CHAD DAVID CORNWELL moved to St. Petersburg in 2009 from Reno, NV., where he completed his Masters Degree in voice
performance and pedagogy. He earned his MFA in musical theatre in 2000 and went on to a successful career on and off Broadway in
productions like Parade by Stephen Schwartz (with Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello), john and jen by Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald,
and Movin Out by Bill Joel. In addition to his New York credits Chad has worked regionally with theatres in Los Angeles, Chicago, Cincinnati,
and San Francisco. Besides his love and work in musical theatre Chad has been a featured operatic and oratorio soloist with some of the best
choirs and opera companies in the US, receiving rave reviews for his performances of Brahms German Requiem and Britten's War Requiem
in San Francisco. He recently completed It's Only Life a new one-man show based on the music of John Bucchino which will premiered in the
Tampa area last fall. An accomplished voice teacher and coach,
performance and pedagogy. He earned his MFA in musical theatre in 2000 and went on to a successful career on and off Broadway in
productions like Parade by Stephen Schwartz (with Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello), john and jen by Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald,
and Movin Out by Bill Joel. In addition to his New York credits Chad has worked regionally with theatres in Los Angeles, Chicago, Cincinnati,
and San Francisco. Besides his love and work in musical theatre Chad has been a featured operatic and oratorio soloist with some of the best
choirs and opera companies in the US, receiving rave reviews for his performances of Brahms German Requiem and Britten's War Requiem
in San Francisco. He recently completed It's Only Life a new one-man show based on the music of John Bucchino which will premiered in the
Tampa area last fall. An accomplished voice teacher and coach,
STACI BACKAUSKAS is tickled to return as a judge with Talent Quest Florida this year, Staci has the ability to spot
the authenticity required to be a champion. She is the founder of The Language of Light, a company whose mission is to
help others to know who they are by learning who they're not. The author of seven books, Staci is a stage actress, singer,
artist and closeted stand-up comedienne. This is her second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge. She admires the courage
it takes to stand up and sing in front of an audience and wishes everyone the best of luck!
the authenticity required to be a champion. She is the founder of The Language of Light, a company whose mission is to
help others to know who they are by learning who they're not. The author of seven books, Staci is a stage actress, singer,
artist and closeted stand-up comedienne. This is her second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge. She admires the courage
it takes to stand up and sing in front of an audience and wishes everyone the best of luck!
AL KOEHN holds Bachelor Degrees in both Music Education and Vocal Performance from Murray State
University, Kentucky with extensive graduate work at SIU and Michigan State. He taught high school choir,
drama and humanities for 11 years before going "on the road" as a professional entertainer for over 10
years, performing pop, rock, R&B and country music. He has been teaching voice, performance techniques,
harmony, composition and theory in St. Petersburg, FL for over 26 years, and has worked with many top
bands, performers and recording artists. This is his second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
University, Kentucky with extensive graduate work at SIU and Michigan State. He taught high school choir,
drama and humanities for 11 years before going "on the road" as a professional entertainer for over 10
years, performing pop, rock, R&B and country music. He has been teaching voice, performance techniques,
harmony, composition and theory in St. Petersburg, FL for over 26 years, and has worked with many top
bands, performers and recording artists. This is his second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
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| Our 2010 Judging Panel |
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, DONAL NOONAN has been working and
living in Tampa Bay for the past six years. As an accomplished choral director,
recording artist and composer, Noonan's work has taken him all over the
United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and much of mainland Europe. He
had been featured on television and radio many times and has worked with
various choral ensembles throughout Ireland and in the Tampa Bay area. This
is Donal's fourth year as a judge for Talent Quest Florida and he is very much
looking forward to this year's competition.
living in Tampa Bay for the past six years. As an accomplished choral director,
recording artist and composer, Noonan's work has taken him all over the
United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, and much of mainland Europe. He
had been featured on television and radio many times and has worked with
various choral ensembles throughout Ireland and in the Tampa Bay area. This
is Donal's fourth year as a judge for Talent Quest Florida and he is very much
looking forward to this year's competition.
