News & Press
Oct. 2nd, 2011-Franc WINS at Suncoast Blues Challenge!
The Suncoast Blues Challenge was held at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa, and I won the Solo-Duo portion of the competition, and placed second overall, behind Selwyn Birchwood Band. Now, on to Memphis and the International Blues Challenge, Feb. 1st-4th, 2012!!!
May 3rd , 2011-A Great Review of "Why Do I Never Win" and more concerts!
Why Do I Never Win just got a GREAT review over at Americanbluesscene.com! Click through to read it! Also, we've been signed to some more festivals, including the St. John's River Blues Festival (Nov. 12th), Cotee River Bikefest (Oct. 8th), and Homosassa Blues 'n' BBQ (Nov. 5th)-watch this space, some more fests will be announced soon!
March 8th, 2011-"Why Do I Never Win" is Released!
The CDs have arrived, the website is setup, now all we need is YOU! Starting this Tuesday, you can buy the CD from the Mind Balm Website, all the usual online outlets, and starting in April, a number of retail stores throughout the country!
In other news, we've been signed to play the Palatka Spring Concert Series in June, and we're returning to the Southen Pines Blues & BBQ Festival in Perry, FL on Dec. 9th-10th. More concert bookings are coming, so stay tuned!
Also, "Cotee River Blues" was played on KFFA's "King Biscuit Time" show (yes, THAT show!) on Feb. 1st... listen here to the show!
December 21st-Radio Interview, and New CD Is Finished!
Franc is being interviewed by "Ed Bone" of www.bonechannel.com for their weekly podcast. Included in the interview will be 2 songs, including one from the new Mind Balm Records CD "Why Do I Never Win". You can listen to the broadcast here. A CD release party will be held on Feb. 25th at Stormie's in New Port Richey-stay tuned for more details!
In other news, Franc and Lee Pons will be heading to Memphis, TN for The Mind Balm Records showcase, to be held at Mr. Handy's Blues Hall on Feb. 3rd, 2011 (2-4 pm) CDs will be available at this show!
November 24th-FR&BT WIN St. Johns River Blues Festival Battle Of The Blues Bands
Competing against 15 other bands over 2 days, Franc, Trent and Remi won FIRST overall at The St. Johns River Blues Festival Battle Of The Blues Bands. The winner receives a booking for the Palatka Arts Council Spring Concert series, 4 hours recording time at Skylab Studios in Gainesville, FL as well as bookings at Downtown Blues Bar in Palatka, FL.
September 28th-Franc Robert signs with Mind Balm Records
Exciting news for us here at the Mind Balm compound - Tampa Bay-area guitarist and singer Franc Robert has agreed to release his next CD on Mind Balm Records.
Robert's current CD, 49X61, has been getting some solid radio airplay over this past summer, spending much of it somewhere on the Roots Music Report's Florida chart.
Robert's next CD will likely feature a rougher, more stripped-down sound than 49X61. It is expected to be soft-released in March of 2011.
Check back here for details as they develop ...
July 12th-"49 Cross 61" hits #1!!!
This morning, "49 Cross 61" hit #1 on the www.musictampabay.com chart!!! Also, "49x61" has appeared on the Roots Music Florida Chart @ #14!!!
We are also booked into the Southern Pines Blues & BBQ Festival, held each December in Perry, FL. More details on that soon!
July 6th-Radio Play!!!
Stations that have reported playing "49 Cross 61":
- WMNF 88.5, Tampa, FL
- WEMU 89.1 Ypsilanti, MI
- WEFT 90.1 Champaign, IL
- MusicTampaBay.com (streaming internet radio)
- Bandana Blues Radio (Podcast)
- Raven 'n' Blues (Podcast from England!)
- Blues 'n' Boogie Radio (a live365 internet station)
I'll add to this list as time goes on-if you hear the song, drop me a line and let me know!
Keep voting for "49 Cross 61" at Music Tampa Bay. It's now up to #2 on the MTB chart-let's get to #1!!! CDs are also being sent to stations all over the country-request it from your favorite blues dj!!
June 28th, 2010
"49 Cross 61" Enters MTB's Top Ten
Vote for "49 Cross 61" at Music Tampa Bay. CDs are also being sent to stations all over the country-request it from your favorite blues dj!!
June 7th, 2010
Franc Robert is this week's featured artist on MusicTampaBay.com
From MusicTampaBay's front page:
Franc Robert takes the Feature Artist spotlight this week with his unique brand of blues, captured in a soulful collection of songs that intersect life's roadways to Heartache and Sorrow.
MTB has agreed to critique this album for the Suncoast Blues Society and will be providing comments for publication in the SBS bi-monthly publication, Twelve Bar Rag. Listener opinions about songs from the CD, which are being heard in the music stream once every hour through the week, are welcome, and may be included in the final critique. All 11 tracks can also be heard instantly at myspace.com/francrobert, which also contains personal background about the artist and upcoming local appearances.
April 18th, 2010
Franc Robert & The Boxcar Tourists To Play Blues On Green Festival in Fort Myers, FL
Franc Robert & The Boxcar Tourists announce that they have been booked to play the 2nd Annual Blues On Green Festival, held at the Fort Myers Beach Golf Club, on May 2nd, 2010. Headlining the festival is Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, along with Sean Carney Band, Tommy McCoy & The Tuff Tones, Bird Dog Bobby & The Honey Hounds, Craig Kenning, and many others. More information can be found at The Island Arts Foundation website.
