As a member of Pearly Queen, Trapp,
Ashes to Ashes, Alistar and Heaven he
performed at teen dances, debutant balls and
night clubs in South Florida. After graduating
from college in 1977 he went on the road with
Mickey's People, appearing through out the
Southeastern United States. Returning to
Miami he worked with his wife, Linda Falco, in
Trickshot, Ecstacy and Cruzin' during
the 1980’s. I had the pleasure of working with
Arthur on some Remixes in the Mid nineties.]\
http://arthurcruz.com/
Ashes to Ashes, Alistar and Heaven he
performed at teen dances, debutant balls and
night clubs in South Florida. After graduating
from college in 1977 he went on the road with
Mickey's People, appearing through out the
Southeastern United States. Returning to
Miami he worked with his wife, Linda Falco, in
Trickshot, Ecstacy and Cruzin' during
the 1980’s. I had the pleasure of working with
Arthur on some Remixes in the Mid nineties.]\
http://arthurcruz.com/
Alex Cobos,
has been Producing, Composing, Arranging Music since the 70's He was one of the
founders of the popular OPEN HOUSE band Clockwork .He's been a personal and
professional friend of mine for many many years , we have worked on countless projects
together in the past . He was part owner of SOUND BOOTH STUDIOS in Hialeah with
legendary Studio Engineer Frank Millet His Journey in the jingle market has led him to
compose and produce songs for RC Cola The Flyer, Goya Foods and Florida Center for
Cosmetic Surgery, just to name a few.
In the coming weeks I will have Alex tell his story .
has been Producing, Composing, Arranging Music since the 70's He was one of the
founders of the popular OPEN HOUSE band Clockwork .He's been a personal and
professional friend of mine for many many years , we have worked on countless projects
together in the past . He was part owner of SOUND BOOTH STUDIOS in Hialeah with
legendary Studio Engineer Frank Millet His Journey in the jingle market has led him to
compose and produce songs for RC Cola The Flyer, Goya Foods and Florida Center for
Cosmetic Surgery, just to name a few.
In the coming weeks I will have Alex tell his story .
I am always looking around for people who were " players" in all sense of the the word Back in the
Day ( and believe me this was back in the day!! ) These people were musicians,DJs, Record Store
owners, radio personell who were instrumental in getting the word out when were all just starting
out. If you have any suggestions or want to see someone here and know how to get a hold of them
,Please E Mail us here
Day ( and believe me this was back in the day!! ) These people were musicians,DJs, Record Store
owners, radio personell who were instrumental in getting the word out when were all just starting
out. If you have any suggestions or want to see someone here and know how to get a hold of them
,Please E Mail us here
ALEX COBOS CLOCKWORK
ARTHUR CRUZ
HEAVEN ,ECSTACY,PEARLY QUEEN
HEAVEN ,ECSTACY,PEARLY QUEEN
WAFY ( on left ) LEAD SINGER HEAVEN
The Band Heaven was without a doubt one of the most popular bands on
the Open house circuit. Their lead singer known as " Wafy" whose real
name RAFAEL ARMENTEROS ,energized the stage and was a
superstar in the eyes of many Cuban American teens of the time. More
information is needed on this artist.
the Open house circuit. Their lead singer known as " Wafy" whose real
name RAFAEL ARMENTEROS ,energized the stage and was a
superstar in the eyes of many Cuban American teens of the time. More
information is needed on this artist.
Courtesy of Nelson Correa
CARLOS NODAL DJ
HONEY FOR THE BEARS
HONEY FOR THE BEARS
One of the pioneer DJs of Miami, Honey for the Bears and later
Casanova's. I met Carlos in the mid nineties when he ran DJ
WIZZZ record pool .always with a Cuban cigar near by, Carlos
always complained that modern pop music was getting worse by
the day
Casanova's. I met Carlos in the mid nineties when he ran DJ
WIZZZ record pool .always with a Cuban cigar near by, Carlos
always complained that modern pop music was getting worse by
the day
Faces of the Time
JOE RUBIO . TITO IS AN ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE BAND COKE, THAT BAND LATER
BECAME OPUS. TITO PLAYS THE KEYBOARDS AND SINGS.AFTER THE ANTIQUES
DISBANNED, TITO RETIRED FROM MUSIC UNTIL I CALLED HIM TO JOIN MANTRAP IN 1978.
