MEMPHIS, TN – Blind Raccoon is delighted to announce the line-up for their showcases happening during the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. On January 21, 22 and 23, from 11:30am to 5pm, artists from Norway, Canada, California, Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut, and New York, a smorgasbord of roots and blues talent, will grace the stage. We have two 2015 Blues Music Award nominees – Vaneese Thomas & Missy Andersen, one 2015 IBC participant – Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Band – as well as several former IBC contestants performing over the three days. Net proceeds from the showcases will benefit The Blues Foundation’s HART Fund, which provides assistance to blues musicians and their families in times of great financial need due to medical emergencies.

Emcees are Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro of Mary4Music.com on Wednesday, Brett Fleming, host of Soul Stew, WEVL/Memphis, on Thursday, and Richard L’Hommedieu, producer of Live At The Midnight Circus and publisher of Making A Scene, on Friday. Blind Raccoon is a music marketing firm out of Memphis dedicated to spreading their artists’ music around the globe.

Performers

• Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Band
• 2015 IBC participant (Based in OH) www.underworldblues.com
• Vaneese Thomas
• 2015 BMA Nominee “Soul Blues Album” (Blues For My Father) & “Soul Blues Female Artist”
• (Based in NY, from Memphis) www.vaneesethomas.com
• Magnus Berg (Based in Norway) www.magnusbergmusic.com
• The Reverend Shawn Amos (Based in CA) www.shawnamos.com
• Hurricane Ruth
• Former IBC participant (Based in IL) www.hurricaneruth.com
• Missy Andersen
• 2015 BMA Nominee “Soul Blues Female Artist”
• Missy Andersen was due to participate in this year’s IBC, but as she was nominated for a BMA and was eliminated from the competition. (Based in CA) www.missyandersen.com
• Suit Ty Thurrsty (Based in CT) www.suittythurrsty.com
• Anthony Gomes (From Canada) www.anthonygomes.com

Early 2015 will see the release of Electric Field Holler, a guitar driven blues infused rock ‘n’ roll album that showcases Gomes‘ blistering six string work and whiskey soaked voice.

Schedule 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

• 11:30am – Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Band – I hour set
• 12:45pm – Vaneese Thomas – 45 minute set
• 1:45pm – Magnus Berg – 45 minute set
• 2:45pm – The Reverend Shawn Amos – 45 minute set
• 3:45pm – Hurricane Ruth – I hour set

Thursday, January 22, 2015

• 11:30am – Missy Andersen – I hour set
• 12:45pm – Suit Ty Thurrsty – 45 minute set
• 1:45pm – Vaneese Thomas – 45 minute set
• 2:45pm – Anthony Gomes – I hour set
• 4pm – The Reverend Shawn Amos – 45 minute set

Friday, January 23, 2015

• 11:30am – Suit Ty Thurrsty – I hour set
• 12:45pm – Hurricane Ruth – 45 minute set
• 1:45pm – Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Band – 45 minute set
• 2:45pm – Missy Andersen – 45 minute set
• 3:45pm – Magnus Berg – I hour set

More info: www.blindraccoon.com