Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

3RD ANNUAL BLUES BAND CHALLENGE

In their quest to keep the blues genre alive in the Pittsburgh area, the Blues Society of Western
Pennsylvania will hold their 3rd Annual Blues Challenge. Following the rules and regulations formatted by the Blues Foundation located in Memphis, Tennessee, the BSWPA has forged on in the planning and formulation of this great event.

Why have a blues challenge, you ask?
There is a lot of good Blues talent in the Pittsburgh area. It is the mission of the BSWPA to encourage that local talent and make it possible for that talent to flourish. One way is to participate in this challenge.

What is in it for the bands, you ask?
Each band has a chance to participate and offer their best twenty minutes of original music. Those bands gain exposure to the community and their peers. The winning solo/duo act and electric band will be sent to compete in an international competition in Memphis, Tennessee in January 2008. Monetary prizes will be awarded to those winners enabling them to participate in that prestigious competition on the infamous Beale Street, home to many Blues greats. The finals competition in Memphis promises our winners a chance to win a title, monetary prizes, and recording time. They will also be seen by many professional people in the music industry, (managers, agents, producers, etc.). This is an opportunity that is being provided through the efforts of your local Blues Society.

Jill West and the Blues Attack was the 2006 electric entry for the BSWPA. That band came in third in a field of 162 international bands. Her young guitarist, Guitar Zack, won the Albert King Award that year.

Izzy Stetar was the solo/duo winner in 2007. His outstanding performance secured third place in a field of 47 solo/duo international acts.

What was involved, do you wonder?
The formula was as follows: The officers and board members decided on the dates. That group gathered and studied the necessary criteria demanded by the Blues Foundation. A notice was then put out to the bands. Applications and the criteria required of the bands were made available. Dates were set and venues secured. Arrangements for the equipment and the sound system were made. A soundman was procured. The criteria for the judges and judging were detailed and addressed. The judges were carefully selected from various sources. The timekeeper and his assistants were given the details of their roles in the competition. Volunteers were polled from the membership list to assist in ticket sales, merchandise sales, and stage setup. Donations were solicited. Additional merchandise was ordered for the event.

What do I the blues fan get from this?
You, the fan, will receive the best twenty minutes from each entry. You will be a part of Pittsburgh’s Blues history…all for the low price of $10 for a non-member, $8 for a member. You, the fan will be able to encourage and support the local bands. You, the fan, will see for yourself what this town has to offer. The BSWPA has put forth a lot of “blood, sweat, and tears” to make this event happen for you, the Blues community of Pittsburgh.

Come out and enjoy a BSWPA sponsored event. Support the local music.