Suki Willison and the Topeka Blues Society are celebrating the third annual Topeka International Blues Challenge at Uncle Bo’s Sunday afternoon, August 14.

If you’ve talked to anyone who attended last years IBC event they probably told you what a great time they had and all the great performances they seen and you were jealous, and wished you could have attended . . . but hey! . . . now’s your chance to witness all the great music, great food and great times for yourself.

Just like Topeka, several cities across the country are holding their own mini-challenges,
prologues to the big event in Memphis early next year . . .

 

The 28th International Blues Challenge will begin with the FedEx International Showcase on Tuesday, January 31 and conclude Saturday, February 5, 2012 with the finals at the Orpheum Theatre. – The Blues Foundation

In the Topeka IBC competition, the contestants draw numbers to determine the order of competition, and are then judged on four criteria: blues content, talent, stage presence and originality. They perform a timed 25 minute set, and lose points if they go over. Turnover time between bands is minimal, shortened by a shared backline of amplification. After all the acts have finished their sets, the judges determine a winner. – seveneightfive magazine

The contestants in the band competition this year are; From Topeka, Ellie Smith and the Commotions, who’s members include such musical illumanaries as Kenny Smith, Danl Blackwood, Josiah Engstrom and Ryan Vee. The Nick Hern Band with brother Mike on bass guitar, Rick Bruner on drums and Rod Peterson on harmonica. Coming from Kansas City to perform is Coyote Bill Boogie Band, and Where’s Joe from Olathe. And if anybody knows the whereabouts of, Where’s Joe, or the names of any of the band’s members, give me a shout and I’ll post it, otherwise I have no idea who they are.

Performing in the Solo/Duo category are the Blue Devils with Rod Peterson and Greg Spreer and Two Blue featuring Josh Vowell and Justin “J” Shelton from Josh Vowell and the Rumble, who were winners of the Topeka competition in 2009, and the Wichita competition just last year.

Doors will open at noon and I’m not sure what the cover charge is but I don’t think I’d be wrong if I told you it was about five dollars.

 

 

 

[August 2011 | Robin Cremer | photos contributed  ]