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"You can tell that these contestants are learning more and more each year. Plus it was great
seeing everyone."
Steve Blanchard, emcee and co-owner, said that the first local final of the season reminded
him of why he loves this competition.
"Walking into that bar was like walking into a family reunion," Blanchard said. "There were
hand shakes and hugs before we got started. It as really exciting to see how excited
everyone was to welcome us back into their venue. It's a rewarding feeling. The experience
got me excited for Talent Quest Florida 2010.
In all, 18 people advanced to the TQFL 2010 regional finals, which are July 8-11 at the Double
Tree Westshore Hotel in Tampa.
This marks the third year that Mookey's has been a local venue for this contest
seeing everyone."
Steve Blanchard, emcee and co-owner, said that the first local final of the season reminded
him of why he loves this competition.
"Walking into that bar was like walking into a family reunion," Blanchard said. "There were
hand shakes and hugs before we got started. It as really exciting to see how excited
everyone was to welcome us back into their venue. It's a rewarding feeling. The experience
got me excited for Talent Quest Florida 2010.
In all, 18 people advanced to the TQFL 2010 regional finals, which are July 8-11 at the Double
Tree Westshore Hotel in Tampa.
This marks the third year that Mookey's has been a local venue for this contest
| It was Ladies' Night at Sunset Grille |
ST. PETERSBURG The
women were in charge
during the local finals at
Sunset Grille in St.
Petersburg on June 9. The
women's pop and country
categories were packed
with talent. Three other
categories only had one
participant each.
"It was unbalanced, but
the talent was still
excellent," said Steve
Blanchard, emcee and
contest co-owner. "Sunset
women were in charge
during the local finals at
Sunset Grille in St.
Petersburg on June 9. The
women's pop and country
categories were packed
with talent. Three other
categories only had one
participant each.
"It was unbalanced, but
the talent was still
excellent," said Steve
Blanchard, emcee and
contest co-owner. "Sunset
Grille stepped in and really helped us out on this one."
The Restaurant and Bar took over the local competition when Partners, St. Pete's original
venue, cancelled on the contest. So several of the singers had qualified at a different venue.
"I think a lot can be said for [KJ] Jacke," said Phil Garris, head judge and contest co-owner.
"She has experience in the contest as a former contestant and she helped us find the right local
venue for Talent Quest Florida 2010. We couldn't be happier."
The singers who qualified at Sunset Grille will advance to the Talent Quest Florida Regional
Final at the Westshore DoubleTree Hotel in Tampa on July 8-11. The weekend-long competition
is expected to bring nearly 400 singers from throughout Tampa. In all, 17 venues are
participating this year.
"Each year we're amazed at the number of singers who have embraced this competition," Garris
said. "Once they learn what it's all about they seem to get hooked and that makes us really
proud of what we're doing here. Yes, this is a competition, but it's also about having fun. I'm
looking forward to seeing the St. Pete contestants at the Regional finals."
The Restaurant and Bar took over the local competition when Partners, St. Pete's original
venue, cancelled on the contest. So several of the singers had qualified at a different venue.
"I think a lot can be said for [KJ] Jacke," said Phil Garris, head judge and contest co-owner.
"She has experience in the contest as a former contestant and she helped us find the right local
venue for Talent Quest Florida 2010. We couldn't be happier."
The singers who qualified at Sunset Grille will advance to the Talent Quest Florida Regional
Final at the Westshore DoubleTree Hotel in Tampa on July 8-11. The weekend-long competition
is expected to bring nearly 400 singers from throughout Tampa. In all, 17 venues are
participating this year.
"Each year we're amazed at the number of singers who have embraced this competition," Garris
said. "Once they learn what it's all about they seem to get hooked and that makes us really
proud of what we're doing here. Yes, this is a competition, but it's also about having fun. I'm
looking forward to seeing the St. Pete contestants at the Regional finals."
