few words from past winners….
OBS Road to Memphis - Local Blues Challenge 2026
The Ottawa Blues Society (OBS) will hold a band challenge this year and one winner will be chosen to represent the Ottawa Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN in January 2027. (Dates to be confirmed).
The event will be run over one night and will be held on Thursday, April 30/26 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. (4837 Albion Road South).
Registration forms will be accepted from Sunday, March 01 to Wednesday, April 01/26 @ 11:59 P.M. EST.
For the purposes of the IBC, a band is any act with three or more musicians. Both electric and acoustic instruments are allowed in either category, and vocalists are counted as musicians for the purpose of this challenge.
At the local challenge, entrants will be judged using the same criteria as in the international challenge. 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:
At least one member of each act must be an OBS member in good standing.
Entrants that reside in Ontario within a 200 KM radius of Ottawa.
Entrants that reside in Quebec must live in the National Capital Region.
Entrants must be over 21 years of age.
Entrants must be able to travel to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis (January 2027).
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 of $25. The entry fee may be submitted via the OBS website using PayPal. (Click on STORE/R2M Entry Fee). The entry fee is refundable ONLY if the event is cancelled.
To enter, please request an entry form by emailing the OBS at ottawabluessociety@gmail.com
After completing all sections, return the form to the same email address 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. Pre-screening of the applications received will be conducted based on sample music provided. 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 ottawabluessociety@gmail.com.
