THE INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE (Results)

A wonderful time was had by all. My band didn't win but they were beaten by a French Band...(At least they were National Champs)..I had forgotten how small Beale Street is...It was like old time narrow "Main St." with most of the action confined to a 3-4 block range. The streets are blocked off and you can roam around Bourbon St. style. The venues each had 10 acts, competing against each other over 2 nights with a different panel of judges each night. We had a wonderful set-up at the Hard Rock Cafe. The group that won are a trio, consisting of 2 brothers and a sister..20ish..She sings with a mighty force! Deep rich voice and a good bass player..1 brother played guitar and also won the "guitarist" award..A Gibson...Oh, both of them are left handed. The band didn't feel badly losing to them..My 13y/o piano player friend, Matt, competed for the individual prize and lost, but there was lots of "Buzz" about him.. Last night there was a jam with Bob Margolin, Watermelon Slim, and various others leading to only a few hrs sleep..but these are "no miss" happenings and I'm so glad I had that extra Latte to help me hang. Ill write more about other acts tomorrow..   Cathy