View Full Version : International Blues Challenge
Staxsun
01-26-2007, 12:49 PM
Memphis TN February 1-3, thats Thursday thru Saturday. 157 bands from 34 states and 8 countries vie to become the winner. Lots of fun, all in 17 venues on Beale Street. Anybody coming?
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
01-26-2007, 03:09 PM
Sounds like a great time. I hope to make it sometime in the future. Please report back on any good unknown Blues bands.
Staxsun
01-26-2007, 03:20 PM
Will do. I've been working it for thirteen or fourteen years. Every year I'm more impressed with the quality and freshness of the bands. I was hoping to see a few threadheads this year. Those who have come before have had a great time.
PaulC
01-26-2007, 08:09 PM
Wow,... I got big time foms-ville just readin' your posts Stax.....
Oh well,.. as they say,.. ya' can't have everything.......
where would you put it??...
Jaypee
01-26-2007, 08:11 PM
Yes indeedy. The IBC is a great time, and Mr. Staxsun is a great ambassador not only to the IBC, but to the Memphis music scene, period.
T, are you emceeing one of the venues again? I would go except that I am being extra good to myself this year and have a few fun trips lined up already. And, I know this might p.o. a few people, but just as with clubs in NOLA, heavy cigarette smoke gets to me in no time. Maybe it's because I'm not used to it, because up here, smoking isn't allowed in clubs. You can actually go out for the night and not have to leave your clothes outside afterwards to air out.
I wanted to see Kermit last fest, at the Blue Nile (I think). I went over there, and the smoke was so bad, it was hanging in clouds out on the sidewalk. I couldn't go in. But I did get to meet Kermit anyway, as he arrived at the club.
To those who go to IBC, have a great time and make sure you meet our very own Staxsun, and his missus too...another bonus!
Staxsun
01-26-2007, 09:32 PM
We'll miss you Japes! You'll be glad to know that the finals will be held at the Orpheum on Saturday, and thus they will be SMOKE FREE. That won't change the preliminary venues, but on those you can always cruise in and out and get some air. Yes, I'll be running the New Daisy venue. Emceeing goes with that. My days of emceeing the finals is over, as they've used celebrity emcees the last few years. It will be nice to know that all the people who want to go to the finals will be able to get in. Hope to see you back here for something real soon!
Keep an eye out for Dallas locals Cheryl Arena & Aaron Burton; and Kayla Reeves. Both come with the Swag seal of approval.
Staxsun
01-26-2007, 09:58 PM
Keep an eye out for Dallas locals Cheryl Arena & Aaron Burton; and Kayla Reeves. Both come with the Swag seal of approval.
Will do. Were they the ones in Helena? I'm guessing they're in the Solo/Duo category, not group?
Will do. Were they the ones in Helena? I'm guessing they're in the Solo/Duo category, not group?
Yes, Cheryl & Aaron were in Helena, one set on courtyard stage, and several hours busking. Him on acoustic guitar, her on harp. They are there solo/duo, representing the North Texas Blues Society.
http://cherylarena.com/ca/
Kayla Reeves is in the band category, representing the Shagbark Blues Society, which I guess is somewhere up in NE Texas. Don't let her age fool ya. Her voice is mature well beyond her years. Closest comparison of her sound is to Susan Tedeschi.
http://www.myspace.com/kaylareevesmusic
bluesgirl
01-29-2007, 09:05 AM
Hopefully, my thread will drop off. I really didn't see this one last night but I wish I would have. Since people have been responding here, I'll put in my $.02:
Is anybody going? I can't because of w*rk, but 2 bands from these parts are going; Mikey Jr. & The Stone Cold Blues (http://www.mikeyjunior.com) and The Buicks (http://www.thebuicks.com).
Mikey Jr. is an old kick ass harmonica playing soul in a 25 year old body. The Buicks are a fun and funny band who will make you smile while you dance.
If anybody happens to go, and happens to see either of these bands, let them know that I am with them in spirit.
Oh, the IBC is in Memphis Feb. 1 - 3. You can check it out here www.blues.org.