CHUCK HENSON can be seen weekday mornings as part of “Your Morning News” on Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay. He has been
reporting on traffic and transportation in major metropolitan areas for 17 years. Chuck is a former Director of Operations for
Westwood One, the nation’s largest supplier of news, weather and traffic information to radio and television stations. Chuck is also
nationally known as the "Voice" of Bands of America, Inc. BOA is an organization that hosts events for high school music programs,
including a series of regional championships, and the Grand National Marching Band Championships. 2010 will mark Chuck’s 22nd
year as that events’ Emcee. Chuck is originally from Florence, Kentucky and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky School of
Journalism.
reporting on traffic and transportation in major metropolitan areas for 17 years. Chuck is a former Director of Operations for
Westwood One, the nation’s largest supplier of news, weather and traffic information to radio and television stations. Chuck is also
nationally known as the "Voice" of Bands of America, Inc. BOA is an organization that hosts events for high school music programs,
including a series of regional championships, and the Grand National Marching Band Championships. 2010 will mark Chuck’s 22nd
year as that events’ Emcee. Chuck is originally from Florence, Kentucky and is a graduate of the University of Kentucky School of
Journalism.
THOMAS YOUNG moved to Florida from the Washington, DC area in April 2007 to continue his career as a
Psychotherapist. He holds an MA in Theology and an MS in Pastoral Counseling and is currently completing his Doctorate
in Pastoral Counseling. Musically Thomas studied voice at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. MD, and was a
member of the Baltimore Opera (tenor) from 1990 to 1992. He has appeared numerous times for charitable organizations
singing selections from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserabes and other Broadway favorites. Thomas is in demand locally as
a public speaker and lecturer in his field. This is his third year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
Psychotherapist. He holds an MA in Theology and an MS in Pastoral Counseling and is currently completing his Doctorate
in Pastoral Counseling. Musically Thomas studied voice at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. MD, and was a
member of the Baltimore Opera (tenor) from 1990 to 1992. He has appeared numerous times for charitable organizations
singing selections from Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserabes and other Broadway favorites. Thomas is in demand locally as
a public speaker and lecturer in his field. This is his third year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
LONZA BARTLETT is returning to familiar territory this year as a judge. In 2008, Lonza won Talent Quest
Florida's men's pop category and then went to the national finals to place first there in the same category. Not only did
he claim the Men's Pop title on the national level, he also claimed the Overall Championship by garnering the most
points. Lonza comes from a musical background and began singing in his North Carolina church as a young child. At
six years old he starred in his first professional concert. He has toured consistently since is 2008 win promoting his new
CD, which he created after nationals in 2008.
Florida's men's pop category and then went to the national finals to place first there in the same category. Not only did
he claim the Men's Pop title on the national level, he also claimed the Overall Championship by garnering the most
points. Lonza comes from a musical background and began singing in his North Carolina church as a young child. At
six years old he starred in his first professional concert. He has toured consistently since is 2008 win promoting his new
CD, which he created after nationals in 2008.
A. PAUL JOHNSON, in addition to being one of the Tampa area’s most prolific record producers, from Country Gospel to Opera, has also been Music Director
for regional theatres in Florida like American Stage, the Hippodrome, and the Asolo. Around the country he has created music for Arkansas Rep, Indiana Rep,
Syracuse Stage, and Theatre Project Company in St. Louis. He has had two Individual Artist Fellowships from the Florida Arts Council along with residency grants
from the National Institute for Music Theatre at the Kennedy Center and the National Endowment for the Arts. Paul coordinates all elements for Apollo Project
Recording and Broadcasting as Producing Director – ApolloProject.net. He is also a composer for a wide variety of musical venues from cabaret theatre pieces to
full Symphonies. His large concert works have been performed and recorded by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, the Warsaw National Philharmonic, and the
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra among others. You can hear his work 24/7 on iTunes Radio: “Classical-Apollo Project” or via Live365.com “Apollo Project”.
