IBC will be held January 19–23, 2027, on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee!
The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for Blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for bluessocieties, fans, and professionals.
Our local IBC Challenge will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Leroy’s Hot Stuff in Porter, Indiana(time tbd).
There is a $25 application fee for solo/duo and a $50 fee for bands. This will be added to the prize money for the winning musicians.
Fee can be mailed in or paid here -Paypal(friends and family) at this link: https://paypal.me/bluesteelbluesociety?
Whether you are a band, solo, or duo act you must be a member as a band sponsor of the society. If you need to sign up as a band sponsor you can do so on our website(www.Bluesteelbluessociety.org).
For new band sponsors we will waive the application fee.
You can only enter either as a solo/duo or band act. The band must consist of 3 or more people. All members of the winning acts must attend the competition. In extreme circumstances no more than one band member may be replaced.
The money raised at the competition will be split between the winning acts in order to help fund the trip to The IBC. Each winning act is responsible for their own accommodations and trip to The IBC. We will do a fundraising event before the competition in order to help support the winning acts as well.
You must play some form of blues music. Each competing act will be required to play a 25 min set to be judged according to IBC rules and guidelines.
We will have three judges. The judges will be from different parts of the music world. We do our best to try to acquire judges that are unfamiliar with our local bands.
Please also include with your application fee a high res photo, a sample of your music, cd(mail to PO Box) or digital is accepted, a bio, and a stage plot/input list.
You can email this information to Bluesteelbluessociety@gmail.com. You will be informed by email more details for the local competition after we receive and review your application.
For more information and the complete IBC rules and guidelines:
https://blues.org/international-blues-challenge/
