Case Of Blues Wins CIBS, Solo, Duo, Blues Challenge

From the fine folks at CIBS

Press Release-2008 Iowa Blues Challenge-Solo/Duo Acts Finals

Congratulations to Case Of The Blues, winners of the 2008 Iowa Blues Solo/Duo Challenge held August 24th at Blues on Grand. Case Of The Blues received $250 cash plus $300 travel expenses to Memphis as our state representative at the International Blues Challenge, February 4th – 7th, 2009.
They were one of five acts from across Iowa to participate in this event.

The 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge has been proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW and the Russell Bird Foundation.

Check out www.cibs.org for photos!

Iowa Blues Challenge Finals Set

From CIBS

Press Release-2008 Iowa Blues Challenge Finals

The Finals for the 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge are now set!

Come join the party at the Hotel Fort Des Moines at 10^th & Walnut in Des Moines, Iowa. On Sat., May 17^th, 2008, performances will start at 9:00 PM with Avey Brothers, followed by The Soul Searchers and Smokin’ Mojo Kings.

Cover will be $9 for Blues Society members and $10 for non-members. Call 515-243-1161 or 1-800-532-1466 and ask for the Blues fan rate to book rooms.

The competition will be stiff as these three great bands square off to determine who is the best Blues band in Iowa and play for the opportunity to advance to the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, TN, among other prizes, so come out and support your favorite band!

For the 15^th year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues band contest. This contest is open to any Iowa Blues band that has not been nominated for the Blues Music Awards (Handy’s).

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Prizes are awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA; The Nitefall on the River in Des Moines, IA; 2009 Simply The Blues Fest in Ft. Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior’s Motel, Rieman Music and Russell Bird Foundation

Check out www.cibs.org for more information.

Iowa Blues Challenge Update

Just got this via email courtesy of Serena

Press Release-2008 Iowa Blues Challenge

Congratulations to the Avey Brothers for advancing from the first round of the 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge held Thursday, April 10th at Zimm’s.

Coming up this Thursday, April 17th 8pm at the world famous Blues on Grand, is the second round featuring Hot Tamale & the Red Hots, Double Clutch, Case Of The Blues, The Blues Bureau and The Soul Searchers.

The 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge features head to head competition culminating in a three band Final round to be held May 17th, 2008 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines at 10^th & Walnut in Des Moines, Iowa.

For the 15th year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues band contest. This contest is open to any Iowa Blues band that has not been nominated for the Blues Music Awards (Handy’s).

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Prizes are awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA; the Nitefall on the River in Des Moines, IA; 2009 Simply the Blues Fest in Fort Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2008 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior's Motel, Rieman Music and Russell Bird Foundation.

Kristine Jackson Article

From the Cleveland Free Times comes a short article on Kristine Jackson who is also going to Memphis to compete in the acoustic blues challenged. Her and Andy plus quite a few more will be competing in the solo/duo blues contests put on by the Blues Foundation. To read about Jackson Click HERE.

Andy Coats Update

Nice update from Andy. Good luck in Memphis!!!!



Hey folks,

I am very honored and privileged to be competing in this year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.

The semi-finals rounds will be next Thurs., Jan 31, and Fri., Feb. 1. All the acts will be performing at venues on Beale St., but the exact schedule is not revealed until the last minute. So, unfortunately, I don’t yet have any details about where & when I will be performing.

However, you can read all about the “IBC”, as it’s known, on the official website:

http://blues.org/

And those of you who will be there for the competition should already have my cell phone number – if not, please email me and I’ll send it to you.

Also, lest I forget, I will be doing my usual last Sunday gig at the Blue Martini. I believe there’s a giveaway for a $25 bar tab for the evening—as part of an IBC promotion—so please let me know if you’d like to sign up for that.

Andy Coats, solo
Sun., Jan. 27, 8 pm - mid
The Blue Martini
116 N West St # 100
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 899-6464
http://www.bluemartiniraleigh.com

All the best,

Andy

www.andycoats.com

www.myspace.com/andycoats

Ilinois Blues Update

Here are some more blues news from the folks at Illinois Blues.

Upcoming Blues

So you thought the Blues season was over? No Way! This week brings the Klakson Blues Festival in Vilvoorde, Vlaams Brabant, Belgium, and the Baby Blues Showcase in St. Louis, Missouri.

