Jeff's Profiles Below for:

The Awesome Band                                        The Damon Fowler Group

The Middle Rhythm Session                           d'Visitors

DJ Oracle                                                         Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues

Lounge Cat

email Jeff  here

What’s the story on Lounge Cat?

            The front-man of Lounge Cat is Eddie Rosicky.  If you live in Tampa, you’ve seen him before.  Don’t worry if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’ll give you some more time.  Those lucky enough to hear Eddie and his band play will tell you that it is an unforgettable experience. 

            Lounge Cat is a throwback to the old-school.  They play swing, jazz, and blues with the style of musicians twice their age, but with the energy of kids half their age.  The group has been together for over 8 years and this experience has helped them create a live sound that is a force to be reckoned with.  Their live performance includes over 200 covers of great swing, jazz, Latin, ska, and blues sounds but also their collections of originals.

            When you see Lounge Cat live, the first thing that jumps at you is Eddie.  The audience is always at attention when he is singing.  He brings a very progressive attitude to the table with a style that is reminiscent of a musician from the 1920’s.  Fortunate enough to be able to travel the world at a young age, Eddie has played for audiences in several countries.  The variety of cultures he has seen may account for the variety of music Lounge Cat normally performs. 

            To sum it up, Eddie has the stage presence of a master and the rest of the Lounge Cat group brings a sound that is unmatched.  Yes, Eddie is the “Kuhn Guy” from the billboards seen around town.  However, you should see Eddie and the Lounge Cat group in person as they deliver their most digable beats.

Contacts:

Booking and products:  Ed Rosicky – (727) 391 – 5554

info@loungecat.net

Website:  www.loungecat.net

Genre:  Swing, Jazz, Old Blues, Ska, and Latin

CDs: 

Jazzy, Jump and Swingin’ Lounge

Allure

Live at Zen Den

Venues played:

St. Bart’s – Tampa, FL

Florida Aquarium – Tampa, FL

Lowry Park Zoofari – Tampa, FL

Renaissance Vinoy – St. Pete, FL

Timpanos- Tampa, FL

Disney World – Orlando, FL

Where will they be?

9/9/2005       Dunedin Brewery – Tampa, FL

9/11/2005     Timpanos – Tampa, FL

9/17/2005     Frescos – Tampa, FL

9/23/2005     St. Cigar Bar – Tampa, FL

What’s the story on Damon Fowler Group?

            The Damon Fowler Group, also known as ‘DFG’, has a devoted fanbase from across the country.  Their live performances take listeners on a musical journey through the mind of the songwriter Damon Fowler.  Damon’s proficiency in the art of blues has earned him acclaim from greats such as Rick Derringer.  “The best young blues player I’ve seen in the past 20 years”, is the direct quote from the musical legend himself.

            Beginning at the age of 11, Damon Fowler quickly learned how to play the guitar in his own unique style.  He has transferred these skills over into the lap-steel which has taken his live performances to another level.  Providing a steady groove for the Damon Fowler Group, Bass player Chuck Riley and drummer Don Stahl are impressive.  Chuck has been playing the bass for over 10 years and Don graduated for the Percussion Institute of Technology in 1992. 

            Drawing from two albums of music, the Damon Fowler Group plays a wide variety of music inspired by Damon himself.  Although classified as blues, Damon branches out into R&B, funk, and southern rock.  This eclectic sound has earned him the attention he receives in the Tampa Bay Area and around the country.  Their latest CD, Live at Skipper’s Smoke House, has been critically acclaimed by The Tampa Tribune, East Coast Blues, and Blues Wax. 

They have played with great musicians such as Rick Derringer, Jeff Beck, Greg Allman, Chris Duarte, and even Bo Diddley.  The Damon Fowler Group has built devoted fan base known as ‘DFG devotees’.  They will also be featured this September at the Skipper’s Smoke House 25^th Anniversary party.  Even with all of the success, the Damon Fowler Group has remained humble.  Only 20-something years old, Damon understands that his journey is just beginning. 

Current Members: 

Damon Fowler – Guitar, vocals

Chuck Riley – Bass

Don Stahl - Drums

Contacts:

Booking in Florida - O.T.I.S. Management at:  813-623-3429

Booking outside of Florida – Doug Tackett at:  303-670-9950

Website:  www.damonfowler.com

Genre:  Blues

CDs: 

Riverview Drive

Roots and Branches

Live at Skipper’s Smokehouse

Venues played:

Florida Harvest Festival - Live Oak FL

Bedford Blues Festival - Dallas TX

Skipper's Smoke House - Tampa FL

Classic Wax - Sarasota FL

House of Blues Main Room - Orlando FL

Jannus Landing - St Petersburg FL

Where will they be?

