(Memphis, TN) – Following is a brief breakdown of lots of 2017 IBC happenings in Memphis during International Blues Challenge week, per the Blues Foundation (BF). See their IBC Schedule for more details.
JAN 31:
The International Blues Challenge officially opens at 5pm at the Clayborn Temple, 294 Hernando Street, Memphis, Tennessee, a key site in the civil rights struggle of the 1960’s where Dr. Martin Luther King spoke. In the spirit of Dr. King’s message, the blues is all embracing and knows no boundaries of color, nationality, or gender. And so The Blues Foundation felt it a fitting place to begin the IBC as we welcome artists from around the world to perform on the night before The Challenge officially begins. The International Showcase will expand in a number of clubs on Beale Street beginning at 8pm. Open to the Community – No Charge.
Tas Cru’s Generation Blues Fundraiser Jam 8pm, Rum Boogie Café, 182 Beale St. Sign up begins at 7pm for blues musicians. No Cover with IBC Pass – Donation’s encouraged to assist young blues artists in attending summer blues camps and workshops.
FEB 1:
IBC Act Check-In is required from Noon-2:30pm at the Tin Roof, 315 Beale St. All IBC acts are required to check in ahead of Act Orientation. Failure to check in will result in point deductions during the competition. You will receive IBC passes for all members of your registered act. Members of The Blues Foundation team will also be available to answer any questions.
Pick-up pre-purchased IBC passes and merchandise noon-10pm at Club 152 – 2nd Floor, 152 Beale St. Staff will also be on hand to sell IBC passes and merchandise to those who did not pre-purchase, plus a variety of CDs representing all Quarter-Final Challengers.
The Pacific Northwest Showcase 11am-4pm at Club 152 – First Floor, 152 Beale St., hosted by the Pacific Northwest Affiliated Blues Societies. Check out all of the Pacific Northwest acts entered in the 2017 IBC.
The Roots and Blues Showcase, presented by Blind Raccoon happens 11:30am-4pm at the Purple Haze Night Club, 140 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. $5 minimum donation request. Proceeds donated to the HART Fund.
Health Fair and Screenings and educational materials noon-2:30pm at Club 152 – 2nd Floor, 152 Beale St. Funded by The HART Fund, The Blues Foundation will have doctors, nurses and other health practitioners on site for a variety of health screenings included but not limited to blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol, diabetes, mobile mammography, PSA screenings for prostate cancer, and blood donation. Open to blues musicians and their family members at no charge.
An Affiliate Leader Roundtable, open discussion meeting with Blues Foundation President/CEO Barbara Newman will be held starting 1pm at the Doubletree Hotel, 185 Union Ave. Open to Blues Society Leadership.
The Youth Showcase Memphis Museum Bus Tour is open to Registered Youth Showcase participants only and at no charge. Begins at 1pm at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum, 421 South Main St., then board busses to Stax Museum, The Rock ‘n Soul Museum, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
A Presentation of Bien Al Sur. Historia Del Blues en La Argentina, 2pm, Blues Hall of Fame Museum, 421 South Main St. Authors of book will speak about their research and the state of the blues in Argentina and South America. Light refreshments served. Open to the Community – No Charge
IBC Act Orientation, 2:30pm, Tin Roof, 315 Beale St. All IBC Solo/Duo and Band acts are required to send one representative to attend Act Orientation ahead of quarter-final performances.
*International Blues Challenge – Quarterfinals Round 1 begins at 4:30pm at various clubs on Beale St.
FEB 2:
Blues Networking – Speed Dating for Musicians and Industry, 11am, Doubletree Hotel, 185 Union Ave. Networking opportunity/mentoring sessions with blues professionals across all areas of the music business. IBC Pass required for entry.
United by Music – Performance & Workshop for Affiliate Leaders and Educators 11am, Club 152 – First Floor, 152 Beale St. UBMNA mentors join The United by Music North America Band featuring special guest artists. An entertaining, interactive performance workshop showcasing the extraordinary skills of the UBMNA band’s multi-talented musicians!
The Roots and Blues Showcase, presented by Blind Raccoon day 2, 11:30am, Purple Haze Night Club, 140 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. $5 minimum donation request. Proceeds donated to the HART Fund.
