Creative Loafing Music Editor Highlights 10 Bands on the Brink

Tampa Bay bands with "the potential to be discovered, drum up a buzz, and get meaningful national exposure - in sum, artists poised to break out."

That's who Creative Loafing Music Editor Leilani Polk is choosing to highlight in the 2016 Music Issue, in print on Thursday, July 14, and online at cltampa.com/music.

Featured artists include Alexander & the Grapes, Betty DawL, Displace, The Jackettes, Jordan Esker & the Hundred Percent, PLEASURES, Polyenso, QueenofEx, Soapbox Soliloquy, and Sonic Graffiti. Along with acts highlighted in CL in the three weeks leading up to the Music Issue - Billy Mays III and Mouth Council, The Ries Brothers, and Mike Mass - that adds up to a baker's dozen of musical talents to watch out for.

Polk is also using the issue to announce another kind of "breakout": After more than a dozen years at CL, and more than three decades living in Florida, she's moving to Seattle. Her replacement, beginning in August, is Ray Roa, who has written for CL and for the Tampa Bay Times and tbt*, and was co-founder and editor of the online publication Suburban Apologist (SubAp!).

"Leilani has made a huge contribution to Creative Loafing and the local musical scene," said CL Editor-in-Chief David Warner, "this issue being just the latest of many in which she has celebrated the people who make music happen in Tampa Bay. We'll be sorry to see her go, but we know she's excited to open a new chapter in a new city, and we are thrilled to welcome Ray as her successor. The music community knows him already as a trusted voice, insightful observer and passionate fan, and we can't wait to see what he can do in this pivotal role on our editorial staff."

CL will celebrate the release of its annual music issue with a Record Fair on Sat. July 16 from 12-5 pm. at Lot 1901, 1901 E. 2nd Ave., Ybor City, featuring pop-up shops by Planet Retro Records, Daddy Kool Records, Mojo Books & Records, Microgroove and more. Admission is free. Co-sponsors include Lot 1901, Audio Visions South and Symphonic Distribution.

Creative Loafing is an award-winning alternative, weekly newspaper and website committed to providing Tampa Bay with an independent perspective, up-to-the-minute local news, and a comprehensive listing of local happenings. Creative Loafing offers readers' unique monthly events and CL Deals, a locally focused platform featuring dining and event experiences at half-off their regular price. For more information about Creative Loafing, visit cltampa.com and cldeals.com.

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