(HARTFORD, CT) – 4th Annual Connecticut Blues Society Band Challenge starts Sunday Mar 10th, 3pm at Black-Eyed Sally’s in Hartford, Connecticut and will continue for three more weeks. The winner of each preliminary will compete in the final, at the Black-Eyed and Blues Festival, in Bushnell Park Hartford on June 22. The Band Challenge is a competition to determine who will represent Connecticut at the International Blues Challenge, in Memphis next January. The lineup for the first night; The Redliners, Bridgeport Johnny, Kris Heaton Band, and Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang. Each band will play a 25-minute set. Check the website for the following week’s lineups. Judging is based on the criteria from the Blues Foundation, in Memphis: Blues Content, Instrumental Talent, Vocal Talent, Originality, and Stage Presence. The winners of the preliminaries and one wild card band will compete at the Black-eyed and Blues Festival in Bushnell Park on June 22. The final winner will be awarded $2000 plus gigs and an opportunity to record a video at Don O’Dell’s Studio in Palmer, Massachusetts.

(PORT WASHINGTON, WI) – Seven acts will perform in the Paramount Music Association’s Paramount Blues Challenge for the chance to represent the State of Wisconsin at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis! Local musicians will play their 30 min set for fans starting at 5pm at the Lepanto Banquet Hall (350 E. Seven Hills Road, City of Port Washington, Wisconsin). Cast your vote for your favorite to win People’s Choice! Acts in order of appearance: Ryan McGrath Band, Tommy Bentz Band, B-Side Band, Luke Cerny, Milwaukee Mike & the Mob, Blues Addiction, Madtown Mannish Boys. Doors open at 4:30pm and there will be special dinner offerings and table service. Come for dinner, stay for the night!