Trinity Band Competes For International Blues Honors

Published: Oct 17, 2007

A soulful songstress from Trinity will compete for the chance to represent the Suncoast Blues Society at the 2008 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.

Julie Black and Angel for Blues are entered in the band category at the regional IBC playoffs from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 11 at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa. A win will move them on to Memphis, where they will carry the Tampa Bay area banner in the IBC competition there.

"Everyone in the band is excited and honored to be representing the Tampa Bay area in such a well-respected competition," Black said in a news release. "We hope our music will inspire more people to get involved in supporting original music and art in our community."

Joining Black, whose forte is contemporary indie-blues, are band mates Michael Johnn, keyboards; Dave Eichenberger, guitar; "Jungle Denny" McCarthy, drums; and Jennifer Sladky, bass.

The Back Alley Blues Band, Hybrid Groove and Sack O' Woe are the other bands vying with Angel for Blues for the trip to Memphis.

The solo or duo category features Lee Pons, Blind Buddy Moody and Al "Coffee" McDaniel.

Each group or soloist will have 30 minutes to convince a panel of judges that they deserve to be in Tennessee.

Cover charge is $5; Skipper's is 910 Skipper Road off Nebraska Avenue. For information, call (813) 971-0666 or visit www.skipperssmokehouse .com.

For the 24th year, blues musicians from around the world will compete for cash, prizes and industry recognition as The Blues Foundation presents the International Blues Challenge on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1-2 in Memphis. What's billed as the largest gathering of blues acts is part of a worldwide search for the next band and soloist or duo bound for an international stage.

More than 90 bands and 60 solo or duo acts from 34 states and eight countries participated in the 2007 challenge. Even more competitors are expected in 2008.

Blues performers may not enter the challenge directly; rather, each of The Blues Foundation's 165 affiliates has a chance to sponsor one band and one soloist or duo.

Whether she goes to Memphis or not, Black is continuing to enjoy the positive response to her first CD, "Call Me Angel for Blues," which features 12 original songs.

She has been singing and writing songs since she was a child and began performing professionally in the past few years. Black has a number of bookings coming up. Here's the schedule:

•9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 27, "Dave-O-Ween!" at Dave's Aqua Lounge, 10820 Gandy Blvd. N., St Petersburg.

•1:20 to 2:35 p.m. Nov. 3, appearing with The Allstars at the Sarasota Blues Festival, Ed Smith Stadium Complex, 2700 12th St.

•7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 3, Safety Harbor Wine Fest, John Wilson Park, 401 Main St.

•5 to 11 p.m. Nov. 10, Dunedin Wine & Blues Festival at La Maison Gourmet, 471 Main St., Dunedin.

•8 to 9 p.m. Nov. 16, duo with Eichenberger, Sound Stage Showcase, Prostar Studio, 3220 28th St N., St Petersburg.

•6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 24 and Dec. 15, Gatorz Bar & Grill, 3816 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte.

•8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 1, Suncoast Blues Society Holiday Bash, Skipper's Smokehouse.

•8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Black & Blues Xmas Party at PJ's Coffee of New Orleans, 411 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater.

For information, video, sound clips and photos, go to www.angelforblues.com.