8/31/2005     St. Bart’s – Tampa, FL

9/21/2005     St. Bart’s – Tampa, FL

9/22/2005     Speakeasy – Siesta Key, FL

9/24/2005     Skipper’s Smoke House – Tampa, FL

What’s the story on Awesome?

            The Awesome band has played in and around the Tampa Bay area with a focus and fun and friendship.  Awesome has gained support in the area with the help of bands such as None Hit Wonder, Select Start and Golden Vanity.  Their energetic and upbeat shows keep the crowds happy every time they step on stage. 

Dave, the singer and songwriter of Awesome, has had a long career that began at the age of 15.  He has toured up and down the east coast and spent a time in LA and Nashville recording music.  He released a CD title Half Fool during his time in Nashville.  Eventually, Dave decided to settle down in Tampa with his family.  When he is not playing with the Awesome band, Dave can be found doing DJ work under the name, “Oshani”. 

Garrett, the lead guitarist, joined the group about a year ago and helped bring the band’s sound to life.  He was introduced to Dave through Golden Vanity and helped give Awesome more rock influenced guitar riffs.  Jeremy Finney, a real life firefighter, has been playing music with Dave since their early days.  He has been a part of most of Dave’s musical endeavors.  The bass player Nuri met Dave through their DJ work and still DJ’s today.  Together they have completed their first album as a group. 

Awesome released their first CD this past Friday at the Masquerade (8/12/2005).  The CD has ten songs about life, love, and everything in between….and I do mean EVERYTHING.  Titled Awesome, this independent release can be obtained via their website at www.theawesomeband.com, Myspace page www.myspace.com/theawesomeband or CDBaby at www.cdbaby.com. 

The local Tampa Bay music influence on Awesome is undeniable.  The Tampa Bay pop-punk scene has really created a sense of community between the local groups and Awesome feeds off of it.   Catchy melodies and straight-forward lyrics are presented with every song.  Their covers are great too!  When you get a chance to see them play, request their cover of “Hotel California”.  It’s Awesome! 

Current Members: 

Dave Awesome – Vocals, rhythm acoustic guitar

Jeremy Finney - Drums

Garrett – Lead Guitar

Nuri - Bass

Contacts:

theawesomeband@hotmail.com

www.myspace.com/theawesomeband

Website:  www.theawesomeband.com

d'VISITORS

What's the story on d'Visitors?

            What do you get when you put seven musicians with varying musical influences together?  You get a melting pot of music called d'Visitors.  Just 2 weeks away from cutting their second cd the group is ready to expand beyond the Tampa Bay area. 

            When the d'Visitors had to look for a new drummer, they didn’t have to look far.  Kenan Hercules, the newest member, took over for his father Keith Hercules and is very excited about the recording of d'Visitors' upcoming cd.  Nikki Ferraro shares this excitement as the cd will bring more opportunities for the group.  "It will only take about 2 or 3 days to record", Nikki explained since all of the material  is ready to go.

            In stark contrast to the offerings of many musical groups, d'Visitors brings a unique approach to each and every song.  This is in part due to the varied musical instruments played by the group.  The combination of guitar, bass, vibraphone, sax, trumpet and drums provide a very cohesive sound for each song. 

            The mastermind behind the group is also the second percussionist.  Brain Deeds, or simply Deeds, has written most of the work for the upcoming release.  With all of the duties he does, it is hard to blame him for forgetting his mallets every once in a while.  Rob Duarte (bass), Jasper Hazenberg (saxophone), Kenny Pullin (trumpet), and Bryan Woeller (guitar) comprise the rest of the group. 

            The eclectic sound d'Visitors brings to the table is truly representative of the musicians in the group.  Playing everything from jazz to world to samba, d'Visitors bring a hefty plate of music to the table.  This melting pot of music is too good to pass up.

Current Members: 

Brian Deeds - Vibraphone, guitar

Bryan Woeller - Guitar

Jasper Hazenberg - Saxophone

Kenan Hercules - Drums

Kenny Pullin - Trumpet, percussion

Nikki Ferraro - Vocals

Rob Duarte - Bass

Contacts:

Brian Deeds -   deeds@dvisitors.com

Bryan Woeller - bryan@dvisitors.com

Jasper Hazenberg - jasper@dvisitors.com 

Kenan Hercules - kenan@dvisitors.com

Kenny Pullin - kenny@dvisitors.com

Nikki Ferraro - nikki@dvisitors.com

Rob Duarte - rob@dvisitors.com

Booking: booking@dvisitors.com

Mailing List:  email@dvisitors.com

Website:  www.dvisitors.com

Genre: Jazz Fusion

CDs: 

d'Visitors Live at Big Fat (2003)

Venues played:

Mangroves - Tampa, FL
New World Brewery - Ybor City, FL

On the Rocks -  Ybor City, FL

Dubliner Pub - Tampa, FL

Where will they be?

