Women of the Tampa Bay music scene - Kristie Blue

Welcome to the 16th edition of the “Women of the Tampa Bay Music Scene” editorial series, dedicated solely to honoring the talented females who work in the Tampa Bay music scene, both on stage & behind the scenes. Each article in the "Women of the Tampa Bay Music Scene" editorial series will profile a different female, giving fans a chance to learn more about their respective backgrounds.

Today’s edition profiles Kristie Blue, vocalist for such bands as the Kristie Blue Band, The Groove Addicts, Black Rose, and the new Blue Street Groove.

Kristie Blue has always loved singing ever since she could remember. Kristie’s first time on stage was at the young age of 7 years old when she sang with the band at her aunt’s wedding. In school, Kristie was in concert chorus from 6th grade all the way thru high school. Kristie was a Soloist in “All County Chorus” 3 yrs in a row in 7th 8th & 9th grades. Kristie was chosen to sing the national anthem at her middle school homecoming game. She also sang “America the Beautiful” during the naturalization ceremony of students at her middle school as well..

Outside of school, Kristie was a member of the Tampa Bay Children’s Theater Group from 1983 -1987. She Performed in many musical theater productions including “Camelot”, “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and “Romeo & Juliet”. Theater wasn’t the only form of medium to showcase Kristie’s talent however. Kristie also appeared in a few commercials and even Did a television pilot for PBS called “The Greasepaint Kids”...though the series did not get picked up unfortunately.

Kristie’s First band was a Fleetwood Mac/Heart tribute band that she joined in 1997 called “Sisters of the Moon”. The band was a short lived 5 piece band of hippies.

“They were good musicians and great people, I was so green at that time that I basically used that experience to get some stage time and learn how everything worked” - Kristie Blue

Kristie is mostly known locally for the band she formed in 1998, the Kristie Blue Band. The band went through several lineup changes in the first 3 or 4 years, and a few more over the next 4 or 5.

“The Kristie Blue Band and I both kind of “grew up” together. We played all over the bay area and had some great times.” - Kristie Blue

The band went through several different phases, but finally ran its course in 2010 after playing together for 12 years.

“We all pretty much agreed that we wanted to go in different directions musically.” - Kristie Blue

The other members of the Kristie Blue Band went on to form Papa Cherry.

Since The breakup of the Kristie Blue Band in 2010, Kristie has been sort of “playing the field”. Kristie had been makeing appearances, doing shows with musician friends from bands such as the Cannon Quinn Band & Bucket List.

Kristie did a short stint with the Groove Addicts which included Cannon Quinn, Jerry Rayburn, and Mojo Dragonfly drummer, Damon Navari.

“Just did this one for about 6 months for fun with guys I always wanted to play with.” - Kristie Blue

After the Groove Addicts broke up, Kristie joined Black Rose in mid 2011, replacing the bands original singer. Kristie left Black Rose on August 28th, following a Black Rose show at the Wild Indian Saloon in Largo. After Kristie left Black Rose, the band disbanded for good.

“Black Rose was my first band where I got to sing originals and I really loved that, but turned out not to be my style as far as the show as a whole goes... But love the musicians in both of those bands so much.” - Kristie Blue

After Kristie’s departure from Black Rose, she wasted no time in forming a new band. Kristie partnered back up with her ex-Groove Addicts drummer, Damon Navari, to form Blue Street Groove along with Cameron Schmitz on Guitar, and Bill Holton on Bass. Blue Street Groove is an R&B /Funk/Dance band.

“This is the band that I’ve always wanted to be in. It’s completely different than anything I’ve ever done. All my new players are so kick ass! Even though this is my first time doing a band like this, this is the most true to the music that I love, listen to and grew up with. We are doing covers right now but plan on writing and performing originals as well. Also, I think this is the best vehicle for my voice that I’ve ever had the privilege to be involved in.” - Kristie Blue

Kristie Blue will debut Blue Street Groove on October 21st at Whiskey Willie’s in Lutz. The band will also play a 2nd show the following night at Whiskey Willie’s as well.

“I really can’t wait for everyone to hear this band, I couldn’t be more excited and proud.” - Kristie Blue

*To read the previous articles in the “Women Of The Tampa Bay Music Scene” editorial series, click on the following links:

• Introduction article - published March 8th, 2011.
  
• Leslie Redman of Twisted Logic - published March 13th, 2011.
  
• Heather Forgét of D. Bailey Management - published March 14th, 2011.
• Reina Collins of Blue Cypress - published March 17th, 2011.
• Kathi “FIFI” Randall - published March 27th, 2011.
  
• Beth Hammer of Velvet Hammer - published March 29th, 2011.
• Randee, Wendy Wickholm & Theresa Santiago of Black Rose - published March 31st, 2011.
• Michelle Basch of Mojo Dragonfly - published April 2nd, 2011.
• Lisa Hayn of Mojo Dragonfly - published April 3rd, 2011.
• Robin Eads of The Red Sunday - published April 14th, 2011.
  
• Amber Lynn Nicole - published June 28th, 2011.
• Dina Mead of Bay Area Band Source - published July 2nd, 2011.
• LiLi Le Bullet of Triage - published July 14th, 2011.
• Katy Decker of Mena Brinno - published July 23rd, 2011.
  
• Meli of Black Pearl Rock Radio - published August 21st, 2011.
• XZanthia - Radio Show Host & DJ - published August 28th, 2011.

*If you are a female musician, band manager, booking agent, etc. in the Tampa Bay area, and would like to be included in the “Women Of The Tampa Bay Music Scene” editorial series, you can submit your bio and promo pics to Keith Wilkins at kampublishing@aol.com.

© copyright 2011 KAM Music Publishing.

Keith Wilkins is a syndicated music columnist living in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Keith's St. Petersburg Live music Bar Scene column which originates in his flagship publication, the Examiner, was the "2010 Most Read Examiner Column" in the St. Petersburg (Tampa Bay) market. Keith's articles can also be read on The Bay Buzz website where Keith is a contributing writer, and on World News America as well.

All articles published in the St. Petersburg Live Music Bar Scene column are written by Keith Wilkins, and fall under federal copyright laws. Articles cannot be re-printed, re-posted, or re-produced in whole without written consent by the author (Keith Wilkins), KAM Music Publishing, or the Examiner.com. Partial re-printing, re-posting, or re-producing with a link back to the original article is permitted. For consent, questions, or comments, please email Keith Wilkins c/o Amy Joyner at: kampublishing@aol.com.