Tuesday, October 7, 2025

2025 Florida Contenders to the International Blues Challenge (IBC) 2026

Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Florida regional competitions in 2025 to determine contenders at the International Blues Challenge 2026, presented by The Blues Foundation, in Memphis, TN on January 13–17, 2026.

The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians takes place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting challengers and fans. In addition to the competition rounds, IBC week offers seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.

STATUS AND INFO FOR FLORIDA COMPETITIONS

COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, August 17, 2025
LOCATION: Seville Quarter, Pensacola, FL
CONTENDERS:
Charlie & the Hammerheads
Michael J. McCartan
Rocky Denney & Deezer Morris
Josh Strickland Trio
WINNERS:
Solo/Duo: The Brothers (Rocky Denney & Deezer Morris)

COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, September 21, 2025
LOCATION: Hop Life Brewery, Port St. Lucie, FL
Band Winner:

North Central Florida Blues Society logo
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, October 5, 2025
LOCATION: Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville, FL
SOLO/DUO Challengers
Solo/Duo Winner:

First Coast Blues Society logo
COMPETITION DATE: Sunday, October 12, 2025
LOCATION: Mudville Music Room, Jacksonville, FL
CONTENDERS:
BANDS:
Low T & The Vintage
Mojo Healers
Back Alley Cadillac
Red Magnolia
Doug Tibbs Teio

SOLO/DUOS:
Lonesome Jim Weber 

YOUTH SHOWCASE:

Solo/Duo Winner:
Lonesome Jim Weber 
.
Band Winner:
Not participating this year.
Not participating this year.

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. Please send any updates and/or corrections to this address. Thank you.
STATS-n-FACTS
Affiliated Blues Societies by State
As of 8/21/23.
  • Florida – 10 (Includes First Coast; 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

~ ~ ~
Distributed by:
Jazz & Blues Florida 
JazzBluesFlorida.com
(561) 313-7432 Text Only Please
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