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7/19/06, 10:44 AM - While I am doing my time serving my country in Iraq, I am enjoying the music on the Tampa Bay Rock, Back Stage Pass on line Radio. I am from Pinellas Park and your station makes me feel closer to home. Charlie Souza you rock bud. I listened to your music hour. You're Awesome!
DC From: Iraq Email: classified

Charlie Souza and The New Tropics As seen on and
St. Pete Times article click here

I have seen Charlie Souza and the New Tropics live and not only are they having a great time, the audience has fun too! It's hard to tell who's having a better time!! They sound amazing . The new songs and their classics are true crowd pleasers. Charlie Souza is music! Let the man play!!" Marvelous Marvin Q105 F.M. WRBQ

July 22 2006 ~ Robinson High School Class of '66 Reunion
Trade Winds Beach Resort ~ St. Pete Beach

Charlie, Everyone commented how much they enjoyed listening to the "New Tropics" while experiencing some of the nostalgia of having you play for us. You carry-on the legend of the Tropics as being the best group to come from our area. Your mix of oldies and contemporary music was great. You made our reunion a truly memorable experience. We'll certainly be in touch for our 45th as I'm sure you'll still be "rockin". Thanks again.
Jerry Denney - Robinson High School Class of 66.

Sun, Sand and Symphony 2006
On the beach in Treasure Island, Florida

"You guys were great! Everybody loved you!"
Rick Taylor, Owner Ricky T's Beach Bars

May 20, 2006 - The Tropics Reunion Party! Live at Gators
Charlie, GREAT SHOW !! It was really good to see all the original Tropics back on stage again after all these years, ( way too many!!) Seems just like yesterday we were watching you guys at the old Surfer's Club and National Guard Armory. You were GREAT then, and your GREAT NOW!!
Tom M. #1 Grouper.

April 22, 2006 - Mainsail Arts Festival with Peter Tork of The Monkees!
Vinoy Park, on the waterfront
Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida
Charlie: Thanks for the great, high energy show. The crowd loved it, you had them up and dancing in the park. From my end, you were professional and easy to work with. We'll definitely have you back at Mainsail. Thanks again.
Greg Fisher Entertainment Director Mainsail Arts Festival, Inc

March 18, 2006 - Seminole Pow Wow Festival ~ The New Tropics were a treat to have perform at the 2006 Seminole Pow Wow Festival. Charlie and his crew were easy to work with and they brought a very professional performance for our festival attendees. A good mix of new, old, and original. Jim Sheets Recreation Director City of Seminole, Florida

March 4th 2006 - L - Cross X-treme Events
Spring Break Gone Wild "Muddy Gras" Concert

"Great band,excellent music and show!
.Jerry Tillman,soundman L-Cross Okeechobee Florida
" Really good rock band,will definitly have them back!"
Mark Pearce,owner L-Cross Okeechobee Florida

February 17th 2006 - JANNUS LANDING
St. Petersburg Sailboat & Yacht Regatta Celebration
& Festival

February 12th 2006 ~ Florida Composer's Forum "Xtreme Classical Concert" THE PALLADIUM THEATRE
"It may have been cold outside, but when Charlie Souza and his band the New Tropics took the stage at the Palladium Theatre for their first Xtreme Classical concert they sizzled. The audience was treated to a marriage of two distinctive genres: rock and roll with its drums, electric guitar, keyboard and bass guitar and classical music with its viola, violin, cello, and piano…the trademark of Extreme Classical. If the ticket holders weren't sure what to expect when they walked in the door, it wasn't long before they were clapping, whooping and hollering in appreciation. Charlie and his band were joined onstage by several musicians from the Florida Composers Forum who not only performed in the concert, but wrote their own arrangements of Charlie's music for their particular instruments. Favorites of the audience were "Carry Me Back to St. Petersburg", "I'm Flying" and "Live Your Dream". It was invigorating to be in the presence of such talent and energy and I for one can't wait until the next concert! Carol Ann Johnson, The Florida Composers Forum

January 7, 2006 - Gibtown Bike Fest ~
"Charlie Souza Kicks Ass !!! "
Ron Galletti - Born To Ride TV & Magazine

Charlie & The New Tropics are fantastic and have a great sound! Everybody at the event loved them! They are definitely a band that I would highly reccomend and would have them at any of my events in the future! Ron Lane - Bikefest Chairman

