Honda Grand Prix Pit Notes #10

Nashville Recording Artist and Local Talent Highlight
Expanded Live Music Lineup at 2009 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
For the first time, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will offer live music on all three days of its event weekend, highlighted by Nashville recording artist Michelle Murray and a host of local talent. Among the bands performing are Kings County, and Orlando-based alternative band; R&B band The Soul Power Review; country act Jo Dell and Ace Factor, a popular local dance band.

All concerts will be held on the GTE Federal Credit Union/Auto Advisers Stage in the Honda Plaza, located adjacent to the Mahaffey Theater. Performance times are:

Friday, April 3
12:15 – 2:15 p.m. Kings County (Rock)
4:15 – 5:30 p.m. The Soul Power Review (R&B)

Saturday, April 4
11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Jo Dell and the Mountain Road Band (Country)
1:30p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Michelle Murray (Country)

Sunday, April 5
12 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Ace Factor (Dance)

King’s County from Orlando, performs high energy party rock and alternative/modern music. Originally from Long Island, New York, Kings County performed throughout the northeast and was the house band at Pleasure Island. The band has also supported American Idol’s Bo Bice on his 2006 tour with enthusiastic response. Jo Dell, has found great success for her country voice outside of the U.S., particularly in the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom. In the U.S. she has performed with such major artists as Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans, Tricia Yearwood and K.D. Lang.

Recently relocated to Nashville, Michelle Murray is at work on her new CD with some of the best studio musicians in country music. Since arriving in Nashville, Michelle has been working with producer Butch Carr and recorded her latest CD "With You" at Emerald Studios. She co-wrote the title track, "With You" and features songs written by Stephony Smith, Jim Collins, Mark Johnson, Tim Owens and Marcia Ramirez.

Over the years, Ace Factor has become one of the premier dance and show bands in the country. The band’s material is retro thru current, and their live shows are popular with a wide range of audiences.

Ferris Wheel Makes Return to Honda Grand Prix
The 120-foot high Ferris wheel stationed in Albert Whitted Park during this year’s Honda Grand Prix not only offers one of the best views of the race circuit, but it is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the state of Florida. For the third year, race organizers have brought a Ferris wheel to the race site and the attraction is one of the most popular experiences for race fans throughout the weekend. The Ferris wheel will operate daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and there is a $5 charge per passenger for each ride.