24th International Blues Challenge, Jan 31-Feb 2, 2008 in Memphis

For the 24th year, Blues musicians from around the world will compete
for cash, prizes, and industry recognition as The Blues Foundation
presents the International Blues Challenge (IBC) January 31 through
February 2, 2008 in Memphis, TN. The world's largest gathering of
Blues acts represents an international competition by The Blues
Foundation and its affiliated organizations to provide a career
springboard for the winning Blues band and Blues solo/duo artists.

Due to the exponential growth in the event's attendance over the last
5 years, changes have been made to accommodate fans. Sell out crowds
for the final competitions required a move to a larger venue to ensure
attendees from around the world can see the best of the best
musicians. This year's finals competitions will be held at the 2,300
seat Orpheum Theater on Saturday, February 2. In 2007, over 90 bands
and 60 solo/duo acts from 34 states and 8 countries competed. The
event is on track for record attendance in 2008 with the host
Doubletree Hotel selling out in three days after accepting
reservations. Additional rooms have been added at the Memphis
Marriott Downtown.

IBC weekend kicks off early on Wednesday, January 30 with a meet &
greet at the New Daisy Theater hosted by the Beale Street Merchants
Association. The evening continues with The Memphis Grizzlies and
The Blues Foundation have teaming up for the first annual Blues Night
with the Memphis Grizzlies. The entire FedEx Forum will have the feel
and sound of the Blues as 2008 International Blues Challenge
participants perform throughout the arena. For special ticket
discounts for IBC attendees, contact the Memphis Grizzlies at
901-205-1462.

International Blues Challenge weekend schedule highlights:

Wednesday, January 30
5:00-7:00 pm IBC Beale Street Meet and Greet Beale Street Merchants
Associations welcomes IBC participants and attendees at reception at
New Daisy Theater.

7:00 pm Memphis Grizzlies v. Denver Nuggets NBA Basketball game at
FedEx Forum behind Beale with special discounts and IBC acts
performing throughout the venue.

8:00 pm Real Delta Showcase at the New Daisy Theater featuring Eden
Brent, Bill Abel, Cadillac John Nolden, Duff Dorough and Jimmy "Duck"
Holmes.

Thursday, January 31
3:00-5:00 pm Cocktail Reception (Tennessee Ballroom, Doubletree Hotel)
This reception is open only to those holding the Total Weekend Package

5:00/6:00 pm Semi-Finals begin in Beale Street Clubs (Check schedule
for start time in each venue)

Friday, February 1
2:00-4:00 pm Performance Licensing Seminar with performance rights
organization Broadcast Music, Inc (Doubletree Hotel, mezzanine level)
BMI represents over 350,000 songwriters, composers and publishers with
more than 6.5 million works.

5:00/6:00 pm Semi-Finals Begin in Beale Street Clubs (Check schedule
for start time in each venue)

Saturday, February 2
1:00 pm Band Finals Doors Open at the Orpheum

2:00-7:00 pm Band Finals; Best Self Produced CD Winner announced

7:30 pm Solo/Duo Finals at Orpheum--Doors Open

8:30 pm Solo/Duo Finals and Gibson Guitar Giveaway

The IBC has evolved into the world's biggest and most respected
showcase for Blues musicians ready to move beyond their regional base.
Acts play a short set for a panel of judges including record label
executives, festival promoters, producers, and industry professionals.
Artists may not enter the challenge directly, but rather each of The
Blues Foundation's 165 affiliates has the right to sponsor one band
and one solo/duo act. Accordingly, those who make it to Memphis are
already the best of the best.

In addition to the evening Blues competitions, the days are filled
with seminars and workshops and topped off in a moving Saturday
morning brunch in which the Blues community will honor its own with
the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards to recognize the
men and women, who have made significant contributions to the Blues
music world. Awards are given in 20 categories such as journalism,
literature and photography and to the best clubs and festivals, as
well as managers, promoters and producers.

Throughout the week, The Blues Foundation will be sponsoring Blues in
the Schools programming featuring Gary Allegretto, Spencer Bohren and
the duo of James Nixon and Shannon Williford in elementary and middle
schools in the Greater Memphis area.

The 24th IBC is sponsored by ArtsMemphis, bandVillage, Beale Street
Merchants Association, Budweiser and its local distributor, D. Canale
Beverages, FedEx, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, Memphis Convention
and Visitors Bureau, Sonicbids, T. Clifton Art and XM Satellite Radio.

Media Sponsors include XM Satellite Radio, House of Blues Radio Hour,
Big City Rhythm and Blues, Blues Festival Guide, Blues Revue,
BluesWax, Downtowner magazine, Living Blues and WREG-TV.

For more info., to purchase advance tickets, or to join The Blues
Foundation, log onto www.blues.org or call 901-527-2583.

Peace
Bluezman