The Road to Memphis International Blues Competition

The International Blues Challenge (IBC) represents a worldwide search for the Blues Band 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 it's organization at the IBC.

The IBC is judged by blues professionals from across the world who have years of experience in listening to, producing, and creating blues music. The Blues Foundation has established a set of criteria by which all acts are evaluated.

Affiliated organizations are required to stage a regional preliminary IBC competition, with the winner of that event representing the organization in the International Blues Challenge held annually in Memphis, TN along historic Beale Street. While Affiliated Organizations are encouraged to follow the Blues Foundation's structure and rules during their local challenges, each organization is free to structure it's preliminary rounds as it sees fit, as long as a true challenge between multiple acts takes place resulting in single band and/or solo/duo act being identified as the affiliate representative.

Bands or solo/duo acts seeking to participate in the competition must complete and submit an application for admission. Go to stlouisbluessociety.org to submit your application today!

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