Congratulations to River City Junction for winning the 2026 “Road to Memphis” Challenge.  They will represent Ottawa, when they head to Memphis in January of 2027 to compete in the International Blues Challenge.

River City Junction: Ottawa Band Representatives to the January 2027, International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN

Left to right:  James Close (bass), Horace Hogans (percussion), Caroline Addison (vocals & drums), Jason Fryer (guitar).

https://rivercityjunction.com/

Congratulations and thank you to all the talented blues musicians who participated in last night’s stellar local “Road to Memphis” Blues Challenge. We heard it from the fans again and again… “What a great night of music!” 

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒:
Joe Brownrigg and the Saturday Nights
Mark Green Band
Rollin Steady Blues

River City Junction
Joe Ray McDonald Band
Zooloo & The Seaweeds
Swamp City Stompers

Shout-out and BIG THANK YOU to the following volunteers who helped the Ottawa Blues Society stage a successful 2026 local Band Challenge: 

Photographers: Deb Doucette and Rheal Doucette
Stage Hands: Joe Gaspar, Kevin Vlack, Adrian Mulligan
OBS Member Support: Mike Wilkie, James Bennett
Panel Of Judges:
Ron Laframboise, musician, producer, educator  
James Doran, President, Choose the Blues Productions 
David McCabe, President, Montreal Blues Society 
Luke Ambridge, musician, blues collector & historian 
 

Big thanks to all the Ottawa–Gatineau blues fans who came out to support live music – and to the management and staff at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa venue for their hospitality and support! 
 

On behalf of the 2026, OttawaBlues Society Bord of Directors:
Davey Irish (President), Keith Martin, Debra Thornington, Denis Paquin, Dan Cohen, Jocelyn Verdon, Jason Koziol