Sunday, September 29, 2024

Florida's Blues Societies' 2024 Regional International Blues Challenge Information - All Competitions Completed and Contenders Announced. Updated 9/30/24.


Florida regional competitions being held in 2024 to determine contenders at the International Blues Challenge 2025, presented by The Blues Foundation, in Memphis TN on January 7-11, 2025.

The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.

STATUS AND INFO FOR COMPETITIONS
(In Date Order)

COMPETITION DATE:  Sunday, August 18, 2024
LOCATION: Seville Quarter, Pensacola, FL
CONTENDERS: 
Charlie & the Hammerheads
Rocky Denney & Judge Maygarden
Prodigal Blues
Michael McCartan
Harrison Avenue
Cat Daddy Blues Duo
Cat Rhodes & the Truth
WINNERS: 
Solo/Duo - Cat Daddy Blues Duo  

COMPETITION DATE:  Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 1-6p
LOCATION: Mango Rita’s Rhythm House - Fort Myers
WINNERS:
Solo/Duo - Glendafell 

First Coast Blues Society
COMPETITION DATE:  Saturday, September 15, 2024 | 4-9p
LOCATION: Whiskey Jax Baymeadows, JAX
CONTENDERS:
Band Category:
SoulShine
Street Preacher
Shari Pine & Righteous Rhythm 
No Filter
Solo/Duo Category:
Lonesome Jim Weber
Sweet William Ennis
Andersson & Duncan
WINNERS 
Melissa Smith / Lead Vocals
Keith Allen / Guitar
Isaiah Hart / Guitar
Joe Dolci / Bass
Sammy Buonocore Sr. / Drums
Anaijah Hart / Backing Vocals
Barry Rapp/ Keys
Solo/Duo - Andersson & Duncan

COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, September 15, 2024 | 2p
LOCATION: Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg, FL
CONTENDERS:
Solo/Duo Category:
Mike Davis (Solo)
Phil Coale (Solo)
Swamp Blues Band (Duo)
Harold Davis (Solo)
Band Category:
Stoney Brooks
The NightBumpers
Black Snake Bayou
WINNERS:
Stoney Brooks
Josh Minucci
Skyler Saufley
Pete Maier
Solo/Duo - Mike Davis

 
North Central Florida Blues Society
COMPETITION DATE:  Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 3-9p
LOCATION: Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville FL
CONTENDERS:
Solo/Duo:
Rick Guerry
Band:
4th Dimension
Jimmy Young & Passion
WINNERS: 
Self-Produced CD: Sauce Boss - The Sauce
Solo/Duo: Sauce Boss 

Orange Blossom Blues Society
COMPETITION DATE:  Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 1-5p
LOCATION: Renningers  Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center
CONTENDERS: 
WINNER: 
Raehn DeBell (drums/vocals)
Jeremy Zorn (bass/vocals)
Elliott Countess (guitar/vocals)


COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 2p
LOCATION: Hop Life Brewery, Port St. Lucie, FL
WINNERS: 
Solo/Duo: Robert Ross

NOT PARTICIPATING.

STATUS UNKNOWN:

UNAFFILIATED WITH THE BLUES FOUNDATION (2023):

ATTN: Florida Blues Societies
If you would like to have your organization's IBC info posted here, including results, please email details to Charlie@JazzBluesFlorida.com. Thank you.

STATS-n-FACTS
Affiliated Blues Societies by State
As of 8/21/23.
Florida - 10 (Includes First Coast, which is not listed as an affiliate for unknown reason.)
California - 6
Texas - 6
Arkansas - 5
Illinois - 5
Iowa - 5
Michigan - 4
Missouri - 4
New York - 4
Ohio - 4
Arizona - 3
Colorado - 3
Indiana - 3
North Carolina - 3
Pennsylvania - 3
Tennessee - 3
Kansas - 2
Kentucky - 2
Nevada - 2
New Jersey - 2
Oregon - 2
Virginia - 2
Washington - 2
Wisconsin - 2
Alabama - 1
Connecticut - 1
Delaware - 1
Georgia - 1
Louisiana - 1
Maine - 1
Maryland - 1
Massachusetts - 1
Minnesota - 1
Mississippi - 1
Nebraska - 1
New Hampshire - 1
South Carolina - 1
Vermont - 1
West Virginia - 1
Alaska - 0
Hawaii - 0
Idaho - 0
Montana - 0
New Mexico - 0
North Dakota - 0
Oklahoma - 0
Rhode Island - 0
South Dakota - 0
Utah - 0
Wyoming - 0



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Wednesday, September 25, 2024

80+ Florida Jazz & Blues Festivals Listed for the 2024-2025 Season


READY TO FEST?

