk to deputies. They said a man, later identified as Anderson, came out of the residence and “presented an immediate threat,” prompting the deputies to open fire, the agency’s statement said. Anderson’s death is being investigated by the California Attorney General’s Office, under a state law authorizing investigations when the person killed by police is not armed. For their interviews, Anderson’s friends did not want to talk about his death.cBut it’s safe to say that the report about him being a threat to police don’t align with the person they knew. “Anthony was such a goofball,” said friend Alexandria Dwyer, who sings under the stage name Honey. “He was glorious and undoubtedly the most unique character I have ever met. Anthony’s character is a culmination of all things pure-hearted, the spirit of the unicorn. He has all of these little colloquialisms that make people smile.” Dwyer is one of a number of artists who have spoken about Anderson’s interest in lifting up other people, professionally and personally, and doing so in the place he called home. They became friends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, through – how else? – one of his jams. He began helping her organize her own musical events and, during lockdown, they and a few other friends spent a lot of time together, making music and talking about the joy of making music. In an Instagram post from back in 2019, Anderson had said his recent travels had him realize [that “music is literally ‘love,’](https://www.instagram.com/p/B1V5AcFhTWf/?hl=en) a force that binds us, make us unite and feel.” Dwyer credits Anderson with building up her confidence to apply her classically trained voice to R\&B and soul, picking out tunes that he thought could showcase her operatic vocals, such as Teena Marie’s 1980 song “Behind the Groove.” “He made me feel way more confident about my own voice, because it was about getting on the mic and improvising,” Dwyer said. “He was just, ‘Get up there and, you know, express yourself and feel free.’” Saxophone player Chris Hoog, a friend since 2013, said Anderson’s generosity to other musicians came in part from his quiet confidence in his own abilities. Anderson wasn’t showy or attention-seeking when he performed with his band Oakadelic or other musicians; he would mostly be still on stage, immersed in the music and the moment. “He always had plenty to say on his instrument without having to yell,” Hoog said. Besides mentoring his contemporaries, Anderson was training the next generation of musicians, by teaching children and teens how to play trumpet, trombone or other brass instruments in the Tri-Valley. “With Anthony, I think teaching for him just came naturally, just like hosting jams and playing in bands comes naturally to him,” Dwyer said. Anderson’s colleagues and students at [Ingram & Brauns Musik Shoppe](https://www.ibmusik.com/) in Pleasanton are devastated, according to guitarist Zack Ingram, whose family runs the shop and offers lessons to about 1,000 students per week. “We really miss him as a teacher and as a player and as a friend,” said Ingram, who said he was sometimes recruited to play with Anderson at his gigs. That Anderson’s death is affecting people in the suburbs is testament to his reach in the Bay Area’s tight but far-flung music community. But amid this devastation, Naima and others are trying to figure out a way to keep the Thursday night jams going at the Starry Plough, even though they know they can’t fill his shoes. “Everyone’s like, they don’t want to rush things, but I know he would want the music to continue in the name of the community and just the epic times and good energy,” Naima said. “Every time I saw him, he was like, that’s our purpose to make sure the funk night goes on forever. ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=facebook) - [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=bluesky) - [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/#print?share=print) - [Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Slain%20trumpeter%20united%20East%20Bay%E2%80%99s%20music-loving%20community%2C%20friends%20say&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%2F2026%2F02%2F19%2Fanthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene%2F&share=email) - [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/?share=twitter) ![The Trust Project logo](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/plugins/dfm-trust-indicators/static/images/Trust-Logo-Horizontal.svg) - [Report an error](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/report-an-error/) - [Policies and Standards](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/policies-and-standards/) - [Contact Us](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/contact-us/) ## RevContent Feed ## Most Popular Most Popular - ### New poll: Republican candidate surges to a lead in California governor’s race [New poll: Republican candidate surges to a lead in California governor’s race](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/hilton-swalwell-lead-california-governors-race-in-new-independent-poll/) - ### RH store and food hub may bring dramatic changes, jobs to Walnut Creek [RH store and food hub may bring dramatic changes, jobs to Walnut Creek](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/walnut-creek-store-economy-retail-develop-food-wine-art-build-property-jobs/) - ### Guide company leading group caught in deadly avalanche warned of snow conditions days before incident [Guide company leading group caught in deadly avalanche warned of snow conditions days before incident](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/guide-company-leading-group-caught-in-deadly-avalanche-warned-of-snow-conditions-days-before-incident/) - ### Deadliest