Kris is a long-time supporter of Talent Quest Florida
and hosted the annual contest in his own bar, Grand
Central Station, in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Following
the 2005 contest, Kris attended the national finals and
saw first hand what talent contestants face on the
national stage.
Since leaving the bar business, Kris has appeared in
several local community theater productions,
including South Pacific, Urinetown and Cabaret.. Last
year Kris's first year judged the Talent Quest Florida
regional finals and says he's thrilled at the growth this
competition has seen.
and hosted the annual contest in his own bar, Grand
Central Station, in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Following
the 2005 contest, Kris attended the national finals and
saw first hand what talent contestants face on the
national stage.
Since leaving the bar business, Kris has appeared in
several local community theater productions,
including South Pacific, Urinetown and Cabaret.. Last
year Kris's first year judged the Talent Quest Florida
regional finals and says he's thrilled at the growth this
competition has seen.
| Kris Doubles |
Jonathan's regional and national tour credits include The Full
Monty ( Jerry) The Last 5 Years (Jamie) Singin' in the Rain
(Cosmo), Forever Plaid (Sparky) I Love You You’re Perfect
Now Change (Man #1) Thrill Me (Richard Loeb) Godspell
(Jesus) Oh Calucutta with Gennifer Flowers, Shining Time
Station Live and most recently Bye Bye Birdie (Albert
Peterson). He can be seen in the upcoming film Prime of Your
Life and is the writer of the new musicals Totally Electric
(TotallyElectricTheMusical.com) and The Class of R.I.P. The
Final Prom. He was a principal singer/dancer at Walt Disney
World and Busch Gardens and is very happy to be a part of
Talent Quest Florida 2009.
Monty ( Jerry) The Last 5 Years (Jamie) Singin' in the Rain
(Cosmo), Forever Plaid (Sparky) I Love You You’re Perfect
Now Change (Man #1) Thrill Me (Richard Loeb) Godspell
(Jesus) Oh Calucutta with Gennifer Flowers, Shining Time
Station Live and most recently Bye Bye Birdie (Albert
Peterson). He can be seen in the upcoming film Prime of Your
Life and is the writer of the new musicals Totally Electric
(TotallyElectricTheMusical.com) and The Class of R.I.P. The
Final Prom. He was a principal singer/dancer at Walt Disney
World and Busch Gardens and is very happy to be a part of
Talent Quest Florida 2009.
| Jonathan Van Dyke |
Brandy is an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician
who has traveled the country extensively with a
Florida-based gospel group for more than six years. She has
her own music publishing company and has been a licensed
cosmetologist for more than 10 years.
Brandy has worked as an independent pageant coach for
individuals and an Event Coordinator.She judged the regional
finals last year but is regretfully unable to participate in the
2009 finals. She wants to wish the best of luck to all the
2009 contestants and she believes this will be a great contest.
who has traveled the country extensively with a
Florida-based gospel group for more than six years. She has
her own music publishing company and has been a licensed
cosmetologist for more than 10 years.
Brandy has worked as an independent pageant coach for
individuals and an Event Coordinator.She judged the regional
finals last year but is regretfully unable to participate in the
2009 finals. She wants to wish the best of luck to all the
2009 contestants and she believes this will be a great contest.
| Brandy Hand |
Louanne is a former cruise director for Royal Carribbean
Cruise Lines, where she worked with dozens of top-name
entertainers like Davy Jones, Charo and Clift Roberts and
many more Vegas celebrities.Louanne was a regional
judge for Talent Quest Florida 2009 and has traveled to
several of this year's venues to judge the local finals. She
regretfully will be out of town during Talent Quest Florida
2009 but would like to wish our contestants good luck.
Cruise Lines, where she worked with dozens of top-name
entertainers like Davy Jones, Charo and Clift Roberts and
many more Vegas celebrities.Louanne was a regional
judge for Talent Quest Florida 2009 and has traveled to
several of this year's venues to judge the local finals. She
regretfully will be out of town during Talent Quest Florida
2009 but would like to wish our contestants good luck.
| Louanne Walters |
Al 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
first year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
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
first year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
| Al Koehn |
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| Talent Quest Florida 2009's judging panel is probably the most diverse and most qualified group we've ever had in our five-year history. Below is a short glimpse into why we believe our judges will help us find the best of the best in this year's huge pool of talented Talent Quest Florida singers. |
experience the talent Florida has to offer.After college he worked as a high
experience the talent Florida has to offer.After college he worked as a high
school music teacher and has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony
Chorus under the direction of the late Margaret Hawkins. He has also sung
with the Denver Gay Men's Chorus and the St. Petersburg Gay Men's
Chorus. He has also dabbled in community theater. Dave would like to
wish the best of luck to all of the contestants in Talent Quest Florida
2009.wish the best of luck to all of the contestants in Talent Quest Florida
2009.
