... to preserve, promote and perpetuate the Blues Tradition ...

KBS Blues Challenge Information
(Previous Winners Listed Below)

NOTE: Deadline for Entry was Extended to Monday, September 18, 2023

This contest is a qualifying round with an automatic berth in the Blues Foundation's Annual International Blues Challenge held in Memphis each year (Jan 16–20, 2024). KBS uses the Blues Foundation's rules and scoring as the basis for our competition. For the Blues Foundation's complete set of rules, visit the IBC Section of the Blues Foundation's Web Site. 

The KBS Blues Challenge is open to any Kentuckiana blues performer or act who is at least 21 years of age (see Youth Category for under 21 ), who have never received a Blues Music Award nomination and the act may enter the IBC a maximum of three (3) times after which they are ineligible. The act may not participate in the IBC in three consecutive years, so cannot have won the KBS Challenge the previous two (2) years or three (3) times total.

(The rule that all members of the Band and Solo/Duo Challenge must be at least 21 years of age is required in order to enter any venue that serves alcohol, which is where we hold the competitions. The youth category accommodates those under 21.)

Acts must submit a minimum of 20 minutes of music. We will accept Audio CD's or MP3's (which may be submitted electronically or via internet links).

We limit the geography of the acts to the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and areas close to Louisville (75-150 miles +/-). You must reside in or regularly play in Kentucky or Southern Indiana. In the event of a controversial entry or too many entries, final selection will be made by a committee of KBS Board Members. If you have any questions, please ask.

KBS follows the rules for the International Blues Challenge with the exception that all members of the
Band and Solo/Duo must be 21 years of age at the time of the competition because of the venues we use.

• Band winner receives First Prize Money of $1,000 plus recording studio time *¹

• Solo/Duo winner receives First Prize Money of $500 plus recording studio time *¹

• Youth winner receives an automatic berth to the IBC Youth Showcase and $250 *¹

• Best Self-Produced CD winner is automatically entered into the IBC's Best CD category

In addition to the prizes listed above, the band and solo/duo will be hired to perform at the KBS Anniversary Celebration in November 2023.

NOTE: All cash prize money is intended to help cover IBC expenses.

*¹ The awarding of cash prizes is intended to help cover IBC expenses in Memphis and is contingent on the Blues Foundation actually having the International Blues Challenge (IBC) at some point in 2024. In the event the Foundation cancels the 2024 IBC, the KBS will not distribute these funds. The band and solo/duo acts will still be proclaimed winners of the KBS 2023 blues competitions, receive studio recording time and will both be hired to perform at this year's blues society anniversary party, as long as that event is not canceled as well.

For the following links, please use your browser's BACK button to return here.
Documents are in PDF Format - Get the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader (link will open in a new window).

• Official Announcement - 2023
  (contains several details ... be sure to read this to understand what you are getting into)
• Band Application Form - 2023
• Solo/Duo Application Form - 2023
• Youth Application Form - 2023
• CD Application Form - 2023
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• Scoring Criteria - 2023
• Scoring Sheet - 2023 (for Judges)
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If you wish to apply and pay online:

1. send your entry fee via the button below - be sure to include your band's name
2. send internet links or mp3s of your music to contest@kbsblues.org and websmith@kbsblues.org
3. send your complete information for the application form to contest@kbsblues.org, include a photo of your act or a link to one.
   Please, remember to identify everyone in the photo.

Pay your $25.00 entry fee (Band & Solo/Duo) below:

Select Contest Type:

Band Solo / Duo

Band Name:

If you have any questions, please contact our Contest Committee at contest@kbsblues.org

Get your act together and join the fun !

If you have any questions or problems,  please send e-mail to: info@KBSBlues.org