This year, as always, the 32th annual International Blues Challenge is taking place in the streets and venues of Memphis, Tennessee, “the home of the blues.” Sponsored by the Blues Foundation, the IBC attracts hundreds of blues acts and artists from around the world who journey to Memphis to compete for cash, prizes, bragging rights, and industry recognition. Past winners include Trampled Under Foot, Selwyn Birchwood Band, Grady Champion, Mr. Sipp.
You can Join the International Blues Challenge conversation on Twitter with #IBC2016
Friday, January 29
11:00am-2:15pm IBC Youth Act Registration Hard Rock Café
11:00am 2016 Keeping the Blues Alive Awards Doubletree Hotel, Tennessee Ballroom
11:00am Blues Kids Foundation Hard Rock Café
12:00pm–5:00pm Blind Raccoon Showcase Purple Haze Nightclub
11:00am Beale Street Brass Note/Walk of Fame Dedication to Little Laura Dukes Alfred’s
Noon- 4pm National Women in Blues Alfred’s
12:00-10:00pm Will Call, IBC Merchandise & CD Sales Club 152 2nd Floor
Noon-4pm 17th Annual Blues Jam by The Stella Vees Blues Hall
2:15pm IBC YOUTH Act Orientation Meeting Hard Rock Café
4:00-7:00/10:00-1:00pm Blues at the Hard Rock Hard Rock Café
4:20/5:00/5:40pm Youth Showcases Beale Street IBC Pass or $15 wristband
5:20/5:40/7:00pm 32nd IBC Semi-Finals IBC Pass or $15 Beale Street
The following events will begin when the semi-finals are concluded in the club somewhere between 10:00 and 11:00pm IBC Pass or $15 wristband
Youth Jam B.B. Kings
11:30pm All-Star Jam with Jonn Richardson Tin Roof
When the scores have been tabulated Friday, the finalists will be announced at various Beale Street clubs.
