Stokes and The Captiva Band ready to compete in blues challenge
Marty Stokes and The Captiva Band will appear at the South Florida Blues Society’s 2011 International Blues Challenge Sept. 18 in West Palm Beach.
“It’s good experience and fortifying for the band to perform in this type of environment,” said Stokes, who is the band’s singer, songwriter and guitarist.
During the competition, which will be at the B.B. King Blues Club in West Palm Beach, bands will be judged on originality, stage presence and blues content. Marty Stokes and The Captiva Band performed last year at Miami’s original blues club, Tobacco Road.
“We had never done anything like that,” said Stokes, who personally believed the band had the loudest crowd. “We didn’t know what to expect, but scored high. We didn’t place, though.”
The band – comprised of Stokes; Paul Brewer on the keyboards and vocals; singer Jennifer Mazziotti on the saxaphone; Todd Haut on bass and vocals; and singer Carveth Clauson on drums released their first CD in late 2009. The album, “Hear You Callin,” has received airplay in 30 countries.
“If its slowdown scorching blues you’re looking for, and I always am, you can stop here,” stated Peter “Blewzman” Lauro in his review of the album.
Marty Stokes and The Captiva Band bring the blues to Lee County venues on the weekend and was voted Most Favorite Act during last year’s ever-growing Bonita Blues Festival. The group is also the first blues band to represent Southwest Florida on the East Coast for the South Florida Blue’s Society.
Twelve of the best South Florida blues bands will be competing in West Palm Beach for $1,000 and the opportunity to represent the South Florida Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, held Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, 2012.
“Memphis is the key to venues across the United States,” said Stokes.
In the past 5 years, the South Florida Blues Society has proudly produced two international winners of the International Blues Challenge J.P. Soars and the RedHots, as well as Joey Gilmore and one finalist. The 12 bands selected to compete at the B.B. King Blues Club include:
Amy Arlo & Almost Blue
Beverly Lewis & The Mixx
The Bird Dog Bobby Band
Blues Dragon
Bobby & The Renegades
J.C. Crossfire
Joel Dasilva & The Midnight Howl
King Muddfish
Lowdown 13
Marty Stokes & The Captiva Band
The Nightcasters
Soulshine
If you would like to support the Southwest Coast entrant, Marty Stokes and The Captiva Band, the competition is at 2 p.m. and admission is $10. Mark you calendar for a great day of hot blues at the B.B. King Blues Lounge.