Welcome to the 17th 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 Jonnie Bandy, lead vocalist for the Bump in the Road Band.
Women of the Tampa Bay music scene - Jonnie Bandy of the Bump in the Road Band
by editor Keith Wilkins, St. Petersburg Live Music Bar Scene Examiner
October 15, 2011 www.examiner.com / live music bar scene
Welcome to the 17th 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 Jonnie Bandy, lead vocalist for the Bump in the Road Band.
Jonnie Bandy is a native to Florida, born and raised in Tampa. Jonnie grew up in the Seminole Heights area where she lived a couple blocks North of Hillsborough Avenue, spending time at the Henry & Ola playground as a child.
Music has been a part of Jonnie’s life as long as she can remember. Coming from a background of music, her father, Jake Chapman, was part of the Bucaroos Band back in the late 1930’s, and played live CBS radio shows until he went into the service. After the service her father played many local venues in Tampa and the surrounding counties, along with the joy of playing the fraternal organization like the American Legion, AmVets, Elks, Moose and Eagles lodges. Jonnie was no stranger to those affiliations herself. She joined her father and mother back in 1985 as the drummer of their group, Country Comfort trio. Her Dad played lead guitar and her Mom played keyboard while Jonnie drummed and sang country songs.
The last few years she was self taught at playing rhythm acoustic and electric guitar. Most recently a friend suggested she start playing her dad's guitar.
“I was just learning guitar when dad passed, so his Gibson ES335 sat in the closet for 3 years. A friend said "hey your dad would be so proud of you to see you playing music and having a band of your own.” - Jonnie
Now she proudly performs with her father's Gibson ES335. Once learning a few chords she couldn't wait to try and play some of the Classic Rock styles she had grew up listening to on the radio.
“My roots were in country music which will always have a special place in my heart, but there are so many Classic Rock tunes that I just love. I just try to learn as many songs as I can possibly learn.” - Jonnie
She spends most of her time learning new material and perfecting her performances by viewing videos taken at each performance.
“I would wither away if I didn't have music in my life. The highlight of my week is a performance...Seeing people smiling, dancing and having a good time, that is all I want to achieve is to make people have a good time, forget their troubles for little while and of course make the venue owners happy so we are invited back.” - Jonnie
Before creating the Bump in the Road Band, Jonnie performed for several years with Billy T. Ray and the Country Gentlemen, each year playing at the "Macdill Air Force Base Retired Officers Christmas party". She looked forward to it every year.
“What a great group of people to play music for.” - Jonnie
Jonnie has performed solo, duo, trio and full band with long time friend Phillip McGill. Before Bump in the Road their was a trio with Jonnie, Phillip and Lex...Co-workers who normally got together each year to perform for a local non-profit organization.
She also enjoys giving and sharing her time and talent for charity work. For the last 5 years, Jonnie has performed for LifePath Hospice's Camp Circle of Love for grieving children along with other public functions for LifePath Hospice such as many volunteer appreciation banquets and memorial services the last several years.
“There is no other feeling quite like the feeling of thanks and appreciation you receive.” - Jonnie
For the last 10 years, Jonnie has worked full time for HPC Healthcare. She enjoys being able to do her music as a hobby. Jonnie takes her music seriously but wants to have fun doing it.
“I encourage anyone to follow their dream especially in music. I couldn’t imagine the world
without it.” - Jonnie
Outside of her music, Jonnie loves to travel and see new places as well. Every chance she gets she loves heading out West to Arizona. Some of the favorite places she has visited is Sedona Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Moab Utah...These being some of her most scenic and memorable places she has visited. Jonnie finds true inspiration in natures beauty. Sandstone rock formations, valley streams and golden sunsets that takes your breath away.
“make you realize we are such a small part of God’s creation.” - Jonnie
Of course she brings her guitar with her on most vacations
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Bump in the Road Band featured in February 2012 Mayhem Magazine www.mayhammagtampa.com
by Anthony J. Arnold, President
Vertex Worldwide Media
-Tampa Bay's Mayhem Magazine
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Mayhem Magazine is Tampa Bay’s ONLY Magazine dedicated to the local musician’s venues and businesses that support them.
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