TITO JOINED MANTRAP AND REMAINED WITH THE BAND UNTIL 1980 WHEN IT TOO
DISBANNED. TITO LATER JOINED ME AS A POLICE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
POLICE DEPT. HE RETIRED EARLY FROM THE FORCE AND JOINED THE MANTRAP
PROJECT AGAIN. MANTRAP RECORDED 4 SONGS WITH TITO AND RAUL RODRIGUEZ
FROM WILDWIND WHO ALSO JOINED MANTRAP. THE 4 SONGS CAN BE HEARD ON
MYSPACE. TITO SINGS THE LEAD VOICE IN DIAS COMO HOY AND BEWARE. BEWARE IS A
SONG THAT OPUS RECORDED IN THEIR ALBUM.
TITO HAD HIS OWN BAND CALLED HARMONY DURING THE TIME THAT I WAS TRYING TO
GET MANTRAP BACK TOGETHER. WE RECORDED THE FOUR SONGS WITH HOPES OF
PERFORMING IN EAST LOS ANGELES FOR THE RADIO STATION AZTLAN'S ANNUAL
FESTIVAL. IT NEVER MATERIALIZED AND TITO COULD NOT KEEP UP WITH THE MANTRAP
PROJECT DUE TO PERSONAL COMMITMENTS AND LACK OF TIME. DURING THIS TIME
MANTRAP WAS JUST A RECORDING STUDIO BAND. WE WERE NOT PERFORMING.
TODAY, RADIO AZTLAN PLAYS THE OLD MANTRAP VERSION OF SUAVECITO WHICH IS A
HIT IN THAT OLDIES RADIO STATION. THE SONGS WE RECORDED AND ARE ON MY
SPACE ARE ALSO BEING PLAYED IN THE EAST LOS ANGELES AREA. WE ARE HOPING TO
BE ABLE TO PERFORM IN EAST LA ONCE OUR CD LOST MEMORIES IS OUT. TITO GOT
INVITED RECENTLY TO AUDITION FOR KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND. HE TURNED DOWN
THE OFFER BECAUSE IT REQUIRED HIM TO TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY AND IT WOULD PUT
HIM AWAY FROM HIS LOVING WIFE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
BECAME OPUS. TITO PLAYS THE KEYBOARDS AND SINGS.AFTER THE ANTIQUES
DISBANNED, TITO RETIRED FROM MUSIC UNTIL I CALLED HIM TO JOIN MANTRAP IN 1978.
TITO JOINED MANTRAP AND REMAINED WITH THE BAND UNTIL 1980 WHEN IT TOO
DISBANNED. TITO LATER JOINED ME AS A POLICE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF MIAMI
POLICE DEPT. HE RETIRED EARLY FROM THE FORCE AND JOINED THE MANTRAP
PROJECT AGAIN. MANTRAP RECORDED 4 SONGS WITH TITO AND RAUL RODRIGUEZ
FROM WILDWIND WHO ALSO JOINED MANTRAP. THE 4 SONGS CAN BE HEARD ON
MYSPACE. TITO SINGS THE LEAD VOICE IN DIAS COMO HOY AND BEWARE. BEWARE IS A
SONG THAT OPUS RECORDED IN THEIR ALBUM.