avalanche in state history kills 8 near Donner Pass; storm stalls recovery [Deadliest avalanche in state history kills 8 near Donner Pass; storm stalls recovery](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/eight-confirmed-dead-six-survivors-located-after-deadly-avalanche-near-truckee/) - ### Extreme cold warning affecting Bay Area inland regions Friday [Extreme cold warning affecting Bay Area inland regions Friday](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/extreme-cold-warning-affecting-bay-area-inland-regions-friday/) - ### More human remains found in Oakland [More human remains found in Oakland](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/more-human-remains-found-in-oakland/) - ### Sugar Bowl ski community reeling after avalanche victims identified as mothers of youth racers [Sugar Bowl ski community reeling after avalanche victims identified as mothers of youth racers](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/sugar-bowl-ski-community-reeling-after-avalanche-victims-identified-as-mothers-of-youth-racers/) - ### Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s city-issued SUV stolen from City Hall lot [Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s city-issued SUV stolen from City Hall lot](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/oakland-mayor-barbara-lees-city-issued-suv-stolen-from-city-hall-lot/) - ### Mother, adult son killed in shooting at Pleasanton home [Mother, adult son killed in shooting at Pleasanton home](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/18/two-people-killed-in-shooting-at-pleasanton-home/) - ### Four arrested in connection with Oakland armed robbery [Four arrested in connection with Oakland armed robbery](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/17/four-arrested-in-connection-with-oakland-armed-robbery/) ## More in News Obituaries - [![FILE – Rev. Jesse Jackson waves as he steps to the podium during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) ](data:image/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA/v3AgAA=)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/17/the-rev-jesse-jackson-who-led-the-civil-rights-movement-for-decades-after-king-has-died-at-84/ "The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84") ### [The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/17/the-rev-jesse-jackson-who-led-the-civil-rights-movement-for-decades-after-king-has-died-at-84/ "The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84") - [![Actor Bud Cort attends The Paley Center for Media's presentation of the premiere of "American Masters - Jeff Bridges: The Dude Abides" at The Paley Center for Media on January 8, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)](data:image/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA/v3AgAA=)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/12/bud-cort-dies-harold-and-maude-mash-actor/ "‘Harold and Maude’ star Bud Cort dies at 77") ### [‘Harold and Maude’ star Bud Cort dies at 77](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/12/bud-cort-dies-harold-and-maude-mash-actor/ "‘Harold and Maude’ star Bud Cort dies at 77") - [![Actor James Van Der Beek, seen here at an event in 2016, has died. The "Dawson's Creek" star was 48.](data:image/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA/v3AgAA=)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/11/james-van-der-beek-dies-dawsons-creek-cancer/ "James Van Der Beek dies at 48; ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star later garnered laughs mocking his persona") ### [James Van Der Beek dies at 48; ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star later garnered laughs mocking his persona](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/11/james-van-der-beek-dies-dawsons-creek-cancer/ "James Van Der Beek dies at 48; ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star later garnered laughs mocking his persona") - [![Lead singer Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down performs during the Super Bowl Concert Series on Feb. 5, 2005, at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)](data:image/webp;base64,UklGRiQAAABXRUJQVlA4IBgAAAAwAQCdASoBAAEAAwA0JaQAA3AA/v3AgAA=)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/08/brad-arnold-3-doors-down-cause-of-death-kidney-cancer/ "3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold dies at 47 after kidney cancer battle") ### [3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold dies at 47 after kidney cancer battle](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/08/brad-arnold-3-doors-down-cause-of-death-kidney-cancer/ "3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold dies at 47 after kidney cancer battle") - [2026](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sitemap/2026/) - [February](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sitemap/2026/02/) - [19](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sitemap/2026/02/19/) [![East Bay Times](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EBTIMAGEpng.png)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/) - [News Alerts](http://www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters) - [Email Newsletters](http://www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters) - [Today’s e-Edition](https://enewspaper.eastbaytimes.com/) - [Mobile Apps](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/mobile/) - [Marketplace](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sponsored-content/) - [Place an Obituary](https://www.bayareanewsgroupobituaries.com/) - [Place a Real Estate