(EVERETT, WA) – The Washington Blues Society in partnership with the South Sound Blues Assoc and the Inland Empire Blues Society present: The 2019 International Blues Challenge Finals. The Washington Blues Society, the statewide affiliate of the Blues Foundation in Memphis, has been working with the Inland Empire Blues Society (IEBS) and South Sound Blues Assoc. holding semi-finals across the state to make it easier for Blues acts to participate. During these regional IBC’s, dozens of acts competed for the chance to represent WA State in Memphis.

12 finalists will now compete on Sunday, August 25th at 1 pm in Everett, Washington on the waterfront stage at Port Gardner Landing (1700 W. Marine View Dr.). Competing in the Solo/duo division are The RooTsters, Blue Moon Marquee, Flying Blind, John “Greyhound” Maxwell, Brian Butler, and Robby and Randy. Competing in the Band division are The Slide Pocket, CD Woodbury, The T-Town Aces, Randy Oxford Blues, Rafael Tranquilino Band, and The Bobby Patterson Band.

The event is free with donations are taken at the event with all proceeds going help with expenses for the winner’s trip to Memphis, as the WBS strives to cover airfare and hotel stay for the competitors from our state. The Washington Blues Society will host a 21+ Beer Garden with varieties from Anacortes Brewing and has invited several popular food trucks t service the show. The Inn at Port Gardener has a special room rate for the date and Lombardi’s is taking reservation for their patio seating.

The competition follows the rules set by the Blues Foundation. Each set will be limited to 25 minutes, and each competitor will be allowed one 15-minute set change. Any Blues act that in resides in WA, OR, ID, MT, BC or ALB, may enter, and the act must include at least one who is a member of the Washington Blues Society.