International Blues Challenge

About the Challenge

 

The International Blues Challenge - aka "IBC" - 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.  

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 throughout the five days of the IBC.

Affiliated organizations are required to stage a preliminary regional IBC competition, with the winner(s) 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 its preliminary rounds as it sees fit, as long as a true challenge between multiple acts takes place resulting in a single band and/or solo/duo act being identified.  

The finals for the 36th International Blues Challenge will be January 7th – 11th, 2025  in Memphis, TN.

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