December 31st '05 & '06 Hunter's Green C.C. was proud to have Charlie Souza and his band "The New Tropics" to entertain the membership at our "Cruisin to the Tropics" New Years Eve Bash. By far, this band has been the best to perform at Hunter's Green. This ensemble of very professional and accomplished musicians, high energy and fun atmoshphere helped to create the perfect party for all the Members who attended. Thank you Charlie, for your professionalism, courtesy and willingness to make this party the best ever. We look forward to more great performances by you and your band. Thanks! Ashley Nelson, Member Relations Director Hunter's Green Country Club
Charlie - as always, it was a pleasure. From the looks of it, our members had a ball! Thank you for your kindness in playing our NYE party two years in a row!
Ashley Nelson 01/02/07

Dec. 23 - Jannus Landing
~ Dec. 16 The State Theater
Charlie, Hey! We had a good time at the concert/party listening to you guys!!! You entertained everybody! The music was super! We'll have to figure out when we can do it again!
Dan Harvey, Owner, State Theater/Jannus Landing
St. Petersburg, Florida

November 20th - Florida Wing Fest '05 - England Bros. Band Shell Pinellas Park
The Florida Wing Fest was proud to have Charlie Souza and The New Tropics as part of our entertainment lineup, they brought great energy and fantastic music (both covers and originals) to our event. We'll have them back!
Larry Lockhart, Organizer Florida Wing Fest

November 19th - The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, Florida
"Love to the Max"
with Peter Max !

Charlie and Band were absolutely perfect for our event Love to the Max for Imagine for Kids, a fundraiser at the Museum of Fine Arts. We had a very 60's inspired event and as Peter Max told me the following week, "Everything about it was perfect, the vibe, the dancers, the outfits and the music", couldn't have said it better. Thanks Charlie and The New Tropics for a memorable evening. Wendy LaTorre

Mary Jane Park.... On The Town - Tom James wowed the crowd with vocals on Johnny Be Goode joining The New Tropics on stage at the event. Society Pages S.P. Times November 27, 2005..

Charlie & The New Tropics, you rocked the house at the Museum of Fine Arts /Peter Max Event!
Thomas Theriaque wwww
.kozmosentertainment2.com

November 11th - Vinoy Park - St. Petersburg, Florida
"Local rock god Charlie Souza knows a thing or two about immortality. The leader of legendary Tampa faves the Tropics (now the New Tropics), Souza has worked as a session player with some of the greatest rock 'n' rollers in history, including Gregg Allman and Tom Petty. Let your hometown love shine at Souza's Friday show".
By SEAN DALY St. Pete Times Published November 10, 2005
(read the entire article, click here)

Roctober 20, 2005 - Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gala ~ Tampa Cruise Terminal
"Charlie – I received THE BEST feedback from the event – that you guys were just fantastic!" Cheryl Chester
Charlie: Thanks again for a great performance. Here is a quote for your website.We hope to see you again soon! The Junior League of Tampa's annual Gala was a great success due in part to the wonderful performance of the Charlie Souza Band. They played great music all night and did a great job of getting people to dance!
They were also fantastic to work with. From the first contact they were there to help make our event as special as possible. We could not have asked for a more agreeable group of people to work with. Thank you so much for the fantastic job and for helping make us shine.
Wendy Brill Junior League of Tampa Gala Chairman

September 24th - St Pete Times Forum "You guys are tight and the musicianship was excellent. I enjoyed it." Jane McKee, Jane's World Entertainment

Aug. 20th - The Largo Cultural Center
The Tropics Farewell Concert ~ "A Tribute to The Chief"
"I still get a chill thinking about those days." The song sums it up beautifully and hundreds of fans came to the Largo Cultural Center to reminisce and enjoy the sounds of the Fabulous Tropics. After a set by the Tropics, Charlie Souza's latest band, the New Tropics performed and demonstrated that they are more than worthy of carrying the Tropics torch into the new millennium. The concert was dedicated to Buddy Pendergrass, "The Chief" and founder of the Tropics, who died prematurely of cancer a few years ago. I was delighted to accept a check donated to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in memory of Buddy that will aid scientists in the Drug Discovery Program at Moffitt in the battle against cancer. Yes, I really do still get a chill thinking about those days. Thanks, Tropics and New Tropics for the check and the memories."
Wayne C. Guida, former trumpet player with the original Tropics and Member, Drug Discovery Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute; Professor, Interdisciplinary Oncology, College of Medicine, University of South Florida

Charlie and both the Fabulous Tropics as well as the New Tropics are nothing short of remarkable. When the Fabulous Tropics were onstage you could see the years literally melt from everyone's faces, and watch us all become the teenagers we all were, all those years ago. It was absolutely nothing short of magical. Everyone in the audience remembered each and every lyric as well as seeing in our minds eye all of the old costumes and even the dance steps.

