2019 Road to Memphis - Call for Entry

OBS Road to Memphis - Local Blues Challenge 2019

The Ottawa Blues Society Road to Memphis Local Blues Challenge will hold both a Solo/Duo and Band challenge this year and one winner from each category will be chosen to represent the Ottawa Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2020.

The qualifying rounds are scheduled for Wednesdays, April 10, 17 and 24, with the finals scheduled for Friday, April 26.

All events will take place at the Overflow Brewing Company, 2477 Kaladar Avenue.

Deadline for entries is Sunday March 24, 2019 @ 11:59 pm EST For the purposes of the IBC, a Band is any act with three or more musicians.

A Solo/Duo act is any act with no more than two musicians. Both electric and acoustic instruments are allowed in either category, and vocalists are counted as musicians for the purpose of this competition.

At the local competition, entrants will be judged using the same criteria as in the International competition.

Each entry will have 20-25 minutes to perform (to be confirmed following close of entries) and will be given points based on Blues Content, Originality, Vocals, Instrumental Talent, and Stage Presence.

For full details on scoring criteria and official rules, see the Blues Foundation website https://blues.org/official-ibc-rules/

Eligibility Requirements: Entrants must be 2019 residents of the Ottawa/Gatineau area (approx 100 km radius of Ottawa). Entrants must be over 19 years of age. Entrants must be able to travel to the IBC in Memphis, January 28 to February 01, 2020 An individual may not compete in more than one act.

Entrants will play one set; set length 20-25 minutes (to be confirmed following close of entries). All songs presented MUST be Blues (electric or acoustic), Rock/ Blues, Jazz/Blues, Country Blues or Rhythm & Blues.

The OBS will contribute financial support to cover a portion of travel and accommodation expenses to Memphis, however the winner is responsible for all travel and accommodation charges incurred in excess of the financial assistance provided.

Each entry must be accompanied by an entry fee ($25 for bands; $10 for solo or duo acts) to help offset Road To Memphis costs. This entry fee may be submitted via the OBS website using PayPal. (Click on STORE/Donations) The entry fee is refundable ONLY if the event is cancelled.

To enter, please request an entry form by emailing obsr2m2019@gmail.com.

After completing all sections, return the form to the Ottawa Blues Society at obsr2m2019@gmail.com by the deadline above.

Every effort will be made to accommodate all applications that are received on time and meet the established criteria. However, should it be required for any reason deemed appropriate, the Ottawa Blues Society reserves the right to limit the number of entrants in the competition and a pre-screening of the applications received will be conducted based on sample music provided. The results of the pre-screening are final. Should there be an insufficient number of entries to run a reasonable competition or for any other reason deemed appropriate, the Ottawa Blues Society reserves the right to cancel the event. You will be contacted for further information following the submission deadline.

Please address any questions to obsr2m2019@gmail.com.