2004 International Blues Challenge and BluesFirst
January 29 & 31, 2004
Memphis, Tennessee
A Blues Foundation Production
The program for the 2004 International Blues Challenge (IBC) and BluesFirst, to be held January 29-31, 2004 in Memphis, Tennessee, is now finalized, full information of which is posted at www.blues.org. Gold sponsors for the weekend are Budweiser, King Biscuit Time Magazine and Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise.
BluesFirst will kick off Thursday night, January 29, with an opening reception, at which registered participants will have the opportunity to mingle, catch up with old friends and network with their peers. Friday is filled with seminars and workshops, including a special luncheon presentation by Robert T. Gordon, author and producer, entitled "The Year of The Blues That Was." Friday evening Joe Bonamassa will be the featured artist at the Blues and BBQ reception.
The 20th annual International Blues Challenge semi-finals commence Thursday evening in Beale Street clubs with the second round on Friday. The finals for the solo/duo acts will take place on Friday while the band finals will be held Saturday night at the New Daisy Theater, the band winner taking the title of "Best Unsigned Blues Band." The judges also present the Albert King Award for the most promising guitarist. Gibson Guitar Corp., a bronze sponsor of the 2004 IBC, has generously donated a Flying V guitar. The winning band will receive over $25,000 in cash and prizes, donated by blues industry and local community organizations. Prizes include booking and publicity consultations, website design, CD production assistance, gigs on the 2005 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise and opening the 25th W.C. Handy on April 29, 2004 in Memphis as well as gigs throughout North America.
On Saturday other significant events will take place including a brunch for the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) awards that honor the men and women, who have contributed to the wellbeing of blues music. The KBAs, presented in 19 categories, are the opportunity for the blues community to congregate and recognize its peers and the accomplishments of supporting organizations. In the afternoon, The Blues Foundation will host the annual membership meeting, a board meeting, a scavenger hunt and a special presentation by Joe Bonamassa, entitled "Keeping The Blues Alive Through Education, A Blues in the Schools Program."
The Blues Foundation has reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Select at a special rate for the BluesFirst/IBC weekend. Hotel and BluesFirst/IBC reservations are made by visiting www.uniquememphis.com/bluesfoundation/ or calling Unique at 800-235-1984.