Staxsun
01-29-2007, 12:08 PM
Hopefully, my thread will drop off. I really didn't see this one last night but I wish I would have. Since people have been responding here, I'll put in my $.02:
Is anybody going? I can't because of w*rk, but 2 bands from these parts are going; Mikey Jr. & The Stone Cold Blues (http://www.mikeyjunior.com) and The Buicks (http://www.thebuicks.com).
Mikey Jr. is an old kick ass harmonica playing soul in a 25 year old body. The Buicks are a fun and funny band who will make you smile while you dance.
If anybody happens to go, and happens to see either of these bands, let them know that I am with them in spirit.
Oh, the IBC is in Memphis Feb. 1 - 3. You can check it out here www.blues.org.
You mean I have to put up with Mikey again!!!!!?!!!
He's a great guy, but he does have lots of energy, lots of talent, too.
bluesgirl
01-29-2007, 02:16 PM
You mean I have to put up with Mikey again!!!!!?!!!
Blame the folks at The Diamond State Blues Society. :D
Mikey was SMOKIN' on Saturday. He sat in with Cleveland Fats at the going away party/benefit for himself.
Essex Girl
01-30-2007, 08:56 AM
Hey Blue Girl!
I am new to the forum (see p77 for intro). I LOVE blues. I am currently trying to learn to play the harmonica and it would be FANTASTIC to meet anyone who could show me a thing or two. I don't know any other people who play so this would be a BIG thing for me. I am coming across for the second weekend and should be around from about thursday. If you have any recommendations for who to see that would be great too!!
Cheers
Sarah (from colchester, England)
Staxsun
01-30-2007, 11:45 AM
Hey Blue Girl!
I am new to the forum (see p77 for intro). I LOVE blues. I am currently trying to learn to play the harmonica and it would be FANTASTIC to meet anyone who could show me a thing or two. I don't know any other people who play so this would be a BIG thing for me. I am coming across for the second weekend and should be around from about thursday. If you have any recommendations for who to see that would be great too!!
Cheers
Sarah (from colchester, England)
Hi Sarah! Welcome to the craziness! I've read some of your posts. I probably will be there first weekend, but I'd be glad to give you some suggestions. I don't play harmonica, but I might have some suggestions for you. If you want to e-mail off-forum at BluesToday (at) webtv (dot) net, I might be able to help you without boring all the other folks.
Keep an eye out for Cincy Blues Society entrant Sonny Moorman & his latest cd "Live At The Cincy Bluesfest". His acoustic performance was the set of the fest, surpassing some great work by national acts there.
bluesgirl
01-30-2007, 02:54 PM
Hey Blue Girl!
I am new to the forum (see p77 for intro). I LOVE blues. I am currently trying to learn to play the harmonica and it would be FANTASTIC to meet anyone who could show me a thing or two. I don't know any other people who play so this would be a BIG thing for me. I am coming across for the second weekend and should be around from about thursday. If you have any recommendations for who to see that would be great too!!
Cheers
Sarah (from colchester, England)
Sarah,
I'll be there 2nd weekend, too and I'll keep an eye out, OK?
bluesgirl
01-31-2007, 11:45 AM
Joe Borghi from The Buicks (http://www.thebuicks.com), a band that is competing at the IBC, is sending emails about his experience in Memphis. If you want to read them, go to www.fullmoonblues.com and click "The Borghi Diaries".
Staxsun
01-31-2007, 12:25 PM
That's pretty interesting. I'm glad he didn't say he was going to wear his lucky underwear both days.
Sarah - I've looked through the second weekend, and there is some good blues. Not as much of the harmonica blues, but there are a couple of good ones. We still don't know who is playing on what day, but I would try to see the J. Monque'D Blues Band. He played with many of the greats and has a truly unique personality. Jumpin' Johnny Sansone is very good, but he doesn't play as much harmonica these days. Other blues acts I would recommend (though not necessarily for the blues harp) are Taj Mahal, Snooks Eaglin, Tony Joe White, Henry Gray & the Cats, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Deacon John, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, and the Holmes Brothers. I'm sure there will be others added or that I have missed. I think that somewhere I have a CD that tells you "How to Play the Blues Harmonica" that was given to me by the people who put it out, one of those freebies I got during the eight years or so I did a blues radio show. If I can find it, I'll send it to you.
bluesgirl
01-31-2007, 08:24 PM
Staxsun,
I sent my camera down with a friend. I gave him orders to photograph you. ;)
Staxsun
02-01-2007, 05:38 AM
Staxsun,
I sent my camera down with a friend. I gave him orders to photograph you. ;)
I hope it's a disposable. I'd hate to break an expensive one with my ugly mug.
bluesgirl
02-01-2007, 08:51 AM
I hope it's a disposable. I'd hate to break an expensive one with my ugly mug.
