David Turner, Class of ’88, is in a band. No, not a garage band that only gets together on the weekends to jam. And not a band that only plays your cousin’s wedding or the occasional bar mitzvah. A band that is about to release its second CD. The band is called John Q, and they’re headed to Chicago to compete in a national battle of the bands competition.
Dave has been with John Q since it was formed in June 2007. The band is based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is comprised of John Allison (Lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Scott Mcatasney (Bass/vocals), Brian Oliver (Drums), and Dave Turner (Lead guitar). Dave started playing guitar seriously when he was about 15, when he lived in Rota. In fact, he and a few other Rota Admirals had a band while at DGF called Paradox. Other members of that band included (not all at once) Sean Hultz, Dave Stickney, Bill Gold, Mike van Dorth, Dave Tyson, Barry Couch, and Kacy Jones. A few of those guys have gone on to also form or be part of currently successful bands, which will be covered here soon.
John Q’s music, according to Dave, is “a cross between John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Ben Harper, U2, Kenny Wayne Shepard, and Johnny Lang.” A lot of diverse influences there. Even so, John Q has managed to create and maintain their own unique sound, and it’s getting them noticed.
The band’s first CD, Brushfire, came out in December 2007. They just recently completed their new album, Sunrise, which they’re hoping will be released within the next few months. If all goes the way the band hopes it does, they’ll eventually tour. For now, John Q performs in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dade City, Bradenton, Safety Harbor, Newport Richey, Madeira Beach, Palmetto and Valdosta.
The Landshark Lager Battle of the Bands has been going on since July 16 of this year. John Q has made it to this, the third round, taking place in Chicago, with three other bands. Eight other bands are competing in this round in two other cities, Nashville and Austin. If John Q is successful in Chicago, they’ll move on to the fourth and final round which takes place October 23 through November 23.
This Thursday night in Chicago, John Q will take the stage at a venue called Double Door. If you’re in the area, and would like to check them out, doors open at 8pm, but you must first RSVP on the Battle of the Bands Web site.
If you can’t make it there in person, stop by the John Q Facebook page to leave them your good wishes. And keep an eye on John Q. They’re headed for good things.
