SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK, LIVE OAK, FLA – Nine single artists, one band and one duo will compete Friday, July 13, to win the North Florida Texaco Country Showdown finals at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) in Live Oak, Fla. Competing are aspiring country artists Nalani Quintello of Orange Park, Clay Brooker of Waldo, Jimmie Coleman of Jacksonville, Demi Downing of Adel, Ga; Rion Paige of Jacksonville, The Terry Cole Show of Central Florida, Duo Nick Kirby and Ashley Kirby Starling of Live Oak, Stephen Combs of Glen St. Mary, Jamie Howard of Sanderson, Johnny Reed Foley of Port Orange and Ricky Tannar of Inverness.
The winner will represent North Florida, WQHL the Big 98 radio station and the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park during the state finals which will also be held at the SOSMP Sept. 8.
After state competition, it’s just two steps from winning $100,000 and being named the Best New Act in Country Music at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in January of 2013!
The artists are a mixed group of amateurs, semi-professionals and those who live to be on stage performing. The youngest contestant, Rion Paige, is just 11 years old and can hold her own with the teenagers and adults in this contest! Each contestant brings something unique and unusual in their performance ability, songwriting, singing and/or ability to play a musical instrument. Some have already performed in various night spots in Nashville and all long to be a permanent performing resident of the capitol of country music filled with country music stars, recording studios and of course, the Grand Ole Opry!
But first, these artists must compete July 13 in the SOSMP Music Hall to see who will be chosen by a panel of judges to compete at state.
Competition begins at 8 p.m. Friday, July 13, in the Music Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission to the Texaco Country Showdown at the SOSMP is free. Many family members and friends will be on hand to cheer on their loved ones in this competition so be sure to arrive early for the best seating and to enjoy dinner prior to the competition.
As always, the SOS Café and Restaurant will be open with delicious food and beverages available at regular prices.
Yes, the SOSMP is open, above water and dry in spite of the recent visit by Tropical Storm Debby so if you would like to make reservations for RV parking, cabins and camper parking for the Texaco Country Showdown Finals, call now to make sure you get a good spot. You may call the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park at 386-364-1683, email
spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. You may also contact the SOSMP to inquire about any of the many exciting events coming up such as Labor Day, Magnolia Fest featuring such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Del McCoury Band and Emmylou Harris, Spirit Kids Music Camp and Bobby Lee Rodgers Guitar workshop, Raid on the Suwannee Civil War Re-enactment and many other wonderful events this year. See the SOSMP website for more information.
The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located at 3076 95th Drive 4.5 miles north of Live Oak, Fl off US 129 at the famous Suwannee River. The park is 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 off US 129. Keep an eye out for the SOSMP sign and white painted board fence!
