Mark Carabia’s Musical Journey and Sebastian’s Group Therapy

Mark Carabia is a musician from Sebastian who’s been playing music since he was just six years old. He’s the lead singer of a band called Group Therapy. This band is made up of four locals who play different types of music, such as Country and Classic Rock.

Many people in Sebastian follow the band to different venues. The band members enjoy being a part of their local community and make an effort to interact with them.

Carabia’s musical journey started with piano lessons at the age of 6, which lasted for four years. He then got his first guitar, a 1962 Gibson Melody Maker, and learned how to play it. He also tried playing other instruments like the cello, viola, and trumpet.

When he was a teenager, Carabia briefly stopped playing music, selling his guitar, something he now regrets. But his love for music returned, and he began playing again at age 25 and continued playing the guitar intermittently for the next 30 years.

When he was 56, Carabia’s passion for playing was reignited at an Open Mic night at Pareidolia Brewing Company hosted by Rob Johnson. After that, he began to play more frequently, even starting to perform with other musicians at pubs like CC’s Place in Sebastian.

He eventually got a gig with a band called Daddy Wags and soon after started playing in Group Therapy as a duo with James Salvatore. Their first gig was at the Mash Monkey’s Brewing Company. The band added more members and kept practicing and having fun.

The name Group Therapy has a story behind it. In the summer of 1977, Carabia and his friends talked about opening a bar with that name when they got older. When the bar was open, the sign would say “In Session,” when it was closed, it would say “Cured.” He decided to use that name for the band.

Carabia says playing music is a great way to express himself. He has never written a song, but he loves playing covers. He credits local musicians like Mojo Mike, Thomas Bowman, Joe Vestich, Billy Boy Sommers, and Joe Hastings for helping him over the years.

“Big shout out to the guys who run the Open Mics and continue to spread their love for live music,” Carabia says.

Group Therapy now has four members: Mark Carabia, Wayne Hall, Kenny Wilson, and Duane Marshall. They continue to enjoy playing together and being a part of our local community. His story is an inspiring example of how it’s never too late to pursue your passion.