Well, I take pictures of my friends with it, and some of them are pretty ugly, so the camera is safe. :)
funkkjunkie
02-01-2007, 08:15 PM
Essex Girl, you also might want to check out Louis "Gearshift" Youngblood. He is the real deal from MIssissippi. It will be him and his guitar.
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
02-01-2007, 09:36 PM
Essex Girl, I hope you don't take this wrong but this is the real name of the book at amazon.com The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing the Harmonica.
Essex Girl
02-02-2007, 07:17 AM
Once again, thank you to everyone who has given me advice; I shall have more time to reply personally tonight; I just wanted to say that I have read the responses and can't wait to add them to my list of things to check out!!! I am also having singing lessons and my teacher reckons she can help me learn how to bend the notes with some breathing techniques. Thank you once again, will write later this weekend. I really hope I get to meet you guys while I'm at the festival!!
bluesgirl
02-02-2007, 07:39 AM
I posted another update from The Buicks (competitors @ the IBC) at http://www.fullmoonblues.com/the_borghi_diaries.htm
Staxsun
02-02-2007, 12:06 PM
Awesome bands last night. i wish I could have gone up and down the street, but I was busy enough with the ten at my venue. Of course, none of the bands that were mentioned as friends by t-heads were at the New Daisy. I hope some of them drift by and say hello tonight.
bluesgirl
02-03-2007, 08:47 AM
Awesome bands last night. i wish I could have gone up and down the street, but I was busy enough with the ten at my venue. Of course, none of the bands that were mentioned as friends by t-heads were at the New Daisy. I hope some of them drift by and say hello tonight.
The IBC is one place where I wouldn't want to have to stay in the same venue all night. The most fun is going to the different places and hearing different performers, and picking up a few million CDs. :D
It's also guitar heaven. About every third person that you see walking around has a case over their shoulder.
Staxsun
02-03-2007, 10:25 AM
The IBC is one place where I wouldn't want to have to stay in the same venue all night. The most fun is going to the different places and hearing different performers, and picking up a few million CDs. :D
It's also guitar heaven. About every third person that you see walking around has a case over their shoulder.
I agree, but if somebody doesn't work, nobody else gets to have that fun. I did see Mikey last night. He came down after he played resplendent in his Flyers' jersey. About to head back down for the third day and the finals.
bluesgirl
02-05-2007, 08:43 AM
I agree, but if somebody doesn't work, nobody else gets to have that fun. I did see Mikey last night. He came down after he played resplendent in his Flyers' jersey. About to head back down for the third day and the finals.
Oh, I know about the working vs. having fun at events. I am the one who is always dancing behind the counter when you go to get your t-shirt or beer or hunting down the guy with the checks so that the bands get paid. :eek:
Mikey is the son that I never had.
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
02-05-2007, 06:19 PM
Staxsun: Please give us a full report. Any new unknown bands that "Blue" you away. Thanks!
Staxsun
02-06-2007, 07:33 AM
Staxsun: Please give us a full report. Any new unknown bands that "Blue" you away. Thanks!
Will do when I get a little more time. Between catching up on sleep, catching up on work, and still having a houseguest (my buddy Jef Jaisun won a Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Photography), I'm still coming back to earth.
bluesgirl
02-06-2007, 09:05 AM
Staxsun,
If you want to see Mikey Jr. in action, I put links to his You Tube videos on the video page at www.fullmoonblues.com. Or, you could just search for Mikey Jr. at You Tube.
Maybe I'll hunt up my list of participating bands and see how many have videos at You Tube and link them on my site.
Staxsun
02-06-2007, 11:58 AM
I'll try to check out the video, but I've seen him perform several times. I just didn't get to this year.
bluesgirl
02-06-2007, 04:24 PM
I'll try to check out the video, but I've seen him perform several times. I just didn't get to this year.
One of the links is to a movie that some college kid made of his life for a class. :D