As an affiliate of the Blues Foundation, Blue Steel Blues Society will be sending artists to perform at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, January 16 - 20, 2024. The blues challenge will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting.

IBC Local Challenge Criteria

Each act must play some form of blues music and play a 25 minute set to be judged according to IBC rules and guidelines.

You may enter as a band, solo, or duo act. A band must consist of three or more people. 

All members of the winning band must attend the competition in Memphis. Under extreme circumstances, no more than one member may be replaced. 

There is a $50 application fee for bands or $25 for a solo or duo act.  All acts must be a band sponsor of the Blues Steel Blues Society. New band sponsors to our Blues Society will have the application fee waived.

Each winning act is responsible for their own travel and accommodations to the IBC in Memphis. The money raised from application fees will be split between the winning acts to help fund the trip. The Blue Steel Blues Society will hold a fundraiser before the competition to support the winning acts' travel costs. 

To register, please provide the following: 

• Application Fee (Check or PayPal)

• Bio

• High Resolution Photo

• Sample of Your Music (Digital, or CD)

• Stage Plot and Input List

To register by mail, send the application requirements to PO Box 36, Union Mills, IN 46382.

To register online, you may fill out this form or email IBC@BlueSteelBluesSociety.org, then submit your application fee via PayPal.

If you wish to upload files online, you may submit the files here (Requires a Gmail account)

If you have any technical questions, please email mikea@BlueSteelBluesSociety.org. 

Thank you and GOOD LUCK!