National Touring Acts Descend On Gulfport For Co-Headlining Event

GULFPORT, FL — Award-winning singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla will join nationally known duo Mama’s Black Sheep for an evening of soul-stirring vocals and rockin’ tunes.

The show begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 in the Village Courtyard in downtown Gulfport. The Village Courtyard is a business courtyard at 2902-2914 Beach Blvd. S. complete with a bandstand.

This special co-bill show is part of a three-night swing through Florida and is sponsored locally by Let It Be Ice Cream and Simpli Assist.

Havrilla, a Philadelphia native and a veteran performer, released her 12th studio album, “Sunless Escapade,” earlier this year.

“We’re excited for our Florida dates and look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new fans along the way,” said Havrilla. “It’s always a pleasure to play alongside Mama’s Black Sheep, whatever the venue, and the new dates in Florida open up new possibilities for us.”

With 12 albums and three EPs under her belt, Havrilla has been a featured artist for American Musical Supply’s Singer/Songwriter Month, was nominated for About.com's Reader's Choice Awards, and was nominated for three Homey Awards for 93.7 WSTW. She has shared the stage with artists like Brandi Carlile, Chely Wright, Jeffrey Gaines, America, Firefall, Jill Sobule and more.

Baltimore-based Mama’s Black Sheep is the collaboration of singer-songwriters Ashland Miller and Laura Cerulli. Miller & Cerulli, touring together since 2008, are on the road nearly 200 days a year throughout the continental U.S. and the Caribbean. They have recorded four CDs, a live concert DVD, and recently released a fully illustrated children’s book with a sing-along CD based on their whimsical song, “The Sheep Save Christmas."

“We’ve been coming to the Gulfport/St. Pete area at least once or twice a year for the past five years,” said Cerulli. “We’re thrilled to have Christine join us this time around, and we’re considering this area as a possible market to bring our annual co-bill Sirens of Spring Tour next year.”

Before playing the Village Courtyard in Gulfport, Havrilla and Mama’s Black Sheep will perform live at Punky’s Bar & Grill at 3063 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg on Friday, Nov. 15.