for regional theatres in Florida like American Stage, the Hippodrome, and the Asolo. Around the country he has created music for Arkansas Rep, Indiana Rep,
Syracuse Stage, and Theatre Project Company in St. Louis. He has had two Individual Artist Fellowships from the Florida Arts Council along with residency grants
from the National Institute for Music Theatre at the Kennedy Center and the National Endowment for the Arts. Paul coordinates all elements for Apollo Project
Recording and Broadcasting as Producing Director – ApolloProject.net. He is also a composer for a wide variety of musical venues from cabaret theatre pieces to
full Symphonies. His large concert works have been performed and recorded by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, the Warsaw National Philharmonic, and the
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra among others. You can hear his work 24/7 on iTunes Radio: “Classical-Apollo Project” or via Live365.com “Apollo Project”.
ERNESTO CAMARA was born to a family of actors, singers, dancers, directors and producers. He was raised in the arts including
recording studios. Dance being his first love, he was blessed to be taught by incredible talents like Martha Mahr, Fred Bratcher and Mia
Michaels. It wasn't until he joined the theater company "Prometeo" in Miami that Ernestoknew he was home. He was part of it for 4 years
and participated in incredible Hispanic works and was part of the "Hispanic Theater Festivals" In addition, Ernesto worked as an Interior
Designer, a career that opened the doors to the world of set designing and art direction. After many commercials and music videos he
finally landed a short film titled Eves Dropping, in which he was art director, co-writer, co-producer and co-director.
recording studios. Dance being his first love, he was blessed to be taught by incredible talents like Martha Mahr, Fred Bratcher and Mia
Michaels. It wasn't until he joined the theater company "Prometeo" in Miami that Ernestoknew he was home. He was part of it for 4 years
and participated in incredible Hispanic works and was part of the "Hispanic Theater Festivals" In addition, Ernesto worked as an Interior
Designer, a career that opened the doors to the world of set designing and art direction. After many commercials and music videos he
finally landed a short film titled Eves Dropping, in which he was art director, co-writer, co-producer and co-director.
Moving from the Boston area to Tampa Bay in 1998, FRANK MEEKINS has been involved in the performing arts for almost 30 years - producing,
directing, and musically directing over 250 productions including Ragtime, La Cage Aux Folles, A Chorus Line, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, and Urinetown.
He has had the opportunity to work with many Tampa Bay theatrical organizations including Carrollwood Players, Masque of Temple Terrace, New Tampa
Players, Riverview Little Theatre, Stage Door of Brandon, and Riverview, Seminole, and Countryside High Schools. In addition, Frank was the Artistic
Director and President of M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa for a number of years, moving the organization forward to provide full seasons of entertainment. Last
year he musically directed The Music Man at New Tampa Players and conducted Gypsy with Riverview Little Theatre. Frank enjoys evenings of karaoke at
his favorite watering holes in the Tampa Bay area and finds that it is a great opportunity to recruit performers for theatrical productions!
directing, and musically directing over 250 productions including Ragtime, La Cage Aux Folles, A Chorus Line, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, and Urinetown.
He has had the opportunity to work with many Tampa Bay theatrical organizations including Carrollwood Players, Masque of Temple Terrace, New Tampa
Players, Riverview Little Theatre, Stage Door of Brandon, and Riverview, Seminole, and Countryside High Schools. In addition, Frank was the Artistic
Director and President of M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa for a number of years, moving the organization forward to provide full seasons of entertainment. Last
year he musically directed The Music Man at New Tampa Players and conducted Gypsy with Riverview Little Theatre. Frank enjoys evenings of karaoke at
his favorite watering holes in the Tampa Bay area and finds that it is a great opportunity to recruit performers for theatrical productions!
