*Originally published at my Tampa Concert Tours page: http://exm.nr/175wPxw
A favorite tour stop in Florida for national and regional acts, Jannus Live lends a nurturing hand to Tampa Bay’s thriving local music scene this Friday.
Sparked by Jason Frilot and William Brooks, Local Flavor Fest 2 features bands selected by the pair on criteria like originality, musicianship, attitude, songwriting and work ethic.
“I was hanging out at Cafe del Mar when I met William.” said Frilot. “We had some drinks and talked about how great it would be to make a positive effect on the music scene.”
Frilot, a transplant from New Orleans, headlined the first Local Flavor Fest at the beginning of the summer with his reggae-rock group, Freelow.
Meet The Bands
This time around, LFF features the Stick Martin Show, Shoeless Soul, Dropin’ Pickup and Orange Hour.
“We’ve all seen many shows there (Jannus Live) throughout the years, so it’ll be pretty cool to play on the same stage,” said Stick Martin Show bassist Eric Harlow.
Their mix of rock, blues, country and hip hop has landed them on WMNF 88.5’s Center Stage, in supporting roles with headliners like Afroman, and Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay awards. Mainstays in the bay area since 2003, the band released their latest album, the Dodge Store EP, in late 2012.
Shoeless Soul, a trio that formed in 2010, recently played the Orange Blossom Jamboree and released their new album Sharps and Flats. Lead singer and guitarist Rene Schlegel echoed Harlow’s sentiments, anticipating the opportunity to play one of the area’s largest clubs.
“We’re looking forward to the experience,” said Schlegel.
Back after a short hiatus, Clearwater’s Orange Hour features singer/guitarist Darell Bevins, who’s shared the stage with groups like Days of the New, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Steve Miller Band while playing in various musical projects.
Rounding out the evening, Dropin’ Pickup brings an eclectic brand of jam, rock and reggae, accented by the sounds of viola player Nick Ewing.
Local Music Revolution
For Frilot, this is more than one show. The outcome of Friday’s event determines how other cities foster and sustain this area’s local acts.
“The more support we get, the more we’ll able to do for the local scene,” said Frilot. When one area flourishes, its surrounding areas begin to flourish as well.”
Proceeds from Friday’s show will directly benefit the Anthony W. Burbano trust fund, a victim of a tragic accident in downtown St. Pete.
If you’re going: Friday, August 23. Tickets are $2. Doors open at 7. First band takes the stage at 8. All ages welcome. http://www.JannusLive.com
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