TITO HAD HIS OWN BAND CALLED HARMONY DURING THE TIME THAT I WAS TRYING TO
GET MANTRAP BACK TOGETHER. WE RECORDED THE FOUR SONGS WITH HOPES OF
PERFORMING IN EAST LOS ANGELES FOR THE RADIO STATION AZTLAN'S ANNUAL
FESTIVAL. IT NEVER MATERIALIZED AND TITO COULD NOT KEEP UP WITH THE MANTRAP
PROJECT DUE TO PERSONAL COMMITMENTS AND LACK OF TIME. DURING THIS TIME
MANTRAP WAS JUST A RECORDING STUDIO BAND. WE WERE NOT PERFORMING.
TODAY, RADIO AZTLAN PLAYS THE OLD MANTRAP VERSION OF SUAVECITO WHICH IS A
HIT IN THAT OLDIES RADIO STATION. THE SONGS WE RECORDED AND ARE ON MY
SPACE ARE ALSO BEING PLAYED IN THE EAST LOS ANGELES AREA. WE ARE HOPING TO
BE ABLE TO PERFORM IN EAST LA ONCE OUR CD LOST MEMORIES IS OUT. TITO GOT
INVITED RECENTLY TO AUDITION FOR KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND. HE TURNED DOWN
THE OFFER BECAUSE IT REQUIRED HIM TO TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY AND IT WOULD PUT
HIM AWAY FROM HIS LOVING WIFE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
JOE RUBIO
ANTIQUES, COKE, MANTRAP
ANTIQUES, COKE, MANTRAP
In Miami, Mr. Bello went on to work with and arrange productions for Conjunto
Impacto, Tipica Tropical and the legendary Cuban singer ISRAEL KANTOR. The
"Frank Bello Jazz Trio" featuring Eddie "Gua Gua" Rivera and Hector "Pocho"
Neciosup was the house band at the famous Carlyle Hotel in South Beach from
1987 to 1989.
Impacto, Tipica Tropical and the legendary Cuban singer ISRAEL KANTOR. The
"Frank Bello Jazz Trio" featuring Eddie "Gua Gua" Rivera and Hector "Pocho"
Neciosup was the house band at the famous Carlyle Hotel in South Beach from
1987 to 1989.
FRANK BELLO
CONJUNTO IMPACTO
CONJUNTO IMPACTO
RAMON MEJIDO
MAJESTY
MAJESTY
One of the founding members and the original bass player for Majesty until
1978.Drummer, Tony "Cuco" Perez, passed away on March 6, 2010 after a
brave battle with Cancer. Some of the old band members recently got
together to jam for him one more time
VIEW THE VIDEO CLICK HERE
1978.Drummer, Tony "Cuco" Perez, passed away on March 6, 2010 after a
brave battle with Cancer. Some of the old band members recently got
together to jam for him one more time
VIEW THE VIDEO CLICK HERE
HOMER CASTRO
HEAVEN
HEAVEN
Homer I was the saxophonist for Heaven inthe the 70s the line up was drums
Roly Ortega bass Pedrin Fuster guitar Tony Fernandez trumpet Mike Prieto
trumpet ,trombone rolando BANANA Ortega sax and flute percussion Homer
Castro keyboards Bill Resnick lead singer Rafael Almenteros Band Manager
Antonio Fernandez sr.We started jammin around 73 the standard places 15s
open houses baile cubano etc what great times that i was lucky to be a part
of,when people tell me today what great parties back then i smile and think
yeah i played at all of them.
Roly Ortega bass Pedrin Fuster guitar Tony Fernandez trumpet Mike Prieto
trumpet ,trombone rolando BANANA Ortega sax and flute percussion Homer
Castro keyboards Bill Resnick lead singer Rafael Almenteros Band Manager
Antonio Fernandez sr.We started jammin around 73 the standard places 15s
open houses baile cubano etc what great times that i was lucky to be a part
of,when people tell me today what great parties back then i smile and think
yeah i played at all of them.