experience the talent Florida has to offer.After college he worked as a high
school music teacher and has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony
Chorus under the direction of the late Margaret Hawkins. He has also sung
with the Denver Gay Men's Chorus and the St. Petersburg Gay Men's
Chorus. He has also dabbled in community theater. Dave would like to
wish the best of luck to all of the contestants in Talent Quest Florida
2009.wish the best of luck to all of the contestants in Talent Quest Florida
2009.
| Dave Sommers |
working with Talent Quest Florida. He is the Founder & Artistic Director of Gypsy Productions Inc. The Gulf Coast's only
Gay-owned and Operated Professional Theatre company providing alternative theater experiences to the Tampa Bay area.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Trevor has been working in theatre in one capacity or another for 30 years. He graduated
from California University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Speech Communications and Mass Media. Mr. Keller trained in
classical and opera music for 17 years before branching in to the professional theater arena. Prior to moving to Florida in
1993, Trevor performed as Mr. Gay Gulf Coast All American.
Currently Keller's theater company is operating out of the Crowne Theatre in St. Petersburg. For information, visit
GyspyProductions.org.
Gay-owned and Operated Professional Theatre company providing alternative theater experiences to the Tampa Bay area.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Trevor has been working in theatre in one capacity or another for 30 years. He graduated
from California University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Speech Communications and Mass Media. Mr. Keller trained in
classical and opera music for 17 years before branching in to the professional theater arena. Prior to moving to Florida in
1993, Trevor performed as Mr. Gay Gulf Coast All American.
Currently Keller's theater company is operating out of the Crowne Theatre in St. Petersburg. For information, visit
GyspyProductions.org.
| Trevor Keller |
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. This will be his third year as a judge with Talent Quest Florida.
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 third year as a judge for Talent Quest Florida and he
is very much looking forward to this year's competition. He'd like to wish
every contestant the best of luck in 2009.
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. This will be his third year as a judge with Talent Quest Florida.
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 third year as a judge for Talent Quest Florida and he
is very much looking forward to this year's competition. He'd like to wish
every contestant the best of luck in 2009.
| Donal Noonan |
Christopher is an actor, model, songwriter and vocal
coach who has spent most of his life in the spotlight.
While serving in the Air Force in the 1970s, he joined
a professional singing and acting troupe in Minot
North Dakota. In 1979 he co-founded the funk, blues,
disco show band Reflections, which produced two
records. Since then he has toured with several bands,
singing lead and backup vocals a well as working in
management and promotions. In 2000, Christopher
started BCJ Entertainment Wizards and performs as
DJ/KJ Shmuu. He has ran several successful karaoke
contests in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
This is his second year judging Talent Quest Florida.
coach who has spent most of his life in the spotlight.
While serving in the Air Force in the 1970s, he joined
a professional singing and acting troupe in Minot
North Dakota. In 1979 he co-founded the funk, blues,
disco show band Reflections, which produced two
records. Since then he has toured with several bands,
singing lead and backup vocals a well as working in
management and promotions. In 2000, Christopher
started BCJ Entertainment Wizards and performs as
DJ/KJ Shmuu. He has ran several successful karaoke
contests in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
This is his second year judging Talent Quest Florida.
| Christopher Walters |
Staci is tickled to be 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. She
admires the courage it takes to stand up and sing
in front of an audience and wishes everyone the
best of luck!
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. She
admires the courage it takes to stand up and sing
in front of an audience and wishes everyone the
best of luck!
| Staci Backhauskas |
Chuck is one of America's great voice talents. With nearly three
decades of experience, Chuck has a host of commercial and
not-for-profit work to his credit. His voice lends itself to any style or
character. This is his second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge
and is excited to once again be a part of the contest. Chuck is the
morning television traffic anchor for Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay and
also held a fill-in anchor position on that station's morning news. He
is also the executive director of the Clip Film Festival. He has done
voice work with radio stations across the U.S. and has been the
official voice of several corporate ad campaigns. Every year he is the
emcee for the
Chicagoland Showcase in Arlington Heights, Ill.
decades of experience, Chuck has a host of commercial and
not-for-profit work to his credit. His voice lends itself to any style or
character. This is his second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge
and is excited to once again be a part of the contest. Chuck is the
morning television traffic anchor for Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay and
also held a fill-in anchor position on that station's morning news. He
is also the executive director of the Clip Film Festival. He has done
voice work with radio stations across the U.S. and has been the
official voice of several corporate ad campaigns. Every year he is the
emcee for the
Chicagoland Showcase in Arlington Heights, Ill.
