Bio
TOP SHELF
Bringing Back The Good Times
Over the past years there has been an absence of bands with a true Vibe. Top Shelf fills that void with dynamic music and the purpose of providing their fans with an amazing live experience.
In May of 2024, drummer Bruce from Kentucky and guitar player Talon from Oklahoma, converged with local animal advocates, Steve and Penny Thompson. Meeting through Carolyn Bruce, a gifted dog trainer and wife of Bruce, a jam session ensued. It only took one session for the group to realize it had discovered musical magic. Shortly after, they chose the name Top Shelf to signify their electrifying musical performances and to honor the Kentucky Bourbon culture!
The first year was spent getting into performance shape. Through approximately 45 practice sessions, the band was able to write, arrange, and rehearse their first album and develop a 2 hour stage show. In January of 2025, they ventured down to Leiper's Fork, Tennessee to The Cave Recording Studios. With the engineering and amazing ear of Andrew Hooker, they laid down their debut album, Top Shelf, in just four days.
While the album was being mastered, the band played their first live show at The Cave City Convention Center. The performance was live streamed and has been viewed over 5,000 times in 17 different states!
This is all just the dawning of a new musical adventure in rock history, as the group intends to bring their dynamic new album and robust live show across the United States to raise money for animal advocay groups. Top Shelf is a subsidized act, which provides 100% of net ticket proceeds to these organizations.
Animal advocacy is our shared passion and will continue to be the driving force, as the band plans their 2026 tour.
Steve Thompson
Keys / Vocalist
Growing up in the Detroit music scene and having a gifted concert pianist for a mother was a sure fire way to set Steve up with a strong classical foundation to forge his musical path through the 70s and 80s. After spending his childhood internationally competing with the trumpet, he formed the popular Michigan band 240 Front and extensively toured the US for many years while supporting the biggest names in rock music. Steve now shares his time between running the HeartPaws Foundation and what he does best behind the microphone for Top Shelf.
Talon
Guitarist
The classic archetype of the "traveling rock n roll guitar player". After spending time across the United States in various states pursuing music and business ventures, he has finally landed in central Kentucky where he now focuses on graphic design, Top Shelf riffs, and sampling locally brewed beverages.
Bruce
Percussionist
A combination of precision, dexterity, and hearty appetite, Bruce unflinchingly brings his best every time he sits behind the kit. Acquiring his skill for percussion in a church band playing Gospel for his community, Bruce started down a path of musical exploration with many bands in Kentucky. Most notably being his band Cloud Ruler that he formed with his brother in Bowling Green. Foraging and blending styles from all genres, Bruce is a main component of Top Shelf's versatility. Currently he continues to be hard at work keeping the band funky and enjoying time with his lovely wife and baby girl.
Penny Thompson
Bass Guitar / Vocalist
The beautiful and talented Penny Seiberling began her journey at the age of 11 when she joined a family band with her brothers. They performed Internationally in the 1970s. After relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan, she answered an ad at a local music store for a new group looking for a bass player. Soon after Steve Thompson would recruit her skills into Grand Rapid's rock n roll band, 240 Front. She has entertained tens of thousands of people throughout her career with thumping bass and bewitching vocal performances. She once again is dazzling audiences as the heartbeat of Top Shelf.