2024 International Blues challenge

www.wablues.org

Proud recipient of the “Keeping The Blues Alive” award

Washington Blues Society  Local Competitions for

 International Blues Challenge

Washington Blues Society Contacts:

WASHINGTON BLUES SOCIETY

2025 International Blues Competition (IBC) Contest

Two Categories: Bands (Three Piece and Larger) and Solo/Duo Acts

Please complete this application if you want to compete in the Washington Blues Society contest to send a band or a solo/duo act to the IBC in Memphis in January 7-12, 2025. We are working with multiple Blues Societies across the state to hold semi-finals to make it easier for blues acts to participate.

DOWNLOAD  CONTESTANT APPLICATION HERE :: 2025 IBC Entry Form and Instuction Sheet (1)

OR Find the Application on the Back Page of the MAY 2024 Blues Letter

Applications are to be sent to President@wablues.org

or mailed to

WBS

PO Box 70604

Seattle WA 98127

Entry Fee Payable by Check or Pay Pal = treasurer@wablues.org  or Venmo = @Washingtonblues-Society

***if we receive 10+ applicants for any event, our Board may select applicants via lottery on May 31^st. AND options for relocation will be sent.

This form is an initial statement of interest, and not binding.

Judges will evaluate acts using the Blues Foundation rules and score sheet.

More info for competitors here:  https://blues.org/international-blues-challenge/ibc-challengers/

https://blues.org/official-ibc-rules/

WHAT SHOULD WE BRING WITH US TO THE IBC? WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL BE PROVIDED?
You will need your instruments!

Please bring a DI if you use one.
Backline equipment provided by The Blues Society will be high quality, professional gear that you should be familiar with.

BASS AMP and Drum kit -and PA System
The use of wireless systems will depend upon the venue, soundperson, and time constraints.
Midi and looping devices to enhance performances are not barred from the competition but are frowned on by the judges, as this competition is about LIVE music performance!
Drummers will need to bring cymbals. You may want to bring your snare, and pedal as well.
Harp players are allowed to bring a harp amp, but this is not required as we will have a guitar amp available for use.
Keyboard players may bring their own keys, but this is not required as an 88 keyed and weighted keyboard will be provided upon request.

The use of pedals, stomp boxes and other auxiliary equipment is allowed. We will not allow you to use your own bass amp during any round of the competition.

Thank you in advance for NOT calling The Blues Soicety to ask for an exception to this rule, as we will not allow any exceptions.

LOCATIONS

CCR Snohomish (6/2) 

Aurora Borealis ,Seattle (6/9) 

Spokane , Eagles (6/16)

Purdy’s Pub, Sumner (6/23)

Vancouver. WA TBA  (6/30)

The  Blues Society provides PA , Drum Kit and Bass Amp for all contestants to use.

If we receive 10+ applicants for any event, our Board may select applicants via lottery on May 31st.

The entry form is an initial statement of interest, and not
binding.

Judges will evaluate acts using the Blues Foundation score sheet (www.blues.org/ibc/scoring.php).

The 2024 international Blues Challenge Finals

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 MORE INFO 

Each competition will follow the rules of 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, IF the act includes at least one member who is a Blues Society member of an associated Greater Pacific Northwest Blues Society must be verified as part of the IBC entry.

The contest entry application  must include the non-refundable entry fee, which pays for the backline and a PA system.

Each winner will be required to perform at a minimum of two fundraisers in 2024 and one fundraiser in 2025 at no charge.

Proceeds from these events and fees, will be deposited into a WBS fund to help defray expenses to get each winning act to and from Memphis plus Hotel and Fod per diam .. but we cannot guarantee an “all-expense paid” trip.