Women in Blues (WiB) Showcase 11:30am-4pm, Alfred’s, 197 Beale St., with many of the great Women in Blues performers and some of our finest blues brothers. Donations accepted for Generation Blues.
Great Canadian Polar Bear Blues Showcase 11:30am, Kooky Canuck Restaurant, 87 South 2nd St. Hosted by the Ottawa Blues Society. This “Day of HART” fundraiser features Canadian acts entered in the IBC.
The Galaxie Agency Showcase is 11:30am-4:30pm at B.B. King’s Blues Club, 143 Beale St. Sponsored by the Topeka Blues Society. Music plus auction items and door prizes to benefit the Blues Foundation.
The Official Documentary of the IBC – Sidemen: Long Road to Glory 1pm at the Blues City Café, 138 Beale St.
Affiliate Workshop – Managing your Social Media 2pm, Doubletree Hotel, 185 Union Ave. IBC pass required for entry.
Panel Discussion – Recording your Next CD: Do’s and Don’ts 2pm, King’s Palace, 162 Beale St. IBC pass required.
*International Blues Challenge – Quarterfinals Round 2 starts at 4:30pm at various clubs on Beale Street. IBC pass or single finals ticket required for entry.
HART and Soul – A Blues Showcase 11:30pm, Alfred’s on Beale, 197 Beale St., benefiting the HART Fund.
FEB 3:
Managing Child Entertainers with Fernando Jones 10am, Hard Rock Café, 126 Beale Street
Youth Blues Workshop with Fernando Jones and Youth Showcase Check-In, 11am-2:15pm, Hard Rock Café, 126 Beale St. IBC pass required for entry.
*Keeping the Blues Alive Awards Luncheon, 11am, Doubletree Hotel – Grand Ballroom, 185 Union Ave., honoring top leaders in the world of blues.
The Youth Jam is 11pm at B.B. King’s Blues Club, 143 Beale St. IBC wristband or pass required for entry.
An All Star Jam will kick off at 11pm at Club 152 – First Floor, 152 Beale St. IBC wristband or pass required for entry
The Roots and Blues Showcase, presented by Blind Raccoon day 3, 11:30am, Purple Haze Night Club, 140 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. $5 minimum donation request. Proceeds donated to the HART Fund.
The International Jam will start up at 11:30pm at the Tin Roof, 315 Beale St. International IBC acts join the larger international blues community in a late hour blues jam. IBC pass or wristband required for entry.
Will Call and Merchandise Sales noon-10pm Club 152 – 2nd Floor, 152 Beale St.
Keynote Panel of The International Blues Challenge: “Blues as Healer” 2:15pm, Alfred’s on Beale, 197 Beale Street with Panel Moderator, Don Wilcock with Panel Participants: Walter Trout, Marie Trout, Kenny Neal, and Patti Parks.
Youth Showcase Act Orientation, 2:15pm, Hard Rock Café,126 Beale St.
Andy T Band HART Fund Benefit Showcase, 3pm-4:20pm and then again beginning at 11:00pm, Hard Rock Cafe
Youth Showcases, 4:20pm, Various Beale Street Clubs – Specific Schedule will be set closer to IBC.
*International Blues Challenge – Semifinals, 5:20pm, Various Beale Street Clubs
Youth Jam, 11pm, B.B. King’s Blues Club, 143 Beale St.
All Star Jam, 11pm, Club 152 – First Floor, 152 Beale St.
FEB 4:
The Charter Member, Big Donor, and Sponsor Breakfast is 10:30am, Orpheum Theatre Juke Joint, 203 So. Main St.
*The International Blues Challenge Finals start at Noon at the Orpheum Theatre, 203 South Main St. IBC pass or single finals ticket required for entry.
Official Blues Foundation IBC Auction runs Noon-6:30pm in the Orpheum Theatre Lobby, 203 South Main St. IBC pass or single finals ticket required for entry.
Andy T Band Generation Blues Benefit Showcase at 9pm Hard Rock Café, 126 Beale St. Special guests include Anson Funderburgh and Alabama Mike. $10 suggested donation at the door.