Mangroves  in SOHO – Every Wednesday night at 11 pm to 1 am

Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues

What’s the story on Liz and Dr. Blues?

            The onstage chemistry between Liz Pennock and Dr. Blues is magical.  Meeting in 1981 and later marrying in 1983, Liz and Doc have been creating music together for over 20 years. Touring almost every week of the year, they have appeared with artists such as Diamond Teeth Mary McClain, John Hammond and Savoy Brown. 

            Liz began her solo career in 1975 with a powerful style that ranged from romantic to vivacious.  Her counterpart Doc did not originally begin his professional career on the guitar.  In the 60’s Doc actually began on the drums with his band Lovechain.  Both having roots in Ohio, they crossed paths and formed a duo that has built a following throughout the country.  Over the years Liz and Doc found themselves spending more and more time in the St. Pete area.  They eventually decided to make St. Pete their home and even recorded their last album live in St. Pete at Caspy’s.

            The infectious chemistry of the duo permeates into the crowd and draws any willing ear into the music.  As a part of their performance, Liz and Doc take requests from over 200 songs.  These songs range from their own originals to blues from the 20’s, 30’s and 60’s.  If you want to see Doc do his patented guitar hop, just request “Johnny B. Good”.  Audience participation is normal during their show and with every assistant they make a new friend.

            Taking their act on the road most of the year, Liz and Doc play their music with little rest.  They are ready to embark on a 4-week tour that will have them in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky.  I’m sure they will be making new friends every stop along the way.  

Current Members: 

Liz Pennock – Piano, harmonica, vocals

Dr. Blues – Guitar, vocals

Contacts:

Phone/Fax – (727) 321-0332

E-mail – lizpennock@yahoo.com

Website – www.lizpennock.com

Mailing address:

Upright Records

PO Box 60667

St. Petersburg, FL 33784

Genre: Blues, Jazz

Albums:

Bluesy Atmosphere (1986)

Blue Illusion (1989)

Walking Mary’s Blues (1993)

Six Finger Boogie (1996)

Live from St. Pete (2003)

Venues played:

Florabama – Pensacola, FL

Five O’Clock Club – Sarasota, FL

Florida Folk Festival – Live Oak, FL

Market St. Pub – Gainesville, FL

Ringside Café – St. Pete, FL

Skipper’s Smokehouse – St. Pete, FL

The Music Spot – Tampa, FL

And many more venues from Arizona to Ohio!

Where will they be?

 7/22/2005 – Billy Bob’s Beach Bar – Seffner, FL

7/24/2005 – Ka Tiki – Treasure Island, FL

8/27/2005 – Dave’s Aqualounge – St. Pete, FL

9/8/2005 – D. Coy Duck’s – Holmes Beach, FL

9/15/2005 – The Music Spot – Tampa, FL

You can get a full listing of their show dates and times by visiting their website www.lizpennock.com/events.php 

 Middle Rhythm Session

What’s the story on Middle Rhythm Session?

“If we are going to be poor, struggling musicians, why not do it in great weather”, is what Jake Hunter explained to Joe Cosas.  It just made sense for the two musicians from Missouri. Taking a chance and moving to Tampa, Jake had a vision of what could happen for him musically.  Teaming up with Eric Struve and Blake Yeager from Minnesota, as well as with Phil Pressler (known for his work with the group Food), they are now known as Middle Rhythm Session. 

Middle Rhythm Session can be described as Roots Fusion.  It is an eclectic style that covers a wide range of genres.  If you’ve heard one song, you haven’t heard anything yet. Their music ranges from reggae to rock to bluegrass to jazz/fusion.  Everyone at St. Bart’s Island House couldn’t help but get into the groove.  The dedication these five put into their music can easily be seen in their live performance.  The insane mandolin riffs catch ears at first, then the bass and drums that follow keep the crowd moving. 

There is a vision for Middle Rhythm Session that begins with “The Property”.  What is “The Property”?  The mystery was solved upon speaking with Blake and Eric.  “The Property” is actually about 70 acres of land just outside of Dade City.  Jake wants to turn this property into a musical compound.  Serving as living quarters, performance stage, recording studio and camp ground this property has the potential of providing music entertainment for over 3,000 people.  When will this vision become reality?  You won’t have to wait for long to see this vision become reality; it could be ready as soon as this Halloween.  “We all still have our day jobs”, Joe explains, “but we are on the rise and ready to bring our music to the next level.” 