Chuck Henson
| Sharon Gwozdz |
| Thomas Young |
Sharon's background is as diverse as her last name (pronounced Ga-Vusch).
The financial planner has a background in performance arts with a double
minor in political science and philosophy. She has always had a passion for the
arts a considered a career on the stage before deciding to enter the world of
finances.
She has always had a love of dance and she says if she could meet anyone in
the world, it would be Isadora Duncan, the visionary dance artist of the 19th
and early 20th centuries who many say revolutionized dance.
Sharon is active in many aspects of the Tampa Bay community and volunteers
on several boards of non-profit organizations. This is her second year as a
Talent Quest Florida judge and is excited to return to the world of
entertainment.
The financial planner has a background in performance arts with a double
minor in political science and philosophy. She has always had a passion for the
arts a considered a career on the stage before deciding to enter the world of
finances.
She has always had a love of dance and she says if she could meet anyone in
the world, it would be Isadora Duncan, the visionary dance artist of the 19th
and early 20th centuries who many say revolutionized dance.
Sharon is active in many aspects of the Tampa Bay community and volunteers
on several boards of non-profit organizations. This is her second year as a
Talent Quest Florida judge and is excited to return to the world of
entertainment.
Thomas 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 second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
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 second year as a Talent Quest Florida judge.
Brick has been on the theatre scene since coming to
St.Pete in ’95. Before Florida, she did theatre and
stand-up comedy in NYC. Raised in Virginia Beach,
she was part of a “musical comedy” phenomenon
known as the “Hurrah! Players” which is still turning
out Broadway stars! Favorite parts include Rose in
“Gypsy”, Annie in “Chicago”, Yente in “Fiddler on
the Roof” and Joan in “Dames at Sea”. She now calls
Gypsy Productions “home” and is proud to be apart
of a theatre alternative!
St.Pete in ’95. Before Florida, she did theatre and
stand-up comedy in NYC. Raised in Virginia Beach,
she was part of a “musical comedy” phenomenon
known as the “Hurrah! Players” which is still turning
out Broadway stars! Favorite parts include Rose in
“Gypsy”, Annie in “Chicago”, Yente in “Fiddler on
the Roof” and Joan in “Dames at Sea”. She now calls
Gypsy Productions “home” and is proud to be apart
of a theatre alternative!
| Brick |
Joseph is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
He has appeared on stage, TV, commercials and in over 20 films
in Hollywood and Europe, including the cult classic, The Slumber
Party Massacre. He has written several film scripts (Iced) and
stage plays, most notably a one man show he wrote and
performed- The Nether World of Edgar Allan Poe. A talented
teacher and director, Joe has previously served on the teaching
staff at American Stage in St. Petersburg and The American
Overseas School in Rome. In Tampa Bay he is a frequent
performer at The Early Bird Dinner Theatre and performed in
numerous productions with Gypsy Productions, Venue Ensemble
and the Gulfport players. Favorite roles include Virgin Mary in
Corpus Christi, Ed in Torch Song Trilogy and Victor in Private
Lives. Joe is an avid karaoke fan and performer, has won several
contests and has high hopes and best wishes for the performers in
Talent Quest Florida 2009.
He has appeared on stage, TV, commercials and in over 20 films
in Hollywood and Europe, including the cult classic, The Slumber
Party Massacre. He has written several film scripts (Iced) and
stage plays, most notably a one man show he wrote and
performed- The Nether World of Edgar Allan Poe. A talented
teacher and director, Joe has previously served on the teaching
staff at American Stage in St. Petersburg and The American
Overseas School in Rome. In Tampa Bay he is a frequent
performer at The Early Bird Dinner Theatre and performed in
numerous productions with Gypsy Productions, Venue Ensemble
and the Gulfport players. Favorite roles include Virgin Mary in
Corpus Christi, Ed in Torch Song Trilogy and Victor in Private
Lives. Joe is an avid karaoke fan and performer, has won several
contests and has high hopes and best wishes for the performers in
Talent Quest Florida 2009.
| Joseph A. Johnson |
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”.