Ad](https://leadhax.com/) - [Lottery](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/lottery/) - [Subscribe](https://checkout.eastbaytimes.com/?g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=footer&g2i_campaign=nav&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav) - [Member Services](https://myaccount.eastbaytimes.com/) - [Manage Subscriptions](https://myaccount.eastbaytimes.com/) - [East Bay Times Store](https://store.mercurynews.com/dept/bang-papers?cp=110522_113774&utm_campaign=evergreen&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=edit-footer-ebt&utm_content=&utm_term=) - [Archive Search](https://eastbaytimes.newsbank.com/) - [Reprints](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/reprints/) - [Sitemap](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/sitemap/) - [Contact Us](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/contact-us/) - [Digital Access FAQ](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/digital-access/) - [Join our Team](https://www.bayareanewsgroup.com/join-our-team) - [Sponsor a Group](https://sponsor.medianewsgroup.com/a/?tag=bayarea) - [Get Sponsored Access](https://access.medianewsgroup.com/d/bayarea) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/privacy-policy/) - [Accessibility](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/accessibility-statement/) - [Advertise With Us](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/advertise/) - [Special Sections](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/special-sections/) - [Network Advertising](https://www.digitalfirstmedia.com/advertise-with-us/) - [Daily Ads](https://eastbaytimes-ca.newsmemory.com/?marketplace) - [Public Notices](https://www.capublicnotice.com/) - [Place a Legal Notice](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/advertise/) - [Subscribe Now](https://checkout.eastbaytimes.com/?&g2i_or_o=internet&g2i_or_p=nav&g2i_source=SB&g2i_medium=side-nav&g2i_campaign=nav&returnUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.eastbaytimes.com%252F) - [Terms of Use](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/terms-of-use/) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/cookie-policy/) - [Cookie Preferences](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/) - [California Notice at Collection](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/privacy-policy/#911-notice-at-collection-the-personal-information-that-we-collect) - [Notice of Financial Incentive](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/privacy-policy/#916-notice-of-financial-incentive) - [Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/) - [Arbitration](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/arbitration/) - [Powered by WordPress.com VIP](https://vip.wordpress.com/) Copyright 2026 East Bay Times. All rights reserved. The use of any content on this website for the purpose of training artificial intelligence systems, algorithms, machine learning models, text and data mining, or similar use is strictly prohibited without explicit written consent. [![Bay Area News Group](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BANG.png)](https://www.bayareanewsgroup.com/?utm_source=newssite&utm_medium=footer)[![Amplified Content Studio](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ACS.png)](https://www.bayareanewsgroup.com/amplified-content-studio?utm_source=newssite&utm_medium=footer)[![Media News Group](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MNG.png)](https://www.medianewsgroup.com/) Close
Readable Markdown	Friends of Anthony Anderson, the 40-year-old [East Bay musician killed in a police shooting](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/12/man-fatally-shot-by-alameda-county-sheriffs-deputies-had-object-designed-to-resemble-a-firearm-agency-says/) on Feb. 9, say he was more than a phenomenally talented trumpeter or a skilled teacher, able to bring out the best in his music students, of all ages and abilities. His great gift, they say, was his facility in organizing jams – bringing together musicians and singers from all over the Bay Area at Berkeley’s Starry Plough or anywhere else, where he performed his beloved funk, jazz, R\&B and soul music in a fun, improvisational way. RELATED: ‘[This is not supposed to happen’: Mother of man fatally shot by East Bay cops decries killing](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/10/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician/) “He was doing jam sessions all the time, or he would go to a party and make a jam session happen,” said his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine. “He would talk to the people throwing the party: ‘Do you want music? Is it OK if I invite some musicians?’ And he would go through his list and curate the musicians who will come, and these are the ones who will play best together. “I think it was an art to him, how to choose and organize musicians,” Irvine added. Indeed, bringing people together to make and enjoy music was Anderson’s significant contribution to the region’s arts scene over the past decade, which is why his friends, colleagues and students are reeling from his sudden and shocking death. Known professionally as Anthony Ant, the San Francisco-born son of classical-musician parents is remembered as a singular personality, a uniting force and modern-day impresario who connected thousands of performers through his regular East Bay jam sessions, or via the innumerable club dates and private parties he performed at. Friends recall his generous, upbeat nature, the way he always had his instrument with him, ready to play, as well as his focus on promoting the careers of other Bay Area performers. ![Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine)](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SJM-L-ANTHONYANT_388b7d.