Quebec to Memphis: Now taking Applications!

The International Blues Challenge is held every January in Memphis. Blues acts from around the world compete in different categories. Every act has to be sponsored by a blues society. The Montreal Blues Society will be holding a Quebec to Memphis contest this fall to determine which act will represent Quebec in the Band category in Memphis. The 32nd International Blues Challenge will be held January 26-30, 2016, in the Beale Street Historic District.

 

Here is what you need to know about the Quebec to Memphis competition:

 

The IBC defines a Band as having 3 members.

The contest is open to all Quebec based blues bands who are able to travel to the IBC in Memphis, January 26th through 30th, 2016. If you can’t make it to Memphis in January, this contest isn’t for you!

The application fee is $25.00.

Send 3 songs on a CD, along with the completed application form and the application fee (cheque made out to: Montreal Blues Society) to:

 

Attn: Quebec to Memphis

63 Perrier

Ile Perrot, QC J7V 8X4

We will accept applications until August 14, 2015.

In the event that there are more than 8 applicants, the judges will pre-screen the entries and select 8 finalists. The judges will use the 3 songs you sent as the basis for the pre-screening. If you’re sending in a full length CD, indicate which 3 songs you want the judges to listen to.

The 8 challengers will compete in the qualifying round, spread over 2 nights; 4 bands each on either October 6th or 13th.

Judges will score the performances using the IBC guidelines, and choose 3 finalists who will play on October 20th, at which time a winner will be designated. Here is the IBC scoring criteria:

To reflect the relative importance of each category in the success of a band, a band’s score in each category is weighted. Raw scores for Blues Content is multiplied by four, Talent and vocals by three and Originality and Stage Presence are multiplied by two. The total in each category represents the Weighted Score for that category. Total possible weighted score is 140

 

An ACT will be penalized one point from its Total Weighted Score (see below) for each ten seconds that it runs overtime. There is no penalty for using less than the allotted time.  The weighted multipliers will be Blues content (4); talent and vocals (3); originality (2) and stage presence (2).

 

The challenge will be held at the Bistro a Jojo on all 3 dates; each band will play for 25 minutes.

In the event that there are an insufficient number of entries, the Montreal Blues Society reserves the right to modify the above schedule and/or cancel the event entirely.  The Montreal Blues Society will help defray a portion of the expenses and help the winning band organize fundraisers to ease the financial burden. The applicant band understands that they are responsible for paying their own travel, lodging, and other expenses to get to, and while in, Memphis, that are in excess of the financial assistance provided by the MBS.

Email pbrisse@sympatico.ca to get the application form.

If you have questions or require clarification about any of the points outlined above, please email pbrisse@sympatico.ca or send a text message to 514-465-9725.

Go to the official IBC website to get more details with regards to the contest itself in Memphis. Here are some links you can check out so you know what to expect should you be the winner of the Quebec to Memphis contest:

 

 

Here is a list of the prizes in Memphis: