International Blues Challenge Rules and Event Summary
Complete rules, lodging, ticket and schedule information can be found on the IBC page on our website at http://www.blues.org/#ref=ibc_index
The only artists who are deemed ineligible for the International Blues Challenge are artists who have been nominated for a Blues Music Award (and formerly the W.C. Handy Awards)-whose name has appeared on a final Blues Music Award ballot-in the 30 plus year history of the awards. A searchable database of past nominees can be found at Blues Music Awards Search tool. All other musicians who have had peripheral and/or professional contact through performance with a Blues Music Award nominee, including but not limited to, touring band members and studio musicians, are deemed eligible for the IBC.
The Blues Foundation will stand as the final arbiter of any eligibility disputes. All contestants must register by the pre-determined deadline, in the format requested, before competing in IBC. Any act found at any time to have been ineligible at the time of the competition will be stripped of its award(s) and the Affiliate may be liable for financial restitution of cash and other prizes to The Blues Foundation.
Restrictions
-An act is limited to two consecutive appearances at the IBC and must then sit out at least one year before being eligible to compete again. An act under the same name will not be allowed to compete three consecutive years. -An individual may not compete in more than one act in any capacity. -A musician cannot compete in the Band Division and the Solo/Duo Division, even if that musician represents a different Affiliate in each.
Requirements for Competitors on the Memphis End
Act check-in will be from 11 am – 2:30 pm Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Club 152, 152 Beale St
There will be a 20-minute orientation on Wednesday February 1, 2012 at 2:45 pm at Club 152, 152 Beale St. Any competitor failing to check in by 2:30 pm without special arrangement will be disqualified.
2012 Blues Challenge format
Band and solo/duo quarter-finals are a two-day competition (Wednesday & Thursday night). All bands and solo/duo acts are required to play both Wednesday and Thursday night at the same venue. Two or more top scoring acts from each venue will advance to the semi-finals.
Quarter-final sets will be 25 minutes long. Sets for the semi-final round will be 30 minutes long. PLEASE NOTE: All set lengths are subject to change, notice will be sent to all affiliates and acts.
Acts that advance to the semi-final round will be announced on Thursday night in the venues. Venue assignments and playing times will be announced Friday on our website, Facebook page and listed on a printed schedule that will be available by 1pm at the IBC store.
The Blues Foundation reserves the right to change this format depending on the number of bands and number of venues participating.
Staging and Equipment
The Blues Foundation will provide backline and sound. The setup on stage will include a drum kit with snare drum, amps, and mics. Drummers should bring their own cymbals and kick pedals (Yes, you will need your cymbals, you might want to bring your own snare too) and Harmonica players CAN (but are not required) bring their own harp amp. Keyboard players may bring their own keyboards and keyboard amps, stands will be provided. Effects racks and other auxiliary equipment are permitted. Musicians must include on the Affiliated Organization’s application any additional or special equipment needed.
Competitors are prohibited from bringing their own amplifiers (harp amps and keyboard amps being the only exceptions).Please bring a DI (if you use one) every effort will be made to provide suitable equipment.
The Blues Foundation reserves the right to approve or restrict any and all equipment an entrant wishes to bring on stage.
Other Points of Consideration
The Blues Foundation reserves the right to use any contestant’s name, voices, pictures, visages and other likeness for the purpose of advertising, publishing and promoting the IBC or The Blues Foundation.
The Blues Foundation reserves the right to videotape or otherwise record all IBC performances. The Blues Foundation shall retain total ownership of all recordings and programs, and reserves the right to edit the program, the right to broadcast the program, the right to copyright the program and the right to license others to use these rights.
