The winners of the 35th International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN – photos by Laura Carbone.
The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for those Blues Bands and Solo/Duo Blues Acts ready to perform on the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. Each Affiliate of The Blues Foundation has the right to send a band and a solo/duo act to represent its organization at the IBC.
Affiliated organizations are required to stage a regional preliminary IBC competition, with the winner of that event going on to represent the organization in the International Blues Challenge which is held annually in Memphis, TN along the historic Beale Street.
BAND
1st Place – Ms Hy-C & Fresh Start (St. Louis Blues Society)
2nd Place – Sammy Eubanks & the Work’in Class (Washington Blues Society)
3rd Place – Celso Salim Band (Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)
Gibson Guitar Award
Gabe Stillman (Billtown Blues Association)
SOLO/DUO
1st Place – Jon Shain (Triangle Blues Society)
2nd Place – Theresa Malenfant & Scot Medford (East Coast Blues Society)
Memphis Cigar Box Guitar
Steve Strongman (Grand River Blues Society)
Lee Oskar Harmonica Award
Daryll Carriere (the Celso Salim Band, Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)
Best Self Produced CD
Lock Up The Liquor – The Little Red Rooster Blues Band (Central Delaware Blues Society)
