International Blues Challenge starts: Here’s what to know
Starting Tuesday, Downtown Memphis will come alive with the sound of blues from across the country, and all over the world. The 38th edition of the annual International Blues Challenge will bring more than 145 competing acts from 40 states and 12 countries to play in and around Beale Street.
Presented by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation, the event — which began in 1984 and has grown exponentially over the decades — has become one of the blues world's most important gatherings. The IBC is expected to draw an average of 2,500 to 3,500 attendees each night.
In addition to the main IBC competition — which will run for three nights on Beale Street before the finals at the Orpheum — the annual multiday extravaganza includes youth, international and regional blues society showcases, film screenings, panels, symposiums and the Keeping the Blues Alive awards presentation.
The Blues Foundation is selling a $100 pass that covers all events. Additional admission to the Keeping The Blues Alive Awards Ceremony and Brunch are $60. An IBC Finals Premium Seating Upgrade is $26. Individual evening tickets and finals tickets are also available. Go to blues.org to purchase tickets and for a full schedule — including a list of post-ibc afterparties and jams.
Here are selected highlights from the event.
International Blues Challenge 2023 schedule TUESDAY
Official Opening of the IBC & International Showcases
6 p.m.; Club 152, 152 Beale St., first floor
Additional showcase performances will be held in multiple clubs on Beale Street.
Tas Cru’s 12th Annual Generation Blues Jam
8 p.m.; Rum Boogie Café, 182 Beale St.
Concert event will benefit Generation Blues.
WEDNESDAY
Pacific NW Showcase (hosted by Tony Fredrickson)
11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Club 152, 152 Beal St., first floor Music Across Borders
2-3 p.m.; Blues Hall of Fame, 421 S. Main St.
The panel will be presented by the Consulate General of Canada.
Shake Off Your Jet Lag
2-4 p.m.; Silky O'sullivan's, 183 Beale St.
This IBC Welcome Party will feature Barbara Blue and friends.
Doug Macleod Book Signing
3:15 p.m.; Blues Hall of Fame, 421 S. Main St.
Blues Music Award winner Doug Macleod will sign copies of his latest book.
IBC Quarterfinals – Round One
5 p.m.; various Beale Street clubs
THURSDAY
Blues Yoga (led by Sara Negri)
9 a.m.; Blues Hall of Fame, 421 S. Main St.
Maxwell Street
11:30 a.m.; Blues City Café, 138 Beale St.
A film screening will be held of the Phil Ranstromdirected documentary about Chicago's Maxwell Street.
National Women in Blues Showcase
11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Alfred's, 197 Beale St.
This Women in Blues showcase will benefit Generation Blues.
Galaxie Agency Showcase
11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; B.B. King's, 143 Beale St.
The showcase will benefit Generation Blues. Hohner Harmonica Party – Day 1
3-5 p.m.; A. Schwab's, 163 Beale St.
IBC Quarterfinals – Round Two
5 p.m.; various Beale Street clubs
FRIDAY
Keeping Blues Alive Brunch
10:30 a.m.; Doubletree, 185 Union Ave.
Hohner Harmonica Party – Day 2
Noon-2 p.m.; A. Schwab's, 163 Beale St.
This includes a Level 2 Workshop with Nic Clark. IBC Semi-finals
6:20 p.m.; various Beale Street clubs
SATURDAY
IBC Finals & Best Self-produced CD Winner Noon; Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.