If you are a blues fan, all roads lead to Memphis this week. Hundreds of blues musicians come from all over the U.S. and the world to take part in this annual five-day event, held January 20th to January 24th this year. Performers for the challenge are chosen by local blues societies to compete in three categories: Best Band, Best Solo/Duet, and Best Self-Produced CD–all for cash, prizes, and industry recognition.

Last year, over 250 acts competed in semi-finals in the clubs on Beale Street so expect an explosion of the blues this year, too.

International Blues Challenge
The Blues Foundation
421 South Main, Memphis TN 38103
Phone: (901) 527-2583
http://www.blues.org/international-blues-challenge/2015-international-blues-challenge/

Since the IBC is a showcase for new talent, many of today’s top blues artists competed in the past, including Tommy Castro, Eden Brent, Albert Castiglia, Susan Tedeschi, Delta Moon, Diunna Greenleaf, Zac Harmon, Larry Garner, Super Chikan, and more. Here is a list of this year’s participants, many of whom will be the stars of tomorrow:

2015 Blues Challenge Entries
http://www.blues.org/international-blues-challenge/2015-international-blues-challenge/current-entries/

The official list of this year’s IBC semi-finalists has been released so check out these artists live in the Beale Street clubs as they advance to the next round.

2015 Blues Challenge Semi-Finalists
http://www.blues.org/international-blues-challenge/2015-international-blues-challenge/2015-semi-finalists/

The winners will be chosen at the IBC final battle of the bands on Saturday night in the historic Orpheum Theatre. Cheer on your hometown favorite or just go for the amazing talent on stage.

Here is a list of the 2015 IBC winners:

http://www.blues.org/2015/01/2015-international-blues-challenge-winners/

The Orpheum Theatre
203 South Main Street (at Beale) Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 525-3000
http://www.orpheum-memphis.com/events/detail/2015-international-blues-challenge