The streets are busy with the influx of blues fans. In a few hours, blues musicians will be scurrying to their designated venue. It is a site to behold… players carrying their guitars and such…cleaned up and ready to do battle. They will all walk tall with a purpose…knowing that they ALL were winners just [...]
Archive for Category: "International Blues Challenge 2010"
26th IBC WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
(Memphis,Tennessee) This just in from the Blues Foundation: 26th International Blues Challenge Winners Crowned The Blues Foundation’s 26th International Blues Challenge concluded Saturday with two packed shows at the Orpheum Theatre. The Winner Solo/Duo Competition Matt Andersen(photo by Chris Smith) The solo/duo winner was Matt Andersen, sponsored by Harvest Jazz and Blues from Fredericton, New [...]
International Blues Challenge
What’s up Blues fans! The International Blues Challenge (IBC) was held Jan. 20-23, 2010. Since I was not an attendee I have decided to post some photos of two previous winners, Eden Brent, who won it in 2006, and Diunna Greenleaf who won it in 2005. These are actually photos that I posted back in [...]
2010 IBC Finalists Announced!
(Memphis, Tennessee) This just in: 26th International Blues Challenge Finalists The Blues Foundation announces the finalists of the 26th International Blues Challenge after Friday’s second round of semifinals. The finals will be Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre with solo/duo beginning at 2:00pm and the band finals beginning at 7:30pm. The solo/duo finalists are: Matt Anderson [...]
Interview with Little Joe Mclerran by Monica Yasher
“That’s what my show usually is, obscure blues things.” (Pittsburgh, PA) The passing of the torch… Today is the last day for Little Joe Mclerran to be the reigning king of the acoustic solo/duo act for the 25th International Blues Challenge. During his reign, he has traveled the world and released a new CD, “Believe [...]
IBC Roars on Old Beale Street!
> (Memphis, Tennessee) Beale Street is choked with IBC patrons contestants and fans. Here’s a series of photographs taken last night at the Thursday competition of the International Blues challenge. my friend Joe Whitmer runs the event from the Handy Park Bar Thanks for all the help, Joe! The Bullfrrog Willard McGhee at Wet Wiilie’s [...]
IBC Schedule of Acts for Friday
(Memphis, Tennessee) Here’s a list of all of today’s acts and their respective venues on Beale Street(and at Ground Zero Memphis which is one block south of Beale): BANDS ******* Alfred’s 5:00 The Elvin Killerbee Band 5:35 The Thornetta Davis Band 6:10 The Smokin’ Knights 6:45 Tombstone Bullet 7:20 Heavy Suga & The SweeTones 7:55 [...]
Will Jacobs Got a Dirty Deal
(Chicago, Illinois) Windy City Blues society has made a wise choice in their selection of “Will Jacobs and Dirty Deal” for the youth division competition of the International Blues Challenge. This band is electrifying and their skill level is way beyond their years. The youth Division requires that the musicians be 18 or under to [...]
2010 Keeping the Blues Alive Recipients by Monica Yasher
Keeping the Blues Alive Awards Along with the International Blues Challenge, the Blues Foundation presents the Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards. This award is given to individuals and organizations that have been recognized for their various efforts in the Blues world. Categories are determined on a yearly basis. On Saturday, January 23, 2010, at [...]
Michaela Rae on Television and IBC NEWS!
> (Memphis, Tennessee) Early this morning I met with my old friend John Catt, and Dave and Susan Knox, parents of the very talented Grand County Blues Society contestant in the IBC Youth category, Michaela Rae. It was truly a delight to see Dave and John again and to meet Susan and Michaela. I had [...]
What to Eat in Memphis?
> (Memphis, Tennessee) As throngs come to Memphis from all over the world for the truly awesome International Blues Challenge, one question is oft heard, “What’s the best place to eat?” As a gourmand and professional trencherman, it is incumbent upon me to attempt to guide my fellow blues players, fans and enthusiasts. If you [...]
IBC This Week
(Memphis, Tennessee) This week we explain the big happenings on Beale and what all the fuss is about. What’s the IBC? It’s the International Blues Challenge, a worldwide competition organized and produced by my friend Joe Whitmer of the Blues Foundation. my friend Joe Whitmer knows how to produce a blues show The competition goes [...]
Interview with Brandon Santini by Monica Yasher
“You can just be broke. Have your heart broke. All that stuff leads to the blues.” (Pittsburgh, PA) In 2003 a band called Delta Highway emerged out of Memphis, Tennessee from North Carolina. The band consists of Brandon Santini, Justin Sulek, Paul Chase, and George Sluppick. If you happen to trek down to Beale Street, [...]
