I am now in Downtown Memphis, in a very nice new Marriott Hotel. Free WiFi and a working Mobile! So things are still on the up despite the booking agency booking me in here last week! It was a tiring two leg flight from Ft Laudedale via the enormous complex of Atlanta airport, the hub for many internal airlines.
The Internation Blues Competition organised by the Blues Foundation doesn't start until Wednesday, so tomorrow I hope to visit the foundation's new museum, Sun Studios and Elvis's home as a prelude.
The entrants to the IBC are sponsored by their local Blues Societies who are affiliated to to the Foundation. The blues societies abound here in the states, but entrants can come from worldwide. A German duo, Schroeter & Breitfelder who were on the cruise, (Google 'em on you tube), were winners here last year for example. So it's a great showcase for the up and coming. Trampled Under Foot were winners in 2008 and they were top of the bill at this year's Maryport Festival.
There are classifications as I understand it, for solo,duo,trio and bands run on a knockout, governed by panels of judges. There many venues on Beale Street used, so it's pot luck who you watch early on. It's only a short trolley car ride from the hotel.
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