Also From Illinois Blues comes word of the West Virgina Blues Society is in need of some help sending their blues challenge winners to Memphis

Blues Society News

The West Virginia Blues Society - Charleston, WV

The WV Blues Society will be sending TWO Blues Acts , Izzy & Chris,Duo Div. and Billy the Kid and the Regulators, Band Div. to Memphis they can represent our Blues Society by competing in the Blues Foundation's 24th Annual 2008 International Blues Challenge. WE NEED YOUR HELP.

These two Acts beat out entrants in our Appalachian Blues Competition from NINE States. Our Society stands a better than even chance of bringing home a winner this year. But, we can't do it without your help. We are looking for clubs and venues to showcase them in and have benefit fundraisers. We are looking for Sponsors. The end of January will be here before we know it. Remember, this competition will put your Blues Society on the National and International map in the Blues Scene. Your donations could be tax deductible.

Izzy made it to the final round last year and placed seventh overall with competition from over 145 locations worldwide. So, if you really love the blues and want to make a difference this is your chance. If you have any Blues artifacts that we could auction or anything thing or way to help defray the cost would greatly benefit our representatives. Lets show our Support and bring home a winner. We can be reached thruogh our web site at, www.wvbluessociety.org or by calling, 304-389-1439. Jack Rice, President - West Virginia Blues Society, Inc. PO Box 11646, Charleston, WV 25339 www.wvbluessociety.org

Winner of the CIBS Solo/Duo Blues Challenge

Just recieved this from Serena James marketing director of the Central Iowa Blues Society. There is a link at the bottom of the press release with photos of the artists go check them out!

Press Release-2007 Iowa Blues Challenge-Solo/Duo Acts Finals

Congratulations to Willie McKnight & Alan Smith, winners of the 2007 Iowa Solo/Duo Blues Challenge held September 2nd at Blues on Grand in conjunction with the Gateway Blues Fest. Willie & Alan will receive $250 cash plus $300 travel expenses to Memphis as our state representative at the International Blues Challenge. They were one of four acts to advance from 2 preliminary rounds held in Des Moines and Davenport earlier. A total of 10 Iowa acts participated in the Challenge.

The 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge has been proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW

Check out www.cibs.org for photos!

West Virginia Blues Society Blues Challenge

Just got this from Illinois blues. It is a press release for the West Virginia Blues Society. If you live in the area and play the blues then sign up for a chance to go to Memphis and win the big prize.

Call for Blues Performers

The West Virginia Blues Society is calling for Blues bands and solo/duo blues acts to compete for cash prizes and WVBS sponsorship to the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge held every year in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Appalachian Blues Competition will be conducted October 6, 2007 at the Holiday Inn-Charleston House Hotel in Charleston, WV. The West Virginia Blues Society has 18 competition slots to be filled by regional blues acts from all over West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and other states. As the competition grows, so does the level of talent. If your band has the Mojo this could be your ticket to Memphis for the Big Show. This is the ONLY Blues Talent Competition in West Virginia recognized by the Blues Foundation. So, tune up and show up with your best Blues.

While the competition cannot be considered a purely "amateur" contest, the goal of The International Blues Challenge is to seek out the best "undiscovered" Blues band and the best "undiscovered" solo/duo Blues performer in the United State and beyond. The IBC is a real opportunity for discovery to musicians that are truly unknown and unsigned to a record company.

The International Blues Challenge in Memphis is restricted to acts representing an affiliated organization of the Blues Foundation, of which WVBS is one. The IBC is the largest gathering of blues bands in the world (around 150) and has evolved into the Nation's most respected showcase for Blues musicians ready to take their act to the national stage. Each affiliate of The Blues Foundation has the right to send a band or a solo/duo act to represent the organization at the IBC Semi-Finals on world famous Beale Street in Memphis. The list of blues greats that have competed in the IBC over the years is impressive indeed: Slick Ballinger, Michael Burks, Tommy Castro, Albert Cummings, Delta Moon, Larry Gardner, Dianna Greenleaf, Zac Harmon, Richard Johnston, Matthew Skoller, Susan Tedeschi, John Weston and Michelle Wilson. Musicians from around the world have commented that just getting the chance to play on historic Beale Street is worth the trip.

