2024 CRBN IBC Blues Challenge

SOLO - DUO - BAND - GET READY NOW FOR 2024

Get Ready for the 2024 Challenge Events to qualify for IBC 2025!

CRBN IBC Challenges For IBC 2025:

Prizes:

  1. Nomination to the International Blues Competition (IBC) in Memphis, January 7th to 11th, 2025
  2. Cash prizes to be used only towards expenses for the trip to Memphis:
  • Band - $2,000 cash
  • Solo-Duo - $1,000 cash

To Enter:

  • Submit your entry to Richard Green: [email protected]
  • To enter performers should submit a recording of their material.  Most formats accepted e.g. MP3, YouTube link, SoundCloud link, CD (please ask for mailing address) etc.
  • Submit a minimum of 2 but no more than 4 songs (at least one song must be an original composition)
  • Submit a brief bio listing the performers and their instruments (and/or vocals)
  • The CRBN Board of Directors will select up to 4 contestants to compete

Deadline For Entries:

  • Band Challenge Deadline: June 16th, 2024 (chosen performers will be notified by June 18th). The Band Challenge event will take place the afternoon of Sunday, August 4th, 2024 at the Linda Performing Arts Studio in Albany, NY.
  • Solo-Duo Challenge Deadline: August 11th, 2024 (chosen performers will be notified by August 13th). The Solo-Duo Challenge event will take place the afternoon of Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Eligibility:

  • A band is considered to be any combination of 3 or more performers whereas a solo-duo act is one or two performers
  • At least one performer must be a current CRBN member. (Go to www.crbn.org/membership)
  • Must have at least one original song
  • Must play primarily blues music (the definition of what qualifies as “blues” is broad and we do not have a strict definition).
  • Must be available for the challenge:
    • The challenge events will be on a Sunday afternoon, approx. 1 – 5 pm.
    • Performers may be required to be at the venue for sound check as early as 11am.
  • Must be available to travel to the IBC in Memphis, January 7th to January 11th.
  • Must be prepared to abide by IBC competition rules.
  • Must live in the area served by CRBN.
  • No performer can have been nominated for a Blues Music or WC Handy Award.

The Blues Foundation:

"Our Mission is to preserve blues heritage, celebrate blues recording and performance, expand worldwide awareness of the blues, and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form."

For more information about the Blues Foundation's programs, the HART Fund, BMA Awards, The Blues Hall of Fame Museum and more, visit them at www.Blues.org

Your Love & Support Matters

We take great pride in bringing our region's incredible talent to the forefront, fostering a love of music and education through our youth programs, and celebrating the richness of the blues as an American art form. It could never happen without the help of our members, sponsors, volunteers and blues fans who come out to the shows and keep the music alive!

Our Sponsors and Affiliates

New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation
New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation
Price Chopper's Golub Foundation
Price Chopper's Golub Foundation
Stewart's Shops
Stewart's Shops