Hi, I’m Vinny Marini, of Music On The Couch. Check out the listings on my 2016 IBC Page there and find the final roster of 2016 Challengers coming in from around the world. Our preview shows at that link have more information than ever before
FIVE DAYS! Yup! Only five days and the Blues World descends on Memphis.
Getting ready to come to Memphis… here’s some information you should know:
– The airport is about 25 minutes from downtown Memphis, depending upon traffic, and YES Virginia, Memphis does have traffic.
– When you are waiting on a cab, look around…maybe there is a solo or a duo that can fit with you and you can share the fare…you are probably going to a hotel within a couple of blocks of each other.
– Memphis is like any other city in the world. There are some really wonderful people…and there are some sinister folks who will take advantage of you. The walk from Beale to The Doubletree will take about 15 minutes. Walk with someone else. Be alert…YES, even at 2:30am – ESPECIALLY at 2:30am
– After 10-11pm, you may have to go through a barricade and be hand-wanded by local law enforcement. It keeps the street safe, so don’t b**ch, smile and say “hi” to the person next to you.
Musicians…DON’T FORGET:
Business Cards — take double what you think you will need.
Music — Whether CDs or Download cards…bring as much as you can carry and make sure you don’t bring any home
Drum Sticks (you’d be surprised), Guitar Tuners; Guitar Straps; Extra Strings; Extra Picks; An appetite…A SMILE!
Fans DON’T FORGET:
Comfortable shoes; extra sweater; hat; Camera – ummm cell phones Vinny!
Your Ticket (if you received it by mail); A pen — to circle the bands you are going to try and see on the schedule, An Appetite…A SMILE!
Please remember, if you are reading this and you are in Memphis next week, you are invited to stop by and say “hi” and even come on air for a few minutes to talk about your adventure.
I am at Rum Boogie – go inside and follow the signs…
If you can’t make it please follow along by checking out the LIVE SHOWS from Beale beginning on Tuesday Night at 8pm US Central Time.
SHOW TIMES (ALL TIMES CENTRAL STANDARD TIME)
Show times are linked to BTR Page, where shows can be heard Live or Archived.
Monday, January 04, 2016 – 09:00pm – Midnight – Preview Show #1
Monday, January 11, 2016 – 09:00pm – Midnight – Preview Show #2
Monday, January 18, 2016 – 09:00pm – Midnight – Preview Show #3
Tuesday, January 26, 2015 – 08:00pm – 11:30pm – Live Show #1
From 8:45pm – 11:30pm simulcast of the Tas Cru Jam to
Benefit Generation Blues from The Rum Boogie Cafe.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 – 11:00am – 2:00pm – Live Show #2
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 – 06:00pm – 9:00pm – Live Show #3
Thursday, January 28, 2016 – 11:00am – 2:00pm – Live Show # 4
Thursday, January 28, 2016 – 06:00pm – 9:00pm – Live Show #5
Friday, January 29, 2016 – 11:00am – 2:00pm – Live Show #6
Friday, January 29, 2016 – 06:00pm – 9:00pm – Live Show #7
Monday, February 01, 2016 – 09:00pm – Midnight – Wrap-up Show
Hopefully over the last few weeks I have given you a better idea of what to expect next week. Please let me know if I did, by contacting me on Facebook.
I truly appreciate Cheryl and Michele at Blues Festival E-Guide for bringing this great opportunity my way.
Vinny Marini is owner/host for Music On The Couch. The show streams live on Monday evenings at 9pm CENTRAL and is archived.
In January, as he has for the last four years, Vinny will be web casting LIVE from the fuBAR at Rum Boogie Café on Beale Street during the International Blues Challenge bringing you seven shows beginning with Tuesday night’s web cast of the Tas Cru Jam To Benefit Generation Blues. Then two shows a day, Wednesday-Friday at 11am and 6pm CENTRAL. You’ll be able to hear them all LIVE around the globe. Show links will be provided closer to show dates.
This year, Vinny has partnered with Blues Festival Guide and will bring you updates on the entrants leading up to their all converging on Memphis, TN January 26-30, 2016. All IBC acts should contact Vinny via email.
