For the last decade, the entire shore region has gotten to know the LaStella Brothers, who have practically grown up on stage. Bassist J.P., now 26, and guitarist Jake, now 22, shared candidly with The SandPaper way back in 2020 when they first broke into the LBI scene that they had never attended a school dance or football game. They gave up every conventional teenage pastime to dedicate every ounce of their childhood to their musicianship.
BIG BREAK: (From left) J. P. LaStella tunes up his bass for the Presidential Inaugural Ball, as Mission Dance Band had the honor of backing pop star Gavin DeGraw.
Two nights prior, J. P. LaStella smiles with his brother Jake (right) ahead of Florida’s Sunshine Ball, where Mission Dance opened and closed for Kid Rock.
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