In the Thick of it.

It's Thursday 2nd February and The Blues Foundation's International Challenge is now well underway with round 2 starting tonight. All the major clubs and venues on Beale Street host about 10 or 11 bands a night, (sponsored by their local blues societies). Classes are solo/duo/bands of three or more. Artists are given 10"  to set up and 25" to showcase. a panel of judges awards points according to presentation, musicality and expertise, music content and originality. There are 19 venues all running simultaneously, so its some thing of a pick and mix as to who you see as most are unknowns relatively speaking in the wider world, although many do tour. Age ranges from teenagers upwards. So too does the skill level although there are no slouches. Original material is a must as I haven't heard any covers other than from resident performers. Each band does tend to have a small coterie of followers/sponsors.
Daytime is for workshops across the genre of instruments as well as the history of blues. I also hope to attend another blues in schools event at the local downtown elementary tomorrow, although in Memphis that seems like bringing coals to Newcastle.
Weather here is a contrast to last week's 75F. Today is a sunny springlike day, but it can change very quickly. As I set out yesterday late afternoon on the trolley car ride to Beale, it suddenly darkened and lightning flashed and I got to BB King's club just as a downpour started. BB's is is one of the larger venues and was hosting the bands. After an evening meal during which about six bands went through and that included a very good Spanish band from Bilbao, the rain stopped, allowing me to cruise the clubs. Most judging had stopped by midnight so I went to Rum Boogie Club to catch Trampled Under Foot which I have wanted to see for some time. They were winners here in 2008 and are now well known internationally. Winners are usually invited on the following year's Blues Cruise, considered a prestigious gig. TUF are a trio of two bros and a sister, all left handers whose daddy was a bluesman. Where have I heard that before? They gave out a great set to a packed club  'till 1.30. I have an all places pass so I don't have to pay any cover charges. The executive director of the Blues foundation has urged me to help get the UK involved through the magazine. There was no UK representation at all. They freely acknowlege that Britain saved the blues in the 60's so where are our bands they ask? All of the EU is repped here including Latvia for goodness sake.
I have also visited The Gibson Guitar factory, The Rock and Soul Museum and the emotive National Civil Rights museum built into the original hotel where Rev King was assassinated whist trying to organise a peaceful civil rights march on Washington. If you ever here that's a must do visit.
Off now to another evening of jollity after being feted this afternoon by the Canadian contingent at a Canadian theme pub here featuring all their bands. Free beer and CD's and video sticks galore. Well I guess someone has to do it!