Two competitions
Both send a winner to the International Blues Challenge in January. They are judged separately, they have separate places, and you may enter both.
Play two nights at Hernando's Hideaway in front of a judging panel. The winning band and solo/duo represent the Society on Beale Street in January.
Only the first 10 applicants will be accepted — apply by 11:59pm, September 25
Send four copies of a self-produced album released in the last year. No band and no performance required — it is judged on the recording alone.
Four CDs must ARRIVE by September 25 — post early
Both routes
Every January, The Blues Foundation hosts the International Blues Challenge in the clubs on Beale Street — the largest gathering of blues acts in the world. You cannot enter it directly. Affiliated blues societies each run their own local competition and send their winners.
The Memphis Blues Society is one of them, and we send two kinds of winner: the acts that win our live Battle of the Blues, and the best self-produced record submitted by a member. Both go to Memphis in January to represent the Society.
Whichever route you take, this is a competition and not a booking. Read the rules before you enter — and note that entering does not require you to pick just one.
Live Performance Deadline
Entries close September 25 11:59pm
Path 1 · Perform live
You must never have been nominated for a Blues Music Award. You may enter the IBC a maximum of three times, and not three years running. MBS must be your home blues society, or the closest one to you.
Individual membership is $30 a year; each member of a duo needs one. Band membership is $50 a year. Acts based more than 90 miles from Memphis must join as a band.
A one-paragraph bio. One high-resolution promotional photo, .jpg. Three MP3s of original music — recording quality is not judged. Links to your website and social profiles; at least one is required, no exceptions.
Paid on this site. Note “MBS IBC FEE” on the payment so the treasurer can match it to your application.
Download the PDF, complete the form and email it.
Download the application (PDF)Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Hernando's Hideaway 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM. Every act plays both nights. Be in the venue from the start of each night through your set, and one member of your act must stay until the end.
How you are judged
Three judges score every act in each category, 1-10, then each score is weighted, the highest possible score is 130.
Blues Content
×4
True to any blues sub-category — traditional, country, soul, blues rock or contemporary. Judges listen for inspired song selection, or a new take on a standard.
Originality
×3
Original work is encouraged. Covers are allowed, but playing the recorded version lick for lick is discouraged and will show in your score.
Vocals
×2
Tone, musicality, meaning and expression.
Instrumental Talent
×2
Ability on every instrument featured in the act.
Stage Presence
×2
How you command the room, and how the act connects with the audience. Use of microphones and amplification counts.
Best Self-Produced CD Deadline
Four CDs must arrive by September 25 11:59pm
Path 2 · Submit a CD
A separate competition with its own rules — but the same closing date. The Blues Foundation gives an award for the Best Self-Produced CD at the International Blues Challenge, and each affiliated society puts one recording forward. MBS judges the local entries and sends the winner to Memphis.
Entries must be RECEIVED by September 25 — not postmarked. This is the one deadline on this page that is not an online one: four physical CDs have to reach Madison Avenue by that date, so post them the week before.
Only CDs released between 1 November and 31 October are eligible. Compilations and singles do not qualify, and neither do performers — or labels — previously nominated for a Blues Music Award.
Judges weigh blues content first, then musical performance, audio and production quality, cover art and design, and finally credits and liner notes.
Send four copies, with a business card or written list giving your mailing address, contact name, phone and email, to:
Memphis Blues Society
Best Self-Produced CD
1910 Madison Ave. #627
Memphis, TN 38104
MBS pays for the four copies the winner sends on to the Blues Foundation.
Applications for entry
Complete and mail in your application, along with any other required materials as noted, by the deadline posted above.
Application form, MBS rules and fees, plus the Blues Foundation scoring criteria.
Entry rules, judging criteria and the postal address for your four CDs.
