Band Competition

Congratulations to Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts, winners of the 2007 Iowa Blues Challenge held May 18th at the Hilton Garden Inn. This Des Moines band received $500 cash plus $1,200 travel expenses to Memphis as our local representative at the International Blues Challenge in February 2008. Quad Cities representative Smokin’ Mojo Kings placed second, earning them $400 cash. Both of these bands also receive 8 hours of studio time as well as several paid gigs including the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, Nitefall On The River in Des Moines. Rounding out the competition was Yetti Bluz Band, earning $300 cash.

The Iowa Blues Challenge features one of the finest prize packages, for a contest of this kind, in the country. Over $5,000 in prizes have been awarded to the top bands, including---cash, travel expenses, recording time, as well as spots in the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, IA; the Nightfall on the River in Des Moines, IA; Simply the Blues Fest in Fort Madison, IA and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sponsored By
 Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser, Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW, Junior's Motel, Wolfer Sound, Cityview and Rieman Music.

 

Solo/Duo Competition

Congratulations to Willie McKnight & Alan Smith, winners of the 2007 Iowa Solo/Duo Blues Challenge held September 2nd at Blues on Grand in conjunction with the Gateway Blues Fest. Willie & Alan will receive $250 cash plus $300 travel expenses to Memphis as our state representative at the International Blues Challenge. They were one of four acts to advance from 2 preliminary rounds held in Des Moines and Davenport earlier. A total of 10 Iowa acts participated in the Challenge.
 

Sponsored By
  Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW