Myrtle Beach Air Force Veteran, and Innovative Bass Guitar Soloist
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
It’s myself and my wife, Diane. We have one son named after me, Mikey; he’s thirty years old.
Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now?
I’m from Pittsburg, but I was stationed at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in 1985. That’s what got me down here. And my wife of thirty-three years, that’s what kept me here.
She’s an actual local from Myrtle Beach, from the Burgess Community. Today, that’s where we live. We built a new house on the spot of the homesite where she grew up, twenty-three years ago, and we’ve been here ever since.
Why did you move to Myrtle Beach?
I met Diane at the NCO Club, the Non-Commissioned Officers Club at the Air Force Base, shortly after I got here. It was a place where we had dances. I looked across the room and I saw her and I told my roommate, “That’s the woman I’m going to marry.” After I got out of the Air Force, I decided to stay because she didn’t want to be uprooted from her home and family.
What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach?
The Market Common, because it’s the site of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. It all comes back full circle. Also because I moonlight as a professional musician at Crepe Creations Cafe, which I’ve been doing for the past five years.
I play bass guitar like it’s a lead guitar because that’s how I have it strung. There aren’t many people in the country and even in the world doing what I’m doing with music like this. I play different styles of music, but mostly classic rock, jazz, R&B and country. Every Friday from 6-9pm.
What do you like the most about living here?
The weather. It’s not nearly as harsh as Pittsburg.
What’s your impression of people there versus here?
If I was single, I’d be in Pittsburgh. There’s a camaraderie that people have around the Pittsburg Steelers, and have bonded because of them. Even if you don’t know anybody, if you’re wearing Steeler gear, people will come up and talk to you.
How has your lifestyle changed since moving here?
Well, I got married and we raised our son. I’d like to think I’m a good dad and a great husband. It also gave me the opportunity to hone in on my music career.
What new activities have you taken up since moving here?
Playing professionally as a solo artist once I came to Myrtle Beach. That’s been within the last five years. Previously I played professionally in bands.
What is one thing that your neighbors don’t know about you?
I’m in the process of producing my first solo CD.
What are your favorite things to do here?
Spending time with my family— that’s always a plus. And… playing music.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?
This is going to sound crazy, but I miss snow. I do love four distinct seasons.
