If you're looking to create a more traditional PA that can handle a small ensemble for small scale shows, a good pair of 10" or 12" powered speakers and a small mixer with at least 12 mono inputs would be your best bet. I'd consider stretching that budget a little (around $1500) and looking at a pair of Yamaha DBR or DXR speakers and a small Soundcraft or Allen and Heath mixer (if you like your Mackie, then look at one of the larger Mackies). Depending on how thumpy you need that electronic percussion to be, you might also think about a small sub--or at least plan on that as the gigs and the money make it possible.
Of course, nowadays there are also the small and relatively inexpensive tablet/phone controlled digital mixers. A Soundcraft Ui 16, for example, is less than $400.
Louis
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