Middle Rhythm Session has something for everyone and everything for the true music aficionado.  If you live in Tampa and you have not seen them, you are missing out on some of the best music talent Tampa has to offer.  Middle Rhythm Session most definitely has the digable beats.

Current Members: 

Jake Hunter – Lead vocals, guitar, electronic programming

Blake Yeager – Guitar, vocals, lap steel, mandolin

Eric Struve – Bass

Phil Pressler – Drums

Joe Cosas – Keyboards, banjo, bass, trombone, vocals, melodica

Contacts:

Jake Hunter: 813-786-1213 / jhunter@middlerhythmsession.com

Phil Pressler:  727-641-4120 / philpressler@middlerhythmsession.com

Eric Struve: psychoticninja@hotmail.com

Blake Yeager: bjyeager@hotmail.com

Joe Cosas: joecosas@gmail.com

Brian Kippenberger:  813-857-5017

            Operations / Tour manager / Booking / Lighting Director

Lee Weiner: www.LMWMarketing.com

            General Manager / Booking

Mike Katz: Diversified Audio Inc.

            Sound Manager

Website:  www.middlerhythmsession.com

Genre: 5-piece “Roots Fusion” music

Albums: 

Listen.  Music.  Good. (2004)

Red Room Session (2003)

Venues played:

Osceola Tavern, Dade City, FL

Spanish Moss Farm, Quincy, FL

Gaspar’s Grotto, Tampa, FL

New World Brewery, Tampa, FL

Orpheum, Tampa, FL

Skipper’s, Tampa, FL

St. Bart’s, Tampa, FL

Side Bar, Gainesville, FL

Neptune Lounge, FL

Orange Door Miami, FL

And many, many more (from Colorado to New York to Texas)

Where will they be?

7/15/2005 Java Junction, Clearwater, FL

7/16/2005 Yeoman’s Pub, Tampa, FL

7/20/2005 St. Bart’s, Tampa, FL

7/22/2005 Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro, St. Petersburg, FL

You can find their full schedule at www.middlerhythmsession.com

7/14/05

DJ Oracle

What’s the story on DJ Oracle?

Oracle:  One who is considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic opinion. 

Music is a way of life for DJ Oracle.  “Everything in nature has a rhythm”, says Oracle, “and to see that, is a thing of beauty”.  He carries an arsenal of music with him to every show ensuring that each and every person in the club is on the dance floor.

In this cutthroat business, Oracle was fortunate enough to have DJs such as Thatcher and Mondo take him under their wing.  Opening for Thatcher at the Groovy Mule, he was able to display his skills in front of a live audience.  Life was good and the opportunities seemed endless.

A spur of the moment decision took Oracle on a year long vacation in Rhode Island to learn how to produce music with DJ Agent Orange.  A little bad luck and an even worse situation brought him back home to Florida.  Oracle got back on his feet and into the DJ booth soon after by teamed up with DJ Deity.  They started a group known as “Future Funk Infinity” with an emphasis on live performance and freestyle.  They first took their act to Club Sky and shortly thereafter they began work at the Faze 2 Lounge.  While at the Faze 2 Lounge, he got the opportunity to develop his own night at the club. 

“World Domination Through Music”, it’s a simple motto Oracle lives by.  In an almost prophetic way, he saw the change in the local DJ scene coming.  “In the past a residency in a club got you production time to make an album”, explained Oracle, “but now you have to have an album out to get a residency opportunity at a club”.  With 10 tracks already cut for his debut album, Oracle is getting ready to break back into the scene.  He is currently in the works with Floyd’s at Hard Rock. 

With all of his ups and downs in the past 6 years, what keeps Oracle motivated?  It’s that rush of adrenaline that he gets when he steps into the DJ booth and all eyes are on him.  That same rush of adrenaline is what inspires Oracle in his upcoming album that will most definitely deliver the digable beats.

Current Members: 

DJ Oracle –Turn Tables

Contacts:

DJ Oracle:  813-361-9411 / djoracle11@yahoo.com / Myspace.com -> DJ Oracle

Genre: Breakbeats, Drum & Bass, Trance

CD’s: 

I Got the Light

The Gift of Sound

The Water Project

Urban Beats – Currently available at Hot Wax in Ybor City

Albums:

Debut album currently in the works

Venues played:

Groovy Mule – Former resident

Faze 2 lounge – Former resident

Sky at Ybor

Illusions Club 60

Gold Rush – Former resident

Where will he be?