2024 "Road to Memphis" Solo/Duo and Band Blues Challenge 

Do you have what it takes to represent the Hudson Valley at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2025?

Save the dates for our local HVBS Challenge. More information to come.
Each act (Solo/Duo or Band) entered will perform a 20-minute judged and timed set. The HVBS Blues Challenge winners of each act (Solo/Duo and Band) will be sponsored by HVBS to participate in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, in January 2025. Please note: Each act should be prepared to perform its original music. Covers may be performed in the band's style, however, in an IBC competition points will be deducted from your scoring.

​HVBS Local Eligibility Requirements
  • An act competing as a Band for the HVBS Blues Challenge must have a current up-to-date HVBS Band Membership.
  • An act competing as a Solo/Duo for the HVBS Blues Challenge must have a current up-to-date HVBS Individual Membership.
  • A minimum of 2 solo/duo acts are required to hold the solo/duo competition, and a minimum of 2 band acts are required to hold the band competition.
  • All competitors must be 21 years or older.
  • Registration for the HVBS Blues Challenge can only be done online (see above). No walk-ins will be allowed on the day of judging.
  • In accordance with The Blues Foundation rules, Blues Music Award (past or present) nominees are ineligible to compete.
  • An act may enter the IBC a maximum of 3 times, after which they are no longer eligible. They may not participate in the IBC for three consecutive years, i.e. there must be a break of at least one year after competing in a first or second IBC.
  • A musician may not compete in the band category and the solo/duo category in the same year.
  • All performances will be judged by writers, DJs, musicians, and fans active in the Blues community.

IMPORTANT READ! Download the 2023 Hudson Valley Blues Society Challenge guidelines and rules.