One of the most influential Radio DJs of our time. Every High School kid
would listen to his show everyday. Showcasing a diverse range of artists
from Billy Stewart's I Do Love you to local group Hemlock's Disco Break
and Alma's Another star. He later went on to do a local Television show live
from El salon Azul, a banquet hall above the famous Miami Bakery Los
Pinos Nuevos on Calle Ocho and 18 ave where popular local DJ Jimmy E
Disco played. It is believed that on this TV show " MORE DISCO' The Miami
Sound Machine made their first appearance.
would listen to his show everyday. Showcasing a diverse range of artists
from Billy Stewart's I Do Love you to local group Hemlock's Disco Break
and Alma's Another star. He later went on to do a local Television show live
from El salon Azul, a banquet hall above the famous Miami Bakery Los
Pinos Nuevos on Calle Ocho and 18 ave where popular local DJ Jimmy E
Disco played. It is believed that on this TV show " MORE DISCO' The Miami
Sound Machine made their first appearance.
ENRIQUE DE LA MAZA
EL SHOW DE RIKKI TIKKI
EL SHOW DE RIKKI TIKKI
GRUPO ALMA
LEADER WAS ALBERTO GUERRA DRUMMER
AND VOCALIST MARTIN GALLARDO RIP
CONGAS ALBERTO SORRONDO ALBERTO
GUERRAS WIFE ALSO JOINED ALMA LATER
ON AT ONE POIT CHEBI RODRIGUEZ FROM
THE ANTIQUES PLAYED WITH ALMA ALSO
AND VOCALIST MARTIN GALLARDO RIP
CONGAS ALBERTO SORRONDO ALBERTO
GUERRAS WIFE ALSO JOINED ALMA LATER
ON AT ONE POIT CHEBI RODRIGUEZ FROM
THE ANTIQUES PLAYED WITH ALMA ALSO
| People I would like to Contact: Any members of Unit 3 ( The Band ) Super Q on air Personalities Owners of E.R.E Records on 57 avenue and 7st Miami Airpark Plaza Basically anyone who can share a story relating to what we call " The Open House era " This List Changes So Check Back |
LEO VELA
SUPER Q
SUPER Q
One of the most recognized voices in Miami radio , Leo
emdodied what it was to be a true Hispanic Miamian.
Deriving influences from both American and latin music Leo
was our voice on Radio. Whenever you think he's gone,
there he is again.
emdodied what it was to be a true Hispanic Miamian.
Deriving influences from both American and latin music Leo
was our voice on Radio. Whenever you think he's gone,
there he is again.
MIKE IN THE NIGHT
SUPER Q, SALSA 98,CLASICA 92
SUPER Q, SALSA 98,CLASICA 92
The other MOST RECOGNIZED voice in Miami radio,
Mike was responsible for the worlwide success of the
Macarena ,with his famous BAYSIDE BOYS REMIX
as well as host of the Saturday Night Fever show on
Clasica 92
Mike was responsible for the worlwide success of the
Macarena ,with his famous BAYSIDE BOYS REMIX
as well as host of the Saturday Night Fever show on
Clasica 92
Listed In No Particular order.
TONY PEDRAJA
WEST COAST ( 70s Group)
WEST COAST ( 70s Group)
I was the guitar player for a band called West Coast that played at the Keyhole Lounge in Key Biscayne back in the 70's, the
building later became Stefanos.
I played with West Coast between 1976 and 1979. This was after the Open House times. In fact, my step-dad at the time
Manolo Del Canal, was an Open House promoter. I was about 16 and used to stand at the door and watch him collect the 3
bucks to get in.
I don't remember other bands while I was with West Coast, we were so involved in our own little world that other bands were
not of any interest, we had a good gig as a house band and that's pretty much all we did except a few gigs at the Ocean Mist
and The Button in Ft. Lauderdale. We also played for a 24 hour Dance-A-Thon fund raiser at West Bird Shopping Center
which is still there.
I left the band around 78 to run a new night club called Faces in the Grove (Coconut Grove) and later added Faces in the
Galleria (Ft. Lauderdale) I worked with several DJ's there that you may know of, Scotty Blackwell and Pete Denis.
