The Triangle Blues Society Blues Challenge is a regional competition to select acts who will represent TBS at the Blues Foundation’s next 39th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
As many as 266 acts from around the world converge on Beale Street next January to perform as the music industry searches for new talent, with the chance to win recognition and prizes that include major festival performances and more. This year’s Triangle Blues Challenge is taking place at 1 PM Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the Blue Note Grill in Durham, N.C.
Categories include solo, duo and bands playing any and all kinds of blues (and nothing BUT the blues, please!). At least half of any performing band (or one, if a band of three), and at least one from a solo or duo act, must be legal residents of North Carolina as of October 8, 2023. 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.)
[Watch our own Jon Shain in his winning solo performance
at the 2019 International Blues Challenge!]
Applications to the Triangle Blues Challenge must be postmarked by September 23, 2023. So, take that first step now and submit your application, which can be found here.
Online applications are preferred. Send completed forms to Terri Robbins with “Triangle Blues Society Blues Challenge” in the subject line, then submit your application fee through Paypal.
You can also mail them to Terri Robbins, Triangle Blues Society Blues Challenge, 1108 Four Wheel Drive, Wake Forest, N.C. 27587.
We are also accepting entries for Best Self-Produced CD. Rules and the application form can be found here.
Check the Triangle Blues Society Facebook page or our website for updates. For more details, feel free to email the Triangle Blues Society’s IBC Liaison Terri Robbins at datapros1@gmail.com.