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1) Anthony Anderson and his girlfriend, violinist Allison Irvine, perform with his band Oakadelic at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Allison Irvine) Shahin Naima, manager of the Starry Plough, the iconic Irish pub and gathering place, said he doesn’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that 80% of Bay Area musicians coming up since the early 2010s got their start because of Anderson. Given the challenges of trying to make it as a performer here, many musicians were ready to “give up on their dream,” Naima said. “But Anthony gave that back to them,” he said. “They wouldn’t be artists right now if he didn’t create that space where he said, ‘Get up here, come up on stage, sing a song.’ He gave them that confidence.” Naima also credits Anderson with putting his family’s Shattuck Avenue pub back “on the map” as a destination for live music with his Thursday night Free Funk Glory Jam. Growing up, Anderson lived around the corner from the Starry Plough and said his dream had “come true” when Naima asked him, around 2012 or 2013, to produce weekly jams for him. “Long story short, he took over Thursday nights, and after six months, there were lines out the door,” Naima said. “It was like we were the heart and soul of the East Bay music scene, because of the funk and it just \[being\] so incredibly epic and fun.” Now, Naima and others are trying to cope with the profound shock and grief they’ve experienced since hearing news of Anderson’s death. Anderson [was fatally shot outside his home in San Leandro](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/10/alameda-county-sheriff-unarmed-shooting-musician/) in an early morning confrontation with Alameda County sheriff’s deputies. Deputies went to the home after receiving a call from someone who said he had a gun and wanted to talk to deputies. They said a man, later identified as Anderson, came out of the residence and “presented an immediate threat,” prompting the deputies to open fire, the agency’s statement said. Anderson’s death is being investigated by the California Attorney General’s Office, under a state law authorizing investigations when the person killed by police is not armed. For their interviews, Anderson’s friends did not want to talk about his death.cBut it’s safe to say that the report about him being a threat to police don’t align with the person they knew. “Anthony was such a goofball,” said friend Alexandria Dwyer, who sings under the stage name Honey. “He was glorious and undoubtedly the most unique character I have ever met. Anthony’s character is a culmination of all things pure-hearted, the spirit of the unicorn. He has all of these little colloquialisms that make people smile.” Dwyer is one of a number of artists who have spoken about Anderson’s interest in lifting up other people, professionally and personally, and doing so in the place he called home. They became friends prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, through – how else? – one of his jams. He began helping her organize her own musical events and, during lockdown, they and a few other friends spent a lot of time together, making music and talking about the joy of making music. In an Instagram post from back in 2019, Anderson had said his recent travels had him realize [that “music is literally ‘love,’](https://www.instagram.com/p/B1V5AcFhTWf/?hl=en) a force that binds us, make us unite and feel.” Dwyer credits Anderson with building up her confidence to apply her classically trained voice to R\&B and soul, picking out tunes that he thought could showcase her operatic vocals, such as Teena Marie’s 1980 song “Behind the Groove.” “He made me feel way more confident about my own voice, because it was about getting on the mic and improvising,” Dwyer said. “He was just, ‘Get up there and, you know, express yourself and feel free.’” Saxophone player Chris Hoog, a friend since 2013, said Anderson’s generosity to other musicians came in part from his quiet confidence in his own abilities. Anderson wasn’t showy or attention-seeking when he performed with his band Oakadelic or other musicians; he would mostly be still on stage, immersed in the music and the moment. “He always had plenty to say on his instrument without having to yell,” Hoog said. Besides mentoring his contemporaries, Anderson was training the next generation of musicians, by teaching children and teens how to play trumpet, trombone or other brass instruments in the Tri-Valley. “With Anthony, I think teaching for him just came naturally, just like hosting jams and playing in bands comes naturally to him,” Dwyer said. Anderson’s colleagues and students at [Ingram & Brauns Musik Shoppe](https://www.ibmusik.com/) in Pleasanton are devastated, according to guitarist Zack Ingram, whose family runs the shop and offers lessons to about 1,000 students per week. “We really miss him as a teacher and as a player and as a friend,” said Ingram, who said he was sometimes recruited to play with Anderson at his gigs. That Anderson’s death is affecting people in the suburbs is testament to his reach in the Bay Area’s tight but far-flung music community. But amid this devastation, Naima and others are trying to figure out a way to keep the Thursday night jams going at the Starry Plough, even though they know they can’t fill his shoes. “Everyone’s like, they don’t want to rush things, but I know he would want the music to continue in the name of the community and just the epic times and good energy,” Naima said. “Every time I saw him, he was like, that’s our purpose to make sure the funk night goes on forever.
Shard	111 (laksa)
Root Hash	2746682237970753511
Unparsed URL	com,eastbaytimes!www,/2026/02/19/anthony-anderson-trumpeter-killed-music-scene/ s443