MELE has been a professional entertainer for over 25 years. This
singer/songwriter achieved her first radio airplay in 1986. She holds a Bachelor
Degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University and taught middle
school chorus, drama, and stage technology before returning to the road as a
full time performer. For 13 years, she was a piano bar entertainer for Carnival
Cruise Lines, achieving “Best Piano Bar Entertainer” in the cruise industry in
the 1998 AOL Cruise Critic awards. She currently resides in St. Petersburg,
Fla., where she entertains at local venues, works with area choral performing
groups, and teaches voice and piano.
singer/songwriter achieved her first radio airplay in 1986. She holds a Bachelor
Degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University and taught middle
school chorus, drama, and stage technology before returning to the road as a
full time performer. For 13 years, she was a piano bar entertainer for Carnival
Cruise Lines, achieving “Best Piano Bar Entertainer” in the cruise industry in
the 1998 AOL Cruise Critic awards. She currently resides in St. Petersburg,
Fla., where she entertains at local venues, works with area choral performing
groups, and teaches voice and piano.
DARYL EPPERLY holds bachelor’s degree in Music from Harington
University. He has 15 years of training in piano and 8 years in voice. Daryl
traveled for 4 years in a gospel quartet performing throughout the East Coast.
Daryl is an Education manager for Allstate Insurance Company and a fitness
instructor for Gold’s Gym. Daryl also serves as the Business Manager for Gypsy
Productions Inc. “The Theatrical Alternative” He has also performed in several
productions with the theater company as well. Daryl served on the judging panel
for the inaugural year of Talent Quest Sunshine State in 2010.
University. He has 15 years of training in piano and 8 years in voice. Daryl
traveled for 4 years in a gospel quartet performing throughout the East Coast.
Daryl is an Education manager for Allstate Insurance Company and a fitness
instructor for Gold’s Gym. Daryl also serves as the Business Manager for Gypsy
Productions Inc. “The Theatrical Alternative” He has also performed in several
productions with the theater company as well. Daryl served on the judging panel
for the inaugural year of Talent Quest Sunshine State in 2010.
TOM DYER is the owner and publisher of Watermark Media, a news
company covering news and the arts in Central and West Florida for the
past 15 years. He is also an accomplished attorney. Based in Orlando,
Tom has been an arts critic and admirer for years. He has covered various
stage productions, music concerts and performances for several decades
and has a love of classical music. This is his first year as a Talent Quest
Florida judge and he is excited to see the talent cultivated from
throughout the Sunshine State.
company covering news and the arts in Central and West Florida for the
past 15 years. He is also an accomplished attorney. Based in Orlando,
Tom has been an arts critic and admirer for years. He has covered various
stage productions, music concerts and performances for several decades
and has a love of classical music. This is his first year as a Talent Quest
Florida judge and he is excited to see the talent cultivated from
throughout the Sunshine State.
MONICA HARDWICK is an entrepreneur and playwright. She is also the owner of Bay Area Studios Entertainment, a
Christ-centered not-for-profit Corporation in Florida primarily focused on Bay Area youth who are willing to listen, learn
and grow and want to gain exposure in theatrical arts. The program is also targeted at parents wanting character
development for their kids. Since 2006, with its first series of theater performances, Bay Area Studios Foundation has been
producing effective outcomes within the community. "We instill positive encouraging words into our youth and teach them
many elements of theater performance, from writing and character development to stage design and more," Hardwick says.
Comprised of educators, artists and writers, Bay Area Studios Foundation Builds character for Lifetime Performance.
Christ-centered not-for-profit Corporation in Florida primarily focused on Bay Area youth who are willing to listen, learn
and grow and want to gain exposure in theatrical arts. The program is also targeted at parents wanting character
development for their kids. Since 2006, with its first series of theater performances, Bay Area Studios Foundation has been
producing effective outcomes within the community. "We instill positive encouraging words into our youth and teach them
many elements of theater performance, from writing and character development to stage design and more," Hardwick says.
Comprised of educators, artists and writers, Bay Area Studios Foundation Builds character for Lifetime Performance.
