Saturday night sees the end of the Challenge. Over 200 entrants whittled down to 9 each in bands and solo/duo classes. Held in Memphis's Classic old Orpheum Theatre, an enthusiastic packed house witnessed the battle for the final three placings. Results are are as yet to be revealed.
This morning I attended a brunch/awards ceremony by The Blues Foundation. It awards 'Keeping The Blues Alive' trophies to those who work in the background to fulfil the Blues Foundation's ideals. From the Blues in Schools programme, to literature, fund raising, festival organisers, recording industry,magazines etc around the world.
The Magazine I contribute to, Blues Matters, won this award back in 2008. This year the only British born winner was rolling Stone Keith Richards (Now resident in NY) for his new biography 'Life' in the literature class! In Europe two went to France, one each to Latvia and Poland. The guy I met yesterday, Dan Treanor, a second generation Irishman, deservedly took the 'Blues in Schools Award'. He won the kids over totally and was an American History teacher before retirement. He'll be the subject of another article for the magazine.
Tomorrow, Sunday, I pack after visiting Gracelands and the famous blues recording studio Sun Studios with some American friends who were also on the cruise. Monday I'm New Orleans bound and looking forward to more sunshine as it's been heavy showers and a tad cold here but not the -11C of home.
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