The Triangle Blues Society (TBS) Blues Challenge is a regional competition to select acts that will represent TBS in the Blues Foundation’s 37th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Up to 250 acts from around the world converge on Beale Street to perform before the music industry searching for new talent, with the chance to win recognition and prizes that include major festival performances and more.
This year’s TBS Blues Challenge is taking place Sunday, September 12, 2021 at The Blue Note Grill, Durham, NC. Time TBA.
Categories include solo, duo and bands playing any and all kinds of blues (and nothing BUT the blues, please!). More than half (at least 51%) of any performing band, and at least one from a solo or duo actmust be legal residents of North Carolina as of September 12, 2021. At least one member of the act must be a member of the Triangle Blues Society.
If you are under 18 years of age you may also participate in our Youth Category. Throughout the duration of the IBC, excluding Finals which are held at The Orpheum Theatre, Youth Showcases are in various clubs on Beale Street.(TBS Youth Challenge winners are responsible for their own funding efforts.)
Entries must be postmarked by August 29, so take that first step now and submit your application which can be found on the links below.
We are also accepting entries for “Best Self Produced CD”. Only cds released between November 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021 are eligible. Send 4 copies to TBS by September 1, 2021 to qualify. Winners will be announced at our Blues Challenge September 12, 2021. Click here for more details on The Blues Foundations Best Self Produced CD award.
Check the TBS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TriangleBluesSociety) or TBS website (https://triangleblues.com/) for more information.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TBS 2021 BLUES CHALLENGE APPLICATION.
For more questions or details feel free to email Terri Robbins, TBS IBC Liaison, at Datapros1@gmail.com. Watch our own Jon Shain in his winning performance in the 2019 IBC here!