BRANDY HAND is an accomplished singer/songwriter who
traveled and ministered throughout the United States with a
Southern Gospel Group for over 7 years. She owns her own music
publishing company and is affiliated with BMI. Brandy has been a
licensed cosmetologist and nail technician for over 12 years in the
State of Florida and is currently a Cosmetology Instructor. She
has also been involved in pageant coordinating as well as pageant
coaching. She was a judge at the National level last year.
traveled and ministered throughout the United States with a
Southern Gospel Group for over 7 years. She owns her own music
publishing company and is affiliated with BMI. Brandy has been a
licensed cosmetologist and nail technician for over 12 years in the
State of Florida and is currently a Cosmetology Instructor. She
has also been involved in pageant coordinating as well as pageant
coaching. She was a judge at the National level last year.
MARK JELKS is a musical director, teacher, musician and dancer. He has been a part of nearly every aspect of the performing
arts. Mark trained as a dancer with Dame Sonia Arova at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and pursued a dual major of music and
dance at Birmingham-Southern College. He has performed as a dancer internationally and upon his return to the United States
conducted musical theatre for national tours, musical directing such shows as Evita, Little Shop of Horrors, A Chorus Line, and Sweeney
Todd. In 1994 he was the pianist and casting assistant for the Tony Award-winning revival of Carousel at New York City's Lincoln
Center and the highly acclaimed Broadway production of Mathew Bourne's Swan Lake. Before leaving New York he was production
pianist for CENTERSTAGE, The Movie. Mark was inducted into the national registry of "Who's Who" for excellence in the field of
dance in 1997.
arts. Mark trained as a dancer with Dame Sonia Arova at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and pursued a dual major of music and
dance at Birmingham-Southern College. He has performed as a dancer internationally and upon his return to the United States
conducted musical theatre for national tours, musical directing such shows as Evita, Little Shop of Horrors, A Chorus Line, and Sweeney
Todd. In 1994 he was the pianist and casting assistant for the Tony Award-winning revival of Carousel at New York City's Lincoln
Center and the highly acclaimed Broadway production of Mathew Bourne's Swan Lake. Before leaving New York he was production
pianist for CENTERSTAGE, The Movie. Mark was inducted into the national registry of "Who's Who" for excellence in the field of
dance in 1997.
ELAND WILSON is a pianist, singer, songwriter & recording artist, Eland Wilson brings 30 years of music experience Talent Quest Florida. He began his piano training
at 8 years of age under the capable teaching of Mrs. Joan Gessler of St. Petersburg. During his classical training he won several awards and piano competitions. Eland
studied music education, focusing on vocal instruction and choral conducting at Bethune-Cookman University under Dr. Rebecca W. Steele and served as the student
conductor of the “Bethune-Cookman Concert Choral.” Eland has performed with artists such as Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Michael Bolton, The Reverend James Moore,
Beverly Crawford, Glenn Burleigh and many others. Eland is currently working on his debut CD scheduled for release early 2011. Eland has worked for the United
Methodist Church as Contemporary Worship Director, The Missionary Baptist Church as Minister of Music and has conducted numerous clinics and workshops in Tampa
Bay Area and around the state. Eland lives on Orlando and currently serves as the Minister of Music at Moore’s Chapel AME Church of St. Petersburg. Eland also teaches
voice and piano and is a highly sought after vocalist and musician. He won Talent Quest Florida's men's pop category in 2006.
at 8 years of age under the capable teaching of Mrs. Joan Gessler of St. Petersburg. During his classical training he won several awards and piano competitions. Eland
studied music education, focusing on vocal instruction and choral conducting at Bethune-Cookman University under Dr. Rebecca W. Steele and served as the student
conductor of the “Bethune-Cookman Concert Choral.” Eland has performed with artists such as Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Michael Bolton, The Reverend James Moore,
Beverly Crawford, Glenn Burleigh and many others. Eland is currently working on his debut CD scheduled for release early 2011. Eland has worked for the United
Methodist Church as Contemporary Worship Director, The Missionary Baptist Church as Minister of Music and has conducted numerous clinics and workshops in Tampa
Bay Area and around the state. Eland lives on Orlando and currently serves as the Minister of Music at Moore’s Chapel AME Church of St. Petersburg. Eland also teaches
voice and piano and is a highly sought after vocalist and musician. He won Talent Quest Florida's men's pop category in 2006.
