The International Blues Challenge

48 IBC

The International Blues Challenge blues.org

I missed the 2020 IBC and now the 2021 IBC has been "postponed" to 2022. I don’t know how that is different from being cancelled. I hate to miss this event, it really is a unique musical environment that moves you with the passion, expertise and art.

It is fun too. You get to visit any of about 30 venues on Beal Street. You can go to the crowded, rocking venues or you can find a dark, out-of-the-way dive with only a few people.

On the other hand, photography is very difficult in the low-light venues or out on the street. I had a good time with my “fast fifty” using natural light. I used my vintage Olmypus 50mm f1.4. I used other lenses but I put my most effort in with that lens. I also used a flash some, but the challenge of ambient light was too great.

At most of the IBC I see and get to talk with other Memphis Camera Club members. It is one of the best experiences to see how other people approach the challenges of the low-light situations. The music, food and milieu is fantastic, I cannot wait until 2022.

This photo is from the final event. If you are a blues music fan, the final production with the awards ceremony is fantastic. It is packed with the best music from individuals, duos and bands. It is all day long but worth the extra cost. Rather than in Beal Street bars, the final event is at the Orpheum Theater.

The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for those blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. Each affiliated Blues Society of The Blues Foundation has the right to send a band and solo/duo musician(s) 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 competing musicians are evaluated throughout the five days of the IBC.

Affiliated Blues Societies are required to stage a live regional preliminary IBC competition, with the winner of that event representing the organization in the International Blues Challenge held annually in Memphis, TN along historic Beale Street. While affiliated Blues Societies 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 musicians takes place resulting in a single band and/or solo/duo artist(s) being identified.

2020 IBC: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmL55dh2

2019 IBC: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmzRfmXQ

Beal Street: https://www.flickr.com/gp/timmwheat/8T7aMi

Man playing steel guitar

IBC 2019

Photo by Tim Wheat.

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