HVBS - Solo/Duo and Band Blues Challenge
(Announcement Update)
July 25, 2020
Dear HVBS Musicians,
The Board of the Hudson Valley Blues Society are saddened and frustrated to announce that we are withdrawing from the International Blues Challenge to be held in Memphis, January 2021. It was a hard decision to make, but along with other neighboring blues societies in Connecticut and Long Island, we have all opted for the safety of everyone competing.
The Blues Foundation has given a lot of thought into adapting new guidelines for competitions, such as virtual and video competition. Since IBC is an international event with societies all over the world who compete, there will be assumed travel restrictions abroad and within the states. And the truth is without a live audience to cheer you on it just changes the dynamics of the competitions. It was a long and tough decision to be made, but we feel this is the best way to keep our blues loving family safe.
However, we have decided that as soon as we are permitted to hold music events that are safe for the bands, venues and audiences, we would like to hold a "Pre-Comp" event. This would have been the HVBS's first time in the International Blues Challenge, so we would like to hold a practice competition that would allow you to experience the judging formats that take place. We will keep you posted on when that will be..
Lastly, we would like to invite you to submit your music for our upcoming compilation CD, which will be a HVBS fundraiser, but also allow you to reach a broader audience. The deadline has been extended to August 15th for submissions. Also note, HVBS is able to offer additional instruments for your tracks or help mixing/mastering, if you need it. For more information, email me at p.toscano@thehvbs.org.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Paul Toscano, HVBS President
and the HVBS Board
July 25, 2020
Dear HVBS Musicians,
The Board of the Hudson Valley Blues Society are saddened and frustrated to announce that we are withdrawing from the International Blues Challenge to be held in Memphis, January 2021. It was a hard decision to make, but along with other neighboring blues societies in Connecticut and Long Island, we have all opted for the safety of everyone competing.
The Blues Foundation has given a lot of thought into adapting new guidelines for competitions, such as virtual and video competition. Since IBC is an international event with societies all over the world who compete, there will be assumed travel restrictions abroad and within the states. And the truth is without a live audience to cheer you on it just changes the dynamics of the competitions. It was a long and tough decision to be made, but we feel this is the best way to keep our blues loving family safe.
However, we have decided that as soon as we are permitted to hold music events that are safe for the bands, venues and audiences, we would like to hold a "Pre-Comp" event. This would have been the HVBS's first time in the International Blues Challenge, so we would like to hold a practice competition that would allow you to experience the judging formats that take place. We will keep you posted on when that will be..
Lastly, we would like to invite you to submit your music for our upcoming compilation CD, which will be a HVBS fundraiser, but also allow you to reach a broader audience. The deadline has been extended to August 15th for submissions. Also note, HVBS is able to offer additional instruments for your tracks or help mixing/mastering, if you need it. For more information, email me at p.toscano@thehvbs.org.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Paul Toscano, HVBS President
and the HVBS Board
