The International Blues Challenge Solo/Duo finals took place at Winston’s OB on 11/4.  The five finalists were Cadillac Wreckers, Phil Diiorio, Robin Henkel & Whitney Shay, Ben Powell, and Missy & Heine Andersen.  They all turned in stellar performances, but Ben’s interpretation of the one-man-band tradition brought down the house.  Our thanks to all these fine performers, and to judges Dave Good, Barney Roach, Karl Cabbage, Sharon Mack and Ken Boozer.  We wish Ben great success in Memphis.  Mark your calendars now for the IBC send-off party on January 19 from 1-5 at Humphrey’s Backstage!

Leon Russell is coming to the Belly Up in Solana Beach, Oct 22.

Russell is a music legend and perhaps the most accomplished and versatile musician in the history of rock ’n roll. In his distinguished and unique 50 year career, he has played on, arranged, written and/or produced some of the best records in popular music. Although not classified as blues for purists at all, this Grammy Winner has certainly has straddled the borders and influenced generations of fans and musicians.

Opening for Russell is the blistering-hot blues-rock of The Blitz Brothers. Tickets are only $25. Showtime is 8 pm.

The second annual AimLoan.com San Diego Blues Festival is gearing for the Sept. 22 show that will feature blues stalwarts such as Tab Benoit, Janiva Magness and Kim Wilson & His Blues All-Stars.

The event at Embarcadero Marina Park North also includes Henry Gray with Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Zac Harmon, Nathan James & the Rhythm Scratchers, Missy Andersen, Taryn Donath, Ben Powell and the Randy Oxford Band.

All proceeds from the event benefit The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, a nonprofit agency that in 2011 distributed more than 20 million pounds of food to residents of San Diego County.

General admission tickets are $10 plus a donation of two cans of food. VIP tickets are $75. Tickets are available through the festival website www.sdbluesfest.com.

Parking is available for the event under the San Diego Convention Center for $11 and at an outside lot behind the center for $10. The trolley also stops just two blocks from the event. Many festival goers will elect to park free at the Old Town Transit Station and take the trolley downtown.

Last year’s event attracted 4,000 people and attendance is expected to increase this year. Info: www.sdbluesfest.com

The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge takes place in Memphis from January 29-February 2, 2013. Every year, BLUSD sponsors a band or solo/duo act to compete for world-wide recognition. Nathan James & Ben Hernandez, Aunt Kizzy’s Boys and Sue Palmer have taken honors in recent years and turned the spotlight on San Diego’s blues community.

Now is the time for solo/duo musicians to register to participate in BLUSD regional Blues Challenge for a chance to represent. This year’s preliminary solo/duo competition will take place at Humphrey’s Backstage Live on October 13 and 20, from 1-5 p.m. each day. Finals will be on November 4 at Winston’s in Ocean Beach, CA. Don’t miss this opportunity to let your light shine on a MUCH larger stage! Entry forms can be downloaded from our website, www.blusd.org. Member bands receive a discounted entry fee.  Read more… in Sept BlueINK

Although this year’s competition is now in progress and registration is closed, we would like artsts to know that we do this every year.   We rotate between the categories Solo/Duo and Band.  So, in the Fall of 2013, we will have our Regional IBC for Bands.  And in 2014, we will again have our Regional IBC for Solo/Duos.  Also, BLUSD is one of the few blues organizations that pays the winner(s) way to Memphis.   If you would like to keep informed, search for us on Facebook as Blues Lovers United of San Diego and “Like” us.  Or you can get on our email list by sending a request to be added to our mailing list through our contact page.