Information for the 2012 International Blues Challenge
The Blues Foundation will host the 28th annual International Blues Challenge January 31-February 4, 2012. This year, nearly 200 blues acts from around the world are expected to compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition. The world's largest gathering of blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its affiliated organizations for the Blues Band and Solo/Duo Blues Act ready to perform on a national stage, but just need that extra break. The preliminary round of competition features acts performing in clubs up and down Beale Street. In addition to performances, there will also be seminars and workshops pertaining to the blues.
Some of the blues artists whose careers were launched at the IBC over the years include: Susan Tedeschi, Michelle Wilson, Michael Burks, Tommy Castro, Albert Cummings, Larry Garner, Richard Johnston, Zac Harmon and Matthew Skoller.
Tickets:
Ticket packages for the event start at $100.
Schedule of Events:
- Tuesday, January 31st
5:30pm Doors Open for FedEx International Showcase at the New Daisy Theatre (included in ticket packages or $10 at the door) - Wednesday, February 1st
11:00am-2:30pm IBC Act Registration at Club 152
11:00am-2:00pm Open House at future site of Blues Hall of Fame (421 South Main)
12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC Merchandise and CD Sales at Ugly Juanita's in Handy Park
2:00-4:00pm Barbara Blue at Silky O'Sullivans
2:30pm IBC Act Orientation Meeting at Club 152
4:00/5:45pm First Night of Quarterfinals on Beale Street -- $10
11:00pm International Blues Jam hosted by the Dutch Blues Foundation at Alfred's - Thursday, February 2nd
10:30am-12:00pm Blues Stories with Michael "Hawkeye" Herman at Blues City Cafe
11:00am-2:00pm Open House at future site of Blues Hall of Fame (421 South Main)
11:00am Hammond Organ Workshop with Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms at Club 152
11:00am Stringed Instrument Workshop with 2012 BMA nominee Rich Del Grosso & Jonn Del Toro Richardson at the Hard Rock Cafe
12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC Merchandise and CD Sales at Ugly Juanita's in Handy Park
1:00pm Education Seminar with KBA recipient Dan Treanor at the Doubletree Hotel
1:00pm Drum Workshop - Shuffles workshop with Daniel Glass at Alfred's
1:00pm "Beyond the Music: You are the CEO!" with Bonnie Tallman at Blues City Cafe
2:00-4:00pm Barbara Blue at Silky O'Sullivans
3:00pm Beale Street Note Unveiling for Fred McDowell at King's Palace
4:00/5:45pm Second Night of Quarterfinals on Beale Street -- $10
***Note: When the scores have been tabulated, the semi-finalists will be announced at various Beale Street clubs.***
11:00pm International Blues Jam hosted by the Dutch Blues Foundation at Alfred's
11:00pm Youth Jam at the Hard Rock Cafe - Friday, February 3rd
9:00am Blues in the Schools with 2012 KBA recipient Dan Treanor at Downtown Elementary
10:30am Photo Exhibit and Q&A with Blues Hall of Fame member Dick Waterman at B.B. King's
11:00am-2:00pm Open House at future site of Blues Hall of Fame (421 South Main)
11:00am with 2012 BMA nominee Rich Del Grosso & Jonn Del Toro Richardson at Hard Rock Cafe
11:00am Hammond Organ Workshop for YOUTH with Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms at Club 152
11:00am Drum Workshop for YOUTH - Shuffles workshop with Daniel Glass at Alfred's
11:30am Luncheon: The Blues Foundation's Plans for the Blues Hall of Fame at the Doubletree Hotel
12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC Merchandise and CD Sales at Ugly Juanita's in Handy Park
1:30pm Blues Society Workshop with 2012 KBA Recipient at the Doubletree Hotel
1:30pm Memphis Music Foundation's Booking Workshop with Hugh Southard, Blue Mountain Artists, and Gina Hughes, Galaxie Agency at Wet Willies
2:00pm Youth Blues Knowledge Bowl at B.B. King's
2:00-4:00pm Barbara Blue at Silky O'Sullivans
3:00pm Beale Street Note Unveiling for Otha Turner at King's Palace
4:00 Youth Showcases at various Beale Street clubs -- $15 (includes Semi-finals)
6:00pm Semi-Finals Begin at various Beale Street clubs -- $15
***Note: When the scores have been tabulated Friday, the finalists will be announced at various Beale Street clubs.***
11:00pm International Blues Jam hosted by the Dutch Blues Foundation at Alfred's
11:00pm Youth Jam (Hard Rock Cafe) - Saturday, February 4
9:00am KBA Awards Brunch at the Doubletree Hotel
10:00am KBA Awards Ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel
1:00pm Doors Open for Band Finals at the Orpheum Theatre $32.50
1:00pm IBC Silent Auction Auction Saturday afternoon only Orpheum Theatre
2:00pm Band Finals & Best Self Produced CD Winner Announcement
6:30pm Doors Open for Solo/Duo Finals Orpheum Theatre
7:30 Solo/Duo Finals $22.50 - Sunday, February 6
11:00am Blues Brunch at The Majestic Grille
For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.blues.org or call (901) 527-2583.
