| Newberry Backyard BBQ |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Interested in more information aboutTalent Quest Sunshine State? Click here or Contact us at 727-374-8072 or by e-mailing us at Phil@TalentQuestSunshineState.com |
| Explosive talent dominates packed Newberry finals |
NEWBERRY For years, Talent Quest
Sunshine State owners Phil Garris and
Steve Blanchard have wanted to tap
into the talent lurking in north-central
Florida. On March 12, they finally got a
chance to hear what they've been
missing.
"The shear talent in that restaurant was
above and beyond what we could have
expected," said Garris, who also served
as the contest's head judge. "I don't
want to take anything away from our
other venues, but this was one of the
most enjoyable contests we've had!."
The final, held at Backyard Barbecue,
was at capacity with nearly 40
Sunshine State owners Phil Garris and
Steve Blanchard have wanted to tap
into the talent lurking in north-central
Florida. On March 12, they finally got a
chance to hear what they've been
missing.
"The shear talent in that restaurant was
above and beyond what we could have
expected," said Garris, who also served
as the contest's head judge. "I don't
want to take anything away from our
other venues, but this was one of the
most enjoyable contests we've had!."
The final, held at Backyard Barbecue,
was at capacity with nearly 40
performers taking the small stage. While most of the singers had qualified at the venue in previous
weeks, a few came from neighboring Alley Gatorz Bowling Alley in Gainesville.
"While walking through the crowd during the performances, it struck me as to what a success this final
was for us," said Blanchard, the contest's emcee. "It was standing room only and every person who
performed captivated the audience. It was an amazing, very fun day. I can't wait to see these guys and
girls at the regional finals. If they stick to their A-Game, Newberry could do very well next month.
In all, a record 27 performances advanced through to the Talent Quest Sunshine State regional finals,
which are April 7-10 at the Double Tree Westshore Hotel in downtown Tampa. Tickets for
non-competitors are available on our "Tickets" link above and a Regional Schedule is also linked at the
top of this page.
weeks, a few came from neighboring Alley Gatorz Bowling Alley in Gainesville.
"While walking through the crowd during the performances, it struck me as to what a success this final
was for us," said Blanchard, the contest's emcee. "It was standing room only and every person who
performed captivated the audience. It was an amazing, very fun day. I can't wait to see these guys and
girls at the regional finals. If they stick to their A-Game, Newberry could do very well next month.
In all, a record 27 performances advanced through to the Talent Quest Sunshine State regional finals,
which are April 7-10 at the Double Tree Westshore Hotel in downtown Tampa. Tickets for
non-competitors are available on our "Tickets" link above and a Regional Schedule is also linked at the
top of this page.
