9-27: On this date in 1969 (45 years ago) The John Mace Group played at their first paying gig: For Miami-Dade Community College (South Campus) Sorority Delta Epsilon Phi (Private home “Rush” party, 8 p.m. to 12 Midnight) for $85.00. We had been working out contemporary rock songs and as well as several older R & R standards for the past 4 months before we had a large enough song list to play out at least to cover 4 hours. We were paid $85. By the spring of 1971, we were getting $120 for 3 to 3 & ½ hrs. on average. As a 4-piece band, that was $30 per band member. Expenses typically were minimal with gas for transportation being at the top of the list. However, from time to time an amplifier might need repair e.g. a new tube that might cost over $20 to replace, taking a good chunk out of any individual profit. In 1970-’71 I had a part-time job making about $3.50 an hr., so $30 an hr. was not bad in 1971! However, we were primarily a “weekend” band. Most of us were still in college and did not have time for playing 5 or 6 nights a week in bars, lounges which often required bands to play up to 5, even 6 hrs. a night! The pic. posted (Taken at Crooked Creek Country Club-Miami Dec. 18-’69) consists of John “Mace” Mascaro-Lead Guitar/Lead Vocalist (with blue shirt, holding a 1965 Barney Kessel electric guitar; Nick Mascaro-Rhythm Guitar-Vocalists; Frank Whitney-Bass Guitar; Al Lavoie-Drums. Al left the band sometime in early 1970 to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. He was replaced by Ramon Fernandez. By 1971, Ramon was replaced by Art Gnaegy. The JMG disbanded in Aug. 1971 due to me leaving Miami for college out of South Fla. The JMG reunited with Walter Hopwood replacing Frank Whitney on Bass) and performed out, as well as made studio and live rehearsal demos. in 2003, disbanded at the end of 2006. The JMG reunited again briefly, but with Mark Hammond on Bass filling in for Frank to perform one last gig together at the SW Miami High School 50th Alumni Reunion Sock Hop Nov. 9, 2013. Al Lavoie on Drums, John and Nick (3 of the ’69 original members). A number of photos were taken as well as videos which I posted on my Youtube account. I will have more info. with pics. if available, and Youtube links in upcoming posts from time to time.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 23:05:35 +0000
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