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THE GAINESVILLE SUN

Ten 13 Concept has a chance to win $1 million on the NBC show "America's Got Talent."

by Douglas Carman

Tonight on NBC's primetime reality talent show "America's Got Talent," viewers may be treated to a taste of Gainesville's ska punk scene.

And then they may not.

The band Ten 13 Concept, whose members include three Gainesville residents, recorded its performance for NBC's "America's Got Talent" on July 19 and is vying for one of the 10 slots to be aired starting tonight at 8.  But only some of the acts made the cut for tonight's show and it's not clear whether Ten 13 Concept is among those who'll be part of tonight's show.

T13C, as band members call themselves, has found itself at the mercy of David hasselhoff, Brandy, and Piers Morgan as band members pit themselves against contortionists, musicians, dancers, jugglers, and other wildly different acts.  The competitors are performing for a claim to the $1 million prize, and additional bonuses, depending on the winner.

For T13C, that bonus could be a possible record deal.

Unwilling to reveal what may unfold in this reality TV show and violate the gag rule within their contracts with NBC, the performers from "America's Got Talent" are tight-lipped, declining comment on the recordings or on the details of the show.

Still, the show is a baby step for Ten 13 Concept in it's attempt at national stardom, said Gainesville resident Joe Loffredo, guitarist and one of the vocalists for the band.  Loffredo, his brother Mike Loffredo and Jon Epstein are the three from Gainesville in the band.

On the path leading to their current act might make tonight's episode of "america's Got Talent," Ten 13 Concept has performend frequently in local Gainesville and Orlando forums, then eventually toured the state.  In 2005 they performed in Orlando's Earthday Birthday and playin in the Vans Warped Tour.

"It's been such a good year and we've been very optimistic," Loffredo said.  "There are 200 bands just in Gainesville and you can't even count on two hands how many get out of state.

On Saturday, Ten 13 Concept will launch it's first tour outside Florida, performing up the East Coast to the New York City area.
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April 9, 2005

Ten 13 Concept gives members of the audience something to rock with Friday evening during a live performance at the "Rock N' Style Jam" at Santa Fe Community College.

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