The Montreal Blues Society is once again hosting the Quebec to Memphis challenge. The band category competition got underway last night at the Bistro à JoJo on St-Denis. Six bands faced off to determine the three finalists that will compete for the top spot next Tuesday, October 17th. The musicians will hit the stage right after 5 pm. 

The winning band will represent the Montreal Blues Society, and therefore all of Quebec, in Memphis next January at the 34th edition of the International Blues Challenger. Last year's winner, Dawn Tyler Watson and the Ben Racine Band, took top honours in Memphis. The Paul DesLauriers Band also ably represented in 2016, landing second spot worldwide. How will next week’s winner of our Quebec to Memphis contest fare in January? Join us next week for a preview.

 

The Montreal Blues Society will register acts in both the Solo/Duo and Band categories for the second year in a row for Memphis. The Solo/Duo competition was held in August during the Trois-Rivières en Blues festival and Steve Hill won the judges favour. What band will be joining Steve in Memphis?

 

Last evening's performances were judged by three experts of the Quebec blues scene using the same criteria that will be used during the IBC. They witnessed six great performances and had the unenviable task of whittling it down to just three finalists. The top three acts advancing to the final round next week are the Dwane Dixon Band, Angel Forrest, and the Rob Lutes Band. 

We hope to see the Shawn McPherson Band, Fuel Junkie, and The Snyders at next year’s edition of the Quebec to Memphis challenge!

As usual, a tip of the hat to Danny and the whole team at the Bistro à JoJo, our volunteer judges, and the MBS volunteers who make it all happen.

See you next week!