Mason Avenue
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Mason Avenue

Joliet, Illinois, United States | SELF

Joliet, Illinois, United States | SELF
Band Rock Alternative

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

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Discography

Home away from Home
Pink Tangerine

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

The idea of Mason Avenue began shortly after the ring of the new year in late January of 2010, after a few open mic performances at “This Must Be The Place” in Lemont, Il. An early line up of Zak Alberico on vocals and acoustic guitar, Lucas Dunn on lead guitar, Alex Villegas on drums and Aldo Frosto on congas was created.
After learning a few rock tunes such as Santana’s “Evil Ways” and The Beatles “She Came In Through The Basement Window” and playing their first show as an official band at “B&B’s on the Riverfront” in Joliet, IL on April 3rd 2010 and writing there first orignal song “Home Away From Home” the search for a bassist intensified. After an impressive open mic session in Lemont, IL. at “This Must Be The Place” Ian Walsh was brought into the group as the bass guitarist. His influence of folk and jazz really helped Mason Avenue broaden their musical range. After a few performances, Aldo decided to part ways due to musical differences. With a full line up made up of Zak, Luke, Alex, and Ian the music among the band began to blossom and practicing grew more intense and productive. Then on June 4th, 2010 due to a fork in the road, Mason Avenue lost Alex to the great state of Colorado. After just hours of searching for a new drummer for the band, with a simple suggestion and a phone call, Heather Vrsek was brought into the band to rock out on the drums. Heather brought a unique splash of color with her vibrant personality to the bands dynamic, adding a whole new dimension and spice to the bands music. The chemistry between the band members was definitely established and growing. The bands increasing popularity created a demand and shows started filling the calendar. For the next several months Mason Avenue played nearly every weekend and started building and refining their own original catalog. They began heavily promoting themselves through free stickers, business cards and launching their website www.MasonAvenueMusic.com. As the bands notoriety grew, so did the accolades. The first “trophy for the mantel” was winning 1st Place among 8 other bands at an “Battle of the Bands” held at “This Must Be The Place” Lemont, IL. Next winning an impressive 3rd Place among 48 other bands at a “MEGA Battle of the Bands” held at Live59 in Plainfield, IL. This merit came with more than just a shiny gold star…the 3rd Place prize Mason Avenue was awarded was recording time at Live59 studio, cash prize, and trophy. In October of 2010, Mason Avenue hosted their 1st annual “Pumpkin Pie Halloween Costume Party” along with DJ Spade and ODJo both popular local talents. Mason Avenue continued booking gigs and pushing forwarded towards the common goal, to pursue their dream of becoming credible musicians. The band played at a wide range of benefits and venues in the surrounding areas and on December 18th they celebrated Zak’s birthday with a show at B&B’s on the Riverfront in Joliet, IL. Little did the band know this performance would be the last time Heather would play for Mason Avenue. After much thought and consideration, Heather decided to part ways with the band on December 26th to aspire to school and work. This came much to the surprise of the rest of the band members, especially since they had February fully booked with numerous gigs. Once again they found themselves lacking an imperative piece of the bands puzzle. Without a drummer, the show would not be able to go on. So the search for an incredible drummer began simply by posting ads on their FaceBook page and website. Auditions were held immediately, but after only 5 days and 3 drummers the decision was made on a new drummer. Ben Johnson, previously with “Asleep at the Javalin” blew away the remaining band members with his explosive power and ability to catch on quickly. Now with a brand new line up and a fresh new feel Mason Avenue continues their journey…