SW Florida Blues Society seeks talent for annual competition

The Southwest Florida Blues Society presents the Annual Southwest Florida Regional International Blues Challenge (IBC) competition on Sunday, Aug. 25 at DJ’s Rhythm House & Dinner Club in south Fort Myers.
Artists who entered the regional competition are hoping this will be their “Road to Memphis” to compete in the International Blues Challenge. The Memphis challenge has grown to showcase more than 260 acts from 40 states and 16 countries covering four continents.
Winning the Southwest Florida Blues Society’s regional IBC competition and competing in Memphis has provided artists with some (if not all of the following;
• This challenge is for bands who are interested in a higher level of regional, national and International visibility.
• This event creates a scenario where the winners will be in a better position to negotiate new gigs and potential touring options.
• This opportunity could lead to signing with a major record label or gaining the recognition needed to work with some of the industry’s leading agents, promoters and producers.
• There are hundreds, if not thousands of bands, that compete worldwide every year for this opportunity, and you can only get there when you’ve been selected by an official Blues Foundation affiliate member and the Southwest Florida Blues Society is a Blues Foundation affiliate member.
The SWFBS has previously sent acts in all three categories: Band, solo/duo and youth showcase.
This is not a jam session. Each act is competing for their chance to go to the IBC in Memphis to showcase their talent by representing the Southwest Florida Blues Society.
Acts will be adjudicated by independent judges from different areas of the music and entertainment industry. Each act will be ballot scored according to the Blues Foundation’s established standards covering specifics such as blues content, instrumental talent, vocal talent, stage presence, and originality. The competition will be structured to replicate the Memphis IBC as much as possible with sets ranging from 20-30 minutes and 5-10 minute change outs.
The winning band will receive $1,000 travel assistance to compete in the Memphis IBC. The solo/duo and youth acts will receive $600 in travel assistance.
The SWFBS will also present a “People’s Choice Award.” Fans are encouraged to come out and vote for their favorite act.
Entry registrations forms are available through the blues society online at www.swfbs.org, and artist registrations will close on Aug.15. Space is limited. SWFBS will guarantee a slot in the competition to the first four bands, first three solo/duo acts, and the first two youth acts.
The local competition will be Sunday, August 25. Doors will open at noon, and the music begins at 1 pm. Admission is $12 for general public and $5 for current members of the SW Florida Blues Society (you can join or renew your membership at the door).
Raffles and prize drawings will take place throughout the event.
The annual IBC event is sponsored by Happenings Magazine and the Southwest Florida Blues Society.
DJ’s Rhythm House is located at 16440 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers.