MARIETTA, OH – The Blues, Jazz & Folk Music announce the 23rd annual River City Blues Competition, still the oldest and largest blues talent competition in the state of Ohio. Past participants have come from New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Italy, Israel and Pennsylvania. They compete for sponsorship to the International Blues Challenge (IBC). The first place winner of the The River City Blues Competition in 2015 will receive $1,000 in cash and $500 more when they register for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis early in 2016 where they will gain valuable exposure to record label A&R representatives and Blues industry professionals and festival promoters capable of real career advancement for a serious blues musician. Second place with receive $500 and 3rd place $300. If one of them qualify to go to Memphis they will receive an additional $500 when they register for the Challenge. There will be 13 slots in the competition.

Deadline for application submission is Friday, January 16, 2015. Click here to read and download Rules and Application, for 2015 River City Ohio Blues Competition, For questions contact Competition Director, John Gifford at 740-680-6338 after 3pm. Email: jgifford17799@roadrunner.com or e-mail bolen@bjfm.org

Doors open one hour before showtime. For passes, tickets or info call Mary Ann Osborne 304-422-2944 or Helen Holt 304-428-8393. VISA/MasterCard/Discover accepted. We will hold your tickets/passes at the door for you to pick up when you arrive.

Competition Schedule

The big winners. however, are the blues fans who enjoy a weekend of great blues entertainment.

There will be a Pre-Competition Party Night, Friday, February 20th with Ray Fuller and the Blues Rockers (8pm) followed by the Nick Moss Band (9:15pm)

On Saturday, February 21st the Preliminary Competition will be held 11:30am – 5:50pm (TBA).
A dinner Break will happen at approximately 6-8 PM. Finals start at 8pm that night.

Tickets are $10/$15 m/nm Friday Night, $15/$20 m/nm Saturday Afternoon, $15/$20 m/nm Saturday Night, $40/$55 m/nm Weekend Pass. VISA/MasterCard/Discover accepted. Participating band members will be admitted free for the weekend. Special guest ticket (member price) limit one per band member. Doors open one hour before show time for each preliminary and the finals.

Winners at The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, the city considered by many as the home of the Blues and the birthplace of rock ‘n roll, receive cash and prizes such as professional consultations and assistance, gigs at some of the country’s best festivals, interviews in the world’s leading Blues publications, free website design and hosting, and even a slot on the 2015 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.

www.bjfm.org/blues-competition.html