The other members were;
Larry Misrahi (Bass) - Larry currently plays with The Click Band
Manny Quintana (Guitar)
Gene Betanquort (Drum)
building later became Stefanos.
I played with West Coast between 1976 and 1979. This was after the Open House times. In fact, my step-dad at the time
Manolo Del Canal, was an Open House promoter. I was about 16 and used to stand at the door and watch him collect the 3
bucks to get in.
I don't remember other bands while I was with West Coast, we were so involved in our own little world that other bands were
not of any interest, we had a good gig as a house band and that's pretty much all we did except a few gigs at the Ocean Mist
and The Button in Ft. Lauderdale. We also played for a 24 hour Dance-A-Thon fund raiser at West Bird Shopping Center
which is still there.
I left the band around 78 to run a new night club called Faces in the Grove (Coconut Grove) and later added Faces in the
Galleria (Ft. Lauderdale) I worked with several DJ's there that you may know of, Scotty Blackwell and Pete Denis.
The other members were;
Larry Misrahi (Bass) - Larry currently plays with The Click Band
Manny Quintana (Guitar)
Gene Betanquort (Drum)
DANNY HERTLEIN
WORLD OF MATTER
Hialeah, Florida 1967-1972
WORLD OF MATTER
Hialeah, Florida 1967-1972
Band started in 1967 because Danny Hertlein's dad couldn't get him into sports
so he decided to keep the guys off of drugs by being their manager. It worked for
a while anyway. The band became one of the premier cover bands in the South
Florida area. Recorded an original called No Such Thing.
Personnel:
Danny Hertlein - Drums
Dennis Sierra - Guitar
George Carbonell - Bass/Vocals
Steve Argy - Bass/Vocals
Kenny Combs - Keyboards
Bob Gieger - Keyboards
Felipe Rodriguez - Percussion
Randy Beach - Vocals
Mike Holland - Vocals
Robert Duarte - Percussion/Sax/Vocals
so he decided to keep the guys off of drugs by being their manager. It worked for
a while anyway. The band became one of the premier cover bands in the South
Florida area. Recorded an original called No Such Thing.
Personnel:
Danny Hertlein - Drums
Dennis Sierra - Guitar
George Carbonell - Bass/Vocals
Steve Argy - Bass/Vocals
Kenny Combs - Keyboards
Bob Gieger - Keyboards
Felipe Rodriguez - Percussion
Randy Beach - Vocals
Mike Holland - Vocals
Robert Duarte - Percussion/Sax/Vocals
THE KEYHOLE LOUNGE
Bass player with The Ideals, the first rock band
made out of Cuban kids in Exile with Gustavo Rojas
,Alberto Guerra from 1964 to 1971 then regroup
again with Gustavo Rojas in the The Brotherhood
.1971 to 1974
Played and Toured and Recored with The Ideals,
The Brotherood ,Alma ,The Judges Nephews,
Marabu, Begining of the End( Funky Nassau fame),
Friends (Artie Casado from Kracker,Tommy
Paez,Jose Gallegos,Me),Greg Allman (Jam in
Nassau),Wayne Fontana,
Sweet Inpiration (Tk records), Rosie aka Cornelius
Brothers and Sister Rose Fame " It's too Late to
Turn Back now".. Bill Wither's Hammond B3
Player(Lean on me" "Used me "), Pearly,The
Drifters(Underthe Broadwalk" On Broadway"
made out of Cuban kids in Exile with Gustavo Rojas
,Alberto Guerra from 1964 to 1971 then regroup
again with Gustavo Rojas in the The Brotherhood
.1971 to 1974
Played and Toured and Recored with The Ideals,
The Brotherood ,Alma ,The Judges Nephews,
Marabu, Begining of the End( Funky Nassau fame),
Friends (Artie Casado from Kracker,Tommy
Paez,Jose Gallegos,Me),Greg Allman (Jam in
Nassau),Wayne Fontana,
Sweet Inpiration (Tk records), Rosie aka Cornelius
Brothers and Sister Rose Fame " It's too Late to
Turn Back now".. Bill Wither's Hammond B3
Player(Lean on me" "Used me "), Pearly,The
Drifters(Underthe Broadwalk" On Broadway"
MIKE CAMEJO
Alma, Judges Nephews and more
Alma, Judges Nephews and more
MARK VUKSANOVIC
Babe, Amant
Babe, Amant
It looks like you have a real scene developing for the music of the late 70s. It was an
exciting time for me as a young guitarist in Miami. I was a member of Babe, then played on
the Amant record with Foxy Bassist, Arnold Paseiro. I was 19 years old at the time, and so
much was going on. Unfortunately, it was all too brief and I continued to move in the world
of music. My best to you and everyone in the bands of that era that are still around.