Florida is ready to swing and groove into the 2024-2025 season with incredible jazz and blues festivals across the state! Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, this is the perfect chance to experience the rich musical culture that makes Florida a top destination for live music and enjoy the company of fellow music lovers! 

From the renowned Amelia Island Jazz Festival to the soulful sounds at the Sounds of Blues Festival in Tallahassee, this season promises unforgettable performances and festival experiences. Expect legendary acts, rising stars, and unique celebrations of jazz, blues, and all the rhythms in between. There's something happening in every corner of the Sunshine State all season long. Explore the full festival calendar and start planning your journey through Florida’s vibrant jazz and blues scene! Check out the MOST complete and correct list of jazz and blues festivals happening throughout 2024-2025 at JazzBluesFlorida.com, and don’t forget to follow us for updates and insider tips on the best music events happening across the state.

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Swing into the 2024 Amelia Island Jazz Festival: A Week of Unforgettable Performances!


Experience the Magic of Music!
Celebrate 21 years of the
LES DeMERLE
AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL

The AMELIA ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL presents world-class jazz in many styles, including swing, bebop, Dixieland, big band, Latin, and contemporary. During the annual week-long festival, held every October since 2003, music is performed by jazz greats as well as fresh, up-and-coming young talent. Performances are staged in several venues around Amelia Island including the Courtyard by Marriot Amelia Island, The Decantery, Mocama Beer Company and the Amelia Recreation Center. The goal of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival is to help preserve the American art form Jazz by increasing the exposure and awareness of the music genre to the general public.

The cornerstone of the festival is its Educational Programs led by Les DeMerle, the Festival’s Artistic Director. These programs include Jazz in Schools, Jazz for Kids and Jazz for Seniors.  The festival’s educational programs culminate in the Amelia Island Jazz Festival Scholarship. This financial award goes to deserving high school musicians who demonstrate strong potential to perform jazz at the collegiate level. 

Amelia Island Jazz Festival Reception
~Kick-Off to the 2024 Amelia Island Jazz Festival~
Jazz - Art - Wine - Bites & More!
Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 6–8p 
at
Courtyard Amelia Island Hotel 
2700 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 
2024 AIJF Scholarship winner, Ayanna Nelson-Bass/Vocals, will play music alongside Les DeMerle-Drums, Bonnie Eisele-Vocals, Dr. Bill Prince-Sax, Clarinet & Flute and Doug Matthews-Keyboards.

Sunday, September 29, 2024
FREE COMMUNITY 
KICK-OFF CONCERT
Atlantic Recreation Center
2500 Atlantic Avenue, Amelia Island, FL

Monday, September 30, 2024
SPONSOR PARTY
2700 Atlantic Avenue, Amelia Island, FL

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
JAZZ & WINE TASTING
The Decantery
117 Centre Street, Amelia Island, FL
SOLD OUT

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
JUMP JIVE & WAIL / SWING NIGHT
Courtyard by Marriot Amelia Island
2700-2 Atlantic Ave, Amelia Island, FL

Thursday, October 3, 2024
LATIN JAZZ CONCERT & DANCE
Courtyard by Marriot Amelia Island
2700-2 Atlantic Ave, Amelia Island, FL

Friday, October 4, 2024
GRACE KELLY BAND
Courtyard by Marriot Amelia Island
2700-2 Atlantic Ave, Amelia Island, FL
and
FRIDAY – LATE NITE JAM
Mocama Beer Company
629 S. 8th Street., Amelia Island, FL

Saturday, October 5, 2024
MARCIA BALL BAND
Courtyard by Marriot Amelia Island
2700-2 Atlantic Ave, Amelia Island, FL
and
SATURDAY – LATE NITE JAM
Mocama Beer Company
629 S 8th Street, Amelia Island, FL

Sunday, October 6, 2024
DIXIE-TO-SWING JAZZ BRUNCH
Courtyard by Marriot Amelia Island
2700-2 Atlantic Ave, Amelia Island, FL

COMPLETE LINE-UP, SCHEDULE and
TICKETING OPTIONS AT:
Program is subject to change without notice.


The Mission of the Festival
As a not for profit 501(c)(3) corporation, the Les DeMerle Amelia 
Island Jazz Festival distributes proceeds toward a scholarship 
program to fund college educations for aspiring jazz musicians 
and works to provide a rich, diverse jazz offering to the Amelia 
Island area.


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Monday, September 16, 2024

Get Your Name and Gigs Seen by Florida Blues Fans and Venues – Let JBF Promote You!

View as web page.

#1 ON GOOGLE SEARCHES FOR:.

Looking for the best way to promote your live performances in Florida’s thriving jazz and blues scene? Jazz & Blues Florida is the key to getting your events noticed by fans, talent buyers, and venue owners alike!

Hundreds of artists and venues have already benefited from our comprehensive promotional services. Join the ranks of successful Florida musicians like JP Soars, Victor Wainwright, Selwyn Birchwood, and Albert Castiglia who used our services to increase their audience base.

The busy performance season is just around the corner, and spots are filling up fast. Ensure your gigs get the attention they deserve by joining the Jazz & Blues Florida family today!

Ready to take your performances to the next level? Reach out to us today at Charlie@JazzBluesFlorida.com and let’s make your upcoming shows a hit! Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with thousands of jazz and blues fans across Florida and beyond.

Pre-Season Promotion Special Offer:
Buy One-Month October Package at 
$140 and receive November & December
Listing & Banner Placements FREE.

JAZZ & BLUES FLORIDA is here for you w/
15+ years experience of providing 
Coordinated Marketing/Promotion Packages of:
- Magazine Ad
- News Blog Posting
- Dedicated Emails to Targeted Subscribers
-  Organic & Paid Social Media Distribution
- Visability Via Web Event Listing & Banners

The order placement deadline for the Oct 2024 issue 
is Thursday, 9/19/24 for this offer.
with order inquiries. 

We are a multi-media promotion platform for live jazz & blues in
Florida's clubs, concerts and festivals.
Please consider connecting with our info flow through:
FACEBOOK  * INSTAGRAM *  YouTube
News Blog
  *  Email News Subscription
LINKEDIN (Business Only, Please)



Single Show Tickets On Sale TODAY For JAZZ at Pinecrest Gardens - Do Not Wait To Get Yours


Discover Florida’s Most Sought-After 
Jazz Series at Pinecrest Gardens 
- Secure Your Seats Now!

Pinecrest Gardens is beyond excited to reveal the program lineup for their 2024/2025 Jazz Series. Past season subscribers have already selected their renewal subscriptions seats. Subscribers to our Jazz series are guaranteed their favorite seat in the Banyan Bowl for every jazz performance throughout the season, free parking and access to our pre-show reception concessions. Subscription sales has ended and SINGLE SHOW TICKETS sales start TODAY - September 16, 2024. DON'T WAIT or you may miss out completely!

2024 - 2025
JAZZ 
11000 Red Road
Pinecrest, FL 33156
MAP
pinecrestgardens.org (305)669-6990

Saturday, November 02, 2024 | 8-10p
The Hot Sardines, a musical ensemble that epitomizes timeless quality through their vibrant interpretations of classic tunes. Led by pianist Evan Palazzo and vocalist Elizabeth Bougerol, this Brooklyn-based group infuses old favorites with new life, blending brassy horn arrangements, lively piano melodies, and captivating vocals.

Saturday, December 07, 2024 | 8-10p
Juke Box Saturday Night celebrates America’s Swing Era performing the greatest hits as recorded by Duke Ellington, Jimmy Lunceford, Harry James, Artie Shaw, Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Bunny Berigan, Count Basie, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and more!  Vocal selections will include songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Bob Eberly, Helen O’Connell, Rosemary Clooney, and other idols. 

Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 8-10p
Big Chief Donald Harrison is an NEA Jazz master alto saxophonist who carries the musical spirit of his birthplace, New Orleans, wherever he goes – he’s referred to as “a one-man jazz festival.” Harrison is hailed by music legends like Eddie Palmieri and Mike Clark as a genius. His innovative contributions to jazz, soul, funk, and classical music have earned him recognition as a master musician of every era. 