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”.
| A. Paul Johnson |
Francine Wolf is a veteran actress, singer, improviser, woman of many voices and
karaoke competition winner. Francine was most recently seen in American Stage
Theatre’s Lysistrata as Calonice. Other favorite roles include: Bitsy Mae Harlin in
Gypsy Productions’ Sordid Lives, Eve Envy at Tampa’s Side Splitters Comedy Club in
the national touring show of Penis Dialogues; Maria in Lend Me a Tenor at the Early
Bird Dinner Theatre; Renee in The Female Version of The Odd Couple at Angel
Cabaret; and Jacqueline in La Cage Aux Folles. You may have seen and heard one of
Francine’s most famous voice-over projects - Princess Babs, the Trash Talker Doll.
Francine loves judging talent and served as judge for the monthly Magic 94.9 WWRM-
FM Children’s Talent Show in Ybor City, as well as adjudicating for the District IV
High School Thespian Festival in Clearwater.
This multi-talented performer is the owner of ZaZu Productions, (www.ZaZuProductions.
com), which specializes in providing entertainment and improv workshops at parties,
corporate events and cruise ships. Francine is a member of AFTRA, the new Ruth
Eckerd Hall improv group The Yesmen, and past president of the Senior Repertory of
Ohio.
She is excited to be a first-time judge for this Talent Quest Florida competition.
karaoke competition winner. Francine was most recently seen in American Stage
Theatre’s Lysistrata as Calonice. Other favorite roles include: Bitsy Mae Harlin in
Gypsy Productions’ Sordid Lives, Eve Envy at Tampa’s Side Splitters Comedy Club in
the national touring show of Penis Dialogues; Maria in Lend Me a Tenor at the Early
Bird Dinner Theatre; Renee in The Female Version of The Odd Couple at Angel
Cabaret; and Jacqueline in La Cage Aux Folles. You may have seen and heard one of
Francine’s most famous voice-over projects - Princess Babs, the Trash Talker Doll.
Francine loves judging talent and served as judge for the monthly Magic 94.9 WWRM-
FM Children’s Talent Show in Ybor City, as well as adjudicating for the District IV
High School Thespian Festival in Clearwater.
This multi-talented performer is the owner of ZaZu Productions, (www.ZaZuProductions.
com), which specializes in providing entertainment and improv workshops at parties,
corporate events and cruise ships. Francine is a member of AFTRA, the new Ruth
Eckerd Hall improv group The Yesmen, and past president of the Senior Repertory of
Ohio.
She is excited to be a first-time judge for this Talent Quest Florida competition.
| Francine Wolf |
Lauren Clark has graced the stages of most
theatres in the Tampa Bay area as a musical theatre
powerhouse vocalist. She has appeared in Bat Boy,
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Best Little Whorehouse in
Texas and Urinetown, among others. Lauren has her
BA in Perfoming Arts from the University of Tampa
and has studied voice with Yvonne Dechance and
Ron Billingsly. She frequently hosts radio shows for
APOLLO PROJECT on iTunes radio and
Live.365.com and is a sought-after musical theatre
coach and class teacher in St. Petersburg.
theatres in the Tampa Bay area as a musical theatre
powerhouse vocalist. She has appeared in Bat Boy,
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Best Little Whorehouse in
Texas and Urinetown, among others. Lauren has her
BA in Perfoming Arts from the University of Tampa
and has studied voice with Yvonne Dechance and
Ron Billingsly. She frequently hosts radio shows for
APOLLO PROJECT on iTunes radio and
Live.365.com and is a sought-after musical theatre
coach and class teacher in St. Petersburg.
| Lauren Clark |
| Frank Meekins |
Moving from the Boston area to Tampa Bay in 1998, Frank 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. Currently, he is musically directing The Music Man at New Tampa
Players and conducting 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!
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. Currently, he is musically directing The Music Man at New Tampa
Players and conducting 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!
| We would like to thank our team of judges who helped us at the local finals throughout the state in 2009. |
Lonza won Talent Quest Florida's 2008 male
contemporary category and went on to win the
overall national title last September. He has
performed at venues throughout the state and
plans to return to the Talent Quest National
competition this September as an entertainer and
a judge. He recently finished recording his
album as part of his national Talent Quest win.
He has enjoyed his experience with Talent Quest
Florida and wishes all of our contestants the
best of luck.
contemporary category and went on to win the
overall national title last September. He has
performed at venues throughout the state and
plans to return to the Talent Quest National
competition this September as an entertainer and
a judge. He recently finished recording his
album as part of his national Talent Quest win.