The New Tropics were a delightful mix of old memories and wonderful new songs as well as remarkably entertaining. I can't believe how good the new band is. Congratulations Charlie and both the Fabulous Tropics and the New Tropics for a time travel experience.
With all good wishes to you all,
Bonnie-jean Creais

June 19th Music Fest at The St. Petersburg Pier ~ St. Petersburg Florida
"Excellent reviews received from visiting guests and from our staff on hand Sunday, June 19th, as The New Tropics performed at the historic St. Petersburg Pier. Even positive feedback was received by our shop owners! We look forward to having you back for our Music Fest on the Water, held every Sunday from 1-4PM with a different live band each week."
Susan Robertson Marketing Manager, The Pier

June 11th - Private Party for Electric Supply Company at Al La Cart Pavillion, Tampa FL.
The feedback from our guests regarding last Saturday's party featuring The New Tropics indicates that this party was our "best yet." Our guests enjoyed the mix of music and your sound. It is very important to me that Electric Supply's parties are very appealing to our team members and their guests. Thank you for The New Tropics' contribution to the success of our party. If given the opportunity, I will gladly recommend the New Tropics to anyone who needs to hire a band. I look forward to hearing you play in the near future. Best regards, George Adams Jr.

Saturday, June 4th - Swan House ~ Tallahassee, Florida
Dear Charlie and Band, Thank you for the great music you played at our June 4th event in Tallahassee. Everyone had a great time dancing and singing along to so many great tunes. You and your band were very professional and did a super job!
Thanks, Alisa Davidson

The New Tropics open for K.C. & The Sunshine Band
at The Taste of Pinellas, Vinoy Park ~ St. Petersburg Florida
Friday, June 3rd

The New Tropics opened the show for Lisa Marie Presley
April 29th ~ Sunfest 2005 ~ West Palm Beach,
Florida

Charlie, Thank you for performing during Sunfest 2005. We had a very successful year ~ thanks to incredible musicians like you! I, unfortunately, didn't get to watch your whole set, but I did hear a couple of songs. Each of you seemed to enjoy being on stage and the crowd definitley enjoyed everything you played. The music was upbeat and fun and kept people moving around in their seats. Thanks again, Kara Turley Vice-Chair Entertainment Sunfest

April 2, 2005 @ 1:pm ~ BBQFEST 2005 Pinellas Park, Florida
Opening for WAR , NIGHT RANGER & GRAND FUNK RAILROAD
Charlie, Just a note to let you know the great audience reviews we have received from your act Charlie Souza & The New Tropics at BBQfest on Sat. April 2nd. Your act was such a tremendous lead in to WAR, we love you guys and hope to see you again next year.!!!!!!
Thanks, your friends at BBQfest 2005


Charlie: The New Tropics really ROCKED!!! at last Saturday's opening show for War, Night Ranger and Grand Funk!!!! As you know, I've been a fan since the 60's and you continue to get better through the years! I especially liked your original songs - they all have a positive message and the beat gets people on their feet to dance. You guys put on great, dynamic performance and I hope to see you again real soon. Continued success to you, Cary, Cat and Doyle!!!! All my best - Tony Noriega

2004

DEC 31 - Tampa Palms Golf & C.C.s New Years Eve Gala "Winter in the Tropics"
Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club had the good fortune of having The NewTropics play on New Years Eve. The event was sold out and attended by members and their guests who were looking for that exceptional evening. Charlie Souza and The New Tropics exceeded their expectations! The dance floor stayed full the entire evening and everyone was truly impressed by the sounds, song selections, and quality of the music. To quote one couple who came to me the following day, " the evening was over the top due to our selection of entertainment and the high quality of the event."
Thank you Charlie for having such an impact on the success of our event!

Bill Crusselle - General Manager Tampa Palms Golf &C.C.

Dec. 18th - Private Party - Laurel Wood Gardens ~ Dade City ~ Charlie, As always it was great to hear you all play! Everyone commented on our choice of the band! They all enjoyed the array of music you selected and your stage presence during your performance. If someone wants a band that's not too loud -- plays music you can dance to - has stage presence -- works the crowd and can rock the house too!!-- then go no further, this is the band for ANY party!! We are already thinking about a party with the band next year!Thanks again for a great time!--THE PARTY WAS GOOD--AND YOU MADE IT FOR US! PEACE, Leon and Peggy Seese

Dec 6th - 6pm - The Tampa Club - Bank of America Building ~ Holiday Party
Thanks for a great performance! Many members made many compliments on the band. It was just a wonderful experience. Your guys were all so very professional, on time, neat in appearance, just first rate! Best of all was the quality sound produced. I knew from the first song that I had made a great find in The New Tropics. We will most definitely be doing business again in the future. Looking forward to the next time we have you in the club. Barry Shields, CCM General Manager, The Tampa Club

