International Blues Challenge Wrap Up
Many thanks to everyone who attended the Going to Memphis Fundraiser and donated to help our musicians’ dreams of going to Memphis and competing come true.
Here’s the wrap up from last weekend’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
The Cincy Blues Society 2026 Challenge Representatives, Band – Cat & The $2 Pistols (Catrina Campbell, Brian Franks, and Oscar Bernal) and Solo/Duo – Mutt & Jeff (Sonny Moorman and Jeff Dion), each played two quarter final shows.
Both of our Cincy Blues Society acts were among crowd favorites and it showed – the crowds loved them. There were over 140+ bands competing and we are very proud of both of our winners and their stellar performances and presentations to the blues world representing our Society and themselves.
Unfortunately, they were not able advance to the Semi Finals this year. Our Self Produced CD entry “Help Yourself” by Marcos Sastre was also not able to advance to the Finals.
Thank you to our Band and Solo/Duo winners and our Self Produced CD winner. Cincy Blues Society couldn’t be more proud having you represent us at this year’s International Blues Challenge. Winning is not just about placing first, winning is about you doing what you love to do – play and sing blues music. You are all our winners!
Going to Memphis to compete is not just about winning, it’s about how each blues artist contributes to keeping the blues alive from the past and for future generations. It’s about meeting other blues artists, making connections, making lifelong friends, and sharing the love of music. It’s about being part of blues music history, and most of all, making memories and showing the world what makes you a blues artist. Being in Memphis is just a step of an artist’s career. Not the end of it, but a new beginning along in your journey. Each blues artist is a winner the moment they step onto any stage.
Below are some pics of other exciting performances from last weekend, including an impromptu jam at the hotel with national recording artist, Kingfish Ingram, and the Women In Blues Showcase featuring Shaun Booker from the Columbus Blues Alliance.
