Bio
Josh Ari Selvey (AKA Ari De Leo) , 23, was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA. As a child he was primed for the expressive arts, learning two instruments, piano and violin, by the age of 10. As he matured, Josh later took an interest in visual art as well, and has been developing his crafts ever since. Later he expanded his interests into the theatrical arts and film, working with local directors and producers such as Monkia Ross and Jontrae Williams.
He attended John Harris High School from 2006-2010 studying art, under the instruction of Eric Klopp, theater under the instruction of Eric Jackson, and vocal performance under Janet Schrader and George Clemments.
In 2009, he matriculated to Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA) to pursue his studies in theater under the instruction of Lisa Weitzman, and Anne Alsedek. During this time, Ari also became self-taught in acoustic guitar, leading him to play for various venues between Harrisburg, PA and Williamsport, PA.
In 2010, realizing his musical potential, Ari finally expanded upon his musical talent and recorded his first song “Success”, alongside friend and fellow artist Tylre “T. Real” Garnett.
After high school, Ari continued to expand upon his talents in the visual arts, arranging his first art gallery exhibit in 2011 called “A Prologue to My Self”, featuring his personal portfolio of paintings and drawings at 3rd Street Studio. Ari has also worked with community arts director and international artist Nataki Mcneal Bhatti on outreach programs aimed towards at risk youth.
Stylistically, Ari cleverly incorporates a mix of his major influences, which include the likes of: Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Beyonce, John Legend, J*Davey, Missy Elliot and Jill Scott to name a few.
Currently, Josh is switching gears to studio recording, writing, and performance. Ari now has numerous collaborations with local indie artists under his belt, which include the likes of : Tylre “T. Real” Garnett Ellis “Waz” Wazeter, “Kianu” Walker, Devon “Dee” Rice, Felicia “Rayne” McCloud, and many more to come. Ari is currently affiliated with TNM, The New Music Movement. (http://issuu.com/seven1sevensoulmagazine/docs/s1ss_feb_2012_digital_edition_small)
In addition to having an impressive social media following, Ari’s talents have earned him substantial notoriety, landing him a spot amongst Central PA’s Top Young Professionals by Seven1Seven Soul Magazine in their Feb 2012 issue.
Ari creates music with hopes to bring a spirituality, one ness, Love, Social Activism, Beauty, magic and over all healing to a generation that is in dire need of a new age positive, creativity. Please stay tuned for the next big thing!
For inquiries email arideleomusic@gmail.com
Places Ari Has Peformed:
Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center; Harisburg, PA
PM Bistro; Harrisburg, PA
Pajama Factory; Williamsport, PA
River City Blues Club; Harrisburg, PA
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts; Sunoco Theater; Harrisburg, PA
The Forum; Harrisburg, PA