Sam Ash Music Stores - Miami Dolphin Mall, FL Location

Mike Bentivegna - Store Manager Born in New Milford, NJ. Mike studied Jazz Performance with Thad Jones, at William Patterson College. He also studied Jazz Harmony and Theory at Manhattan School of Music. Mike started playing multi-keyboards in several Bergen County, NJ bands in the late 1960's and 1970's. In 1975, he joined the last known version of John Lennon's famous back up band "Elephants Memeory", featuring Gary Van Scyoc on bass/vocals, and John Sachs on guitar/vocals. In 1977, Mike co-founded the 4 pc Jazz Rock band "The Michael Gregory Band" performing with many well known New Jersey musicians including Tico Torres on drums. In 1978, Mike started his MI retail career at the Sam Ash Paramus New Jersey branch, under the management guidence of Barry Horowitz and Steven Bender. Mike's extensive knowledge of MIDI, recording, and sound reinforcement, enabled him to build one of the largest and most loyal customer bases that Sam Ash Music has ever known. In 1986, Mike became the Assistant Manager of Sam Ash Paramus. In 1990, he became the GM of Sam Ash White Plains,NY, over-seeing a renovation that doubled the size of that store. In 1994, Mike was awarded "Manager of the Year" by CEO Richard Ash. In 1996, Mike headed up the first company expansion out of the Greater NY region into South Florida, over-seeing the opening of Sam Ash Margate, and Miami Lakes. He also helped open and train the staffs of Sam Ash Sarasota, Clearwater,Tampa,Orlando, and Nashville. As General Manager of Sam Ash Dolphin Mall Miami, Mike has established an extensive Export/International/Local MI business serving Miami Dade County, South Broward County, the Carribean Islands, South America, and Europe.