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.

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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.

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BAND

1st Place – Ms Hy-C & Fresh Start (St. Louis Blues Society)

photo Ms Hy-C & Fresh Start by Laura Carbone at the International Blues Challenge 2019

Ms Hy-C & Fresh Start by Laura Carbone

2nd Place – Sammy Eubanks & the Work’in Class (Washington Blues Society)

Sammy Eubanks & the Work'in Class at IBC 2019 by Laura Carbone

Sammy Eubanks & the Work’in Class by Laura Carbone

3rd Place – Celso Salim Band (Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)

photo of Celso Salim Band by Laura Carbone at the IBC, Memphis 2019

Celso Salim Band by Laura Carbone

Gibson Guitar Award

Gabe Stillman (Billtown Blues Association)

Gabe Stillman winning the award for Gibson Guitar at the IBC Memphis 2019 - photo by Laura Carbon

Gabe Stillman by Laura Carbone

SOLO/DUO

1st Place –  Jon Shain (Triangle Blues Society)

Jon Shain winner of solo act at the IBC Memphis 2019 - photo by Laura Carbone

Jon Shain by Laura Carbone

2nd Place – Theresa Malenfant & Scot Medford (East Coast Blues Society)

Theresa Malefant & Scot Medford by Laura Carbone at IBC Memphis 2019 by Laura Carbone

Theresa Malenfant & Scot Medford by Laura Carbone

Memphis Cigar Box Guitar

Steve Strongman (Grand River Blues Society)

photo of Steve Strongman by Laura Carbone at IBC Memphis 2019

Steve Strongman by Laura Carbone

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)