SUZY DEVORE has been a performer all of her life,
starting out in musical theater, as an actress, singer and
dancer. She moved to New York City and worked as a
concert jazz dancer and actress. She graduated with an
MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School. She currently
resides in St. Petersburg and works in theatre, film and TV.
She is the director of education at the American Talent
Institute and coaches privately. Best of luck to all!
starting out in musical theater, as an actress, singer and
dancer. She moved to New York City and worked as a
concert jazz dancer and actress. She graduated with an
MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School. She currently
resides in St. Petersburg and works in theatre, film and TV.
She is the director of education at the American Talent
Institute and coaches privately. Best of luck to all!
DONNA DeLONAY is one of Florida ’s most versatile and powerful vocalists having performed in intimate settings, for special populations, as a
recording artists of sacred and popular music, and as soloist for auditoriums packed with thousands of rapt listeners. Miss DeLonay is well known in
Florida for her theatre roles in Gift of the The Music Man for the Salerno Theatre in Tampa, and Polly Browne in The Boy Friend with Director Neal
Kenyon at Florida State University. She has also been a frequent recitalist on programs with the Florida Lyric Opera and the Summit Orchestra.
Mark Leib writing in Tampa ’s Weekly Planet wrote of Donna’s Marian, “…her voice is arguably the most professional in the show; she handles the
highest notes with ease, and uses her melodies for the sort of self-revelation that other performers think possible only in spoken dialogue.”
recording artists of sacred and popular music, and as soloist for auditoriums packed with thousands of rapt listeners. Miss DeLonay is well known in
Florida for her theatre roles in Gift of the The Music Man for the Salerno Theatre in Tampa, and Polly Browne in The Boy Friend with Director Neal
Kenyon at Florida State University. She has also been a frequent recitalist on programs with the Florida Lyric Opera and the Summit Orchestra.
Mark Leib writing in Tampa ’s Weekly Planet wrote of Donna’s Marian, “…her voice is arguably the most professional in the show; she handles the
highest notes with ease, and uses her melodies for the sort of self-revelation that other performers think possible only in spoken dialogue.”
SCOTT ELLIOTT is originally from New York City and seems to have done it all. First as a DJ for hair shows/fashion shows with
such establishments as Bummble+Bummble and The Spot hair salons, Danceteria, The Palladium, Black Market, The Roxy,
Kamikaze and Pizza-A-Go-Go. He can now be spotted at Café Alma in St. Pete and The Orpheum in Tampa on Soul nights spinning
his eclectic mix of music. A professional singer, he has traveled the world on tours and recording projects, having worked with such
artists as Sharon Redd, Jocelyn Brown, Steve Connelly, Lionel Hampton, Taka Boom, Hiromi Go, Carrie Ann Inaba and Ryo
Kawasaki. He stands on the Tampa Museum of Arts’ Pride & Passion steering committee. Currently a popular music programmer
at WMNF 88.5 Community Radio, with a show entitled ALL SOULS, he is also on their Board of Directors.
such establishments as Bummble+Bummble and The Spot hair salons, Danceteria, The Palladium, Black Market, The Roxy,
Kamikaze and Pizza-A-Go-Go. He can now be spotted at Café Alma in St. Pete and The Orpheum in Tampa on Soul nights spinning
his eclectic mix of music. A professional singer, he has traveled the world on tours and recording projects, having worked with such
artists as Sharon Redd, Jocelyn Brown, Steve Connelly, Lionel Hampton, Taka Boom, Hiromi Go, Carrie Ann Inaba and Ryo
Kawasaki. He stands on the Tampa Museum of Arts’ Pride & Passion steering committee. Currently a popular music programmer
at WMNF 88.5 Community Radio, with a show entitled ALL SOULS, he is also on their Board of Directors.