Oct. 21st ~ Junior League of Tampa ~ Tampa Cruise Terminal, ~ Tampa, Florida
Charlie, I wanted to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks on behalf of the Junior League of Tampa for a fabulous show at our Holiday Gift Market Gala. With a diverse age group of about 850 people, it can be difficult to satisfy everyone but you and the New Tropics were able to keep them entertained throughout the evening. Your flexibility from setting up early to your professional nature from the contract till the event concluded exceeded our expectations. Thank you again. Kindest Regards, Michelle Hogan Junior League of Tampa Gala Chair

Sept. 9th Thurs...7pm ~ Clarksville Riverfest ~ Clarksville, Tennessee
Charlie Souza and The New Tropics Heat Up Riverfest with Rockin' Performance! Clarksville, TN ~ September 2004
The 13th Annual Riverfest kicked off with it's first Thursday night venue and music lovers were treated to a great evening of talent...most notably, Charlie Souza and the New Tropics. Visitors coming out to catch a lineup of "new" and "rising" bands were definitely caught off guard by possibly the most experienced group of musicians on any stage. Think you haven't heard Charlie Souza and the New Tropics? Think again. If you listened to Tom Petty, Rick Derringer, Johnny Winter, The Tropics, Bacchus, White Witch or Captain Beyond, you have heard these guys.The New Tropics prove that rock and roll will never die. These guys write and perform music that excites both young listeners and the die-hard rock and roll purists. Both talented and personable, this band enjoys what they are doing and audiences are quick to pick up on this rare quality. You don't just listen to the New Tropics, you become a part of the party. Debra Sutton, Riverfest Committee Clarksville, TN ~
Riverfest Gallery by Larry Safko

June 4th ~The Tampa Tribune Friday Extra Series and The Hillsborough County Arts Council present Charlie Souza and The New Tropics LIVE at The Lowry Park Band Shell ~ Tampa, Florida...
Filmed for Public Television
"Dear Members of the Charlie Souza and The Tropics Band,
On Behalf of the entire Friday Extra Committee I would like to thank you for performing at the 2004 Friday Extra Concert Series. We've been presenting these free concerts to the community for 18 years now. Each year they just seem to get better and better. We're thrilled that you were able to be a part of this years series. More than 13,500 people attended the 8-week series. You helped make it a success. THANKS FOR BEING THERE AND MAKING IT HAPPEN. You really had the audience dancing!! Thanks for a fun evening. Sincerely", Jody Wren Operations Coordinator, Friday Extra Concerts

Instructions on how to order a tape (for $10) by phone or e-mail at http://www.tampagov.net/appl_customer_service_center/form.asp?strServiceID=275
Those not on the internet, can call CTTV (813) 274-8217 or 274-7031 - weekdays, and give the time it was telecast (June 4th, 7 pm)

May 18th Tuesday 7:30 pm St. Pete Times Forum Downtown Tampa,Florida . "You guys are tight and the musicianship was excellent. I enjoyed it." Jane McKee, Jane's World Entertainment

May 2nd , 2004 ~ The New Tropics at "Island Fest" "Charlie and The New Tropics rocked 'em and socked 'em for us from The Skipperdome to Honeymoon Island to The Friday Extra Series at Lowry Park! They had both the old Tropics fans and New Tropics fans dancin' in the streets! Extremely tight band with a huge repertoire guaranteed to please any crowd! Call us here at Skippers to book Charlie at your next event!" .Tom White, Talent Agent & Owner of the best live music venue in Tampa Bay, Skippers Smokehouse

March 5th & 6th Treasure Island Rock n' Roll at Mr. B's
Mr.B's ~ 145 107th Ave, St Petersburg, FL 33706
"We were extremely pleased with the performance given by Charlie Souza and the New Tropics. The group packed the house with friends and fans, and they held the crowd all night long. The quality of the music was excellent, and the professionalism with which the band carried themselves was refreshing. These guys know how to entertain!" Noel Bisesti, Entertainment Director for Mr. B's

January 9th, 2004 - Skippers Smokehouse ~ Tampa Tribune Article

Nov. 15th 2003 "The New Tropics" at Ribfest opening for Mountain and Credence Clearwater Revisited - Vinoy Park, downtown St. Petersburg, Florida
Hello Charlie, I want to thank you and the New Tropics for performing November 15th
at Ribfest 2003. The band was great. The audience really liked your music. As you know
I grew up in St. Petersburg and the Tropics were "the band" while I was in high school. The band was a pleasure to work with before and after the show!
Warmest regards, Tom Whiteman, Chairman Ribfest 2003

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