 Saturday, February 08, 2025 | 8-10p
American signer and pianist joined by her rhythm section, the trio will serenade you with songbook favorites and original music.  Kandace Springs, praised by Prince for having "a voice that could melt snow," effortlessly blends soul, pop, and jazz. Discovered by Prince after her captivating rendition of Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" went viral, Springs quickly rose to prominence, gracing prestigious stages and major TV shows, as well as festivals like Afropunk and Bonnaroo.

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 8-10p
Broadway’s Jersey Boy is a celebration of classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s presented in the authentic acoustic style of original rock ‘n’ roll, Doo-Wop and R&B standards. John Lloyd Young is renowned for his Tony and Grammy Award-winning portrayal of Frankie Valli in Broadway's Jersey Boys and the Clint Eastwood-directed film adaptation. His show, "John Lloyd Young: Broadway’s Jersey Boy," pays homage to ‘50s and ‘60s classics in authentic acoustic style, featuring hits like “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” along with tracks from his acclaimed album “My Turn.”

April 11, 2025 | 8-10p
Take a musical journey of clever and insightful arrangements with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, an 18-piece jazz band that celebrates the best of big band tradition while presenting a modern and unique sound. Gordon L. Goodwin is an American pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and conductor. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and Daytime Emmy Awards and has received over twenty Grammy nominations for his compositions and arrangements.

Thanks to our Jazz Season Sponsors and Partners!

We extend our gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their generosity and support: Steinway & Sons, Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, State of Florida Arts & Culture, National Endowment for the Arts, Panter, Panter, & Sampedro P.A., WLRN, and WDNA.
 
SEASON 2024 - 2025
TICKET SALES
Single Show Tix: Sept 16, 2024 until 
Showtime or SOLD OUT.

For more information:
Email: info@pinecrestgardens.org
Or call (305)669-6990

Outside food, beverage or alcohol is not permitted.
Children not admitted without a guardian.
Event programming subject to change.
   
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Sunday, September 15, 2024

Jazz & Blues Florida September 2024 Quick Report - #1 On Google Searches With Real Numbers And Real Results For Advertisers.


#1 ON GOOGLE SEARCHES FOR BOTH:
Reaching the Three Sides 
of the Scene - 
Audiences, Presentors, and Artists

JAZZ & BLUES FLORIDA is here for you w/
Coordinated Marketing/Promotion Packages of:
- Magazine Ad
- News Blog Posting
- Dedicated Emails to Targeted Subscribers
-  Organic & Paid Social Media Distribution
- Visability Via Web Event Listing & Banners

Traffic / Activity / Distribution -
Quick report as of 9/15/24:
*Current total social media contacts:  26,656
Current total active E-News subscribers:  4,376
Life Time News BLOG Views:  2,722,851
Past month news blog views:  9.341
Past month main WEBSITE views: 3,030
Past month MAGAZINE impressions: 1,339  
Past month INSTAGRAM accounts reached: 3,001  
Past month YouTube views: 3,054
Past month JBF FACEBOOK reach: 43,993
Past month JBF FACEBOOK page link clicks: 2,226
Past month FACEBOOK reach: Not Reported.
Past month FACEBOOK page engagements: 3,361
Past month LINKEDIN impressions: 1,104

The order placement deadline for the Oct 2024 issue 
is Monday, 9/23/24. The Cover Feature 
available for February and April 2025. Spotlight 
features are availble for qualified artists.

with order inquiries. 

*Social Media Connections Breakdown:
FB Personal Page Friends and Followers: 7,668
FB JBF Page Followers: 10,106
LINKEDIN Connections: 3,693
INSTAGRAM Followers: 3,980
YouTube Subscribers: 1,209
(Original source reports on ALL numbers available 
on request. No fluff. No 'multipliers.' No B.S.)

We are a multi-media promotion platform for live jazz & blues in
Florida's clubs, concerts and festivals.
Please consider connecting with our info flow through:
FACEBOOK  * INSTAGRAM *  YouTube
News Blog
  *  Email News Subscription
LINKEDIN (Business Only, Please)