Following on from previous winners Kaz Hawkins<\/strong> and Kyla Brox<\/strong>, the winners of the 6th UK Blues<\/strong> Challenge<\/strong> on Saturday night would certainly have fine boots to fill. Four top bands all did their \u2018thing\u2019 at the Challenge<\/strong> representing the breadth of blues in all its glory, and it was The Achievers<\/strong> that came out top with their gospel roots flair and originality.<\/p>\n Interesting songs, great vocals and harmonies, a tight varied sound and their own take on percussion, The<\/strong> Achievers<\/strong>, from Gloucestershire<\/strong>, take blues off in new directions while still holding to its roots. They will be off to represent the UK<\/strong> in the European Blues Challenge<\/strong> in the Netherlands<\/strong> and the International Blues Challenge<\/strong> in Memphis<\/strong> next year.<\/p>\n In a packed room at the Bluefunk Rhythm & Blues Club<\/strong>, Poynton<\/strong>, Lancashire<\/strong>, under the guidance of club supremo Garry White<\/strong>, The Achievers<\/strong> were up against three other bands who had all been selected through a process involving some 700 people involved in blues in the UK<\/strong>. Crossfire Blues Band<\/strong> featuring Alice Armstrong<\/strong> and Marcus Praestgaard-Stevens<\/strong>, rockers Little Triggers<\/strong> from Liverpool<\/strong> and The Connor Selby Band<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The competition was fierce as all brought carefully crafted short sets to meet the demands of the occasion but it was the charm and flair of The Achievers<\/strong> that won the day. As frontman Steve Ferbrache<\/strong> says, \u201cWhat a night! Everyone was fantastic, the crowd roared, and it\u2019s such a thrill to now be representing the UK<\/strong>, and that hasn\u2019t quite sunk in yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe UK Blues Federation<\/strong> will soon be starting a crowdfunding campaign to help The Achievers<\/strong> raise money for their trips to Holland<\/strong> and Memphis<\/strong> which we hope you will all support. The UKBF<\/strong> will be donating \u00a32,000<\/strong> directly to the campaign,\u201d said UKBF Chair Ashwyn Smyth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For more information on our winners check out\u00a0The Achievers<\/a><\/p>\n![\"image](\"https:\/\/bluesmatters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/the-achievers-.jpg\")
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