The first-place winner of Blues Competition will receive $750 dollars in cash and WVBS sponsorship to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in early 2008, where they can gain valuable exposure to record label A&R representatives Blues industry professionals, and festival promoters capable of providing real career advancement for a serious blues musician. The second place winner will receive $200 in cash and third-place winner will receive $100 in cash. The big winners, however, are the Blues fans who enjoy a day of Blues entertainment.

Winners at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, the city considered by many as the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock 'n Roll, receive cash and prizes such as professional consultations and assistance, gigs at some of the country's best festivals, interviews in the world's leading Blues publications, free website design and hosting, and even a slot on the "2009 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise."

CONTACT PERSON FOR COMPETITION PARTICIPANTS: Complete information, application & rules are available online at http://www.wvbluessociety.org/appalachian_blues_band_competiti.

Deadline for application submission is September 1, 2007. For more information contact Competition Director, Jack Rice at 304-389-1439 or e-mail: bkravenhawk@hotmail.com or Assistant Competition Director, Steve Criner at 304-549-2486 or e-mail: stephencriner@yahoo.com

ABOUT WVBS: The West Virginia Blues Society is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the history and heritage of Blues music as an American art form through education, activities and events.

Andy Coats wins Triangle Blues Soceity Blues Challenge.

Congrats to my old friend Andy Coats who won the Blues Challege put on by the Triangle Blues Society. Andy sent me a letter, that went out to his fans.

Check it out!

Hey folks,

Great news here: last night at the Blue Bayou Club, I won the Triangle Blues Society (TBS) Challenge in the solo/duo category!

The competition was tough, with many outstanding musicians in both the solo/duo and band categories, but I’m thrilled to have come away with 1^st prize.

This will give me the pleasure and honor of representing the TBS at the International Blues Challenge, to be held in January, 2008, in Memphis, TN.

It will be my first trip to the big event, and it seems only fitting that I do so by representing the TBS – which, after all, is based in the area where I was born and raised.

Many special thanks to all the volunteers at TBS, the great folks at the Blue Bayou, the other participants in the challenge, and to all of you who have supported my endeavors over the years!

I’m honored and humbled to have this opportunity.

All the best,

Andy

www.andycoats.com

Triangle Blues Society –

www.triangleblues.com

Blue Bayou Club –

http://www.bluebayouclub.com/

Central Illinois Blues Challenge

Just received this from the Illinois Blues List:

The Blues Blowtorch Society presents....

2007 Central Illinois Blues Challenge
& Central Illinois Wine, Rhythm & Blues Festival
Sunday, June 3

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard

33633 Illinois 9,
Mackinaw, IL 61755
(309) 359-9463
15 miles west of Bloomington on Route 9

* 8 Different Vineyards Represented
* Admission $12.00

Barb Hamilton will open the show at 12:30

Eight bands competing - 30 minute sets

Bridget & The Boogiemen 1:15

Knights Of Crisis 2:00

Rooster Alley 2:45

The Low Down Blues Band 3:30

Southside Cindy & The Sliptones 4:15

Trouble No More 5:00

Kim Massie Band 5:45

Melvin Taylor 6:30

Sounds like fun! If you are in or around Mackinaw Illinois on Sunday be sure to check it out. Also anyone from the the area please post the results in the comment section or email it to me. THANKS

Cincinnati Blues Challenge

People in Cincinnati be ready for the battle of the bands. According to the Cincinnati post, the Cincinnati Blues Challenge is Sunday put on by the Cincy Blues Society. go here for more details. The blues challenge info is about half way down the page. BTW, anyone from Cincinnati, please email, or leave a comment on who wins! I doubt that I will see it on the wire. THANKS!

Matt Woods Wins!

Just received this press release from the Central Iowa Blues Society:

Press Release-2007 Iowa Blues Challenge Finals

Congratulations to Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts, winners of the 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge held May 18th at the Hilton Garden Inn. This Des Moines band received $500 cash plus $1,200 travel expenses to Memphis as our local representative at the International Blues Challenge in February 2008. Quad Cities representative Smokin’ Mojo Kings placed second, earning them $400 cash. Both of these bands also receive 8 hours of studio time as well as several paid gigs including the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, Nitefall On The River in Des Moines. Rounding out the competition was Yetti Bluz Band, earning $300 cash.

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Over $5,000 in prizes have been awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA; the Nightfall on the River in Des Moines, IA; Simply the Blues Fest in Fort Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge has been proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior's Motel, Wolfer Sound, Cityview and Rieman Music.

Check out www.cibs.org for more information.