(MEMPHIS, TN) – The International Blues Challenge (IBC) is Jan 28 – Feb 1 and over 230 blues challengers from around the world will be competing! Below are just some of the IBC highlights you can also attend with your IBC Pass. They are required for entry.
Thursday January 2, 2020 is the last day to purchase IBC passes if you want them mailed to you ahead of your arrival. All passes purchased after this date will be held at Will Call.
On Thursday, January 30, 11:30am – 1:30am at the Blues City Café there will be a first-time special preview screening of the 1991 film Deep Blues as newly remastered in 4K for a 30th Anniversary relaunch in 2021. Director Robert Mugge will be on hand to answer questions, and Executive Producer Dave Stewart of Eurythmics will offer a newly taped video introduction. Note: The Encore Screening will be Friday, January 31 at Midnight at Blues City Café. IBC Pass required for entry to both these events.
Also Thursday, January 30, from 12:30pm – 1:30 m at King’s Palace, Blues Hall of Famer Bobby Rush will lead a discussion on how to advocate for yourself as a musical artist with stories from his own career and audience Q&A. IBC Pass required for entry.
Friday, January 31, 2020 10:30am the KBA Awards Bunch will be held at the Holiday Inn Memphis Downtown in the Grand Ballroom. The annual Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards Brunch will honor and celebrate our 2020 KBA recipients, non-performers who are being recognized for their years of behind-the-scenes work to share, promote, and bring greater awareness to the blues genre. The 2020 KBA Recipients are: Peter Astrup, Dr. Rob Bowman, Cali Blues & Folk Festival, Hal & Mal’s, Jimiway Blues Festival, Dr. Janice Johnston, Jus’ Blues Music Foundation, Kentuckiana Blues Society, and Kathleen Lawton. KBA Ticket required for entry here.
On Friday, January 31, from 2:30pm – 4pm at Alfred’s, the 2020 IBC Keynote Panel will address the topic of “Blues Women: Creators, Conductors, & Catalysts.” Current blues women, both performers and as part of industry leadership, will discuss the trajectory of women in the blues business from the first blues women through the present and looking into the future. IBC Pass required for entry.
Find passes, KBA tickets and much more details at the Blues Foundation Website.
