This year’s International Blues Challenge solo/duo competition was nearly a non-starter.  No one had registered early to receive a discounted entry fee.  Ben Powell was the first to enter, and for a time we thought he would be the only one.  At the very last minute, we ended up with a roster of eight contestants:  Ben Powell, Cadillac Wreckers, Phil Diiorio, Whitney Shay & Robin Henkel, Missy & Heine Andersen, Gary Kemmer, Mint & Irv, and Harmonica John Frazer.  Round I on 10/13 was lightly attended, but the performances were all excellent.  Ben Powell and Cadillac Wreckers were selected to move on to Round II.  On 10/20, Gary Kemmer was a no-show, so only three acts took the stage:  Missy & Heine Andersen, Phil Diiorio and Robin Henkel & Whitney Shay.  They all turned in such stellar performances that the judges gave them almost identical scores.  Therefore, all three advanced to the finals on 11/4 from 1-5 at Winston’s!  Here’s what blues impresario Michael Kinsman had to say about Round II:

“To anyone who missed yesterday’s second prelim for the IBC, you missed a spectacular show. There were only three acts, but each was extraordinary.  I can’t wait for the Nov. 4 finals at Winston’s. This lineup of five acts is unbelievably talented: Ben Powell, Cadillac Wreckers, Missy & Heine Andersen, Phil Diiorio & Whitney Shay & Robin Henkel.  This shapes up as one of the best final competitions BLUSD has ever had.”

This is a show you don’t want to miss, folks…five bands for only $10 donation!  Come on out to cheer on your favorites, and be one of the first to find out who’s going to Memphis in January!