Posts tagged Road to Memphis

SIX BANDS COMPETE IN “ROAD TO MEMPHIS” CHALLENGE

Brandon Scott Sellner, Curtis & the Kicks, The Dee Miller Band, Little Bobby & the Storm, The Swamp Kings and Sweet Paulie T & the BluesBlasters Vie for a Spot at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN in January 2010.

On Sunday, April 26th beginning at 1:00 pm, the Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society (GTCBMS) will host the “2009 Road To Memphis Challenge” at the Minnesota Music Café, 499 Payne Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota. Since 2004 the GTCBMS has been sponsoring local musicians at the Blues Foundation’s “International Blues Challenge” (IBC) held each winter in Memphis, TN. The trip to Memphis provides blues acts with an opportunity to make connections with music industry professionals who can help them further their performing and recording careers. Winners at the IBC are usually invited to participate in the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise along with numerous other blues festivals in the United States and abroad.

This year six local acts will compete for the chance to represent Minnesota in the “Band” category at the IBC. The bands participating are Brandon Scott Sellner, Curtis & the Kicks, The Dee Miller Band, Little Bobby & the Storm, The Swamp Kings and Sweet Paulie T & the BluesBlasters. Order of play will be determined by luck-of-the-draw prior to the competition. Acts will be evaluated by a panel of judges in accordance with the IBC criteria for blues content, instrumental talent, vocal talent, originality and stage presence. Each band will play a 25 minute set. This event is open to the public and we encourage you to come out and support your favorite band. There is no charge for this event. Tax-deductible donations will be accepted for the “Get Out Of Town Fund” to help the winning act offset travel related expenses for the trip to Memphis in January 2010.

The Greater Twin Cities Blues Music Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in August 2002. Through volunteer efforts we lend support, pay tribute to and honor our local blues musicians through Profile Events, Road to Memphis competitions, and the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame. Our 2004 Road to Memphis finalist, Scottie Miller, made it to the final round of the 2005 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.