International Blues Challenge Event Schedule

Schedule subject to change–check back from time to time as more events and details are added.

Tuesday, January 31

5:30pm Doors Open for FedEx International Showcase hosted by the Beale Street Merchants Association Performances by a dozen or more International acts (New Daisy Theater) Admission by Big Blue or Baby Blue tickets or $10 at door, if available

Wednesday, February 1

11:00am-2:30pm IBC Act Registration (Club 152)

11:00am-2:00pm Open House at future site of Blues Hall of Fame (421 South Main)

12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC Merchandise and CD Sales (Ugly Juanita’s-Handy Park Bar)

2:00-4:00pm Barbara Blue Silky O’Sullivans

2:30pm IBC Act Orientation Meeting (Club 152)

4:00/5:45pm First Night of Quarterfinals (Beale Street)$10

11:00pm International Blues Jam hosted by the Dutch Blues Foundation (Alfred’s)

Thursday, February 2

10:00am Blues Foundation Board of Directors meeting (Doubletree Hotel-DeSoto Room)

10:30am-12:00pm  Blues Stories  with Michael “Hawkeye” Herman(Blues City Cafe Band Box)

11:00am-2:00pm Open House at future site of Blues Hall of Fame (421 South Main)

11:00am Hammond Organ Workshop with Robert “Nighthawk” Tooms (Club 152)

11:00am Stringed Instrument Workshop with 2012 BMA nominee Rich Del Grosso & Jonn Del Toro Richardson (Hard Rock)

12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC Merchandise and CD Sales (Ugly Juanita’s at Handy Park Bar)

1:00pm Education Seminar with KBA recipient Dan Treanor (Doubletree Hotel-Chelsea Room)

1:00pm  Drum Workshop – Shuffles workshop with Daniel Glass (Alfred’s)

1:00pm “Beyond the Music: You are the CEO!” with Bonnie Tallman (Blues City Cafe Band Box)

2:00-4:00pm Barbara Blue Silky O’Sullivans

3:00pm Beale Street Note Unveiling for Fred McDowell (King’s Palace) 4:00/5:45pm  Second Night of Quarterfinals (Beale Street) $10

When the scores have been tabulated, the semi-finalists will be announced at various Beale Street clubs.

11:00pm International Blues Jam hosted by the Dutch Blues Foundation (Alfred’s)

11:00pm Youth Jam (Hard Rock Cafe)

Friday, February 3

9:00am Blues in the Schools with 2012 KBA recipient Dan Treanor (Downtown Elementary)

10:30am Photo Exhibit and Q&A with Blues Hall of Fame member Dick Waterman (B.B. King’s)

11:00am-2:00pm Open House at future site of Blues Hall of Fame 421 South Main

11:00am with 2012 BMA nominee Rich Del Grosso & Jonn Del Toro Richardson (Hard Rock)

11:00am Hammond Organ Workshop for YOUTH with Robert “Nighthawk” Tooms (Club 152)

11:00am  Drum Workshop for YOUTH – Shuffles workshop with Daniel Glass (Alfred’s)

11:30am Luncheon: The Blues Foundation’s Plans for the Blues Hall of Fame (Doubletree Hotel, Tennessee Ballroom)

12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC Merchandise and CD Sales (Ugly Juanita’s at Handy Park Bar)

1:30pm Blues Society Workshop with 2012 KBA Recipient (Doubletree, Gayoso Room)

1:30pm Memphis Music Foundation’s Booking Workshop with Hugh Southard, Blue Mountain Artists, and Gina Hughes, Galaxie Agency (Wet Willies)

2:00pm Youth Blues Knowledge Bowl(B.B. King’s)

2:00-4:00pm Barbara Blue Silky O’Sullivans

3:00pm Beale Street Note Unveiling for Otha Turner (King’s Palace)

4:00 Youth Showcases (Beale Street Clubs) $15 (includes Semi-finals)

6:00pm Semi-Finals Begin (Beale Street Clubs) $15

When the scores have been tabulated Friday, the finalists will be announced at various Beale Street clubs.

11:00pm International Blues Jam hosted by the Dutch Blues Foundation (Alfred’s)

11:00pm Youth Jam (Hard Rock Cafe)

Saturday, February 4

9:00am KBA Awards Brunch (Doubletree Hotel-Tennessee Ballroom)

10:00am KBA Awards Ceremony (Doubletree Hotel-Tennessee Ballroom)

1:00pm Doors Open for Band Finals (Orpheum Theatre) $32.50

1:00pm IBC Silent Auction  Auction Saturday afternoon only (Orpheum Theatre)

2:00pm  Band Finals & Best Self Produced CD Winner Announcement

6:30pm Doors Open for Solo/Duo Finals (Orpheum Theatre)

7:30 Solo/Duo Finals $22.50

Sunday, February 6

11:00am Blues Brunch (The Majestic Grille)