Local Musicians Compete for Trip to Memphis and Place on Cincy Blues Fest Stage

CINCINNATI, OH – APRIL 28, 2011: Once again, the area’s best blues bands will perform at the Cincy Blues Society’s Blues Band Challenge at Germania Park on Sunday, May 15, 2011. And the following week the area’s best blues musicians will compete at the Blues Solo/Duo Challenge at Arnold’s Bar & Grill on Sunday, May 22, 2011.

The first-place winner of each category will be entered as the Cincy Blues Society’s representatives at the International Blues Challenge (IBC), January 31 – February 4, 2012 in Memphis. Along with the first place winners, other high-scoring local Blues bands will be invited to play at the Cincy Blues Fest, August 5 & 6, 2011 at Sawyer Point on the Local Stage.

BAND CHALLENGE – Sunday, May 15 at Germania Park
The best Blues bands in the tri-state will compete at the Cincy Blues Society’s Blues Band Challenge at Germania Park (3529 West Kemper Rd. in Colerain Twp.) on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Doors open at noon with music starting at 1:00 pm, rain or shine.

More than 20 local blues acts will play for 15 minutes each and will be judged by an independent panel on various criteria such as Instrumental Talent, Vocal Talent, Originality and more.
Admission to the Band Challenge is $15 per person, with Blues Society and Germania Society members getting a $5 discount. Fans under 16 get in free with a paying adult. Guests who join the Cincy Blues Society at the Challenge entrance gate get in free (one free admission per each new membership, single or double).

Bring your lawn chair or blanket and stretch out on the grass, or join us in the pavilion where there will be plenty of seating for this great show. The grills will be fired up and the taps flowing, as good food and great German beer will be available for purchase at Germania Park. No coolers, please.

SOLO/DUO CHALLENGE – Sunday, May 22 at Arnold’s Bar & Grill
Seven solo/duo blues artists will perform in Arnold’s covered patio area (201 E. 8th Street in Cincinnati) on Sunday, May 22. Doors open at 2:00 pm with music starting at 3:00 pm.

Enjoy great food and drinks while listening to blues in this intimate setting, perfect for these smaller acts. Musicians will be judged on the same criteria as mentioned above. Admission is $15 per person, $10 for Cincy Blues Society members.

More information and a complete schedule can be found at http://cincyblues.org

About Cincy Blues Society

Cincy Blues Society is a member-supported, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to promote and advance the culture and tradition of Blues music as an original American art form. Cincy Blues Society has been in existence since 1990, and strives to fulfill its mission by encouraging and facilitating both performance and educational events and projects. For more information, visit http://cincyblues.org