BOB LAWSON's Mind Games is one of the highest rated shows of its kind in America. Mind Games is an audience participation mind reading show. Mr.
Lawson is a two time winner of the New York Cabaret Society Award for Best Varity Act of The Year. Bob has just recently returned from performing on
one of the most glamorous cruise ships in the world, “Le Diamante” through the Baltic Seas. Bob was one of the first mentalist performers to perform his
award winning show in St. Petersburg,, Russia. “Mind Games has been presented at major theaters and clubs across the United States and Canada and is a
regular aboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Holland American Cruises.” Bob is a professional member of the Psychic Entertainers Association
and was very excited to have contributed many of his original thoughts and ideas to the hit Show, The Mentalist. Bob was asked to perform for the Jerry
Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day three times. Bob has also had the extreme privilege of performing for our troops overseas twice on USO tours.
Lawson is a two time winner of the New York Cabaret Society Award for Best Varity Act of The Year. Bob has just recently returned from performing on
one of the most glamorous cruise ships in the world, “Le Diamante” through the Baltic Seas. Bob was one of the first mentalist performers to perform his
award winning show in St. Petersburg,, Russia. “Mind Games has been presented at major theaters and clubs across the United States and Canada and is a
regular aboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Holland American Cruises.” Bob is a professional member of the Psychic Entertainers Association
and was very excited to have contributed many of his original thoughts and ideas to the hit Show, The Mentalist. Bob was asked to perform for the Jerry
Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day three times. Bob has also had the extreme privilege of performing for our troops overseas twice on USO tours.
MEREDITH McDERMOTT is an actor, singer, musical director, vocal and drama coach currently based in Tampa,
Florida. She began her music career as a percussionist at the age of 13 and has both conducted and performed with
numerous bands, orchestras and choirs, as well as stage musicals. Theatrical credits include Ragtime, The Prince and the
Pauper (Southeastern U.S. Premiere), Once Upon a Mattress, the theatrical revues Broadway Gone MAD and White Hot
Broadway, and the regional tour of the '80s musical Totally Electric. Recently, she created the role of "Hearth
Tannenbaum" in the world premiere of the musical Holiday Inc. with Event Show Productions. Directing and musical
directing credits include Totally Electric, The Wiz, and the new musical Class of RIP: The Final Prom. She studied music
performance at the University of South Florida.
Florida. She began her music career as a percussionist at the age of 13 and has both conducted and performed with
numerous bands, orchestras and choirs, as well as stage musicals. Theatrical credits include Ragtime, The Prince and the
Pauper (Southeastern U.S. Premiere), Once Upon a Mattress, the theatrical revues Broadway Gone MAD and White Hot
Broadway, and the regional tour of the '80s musical Totally Electric. Recently, she created the role of "Hearth
Tannenbaum" in the world premiere of the musical Holiday Inc. with Event Show Productions. Directing and musical
directing credits include Totally Electric, The Wiz, and the new musical Class of RIP: The Final Prom. She studied music
performance at the University of South Florida.
SANDRA LYNNE LOCHER is an actress and lyric soprano who gave a solo vocal concert at the Springs Theater in October 2009, followed by a cabaret, "Love and
the Moon," which she sang at the Hough Cabaret at American Stage. She has performed Maury Yeston’s song cycle, “December Songs” at the Gorilla Theatre. For
Skyway Productions she appeared as Anna Leopoldovna in “Elizabeth of Russia.” She has performed Puccini arias with the Florida Orchestra under Maestro Thomas
Wilkins and has been a soloist with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay . In 2008 she appeared in “Hats! The Musical” at the Jaeb Theatre. She toured nationally in
We’re Still Hot! the Musical, and has appeared in the Tampa Bay area as Gertrude in Hamlet at the Studio@620, the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet for AlleyCat Players,
Mrs. Winsley in Stop Kiss (a Stageworks / Gorilla co-production), and Linda Loman in Death of a Salesman. At the Orlando Repertory Theater, she played in 6
Women with Brain Death and Bridge to Terabithia. Lynne graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale with a Bachelor of Music degree in voice
performance. Favorite roles performed there included Micäela in Carmen, Musetta in La Bohéme, and Pamina in Die Zauberflöte.
