Press Release For January
Road To Memphis Fund Raiser
With Info on Donations For Auction

Fund Raiser For Youth Showcase Sunday, December 21, 7 pm 7th St Entry also appearing Dylan Salfer Trio

(12/13/14)

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Road To Memphis Fundraiser Sunday, November 16, 4:30 pm @ Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues Lisa Wenger w/ Bruce McCabe, Larry McCabe & Tim Wick; Del Vincents; Dave Lambert & the Motivators; Patrick McLaughlin; Jimmi & the Band of Souls

(10/18/14)

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The Winner is …
The Black Water Blues Band
2014 Road To Memphis
Youth Showcase Challenge

There were a couple winners in Sunday evening’s Minnesota Blues Society’s Road To Memphis Youth Showcase competition at the The Underground Music Café in St Paul. The Black Water Blues Band was judged best of the four acts competing, with first runner-up, Colin Campbell and the C-Notes. A third place tie between Sit Jazz Down and Since Tuesday rounded out the scoring.

It was great to see a full house and supportive fans enjoy the competition. All of the acts were full of enthusiasm and the judge’s comments indicated that the future for these groups looks promising. The Black Water Blues Band is composed of Zach Avery on guitar and vocals, Dylan Salfer on guitar and vocals, Ethan Teel hittin’ the drums and Theo Zimmerman-Bence on bass guitar.

Congratulations to Jack Campbell and Tim Cheesebrow for driving the Youth Showcase and making the event a success. Also, hats off to Christina Hoglund, Volunteer Coordinator and the many volunteers including the judges, time-keepers, scorekeeper, merchandise-handlers and door monitors who pitched in. Thanks to the Underground Music Café and their staff for hosting the event. Special thanks to the C-Notes for providing and transporting the back-line equipment. Also, thanks again to Tim Cheesebrow for keeping things moving as emcee. To all the acts that played their hearts out, thank you so much. And finally, thank you to all of the blues fans who showed up to support the music on such a beautiful Sunday evening. — Richard Schaefer

You can show your support for the Youth Showcase act that has been selected to represent Minnesota at the 2015 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN by making a tax-deductible donation to the funds to help offset their travel expenses. Participating acts are not compensated for their performances at the IBC. — Road To Memphis Committee

(10/13/14)

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Youth Showcase Challenge Sunday, October 12, 5 pm @ The Underground Music Cafe

(09/28/14)

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Road To Memphis Fundraiser Friday, July 18, 6 pm @ Wilebski's Blues Saloon Brother Sun & Sister Moon and Jimmi & the Band of Souls w/ Jimi "Prime Time" Smith & Dee Miller

(06/29/14)

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Jimmi & the Band of Souls
Heading to 2015 International Blues Challenge

It was a dreary rainy Sunday afternoon outside but the talent in the Minnesota Blues community was shining brightly on the inside of Wilebski's Blues Saloon in St Paul for the 2014 Road To Memphis Band Challenge. Jimmi & the Band of Souls were selected from seven competing bands by the panel of judges to represent Minnesota at the 2015 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. First runners-up were The Gopher Tones followed by Phil Kitze & the Resonators. The field was rounded out (in order of appearance) by the Mark Cameron Band, Bluedog, The Swamp Kings and The Rhythm Roosters. Those in attendance were treated to a great afternoon of entertainment. Special thanks to Ellis Drum Shop and Willie's American Guitars for providing the backline. Thanks to the judges: Dorothy Doring, Willie Walker, Todd Ek, Larry Englund, Steve Vonderhaar and Joe Spielmann. Also, a nod to Mary Kay and Gregg Harcus for Timekeeping duties, to Ted Wilebski for again serving as Emcee,to Nipper on the sound board, to all of the volunteers who contributed their time to this event, to the staff and management of Wilebski's and to all of the acts that participated. Finally, kudos to Jim Pinckney and Ken Tritz for all of their efforts as co-chairmen of the event. — Jake Jacobson

(04/27/14)

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Brother Sun & Sister Moon
Take The Challenge
in The 2014 Road To Memphis
Solo/Duo Competition

Dave Lambert and Donna Dahl, Brother Sun & Sister Moon, will represent Minnesota as the Duo act at the 2015 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Once again this year, the quality of the acts taking part in the Challenge was first-rate.

The first runner-up act was Doug Otto & Hurricane Harold followed by second-runner up, "Duckshack Dave" Florine. The other contestants were Wisconsin Bryan Johnson and Paul & Bambi. All-in-all the judges and audience at the Amsterdam Bar & Hall were treated to a variety of different Blues styles and presentations demonstrating the depth of musical talent that we enjoy here in Minnesota. More details and images will follow. Don't forget: The Band Challenge will be held on Sunday, April 27, 1 pm at Wilebski's Blues Saloon. — Jake Jacobson

(04/07/14)

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