Meet The Band
(as they looked when it all began in 1982)
John Bodkin
Guitar and Vocals
John is a self-taught guitarist and singer who’s been rocking out since the early ‘80s - mostly fueled by classic rock and a healthy dose of ego. He started singing in choir at Palos Verdes High School (because every rock star needs a choir background, right?) and was the lead singer for his high school band, Entourage - proving he was born to be on stage, or at least near it. John graduated from PVHS and picked up the guitar in 1980. Starting with the SLS band, he has been playing in various groups ever since, charming audiences with his gritty, soulful style and probably a few dad jokes. Now based in San Diego, John keeps it cool by working in the heating and air business, but he’s still keeping the classic rock vibe alive -one riff (and one coffee) at a time.
Mark Ferrera
Bass and Vocals
Mark’s first show playing bass was at Queen of Apostles Catholic School, where the nuns tried to placate the 8th grade troublemakers by letting their band play on the altar. Mark didn’t touch the bass again until eight years later, in 1982, when high school pals Mike Johnson and Tom Marino persuaded (convinced? brow beat? seduced?) him into becoming the bass player in the fledgling SLS band. Many rehearsals (in the Miraleste High School Drama room) and 5 or 6 memorable gigs later he put away the bass for good. Or so he thought. Now, 2 kids and 2 grandkids later, with a checkered yet productive career performing and directing still in progress, he finds himself here. With these boys. And with y’all!
Have a great time and enjoy the show!
Mike Johnson
Drums and Vocals
Mike graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 1980. He sang and acted in various shows & ensembles, and even played trumpet in Jr. High and High School. Let’s also not forget a very significant stint as the Drum Major for the school’s marching band. As one of the “OG 3” founding members of the SLS Band, Mike was instrumental, no pun intended, in the band’s development and helped steer the group through its topsy turvy 2-year rock and roll adventure back in '82. After stints working in various industries and even lugging around real vinyl LPs as a DJ, Mike decided to pursue acting in college. Later he shifted gears, eventually graduating from Pepperdine University with a degree in TV Production. He worked behind the scenes at Paramount Studios for a few fun years, then launched a more serious 25-year career in law enforcement (now retired). Back in the day, the band needed a drummer, so Mike taught himself how to play and continues to hone his skills and embrace and master new and exciting technology. Bottom line, Mike is loving the Band’s recent renaissance and really enjoys bringing his passion and commitment to help make things run smoothly. Mike can often be heard repeating this optimistic credo… “C’mon guys, it’ll be bitchin”!
Tom Marino
Musical Director (keyboards and vocals)
After graduating from Palos Verdes High School in 1979, Tom studied trumpet performance at CSU Northridge and went on to earn a Master’s in Music Education. His trumpet career took off quickly - recording for TV shows like Northern Exposure, Arrested Development, and the Modern Family theme (hear it here). In the '80s and '90s, he performed at Disneyland with groups like the Fanfare Trumpeteers, the Tomorrowland Brass, and the Disneyland Band. He also wrote and recorded horn parts for Gregg Rolie, co-founder of Journey and Santana. While building this career, Tom spent 30 years teaching music at a private school. Now retired from teaching, he’s finally chasing his true passion...
playing keyboards with the SLS Band.
Tom Nizetich
Lead Vocals
Not only did Tom NOT attend PVHS or participate in any of its performing arts activities, he is a proud graduate of cross-town rival Miraleste High School. An SLS "Band Buddy" from the start, he acted as center fielder for the softball team ("hit your cut off!"), refreshment coordinator, gig photographer, costume consultant, and perennial audience member during the band's formative years. In the early 1980's he often hosted late night rehearsals at his family's restaurant, where a couple of the band members also worked, to supplement the lack of paying gigs. Ultimately settling into executive management roles, Tom possesses a vast repertoire of obscure song lyrics, has sung in public only once (at Mike's bachelor party), came in 2nd place at an Elvis lip-sync contest, and has successfully belted out rock and pop standards behind the steering wheel of dozens of contemporary and classic vehicles. He can play several fundamental chords on the piano (thanks to Mike) and currently lives and works in Las Vegas.