the Moon," which she sang at the Hough Cabaret at American Stage. She has performed Maury Yeston’s song cycle, “December Songs” at the Gorilla Theatre. For
Skyway Productions she appeared as Anna Leopoldovna in “Elizabeth of Russia.” She has performed Puccini arias with the Florida Orchestra under Maestro Thomas
Wilkins and has been a soloist with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay . In 2008 she appeared in “Hats! The Musical” at the Jaeb Theatre. She toured nationally in
We’re Still Hot! the Musical, and has appeared in the Tampa Bay area as Gertrude in Hamlet at the Studio@620, the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet for AlleyCat Players,
Mrs. Winsley in Stop Kiss (a Stageworks / Gorilla co-production), and Linda Loman in Death of a Salesman. At the Orlando Repertory Theater, she played in 6
Women with Brain Death and Bridge to Terabithia. Lynne graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale with a Bachelor of Music degree in voice
performance. Favorite roles performed there included Micäela in Carmen, Musetta in La Bohéme, and Pamina in Die Zauberflöte.
LaTONYA OLIVER is a small business
owner and a vocalist. She has performed at
venues throughout the Tampa Bay area and is
often hired to perform at weddings on both
sides of the bay. This is the first year the St.
Petersburg resident has served as a Talent
Quest Florida judge.
owner and a vocalist. She has performed at
venues throughout the Tampa Bay area and is
often hired to perform at weddings on both
sides of the bay. This is the first year the St.
Petersburg resident has served as a Talent
Quest Florida judge.
SUSANNE SMITH is a successful freelance vocalist and has performed with a
diversity of musicians, bands and orchestras over a 30 year span. She began her
musical career in Opera, cutting her teeth on a starring roll in Mozart’s The
Marriage of Figaro. She soon migrated into other genres, including Jazz, Blues, R&B,
Country. Known for her 4 octave range, Susanne has performed at a wide variety of
venues including studio work, jingles, nightclubs and live performances in the NY
Metropolitan area and Florida. Currently, Susanne is an independent vocal coach,
freelances and is the featured artist in the blues band “Mocassin Slough”.
diversity of musicians, bands and orchestras over a 30 year span. She began her
musical career in Opera, cutting her teeth on a starring roll in Mozart’s The
Marriage of Figaro. She soon migrated into other genres, including Jazz, Blues, R&B,
Country. Known for her 4 octave range, Susanne has performed at a wide variety of
venues including studio work, jingles, nightclubs and live performances in the NY
Metropolitan area and Florida. Currently, Susanne is an independent vocal coach,
freelances and is the featured artist in the blues band “Mocassin Slough”.
MARC SUTTON is the road manager and on stage assistant to Bob Lawson’s Mind Games, an audience participation mind reading
show. Bob Lawson’s Mind Games is one of the highest rated shows of its kind in America. Mind Games has just recently returned from
performing on one of the most glamorous cruise ships in the world, “Le Diamante” through the Baltic Seas and was one of the first
mentalist performers to perform his award winning show in St. Petersburg,, Russia. Mind Games has been presented at major theaters
and clubs across the United States and Canada and is a regular aboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Holland American
Cruises. Bob Larson’s Mind Games with Mark Sutton has also had the extreme privilege of performing for our troops overseas twice on
USO tours.
show. Bob Lawson’s Mind Games is one of the highest rated shows of its kind in America. Mind Games has just recently returned from
performing on one of the most glamorous cruise ships in the world, “Le Diamante” through the Baltic Seas and was one of the first
mentalist performers to perform his award winning show in St. Petersburg,, Russia. Mind Games has been presented at major theaters
and clubs across the United States and Canada and is a regular aboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Holland American
Cruises. Bob Larson’s Mind Games with Mark Sutton has also had the extreme privilege of performing for our troops overseas twice on
USO tours.
