What does one do after a night of competition on Beale Street?  First, you shake off the “competition” mode that you were in all day. You head out to all of the clubs to find  out what is happening or what has happened. You ‘walk the talk’…the blues  people are always eager to  share what [...]

The semi finals at the 2012 International Blues Challenge had finally ended.  The clubs were packed…. the fans and their bands were anxiously awaiting the results.  A cry resounded in B.B. King’s around 10:30 pm. The acts that were moving on to the finals were announced.  The gasps, the whoops,  the cheers, the tears….it was [...]

After a a sunny afternoon filled with some of the best blues one could find, the fans turned out in the early evening to fill Beale Street. They were in search of their own blues bands from their home town. They were also looking to discover new talent and musical delights. The smiles, the laughing [...]

As the musicians roll into Memphis, each has their own expectations of what the 2012 International Blues Challenge will offer them. Each will leave with different  perceptions and different rewards. As we enter the competition this week, I wanted to talk with past performers who traveled several times to Beale Street and find out their [...]

It is a sunny 66 degrees in Memphis and the streets were already filled with music when I hit the walkway at 11 a.m.  The fans are basking in the sunshine  while walking the few blocks of Beale. Music is oozing into the streets from every venue. Currently, there is a Blind Raccoon Showcase at  [...]