Band or Solo/Duo Entry

This contest is a qualifying round with an automatic berth in the Blues Foundation's Annual International Blues Challenge held in Memphis each year (typically in January). KBS uses the Blues Foundation's rules and scoring as the basis for our competition. For the Blues Foundation's complete set of rules, visit the IBC Section of the Blues Foundation's Web Site.  

The KBS Blues Challenge is open to any Kentuckiana blues performer or act who is at least 21years of age (Youth Catagory is under 21), who have never received a Blues Music Award nomination and the act may enter the IBC a maximum of three (3) times after which they are ineligible. The act may not participate in the IBC in three consecutive years, so cannot have won the KBS Challenge the previous two (2) years or three (3) times total. (The rule that all       members of the Band and Solo/Duo Challenge must be at least 21 years of age is required in order to enter any venue that serves alcohol, which is where we hold the competitions. The youth category accommodates those under 21.) 

Acts must submit a minimum of 20 minutes of music. We will accept Audio CD's or MP3's (which may be submitted electronically or via internet links). We limit the geography of the acts to the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and areas  close to Louisville (75-150 miles +/-). You must reside in or regularly play in Kentucky or Southern Indiana. In the event of a controversial entry or too many entries, final selection will be made by a committee of KBS Board Members. If you have any questions, please ask.

• Band winner receives First Prize Money of $1,000 plus recording studio time 
• Solo/Duo winnerreceives First Prize Money of $500plus recording studio time
• Youth winner receives an automatic berth to the IBC Youth Showcase and $250  
• Best Self-Produced  CD winner is automatically entered into the IBC's Best CD category
   
• In addition to the prizes listed above, the band and solo/duo will be hired to perform at the KBS Anniversary Celebration.  

• NOTE: All cash prize money is intended to help cover IBC expenses. The awarding of cash prizes is intended to help cover IBC expenses in Memphis and is contingent on the Blues Foundation actually having the International Blues Challenge. In the event the Foundation cancels the IBC, the KBS will not distribute these funds. The band and solo/duo acts will still be proclaimed winners of the KBS blues competitions, receive studio recording time and will both be hired to perform at this year's blues society anniversary party, as long as that event is not canceled as well.