Florida regional competitions being held in 2024 to determine contenders at the International Blues Challenge 2025, presented by The Blues Foundation, in Memphis TN on January 7-11, 2025.
The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.
STATUS AND INFO FOR COMPETITIONS
(In Date Order)
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, August 18, 2024
LOCATION: Seville Quarter, Pensacola, FL
CONTENDERS:
Charlie & the Hammerheads
Rocky Denney & Judge Maygarden
Prodigal Blues
Michael McCartan
Harrison Avenue
Cat Daddy Blues Duo
Cat Rhodes & the Truth
WINNERS:
Band - Harrison Avenue
Solo/Duo - Cat Daddy Blues Duo
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 1-6p
LOCATION: Mango Rita’s Rhythm House - Fort Myers
WINNERS:
Band - Artache Band
Solo/Duo - Glendafell
First Coast Blues Society
COMPETITION DATE: Saturday, September 15, 2024 | 4-9p
LOCATION: Whiskey Jax Baymeadows, JAX
CONTENDERS:
Band Category:
SoulShine
Street Preacher
Shari Pine & Righteous Rhythm
No Filter
Solo/Duo Category:
Lonesome Jim Weber
Sweet William Ennis
Andersson & Duncan
WINNERS:
Band - Street Preacher
Melissa Smith / Lead Vocals
Keith Allen / Guitar
Isaiah Hart / Guitar
Joe Dolci / Bass
Sammy Buonocore Sr. / Drums
Anaijah Hart / Backing Vocals
Barry Rapp/ Keys
Solo/Duo - Andersson & Duncan
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, September 15, 2024 | 2p
LOCATION: Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg, FL
CONTENDERS:
Solo/Duo Category:
Mike Davis (Solo)
Phil Coale (Solo)
Swamp Blues Band (Duo)
Harold Davis (Solo)
Band Category:
Stoney Brooks
The NightBumpers
Black Snake Bayou
WINNERS:
Band - Stoney Brooks
Stoney Brooks
Josh Minucci
Skyler Saufley
Pete Maier
Solo/Duo - Mike Davis
North Central Florida Blues Society
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 3-9p
LOCATION: Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville FL
CONTENDERS:
Solo/Duo:
Rick Guerry
Band:
4th Dimension
Jimmy Young & Passion
WINNERS:
Self-Produced CD: Sauce Boss - The Sauce
Solo/Duo: Sauce Boss
Band: Blues Prescription
Orange Blossom Blues Society
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 1-5p
LOCATION: Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center
CONTENDERS:
WINNER:
Raehn DeBell (drums/vocals)
Jeremy Zorn (bass/vocals)
Elliott Countess (guitar/vocals)
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, September 29, 2024 | 2p
LOCATION: Hop Life Brewery, Port St. Lucie, FL
WINNERS:
Solo/Duo: Robert Ross
Band: Jake Walden Band
NOT PARTICIPATING.
STATUS UNKNOWN:
UNAFFILIATED WITH THE BLUES FOUNDATION (2023):
ATTN: Florida Blues Societies
If you would like to have your organization's IBC info posted here, including results, please email details to Charlie@JazzBluesFlorida.com. Thank you.
STATS-n-FACTS
Affiliated Blues Societies by State
As of 8/21/23.
Florida - 10 (Includes First Coast, which is not listed as an affiliate for unknown reason.)
California - 6
Texas - 6
Arkansas - 5
Illinois - 5
Iowa - 5
Michigan - 4
Missouri - 4
New York - 4
Ohio - 4
Arizona - 3
Colorado - 3
Indiana - 3
North Carolina - 3
Pennsylvania - 3
Tennessee - 3
Kansas - 2
Kentucky - 2
Nevada - 2
New Jersey - 2
Oregon - 2
Virginia - 2
Washington - 2
Wisconsin - 2
Alabama - 1
Connecticut - 1
Delaware - 1
Georgia - 1
Louisiana - 1
Maine - 1
Maryland - 1
Massachusetts - 1
Minnesota - 1
Mississippi - 1
Nebraska - 1
New Hampshire - 1
South Carolina - 1
Vermont - 1
West Virginia - 1
Alaska - 0
Hawaii - 0
Idaho - 0
Montana - 0
New Mexico - 0
North Dakota - 0
Oklahoma - 0
Rhode Island - 0
South Dakota - 0
Utah - 0
Wyoming - 0
~ ~ ~
Distribution by
(561)313-7432
#JazzBluesFlorida #Jazz #Blues #Clubs #Concerts #Festivals
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