The International Blues Challenge is an annual event held in Memphis, Tennessee. Local blues societies serve as sponsoring affiliates for the artists that compete in Memphis. How each organization chooses their musical representatives is left to them, but many groups hold regional competitions.
This year's IBC took place from January 26-28, 2006. Artists competed in one of two categories: Band or Acoustic Solo/Duo.
Band Finalists:
1.Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz — Blues Lovers United of San Diego
2.Big Robert T & the Scene of the Crime — Atlanta Blues Society
3. Lil Cliff and the Cliffhangers — Downstate NY Blues Association
4. The Mercury Brothers — (Iowa Affiliates)
5. The Eoff Brothers Band — Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas
6. Joey Gilmore — South Florida Blues Society
7. Michael John & The Bottom Line — Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society
8. Jill West and Blues Attack — Blues Society of Western PA
9. The Forty Fours — Southern California Blues Society
10. A.J.& the Two Tone Blues Band — Sonny Boy Blues Society
11. Mr Nicks Blues Mafia — Boston Blues Society
Acoustic Solo/Duo Finalists:
1. Ben Prestage — Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast FL
2. Joe Price — (Iowa Affiliates)
3. Eden Brent — Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola MS
4. Noah Earle — Kansas City Blues Society KS
5. Tommy Keys — Long Island Blues society
6. Julien Brunestaud & Gullaume Nouax — Blues Sur Seine
And, the winners are...
Band:
Joey Gilmore — South Florida Blues Society
Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz — Blues Lovers United of San Diego — took second place.
Acoustic Solo/Duo:
Eden Brent — Mississippi Delta Blues Society
Best Self-Produced CD:
Roxy Perry Back in Bluesville -- Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation
Most Promising Guitarist:
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
This is a very cool thing! I am glad to see some Blues preservation activities as well as championing some newcomers.
2 - Joanie
The Blues Foundation and affiliate societies would have nothing to preserve if it weren't for continued interest and activity. New bands carry on a fine heritage and bring new people into the fold every day.
It's a thing of beauty, I tell you.
3 - DJRadiohead
The interest might wane if there weren't new artists but there is still plenty to preserve. There are so many great albums and sides by some of the great blues artists that are out-of-print. It's a shame.
4 - Joanie
Preaching to the choir, dear. Yes, you are. I'm pleased to say I'm one of those crazy Blues lovers who likes the old stuff as much as the new. I spent last Thursday night with Honeyboy Edwards and will spend this coming Saturday with Curtis Salgado.