Take care,
Marc Vee A.K.A. Marc Vuksanovic
exciting time for me as a young guitarist in Miami. I was a member of Babe, then played on
the Amant record with Foxy Bassist, Arnold Paseiro. I was 19 years old at the time, and so
much was going on. Unfortunately, it was all too brief and I continued to move in the world
of music. My best to you and everyone in the bands of that era that are still around.
Take care,
Marc Vee A.K.A. Marc Vuksanovic
TOMMY PAEZ
Marabu,Friends
Marabu,Friends
I have been a lead guitarist for many years and in
the 70’s I was playing very regularly as the house
band for the Newport Hotel, were I played with
individuals like Lou Rawls, Dean Martin, The Gold
Diggers and many others. Mostly show tunes. After
working there for several years, I found the band
Marabu which allowed me to audition for them.
Marabu was a local Miami band of the 70’s. I joined
them as their lead guitar player and we immediately
went to work in the Bahamas with Raphael Munning
of Funky Nassau. We played the first Goombay
Festival in Coconut Grove since we were at the time
playing in the Bahamas. Attached you will find
newspaper headliners and some pictures of us
playing that you may use in your website if need be.
We worked together for a year or so doing that and
eventually went our own ways. I stayed playing with
Mike Camejo and we formed the band Friends were
we played throughout south Florida playing in places
like Pete & Lenny’s, Hemingway’s and others. Artie
from Kracker was our drummer then. That was
around 1974 or so. Now I am a business man by day
and a musician by night playing Smooth Latin Jazz
with my own group and Latin Rock with The Healers
(www.Facebook/TheHealers) and we will be at
Tobacco Road along with Tilt on April 15. Would love
to chat one day soon. I Hope this helps out and I
hope you do very well with your website, it’s fun re-
living those times.
the 70’s I was playing very regularly as the house
band for the Newport Hotel, were I played with
individuals like Lou Rawls, Dean Martin, The Gold
Diggers and many others. Mostly show tunes. After
working there for several years, I found the band
Marabu which allowed me to audition for them.
Marabu was a local Miami band of the 70’s. I joined
them as their lead guitar player and we immediately
went to work in the Bahamas with Raphael Munning
of Funky Nassau. We played the first Goombay
Festival in Coconut Grove since we were at the time
playing in the Bahamas. Attached you will find
newspaper headliners and some pictures of us
playing that you may use in your website if need be.
We worked together for a year or so doing that and
eventually went our own ways. I stayed playing with
Mike Camejo and we formed the band Friends were
we played throughout south Florida playing in places
like Pete & Lenny’s, Hemingway’s and others. Artie
from Kracker was our drummer then. That was
around 1974 or so. Now I am a business man by day
and a musician by night playing Smooth Latin Jazz
with my own group and Latin Rock with The Healers
(www.Facebook/TheHealers) and we will be at
Tobacco Road along with Tilt on April 15. Would love
to chat one day soon. I Hope this helps out and I
hope you do very well with your website, it’s fun re-
living those times.
Mike Camejo and Tommy