He has enjoyed his experience with Talent Quest
Florida and wishes all of our contestants the
best of luck.
| Lonza Bartlett |
Jenny Jones won Talent Quest Florida
2005's country and contemporary
categories. She is the only contestant to
win dual categories in the same year. She
has competed on the national level
several times and has consistently placed
in the top 20 in both pop and country.
She has performed at charity events with
Talent Quest Florida and was recently
crowned Miss Gasparilla Elite in 2009.
2005's country and contemporary
categories. She is the only contestant to
win dual categories in the same year. She
has competed on the national level
several times and has consistently placed
in the top 20 in both pop and country.
She has performed at charity events with
Talent Quest Florida and was recently
crowned Miss Gasparilla Elite in 2009.
| Jenny Jones |
She has won numerous
singing competitions and
Entertainment. Nichol has
actively supported Talent
Entertainment. Nichol has
actively supported Talent
Quest Florida for the past five
years and worked as a KJ at
two of our local venues in
2009.KJ at two of our local
venues in 2009.
singing competitions and
Entertainment. Nichol has
actively supported Talent
Entertainment. Nichol has
actively supported Talent
Quest Florida for the past five
years and worked as a KJ at
two of our local venues in
2009.KJ at two of our local
venues in 2009.
| Nichol Benoit |
Jim has recorded four albums, one
acoustic, and is a music director
with a church in Dade City, Florida.
He has toured with a gospel quartet
and has worked with some of the
biggest names in Gospel music. In
2008, Jim worked as a regional and
local judge for Talent Quest Florida.
He would like to wish the best of
luck to all of this year's qualifiers.
acoustic, and is a music director
with a church in Dade City, Florida.
He has toured with a gospel quartet
and has worked with some of the
biggest names in Gospel music. In
2008, Jim worked as a regional and
local judge for Talent Quest Florida.
He would like to wish the best of
luck to all of this year's qualifiers.
| Jim Sartain |
| Chad Cornwell |
Chad David Cornwell is a new transplant to St. Petersburg 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 premier in the
Tampa area this fall. An accomplished voice teacher and coach, Chad has worked with
classical and pop/rock singers for over 10 years, bringing out both powerful vocals and
strong performance skills.
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 premier in the
Tampa area this fall. An accomplished voice teacher and coach, Chad has worked with
classical and pop/rock singers for over 10 years, bringing out both powerful vocals and
strong performance skills.
La'Trice 'Lala' Sharp is the CEO of Gemini Studios3 and is the
producer and promoter of the Pridemate Rainbow QT Lesbian
Pinup Maglendar (magazine+catalog+calendar of events). She is
also a dancer but she prefers to refer to herself as a motivator.
The Indianapolis native resides in Clearwater. This is her first
year as a Talent Quest Florida judge. She's looking forward to
seeing the talent the state has to offer this year.
producer and promoter of the Pridemate Rainbow QT Lesbian
Pinup Maglendar (magazine+catalog+calendar of events). She is
also a dancer but she prefers to refer to herself as a motivator.
The Indianapolis native resides in Clearwater. This is her first
year as a Talent Quest Florida judge. She's looking forward to
seeing the talent the state has to offer this year.
| La'Trice Sharp |
Christian Maier is an actor and singer living and working in
NYC. He is a graduate of New York University with a double
major in Political Theory and Acting. Christian is returning to
the Bay area for this special event. A native of New York. He
has been singing and acting for 20 years. Favorite role include
Dauntless in Once Upon a Matress and Hero in Forum,
Professionally he has been seen on Bay area stages in Women
Behind Bars, Gemini and Torch Song Trilogy as well as Servant
of Two Masters, Life, Love and Chaos. Christian would like to
spread the message of Peace and Love.This is his first year as
a Talent Quest Florida judge.
NYC. He is a graduate of New York University with a double
major in Political Theory and Acting. Christian is returning to
the Bay area for this special event. A native of New York. He
has been singing and acting for 20 years. Favorite role include
Dauntless in Once Upon a Matress and Hero in Forum,
Professionally he has been seen on Bay area stages in Women
Behind Bars, Gemini and Torch Song Trilogy as well as Servant
of Two Masters, Life, Love and Chaos. Christian would like to
spread the message of Peace and Love.This is his first year as
a Talent Quest Florida judge.
| Christian Maier |
| Mele |
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. Mele expresses the best of luck to all of
this year’s Talent Quest Florida contestants.
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. Mele expresses the best of luck to all of
this year’s Talent Quest Florida contestants.
