Every week without fail people ask me “Who (or what bands) should I go to see?” It all depends on what you are looking for Classic Rock, Blues, Country, or Dance. Here are some of my favorites, friends and people and acts that I would recommend and go to see myself. You can see many local music videos here: http://surfboardrecords.com/ Guitar: Dennis Wallace Dennis Wallace is the fearless leader of Corn Fused. He even picked the name of the band. After jokingly callin the "no name" band everything from Half Assed & Hole Hearted to Brokeback Mountain Boys - til that darn movie came out. Mr. Wallace finally settled on Corn Fused. The title of the new CD, also selected by Dennis is spoken like this - "OUT" [pause] standin' in their field. One of the most talented musicians in the area [heck we think in any area] Dennis is part musical master & part comedian. Ever the showman and entertainer, he never disappoints his audience. With his down home quips and physical talents on stage he's a delight, to not only listen to, but to watch. Dennis has been performing for, well let's just say, a LONG time. He's been a regular on our beaches for at least a hundred years. Ok well, maybe not 100. Besides performing with Corn Fused, he's also a regular in his Rock & Roll band, The Shark Attack Band with Rob Tyre and others. Just "The Sharks", as the locals call them, performing every Friday & Saturday night at Ricky T's on Treasure Island. Rob Tyre http://www.myspace.com/robtyre Rob Tyre has 20 years of experience in live performances. His songwriting and performances have been in circulation from Nashville to Los Angeles -- establishing himself as an up and coming national artist with 10 years of studio experience. He was the producer at Track Studios in Tampa, Florida and has released five CD's and two national jingles. Options for Rob's song "Luck Change" were held by Wynona Judd and his "I Can't Keep Her" with Garth Brooks. Blues Guitar: Jimmy Griswald “ Jimmy Griswold captures the style of the artist in any type of music he attacks, from the warm tones of T-bone Walker & B.B. King to the screaming sounds of Roy Buchanan, Jeff Beck and SRV all mixed with Jimmy’s highly original style. “ Kent Pearson "KA'TIKI" PRESENTS KENT PEARSON and the ROADHOUSE ROCKERS MONDAY NIGHT BLUES JAM 7PM TO 11PM RAIN OR SHINE. ....Kent.... is a great blues and rock guitar player singer and with his band mates pug and Jeff they really rock the house. Sarasota Slim A true Florida cracker - born in the panhandle and raised in Sarasota - and yes I am slim. I've been at this music stuff longer than I'd like to admit, luckily this makes me somewhat legendary in certain circles. Help me nurture this myth by playing my music for your friends and even calling your local radio stations and seriously suggesting some Sarasota Slim songs. I believe Dean Germain s on B3 here! Tommy McCoy Tommy McCoy Interview Tommy was working on his first solo CD project and went to Austin, Texas and recorded 6 songs with Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon (Double Trouble). He had become friends with them during his friendship with Stevie Ray. This CD was released as "Love N' Money". In 2002 Tommy recorded in legendary Kingsnake studios (Bob Greenlee) with Lucky Peterson on B3 organ. Piano B3 Organ Blues and R&B: Dean Germain Taken From: http://www.tampabay.com/features/food/spirits/article1116448.ece MONDAY Monday Blues Jam at the Green Iguana Why it's hot: Here's a reason to get out on a Monday and experience something you won't find elsewhere. The Green Iguana on West Shore Boulevard, the first in the local chain, invites rhythm and blues musicians to jam on stage. About two dozen musicians perform throughout the night, belting out solos and jamming with Dean Germain, who leads on his 1959 B3 Hammond organ, an attraction in itself. You never know who's going to show up, and that's part of the allure. Rest assured, the musical result is better than you'd anticipate. The back story: Germain, who goes by B3 Dean, has hosted Monday blues nights every week since the Green Iguana opened along West Shore 20 years ago. He wanted a place where professional and hobbyist musicians could come together and play. He said phooey to the notion that the top bar nights have to be Fridays and Saturdays because, after all, not everyone has weekends off. Insider tip: You might want to take a nap before heading out because the jamming doesn't get going until about 10:30 p.m. and goes until about 2:30 a.m. Dwight Champagne Songwriter/Keyboardist/Vocalist/Performer/Producer Born in ..Austin..,..Texas.., Dwight ..Champagne.. has settled in ....Florida.... and has become one of the most well known R/B artists in the state. Dwight has performed with several well known artists such as: Patti Labelle, Joe Piscapo, Sam Moore, from Sam & Dave Fame, Blues artist, Lucky Peterson, Blues legend, Stevie Ray Vaughn and many more.... Please try to catch this dynamic entertainer when he's somewhere near you.... "You won't be disappointed" From Jazz to Classic R/B...the music will "amaze you" Shawn Brown Making Tampa, Florida home since 1980, Shawn played with 'Blackstar' who scored a local hit with "Animal Attraction" and toured Japan in "The Precision Band." He has opened for Howard Hewitt, Roger & Zapp, and Stephanie Mills. Shawn also has shared the stage with Al Green, Clarence Clemons, Christopher Cross, Earth Wind & Fire, Keith Sweat, Ronnie Earl, Lucky Peterson, Little Milton and Percy Sledge. Dance Groups: John Ellis & Prime Time John Ellis Hey Bartender Blues Brothers John Ellis Live | Myspace Video High energy dance and Top 40. Playing Dance, Beach, Classic Rock, Funk, Country and Blues in Clearwater St, Petersburg and Gulf Beaches! Hologram Rob has very unique style Great sax player. His sister Teri has one of the best female voices in Tampa Bay and knows hundreds of songs and styles. Jerry Chase Bandmasters Jerry is an accomplished singer and musician. Grew up in ....Memphis.. ..TN.... Went on tour with Jerry Lee Lewis and Charlie Rich. Came to ....Tampa.. ..Bay.... in the 80's and has established himself as the go to guy for corporate events, and local clubs and restaurants playing Blues , Country and Oldies. He also produces tribute acts like Elton John, Rod Stewart, Sinatra and Elvis. Tony Thomas Tony Thomas and his Members of the FUNKCIRCLE.com are the funkiest band in all of the area. Tony is putting on a hell of a show with his repertoire of literally more than 1500 songs. Rock Bands: Greg Billings Band Greg Billings - Lead Vocals & Guitar I spent fifteen years in the Stranger band (6 albums) and seven years in Damn the Torpedoes (one album). I have made many friends along the way and 4 of those friends now form the Greg Billings Band. Rebel Pride Rebel Pride is an American, Original, Classic Rock-n-Roll Band with a southern flavor from the West Coast of Florida (Tampa Bay). The band plays hard rocking traditional, American, Original, classic Rock-n-Roll with a southern kick. Stormbringer Stormbringer has been one of the top rated bands in the state of Florida for over twenty-two years. Stormbringer has been playing corporate events, clubs, and concerts, doing their own style of classic/concert rock and originals. Beach Acts and Singles Billy Agans Billy (drums) plays high energy dance music, classic rock, top40 and today’s hits. It is always a good time on the beach when you go to see Billy. John Ellis Live High energy dance and Top 40. Playing Dance, Beach, Classic Rock, Funk, Country and Blues in Clearwater St, Petersburg and Gulf Beaches! Liz Adams Liz plays a great mix of music different styles and is always entertaining. If you would like to enjoy a great singer, listen to great music, I highly recommend catching her show. Dennis Wallace Dennis Wallace is the fearless leader of Corn Fused. He even picked the name of the band. After jokingly callin the "no name" band everything from Half Assed & Hole Hearted to Brokeback Mountain Boys - til that darn movie came out. Mr. Wallace finally settled on Corn Fused. The title of the new CD, also selected by Dennis is spoken like this - "OUT" [pause] standin' in their field. Mark Mann High energy Guitar and vocals single act. Mark is always musical, high energy and entertaining. Boston Bob Boston Bob is a ‘one-man-band’ who plays classic hits by, virtually, every known popular singer/songwriter from the past 50 years. He plays Sax, Guitar, Keyboards, and Harmonica and sings styles from Rock, R & B, Country, Jazz, Big Band, and Easy-Listening Standards. Kevin Toon you can't get on the gulf beaches without hearing about him. Kevin Toon is a Tampa Bay institution. He plays a variety of music and is very musical and entertaining. Smooth Jazz: Mike MacArthur http://www.myspace.com/mikemacarthur List to Mike MacArthur In 1998 Mike MacArthur took the tenor sax chair on Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Neavou Band. After touring North America, Europe and Asia for two years with Maynard, mike made the decision to leave the band to start his own solo career. Later in 2000, Mike released his first solo CD “Paradise Point”. Then in 2002, he released “Deal Me In” and continues to perform and tour the country along with artists like Diane Schuur and Richard Smith.