the Road to Memphis begins Here

September 2, 2018 we had a strong field o competitors for our solo/duo challenge.

Jake landed in Memphis swingin!

He made it through the first 2 nights and then on to the semi-finals on Friday.   The first of our artists to make it that far since 2003

Although he did not advance to the final day of competition, the videos of his performances can attest to his talent.  

Check out Jake below!

Thanks to Dr.ChrisBlues for the YouTube post!

ec k Three solid blues acts this year competed on October 7th 

Chris Clifton Band did a great job representing us at the IBC, as they competed in the quarterfinals
on Wednesday & Thursday.  F

Videos of their performances are
on our Facebook page

Solo/Duo Winner: From NC!! 

Jon Shain of Durham has won the 2019 Solo/Duo competition at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, out of a worldwide field of more than 260 competitors.

The finals of the annual contest, overseen by The Blues Foundation, happened January 26th at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. Shain won in the solo/duo category, beating out seven other competitors who also made it to the finalist round.

First place was worth a cash prize of $2,500. But the calling-card potential of being IBC champion is even better.

 “You get a bunch of bookings out of it,” Shain said. “Immediately afterward, a guy from the Blues Bender Festival in Las Vegas walked up and said, ‘We always book the guy who wins, so here’s my card.’ I might get to do one of the Legendary Blues Cruises, too, which has people like Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Bonnie Raitt.”